How to Hand Wash Your Jeans in 6 Simple Steps

Machine washing denim and drying on high heat will shorten the lifespan of your jeans. Hand-washing is a better option because it minimizes the damage a washing machine can do to your jeans, while also removing dirt, oil, and smell.

Denim aficionados recommend washing jeans every five to 10 wears—or whenever they develop an odor or start to look dirty. Wash your jeans more frequently if you move around in them a lot. If you’re sitting for most of the day, you can go longer between washes.

When it comes to caring for denim jeans, there are a few things that can cause the dye to fade: washing, drying, the buildup of dirt and oil, and regular wear. Hand washing and air-drying extend the life of your jeans while also cleansing them of oils and dirt.

1. Turn Your Jeans Inside-Out.

This small step will maximize contact with the part of the jeans that touched your skin (and all of its oils and sweat) and minimize contact with the indigo dye.

2. Select Your Detergent.

When washing jeans, use laundry detergent designed for dark clothing to prevent fading. Avoid bleach, which can permanently damage the indigo dye, and skip the fabric softener, which can build up in denim fabrics. Alternatively, you can use half a cup of distilled white vinegar in lieu of detergent. In addition to neutralizing odors, vinegar can also set colors, making it a great option for black jeans or brand new jeans that you’re washing for the first time.

3. Fill the Sink With Water.

Fill a large sink (or bucket or bathtub) with enough cold water to fully submerge the jeans. It’s important to use cold water, since hot water can fade the colors. Add a small amount of mild detergent or vinegar.

4. Submerge the Jeans Fully.

Let the jeans soak in the cold water for 15 to 30 minutes.

5. Rinse.

Drain the soapy water, and rinse the jeans by filling the sink with cold water. You may need to repeat this process two or three times, filling up with clean water each time, to remove all of the suds. A final rinse under a cold running tap will eliminate any extra soap.

6. Dry.

When the jeans are soap-free, gently roll them up in a towel to remove excess water. (Don’t wring or twist them out, which can damage the fibers.) To air-dry jeans, first unzip any zippers and unbutton any buttons; then line-dry the jeans, lay them flat, or hang them on a hanger in an area with good airflow.

There are several ways you can freshen up your jeans without actually having to wash them.

1. 1. Hang jeans in a window. In between washes, you can hang out your jeans in a window or near a fan to freshen them and reduce any odor.
2. 2. Make your own fabric refresher. You can also make your own fabric refresher by diluting white vinegar in water and adding a few drops of essential oil. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and mist your jeans as necessary.
3. 3. Spot clean your jeans. If you spill something on your jeans but they're not truly dirty, you can spot-clean in between washings. To spot clean, place a tiny amount of mild detergent on a toothbrush, and massage the stain until it fades. Then, rinse the area with cold water until all the soap is gone.

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