Denim is a fabric that we know and love. It’s our favorite pair of jeans or our favorite jacket. So, it would be safe to say that those beloved pieces should last a long time too, and they definitely can, with a couple of tips you can easily increase the longevity of your clothing. First and foremost, check the care labels and garment tags for specific laundry instructions. A good rule of thumb is if any of your denim pieces aren’t visibly dirty or have an odor, you should consider them clean. Levi’s CEO doesn’t even think you should ever wash denim. The more frequent you wash it the quicker it will break down.
Washing
To Hand wash or to machine wash?
Denim can be either hand washed or machine washed.
Although, hand washing will prolong the life of your denim and it minimizes damage to the material.
Most dye in denim can transfer while in the wash so make sure to wash denim with like colors or alone on the first wash.
How to hand wash
Fill a basin or any clean container with cold water and add a few drops of a mild detergent. It’s important to use cold water since hot water can fade the color.
Turn your denim inside out and let it soak for around 15 to 20 minutes. Drain the dirty water and rinse your denim in cold water until all of the soap is washed away.
Absorb the extra excess with a towel, but be careful not to wring or twist the fabric, only blot to remove any excess moisture.
How to Machine wash
Turn your denim inside out and set the cycle to delicate or normal with cold water with a mild detergent. It’s best to use a detergent like Woolite Darks Liquid Laundry Detergent that is designed to preserve dark dyes and deactivate chlorine in water that can sometimes fade clothing.
Avoid bleach at all costs since it can permanently damage the fabric.
Drying
To air Dry or to use a dryer?
You can dry denim in a dryer or let it air dry.
However, it’s easier on the fabric to air dry. Air drying reduces wrinkles and helps your clothing maintain their shape.
How to air dry
Place your denim on a pants hanger or drying rack to air dry. Alternatively you can hang them using a clothing line on a warm day.
How to Machine dry
Turn your denim inside out and tumble dry it on a delicate cycle with a low heat setting, remember to always check the care label.
Ironing
To Iron or not to iron?
Denim can be ironed, but remember these tips. Make sure your whatever piece you are ironing is inside out to avoid fading. Keep your iron on a low heat setting and filled with enough water to keep it damp while ironing. Additionally, denim can easily be steamed or if you want to multitask you can always hang the piece in the bathroom while you take a hot shower.
Properly taking care of your denim keeps it around for longer. Always make sure to check the care labels of what you’re washing and be aware of any specific care instructions; whether washing, drying, or ironing, to keep your clothing looking as good as new.
