Levi’s confirms how often you should wash your jeans — and it’s less than you think
Ideally, you should wear them at least 10 times before washing them.
Have you been washing your jeans after every use? Well, that's apparently something you shouldn't do. Yes, that's right; Levi Strauss & Co., the American clothing company known for producing high-quality denim jeans, addressed all the dos and don’ts in a blog post on their website. Although their jeans are durable and made to last for years, over-washing might ruin their quality, they clarified.
Generally, the company said we should wash our denim only when necessary, not after every use; in fact, we should ideally wear them at least 10 times before washing them if they're not visibly dirty or smelly. The company's clarification was necessary because people usually don't wait for 10 uses before washing their denim. A survey by Mashable and SurveyMonkey found that nearly 27% of people wear their jeans about three times before washing. The same study revealed that about 21% of the respondents wear their denim at least five times before washing it. But there are certain rules to follow while cleaning them. First, we should turn them inside out to protect the outer color from fading.
This simple technique also minimizes the direct contact between the denim and chemical detergents. Also, we must zip and button our denim before putting it in the washing machine. Levi's suggested washing similar-colored jeans together to avoid dye transfer. "This means that dark jeans should be washed with other dark items, while light jeans should be washed with other light-colored clothing," they wrote. Another way to avoid color loss or shrinkage is to use cold water instead of hot water. Moreover, a mild detergent is recommended to prevent fading. "We love fabric softeners as much as the next person, but they can leave a residue on denim, which may affect texture and appearance. Instead, go for a vinegar rinse to soften the fabric naturally and remove any detergent residue," Levi's added. Next, don't overload your washing machine with too many clothes; instead, give your jeans enough space to move freely.
You will also be surprised to know that washing your denim depends on its color and age. Yes, that's right! For instance, if it's your new pair of jeans, then you must wash them separately for the first few times to avoid color bleeding or dye transfer. But what if they are white jeans? Well, follow the same rule, and wash them separately. You can put your jeans in the washer unless they are raw denim, as Levi's suggests hand washing them. "This type of denim is unwashed and untreated, so the gentler you handle it, the better," they explained. You need to add cold water to a bathtub with mild detergent, soak your denim for half an hour, and rinse thoroughly to clean it. Further, they clarified, "Washing black jeans can be a little tricky, since they tend to fade more quickly than other colors. To best care for your beloved dark denim, we suggest following all of our steps above, in addition to keeping them out of direct sunlight to prevent fading."
More on Scoop Upworthy
Woman says pajamas can be worn multiple times, sparks fierce debate: 'I do three nights in a row'
Fashion stylist shares ingenious hack to keep clothes smelling fresh without washing them every time
Share on Facebook
