How to wash jeans? S’portofino guide

How do you wash jeans by hand?

You can easily wash jeans by hand. This is particularly useful if the fabric has patches or rhinestones and you’re worried they might get damaged in the washing machine. How to do this? We’ll explain step by step.

1. Turn the garment inside out – this will minimise colour fading and protect the outer surface of the fabric. Washing jeans inside out protects the outer structure of the fabric from friction.

2. Choose cool water – fill the bath or a basin with cool or lukewarm water (max. 30°C). Water that is too hot can cause the fabric to shrink and lose colour. Before washing jeans for the first time, it is worth soaking them in cold water with added salt and vinegar to remove excess dye and protect the colour.

3. Add a mild detergent – a liquid detergent for dark fabrics or one specifically designed for denim works best. Avoid powders containing bleach and strong detergents.

4. Soak briefly – soak the jeans in water for about 15–30 minutes. Do not rub the fabric, as denim does not respond well to aggressive scrubbing.

5. Gently remove stains – if necessary, rub the stained areas with a soft sponge or your hand. Do this in small patches and without applying too much pressure.

6. Rinse thoroughly – rinse the jeans in clean, cool water until they stop foaming.

7. Do not squeeze – instead of squeezing the fabric, gently press out the excess water, e.g. by pressing the jeans against the side of the bath or wrapping them in a towel.

How to wash jeans in the washing machine?

The simplest and most convenient way to freshen up your jeans is to wash them in the washing machine. We’ve put together a short guide to help you do this properly, so that you can preserve the colour, shape and texture of the denim for longer. Denim fabrics, especially those containing synthetic fibres, require special care when washing to avoid damage and ensure they last.

1. Always turn the garment inside out – just as you would when hand washing. This is the simplest way to minimise fading and protect the outer layer of the fabric from friction.

2. Fasten zips and buttons – this will prevent the trousers from losing their shape during washing and damaging other clothes. It will also protect the washing machine drum from any damage caused by metal parts, such as zips.

3. Wash at a low temperature – select 30°C or a maximum of 40°C, especially for light-coloured jeans. Washing jeans at this temperature helps prevent damage to the fibres, colour fading and distortion of the fabric. Too high a temperature can lead to faster fading and weakening of the denim fabric.

4. Select a delicate cycle – choose a cycle for delicate fabrics or a special jeans wash cycle. Set the spin speed to low (maximum 800–1000 rpm; do not exceed 1200 rpm). Avoid vigorous spinning, as this can cause creases that are difficult to remove, break the fibres and accelerate wear and tear.

5. Use a delicate detergent – use mild washing products for dark or coloured fabrics, as well as for washing black jeans, to preserve colour intensity. Avoid harsh detergents, bleaching powders and strong chemicals, which can lead to colour loss and damage to the structure of the denim. For the final rinse, you can add half a glass of vinegar or table salt – vinegar acts as a natural colour fixative.

6. Do not overload the drum – jeans need space. Clothes packed too tightly increase friction and accelerate wear and tear. It is best to wash jeans with clothes of similar colours.

How to dry jeans?

It’s best to air-dry jeans. This helps them retain their shape and colour for longer. After washing, gently squeeze out the excess water, but avoid wringing them out too hard, as this could distort the fabric. Before hanging up your jeans, it’s a good idea to reshape them, smooth out the legs and straighten the seams. Denim is best dried flat or hung over a drying rack in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, which can cause fading. Avoid tumble drying and drying on a radiator, as high temperatures cause the fabric to shrink and weaken the fibres.

How often and at what temperature should you wash jeans?

Fashion experts recommend avoiding washing jeans too often – they should only be washed when necessary. The optimal frequency for washing jeans is once every 4–6 or 5–10 wears, unless there is visible dirt or an unpleasant odour. Washing jeans too often leads to faster colour fading, damage to the fibres and general wear and tear of the fabric. Definitely avoid washing them after just one wear. If they aren’t dirty, sometimes it’s enough just to air them out or spot-clean a stain. It’s worth remembering that denim ‘works’ over time – it moulds to your figure and takes on its own shape. Washing them less often helps preserve this effect and prolong the life of your favourite pair.

Read also: How to wash cashmere?

Which detergents are best for washing jeans?

Jeans are best washed in a mild liquid detergent for coloured or dark fabrics. These types of detergents help preserve colour depth and minimise fading. For dark denim, detergents specifically designed for black and navy garments work well. Avoid harsh detergents, which can damage the colour and structure of the jeans. Avoid bleaches and detergents containing strong brightening agents, as these can cause discolouration and weaken the fibres. Traditional washing powders are also not recommended, as they are harder to rinse out and may leave light-coloured marks on the fabric.

How to care for jeans – a summary

Denim is a durable fabric that will last you for years, but you must remember to look after it properly. You should take care of your jeans to ensure they retain their appearance and durability. You can wash jeans either by hand or in the washing machine, but remember to do so gently, at 30°C. Do not use bleach; use only mild detergents designed for coloured or dark fabrics. Also avoid washing them too frequently. Denim does not need to be washed after every wear, and limiting contact with water helps preserve the colour intensity and original shape. After washing, dry your jeans naturally, away from direct sunlight and heat sources, which can weaken the fibres and cause the fabric to shrink. Proper care ensures that your jeans will last a long time, retaining their look and colour.