How to Wash Jeans in a Washing Machine Without Fading or Shrinking
Learn how to wash jeans in a washing machine without fading or shrinking. Discover the best water temperature, wash cycle, detergent, drying method, and denim care tips.
APPLIANCE CARE
9/15/20264 min read
Yes, jeans can usually be washed in a washing machine. In fact, machine washing is a convenient way to clean most denim jeans when the correct settings are used. However, frequent washing, hot water, harsh detergents, and high dryer temperatures can cause jeans to fade, shrink, lose their shape, or wear out faster.
The best way to wash jeans depends on the type of denim, color, stretch content, and the manufacturer's care instructions.
Before Putting Jeans in the Washing Machine
Take a few minutes to prepare your jeans before starting the wash.
Check the Care Label
Always check the care label first. It may specify:
Machine washing temperature
Recommended wash cycle
Detergent instructions
Drying instructions
Whether bleach can be used
Whether the jeans should be washed inside out
If the label provides specific instructions, follow those instructions over general denim-care advice.
Empty the Pockets
Check every pocket and remove coins, tissues, receipts, keys, and other objects.
Small objects can damage clothing or make their way into the washing machine's drain system.
Close Zippers and Buttons
Fasten zippers and buttons before washing. This can help prevent them from catching on other garments or becoming damaged during the wash.
Should You Turn Jeans Inside Out Before Washing?
Yes, turning jeans inside out before machine washing is a useful way to help protect their appearance.
The inside-out position reduces direct exposure of the outer denim surface to mechanical agitation and can help minimize fading, particularly with dark or raw-looking denim.
It can also help protect decorative details, printed designs, and surface finishes.
What Washing Machine Setting Is Best for Jeans?
For many jeans, a cold or cool-water wash on a gentle or normal cycle is a good starting point, provided the care label allows it.
Avoid automatically choosing a heavy-duty or hot-water cycle.
Cold water can help reduce the risk of:
Color fading
Shrinkage
Excessive fabric wear
The correct cycle still depends on the manufacturer's instructions and the specific denim fabric.
What Detergent Should You Use for Jeans?
Use a mild laundry detergent suitable for colored clothing.
For dark jeans, a detergent formulated for dark or colored fabrics may help maintain their appearance.
Avoid using excessive detergent. Too much detergent can leave residue behind and doesn't necessarily make jeans cleaner.
Should You Use Bleach on Jeans?
Generally, avoid chlorine bleach on jeans unless the care instructions specifically permit it.
Bleach can significantly alter the color of denim and may weaken the fibers.
If you need to remove a difficult stain, use a stain treatment that is specifically suitable for the fabric and test it in an inconspicuous area when appropriate.
Can You Wash Jeans With Other Clothes?
You can wash jeans with other durable clothing, but sorting is important.
Dark Jeans
Wash dark jeans with other dark-colored garments, particularly when the jeans are new. Denim dye can transfer during washing.
Light Jeans
Light-colored denim can generally be washed with similar light-colored clothing, provided the fabrics have compatible care requirements.
Avoid Mixing With Delicate Clothing
Jeans are relatively heavy and can be rougher on delicate fabrics during a wash cycle. Avoid washing them together with fragile garments such as silk or delicate lace.
How to Wash Jeans Step by Step
1. Turn the Jeans Inside Out
This helps protect the outer color and finish.
2. Empty the Pockets
Remove everything from the pockets.
3. Fasten Buttons and Zippers
Secure closures before putting the jeans in the washer.
4. Sort by Color
Keep dark denim away from light-colored clothing when necessary.
5. Select Cold or Cool Water
Use the temperature specified on the care label. If cold washing is permitted, it can help reduce fading and shrinkage.
6. Add Mild Detergent
Use the recommended amount of detergent.
7. Choose the Appropriate Cycle
Use a gentle or normal cycle according to the care instructions.
8. Remove the Jeans Promptly
Take them out soon after the wash ends. This can help reduce prolonged creasing and musty odors.
How to Dry Jeans Without Shrinking Them
Drying can have a significant effect on denim.
If the care label allows air-drying, hanging jeans can be a good way to reduce exposure to high heat.
If your jeans are dryer-safe:
Use a low or moderate temperature.
Avoid excessive drying time.
Remove them promptly when the cycle finishes.
High dryer heat can cause some jeans to shrink and can accelerate fabric wear.
Stretch denim can be particularly sensitive to excessive heat because heat may affect the elastic fibers.
Why Are My Jeans Fading After Washing?
Some fading is normal, particularly with dark denim. However, certain washing habits can accelerate it.
Common causes include:
Washing in hot water
Washing jeans too frequently
Using harsh detergents
Washing jeans right-side out
Using aggressive wash cycles
Excessive dryer heat
Washing with abrasive garments
Turning jeans inside out and using cold water can help reduce unnecessary color loss.
Why Did My Jeans Shrink in the Washing Machine?
Shrinkage can occur when denim is exposed to heat, particularly during washing or drying.
Possible causes include:
Hot washing water
High dryer temperatures
Repeated exposure to heat
Denim construction and fiber composition
If you want to minimize shrinkage, follow the care label carefully and avoid unnecessary high temperatures.
How Often Should You Wash Jeans?
Jeans generally don't need to be washed after every wear unless they are visibly dirty, sweaty, stained, or otherwise require cleaning.
Washing them less frequently can help reduce:
Fading
Fabric wear
Shrinkage
Stress on seams and stitching
Between washes, you can air them out and spot-clean small stains when appropriate.
What About Stretch Jeans?
Stretch jeans contain denim combined with elastic fibers such as elastane.
These jeans may require extra care because excessive heat can affect their stretch and recovery.
For stretch denim:
Follow the manufacturer's washing instructions.
Prefer the recommended cool or cold temperature.
Avoid unnecessary high heat.
Don't leave them in a hot dryer for longer than necessary.
If the jeans begin losing their shape or stretch, excessive heat and frequent washing may be contributing factors.
Common Washing Machine Mistakes With Jeans
Washing Jeans in Hot Water
Hot water can increase the risk of fading and shrinkage.
Using Too Much Detergent
Excess detergent can leave residue without providing additional cleaning benefits.
Washing Dark Jeans With Light Clothes
New denim can release dye, potentially staining lighter garments.
Leaving Coins in the Pockets
Coins and other objects can damage clothing and potentially create problems inside the washer.
Using High Dryer Heat
High heat can shrink denim and affect stretch fibers.
Washing Jeans Too Frequently
Frequent washing can accelerate fading and general wear.
Quick Jeans Washing Checklist
Before starting your washing machine, remember:
Check the care label
Empty all pockets
Turn jeans inside out
Close zippers and buttons
Separate dark and light colors
Use the recommended water temperature
Choose the appropriate wash cycle
Use mild detergent
Avoid bleach unless permitted
Dry according to the care label
Avoid unnecessary high heat