Effective Ways To Clean Your Denim Pans At Home

There are many ways to clean denim pants, and the method you choose will depend on the type of jeans you have and how dirty they are. If your jeans are visibly dirty, you can machine wash them or hand wash them. If they are not very dirty, you can try a gentler method such as spot-treating stains, using a vinegar bath, or hanging them in the bathroom while you shower to freshen them up. If you are short on time, you can also try freezing your jeans to eliminate odors.

How to Clean Denim Pants

Hand-washing denim: Use a bathtub, gentle detergent, and cold water

Hand-washing denim is a great way to cut back on wear and tear, as it is a much gentler experience for the fibres. To hand-wash your jeans, start by filling a bathtub with around six inches of warm water. Add a capful of gentle laundry detergent—baby laundry detergent will work great. Next, submerge your jeans in the tub, stretched out flat, and leave them to soak for 15 to 30 minutes.

After soaking, drain the wash water and refill the tub with clean water. Drain and refill the tub a second time to ensure all detergent is removed. Finally, give the jeans a final rinse under the tap. When you have finished rinsing, roll the jeans up and press firmly to release water, but do not wring them, as this will break down the fibres. Instead, lay them flat or hang them up to air dry.

Machine washing: Turn jeans inside out, use a gentle cycle, and avoid detergent

Machine washing jeans is a delicate process that requires careful attention to detail to avoid damaging the fabric and colour. Here are some detailed instructions for machine washing your denim pants:

Turn Jeans Inside Out:

Turning your jeans inside out before washing helps protect the outer fibres from friction and direct exposure to detergent, reducing the risk of fading and fabric damage. The inside of the jeans is usually the dirtiest part, so turning them inside out ensures it gets the necessary attention during the wash cycle.

Use a Gentle Cycle:

Denim may seem like a sturdy fabric, but it requires a delicate touch when it comes to laundry. Always opt for the gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine to minimise wear and tear on your jeans. This setting will help preserve the colour and structure of your denim pants.

Avoid Detergent:

While detergent is necessary for effective cleaning, it's essential to use it sparingly and choose the right type. Avoid using regular detergent as it can cause jeans to lose their colour and change their fit. Instead, opt for a mild, gentle soap or a detergent specifically designed for dark clothing if your jeans are blue or black. Use only a small amount, as too much detergent can lead to product buildup and unwanted smells.

Additionally, fabric softener should be avoided, as it can cling to the fabric and cause a dulling effect.

Drying denim: Avoid tumble dryers, instead, air-dry jeans overnight

Tumble dryers are a no-go when it comes to drying denim. The high heat can damage and fade the fabric, ruining your jeans. Instead, opt for air-drying your jeans. Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure your jeans are dried properly:

Step 1: Prepare the Jeans

Before hanging your jeans to air-dry, ensure they are prepared correctly. First, turn your jeans inside out. This simple step helps protect the outer colour from fading and prevents soggy pockets. Then, button and zip up your jeans to maintain their shape and smooth out any wrinkles.

Step 2: Choose a Drying Location

You can hang your jeans on a drying rack or clothesline, either indoors or outdoors. If drying indoors, turn on a fan to speed up the drying process. Avoid hanging wet jeans on surfaces that water can damage, such as uncoated metal, untreated wood, or upholstered furniture.

Step 3: Hang the Jeans

Hang your jeans on the drying rack or clothesline. The best way to hang jeans is from the waistband, as this prevents stretching or indentations. Ensure both sides are balanced so they don't slip off.

Step 4: Air-Dry Overnight

Let your jeans air-dry overnight or for about 12 hours. They should be slightly damp when you take them down. If you're drying them outdoors, be sure to check for any leaves or insects before bringing them inside.

Step 5: Finish Drying

Lay the slightly damp jeans on a towel, rebutton and zip the fly, and smooth out any wrinkles. Let them sit until they are completely dry. Alternatively, you can put on the slightly damp jeans and walk around for a bit to stretch them out.

By following these steps, you can effectively air-dry your jeans and avoid the potential pitfalls of using a tumble dryer.

Freezing jeans: Place in a large zip-lock bag and freeze overnight or for a week

Freezing jeans is a well-known method for cleaning denim, but it is largely ineffective. The idea is that freezing temperatures will kill the bacteria that cause odours, thereby cleaning the jeans. However, this is a myth. While it is true that some bacteria will be killed by freezing, many can survive low temperatures. Furthermore, it only takes one surviving bacterium to repopulate the jeans as they warm up, meaning that freezing jeans does not effectively remove odours or clean them.

If you still wish to try freezing your jeans, place them in a large zip-lock bag and put them in the freezer. Leave them there for at least overnight, or for up to a week. However, be aware that this method is unlikely to produce the desired results, and you may be better off washing your jeans or using other odour-removal techniques.

One source suggests that the freezing jeans method was originally intended for raw denim, and that the addition of other materials in modern jeans means the technique is even less likely to be effective. The same source also points out that freezing jeans takes up valuable freezer space that could be used for ice cream!

Removing stains: Spot-treat with a stain remover, then scrub with a damp cloth

When it comes to denim care, it's important to know how to deal with stains. If you notice a small stain on your jeans, don't throw them into the washing machine just yet. Instead, try spot-treating the stain to remove it. Here's what you need to do:

• Apply a laundry stain-removing product directly onto the stained area.
• Wait for a few minutes to let the stain remover work its magic.
• Grab a clean cloth and dampen it with water.
• Use the damp cloth to scrub and saturate the stained area, removing the stain.

Make sure to check out our guides for removing specific types of stains, such as makeup, nail polish, or period stains. With these simple steps, you can effectively treat and remove stains from your denim garments.

If you're dealing with embellished jeans that have pearls, lace, or crystal studs, always remember to check the garment's care label for any special instructions. Some jeans might require dry cleaning or hand washing to protect their delicate details.

Frequently asked questions