Black jeans are a staple in every closet. Finding the perfect pair can be quite a challenge, but once you’ve found them, you won’t want to let go.
You’ll also want to take the best care of them to ensure they last a long time. One of the key ways to maintain a good pair of jeans is through proper washing. But how do you properly wash black jeans?
Well, there’s a simple and effective way to get the results you’re looking for.
Continue reading the article below for tips and tricks to get the job done.
The Best Way to Wash Black Jeans
If you’ve owned black jeans in the past that became faded after washing them, you probably weren’t washing them properly.
Ideally, when using the washing machine to wash your black jeans, there are a couple of important tips to know and steps you need to follow to ensure your jeans are cleaned correctly.
Machine Wash Settings for Washing Black Jeans
Cold Water Only: The most important tip when washing black jeans in a machine is to never use warm water!
Black jeans are prone to fading and heat of any kind will cause the color to leach into the washing liquid.
Dark Colors Only: Another tip is to only wash your black jeans with other black jeans. This will ensure that your jeans do not pick up fuzz from other articles of clothing. If it’s not possible for you to wash with only similar jeans, then ensure that you only wash with other dark colors. Mixing light and dark colors will cause both the light and dark clothes to fade quicker.
Inside Out: Most manufacturers recommend washing your jeans inside out to preserve the color. Many dark colored jeans actually come with a label advising of this.
Gentle Cycle: This is key, especially if you’re dealing with ripped black jeans. A gentle cycle is less likely to cause fading or overall discoloration.
Alternately, if you are up to it, you can gently wash your jeans with your hands.
What Soap to Use With Black Jeans?
Detergent is possibly the most important part of washing. Not all detergents are created equal and when it comes to washing black jeans, you have to be extremely careful.
Harsh detergents will strip the color from your clothes, and you do not want that. Your best option is to use a detergent that is specifically crafted for dark clothes.
Brands such as Woolite and Puracy have options specifically crafted for darker items. If you do not have a unique formula for dark clothes, then try to use a mild soap to prevent the color leaching.
Adding Laundry Boosters
Vinegar: Many people swear by this option. Adding a cup of regular table vinegar to the water when washing black jeans is supposed to help seal the dye within the fabric. It’s believed that this laundry booster works best with tap or cold water.
The vinegar method can also be used as a pre-soak prior to washing. Simply add the cup of vinegar to the water, give it a few swirls and place the jeans in it for approximately 30 minutes prior to washing.
Salt: Another well-known hack is to add salt to the water for washing. This is meant to work the same way as the vinegar. A tablespoon of regular table salt should set the dye in the fabric and prevent your jeans from bleeding.
Drying Your Washed Black Jeans
The best way to dry your jeans is in the open air. Some experts say to dry them inside out to avoid them being burnt out if you live in a sunny place. If you have to dry your jeans in a dryer, use the lowest setting and do not leave it in for longer than is necessary.
Bonus Tip: Instead of washing your jeans you can spray with a cleaning mist. Experts suggest living half vodka (yes, vodka!) with half water in a spray bottle and lightly spraying it on your jeans. Allow to air dry and you’re good to go!
