You know that pair of jeans — the ones that fit just right, hug in all the right places and somehow go with everything. You live for those jeans. But if you’re tossing them into the washer with the rest of your laundry without a second thought, your time together may be cut short.
The truth is, denim needs a little more TLC than your average T-shirt, and taking a few extra seconds before tossing your jeans into the machine can make all the difference. At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we’ve tested more denim and detergents than we can count, and here’s what we know for sure: If you’re not zipping zippers and fastening buttons and snaps before washing, you’re making a big mistake. Doing this helps jeans keep their shape and prevents them from snagging on other items in the load.
It’s also smart to take a second to check the pockets for tissues or receipts and turn jeans inside out to minimize the abrasion that causes fading, as well as the wear that can happen along the hems, pockets, fly and waistband edges. And if your jeans have any rips or frayed hems, consider putting them in a very large mesh bag or securing the openings together with sock clips to prevent further fraying. (Really distressed pairs may even benefit from a gentler hand wash.)
Once you’ve prepped your pair for a spin, be just as thoughtful with your wash settings. Cold water and a short, gentle cycle (like the delicates or colors settings) are ideal. We also recommend choosing a detergent formulated for dark colors, like Woolite Darks, to help keep your jeans looking vibrant.
Finally, jeans don’t need to be washed after every wear. Unless they’re stained or stretched out, you can go three to four wears between washes. Less frequent laundering keeps the fabric strong and the fit snug, so you’ll be rocking that perfect pair for a long time to come.
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
