How do you wash jeans without fading? One guide to fix odors, bloodstains, and other common issues

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Jeans are a wardrobe essential, but do you know how to wash and care for them properly? Whether they’re expensive or affordable, washing them the wrong way can cause fading and misshaping, and even significantly shorten their lifespan. POPBEE answers common questions about washing jeans and shares practical tips to keep your favorite pairs looking like new!

Related reading: Still wearing denim mini skirts? The styling rules have changed this season. Here are 3 ways to give your “denim skirt” a unique, fashionable look!

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경현（@kkh516）分享的貼文

How do you wash jeans without fading them?

#1 Turn them inside out and wash in cold water

Before washing, turn your jeans inside out to reduce surface friction and help prevent the color from fading. Cold water is also recommended, since hot water speeds up dye loss. In addition to protecting the color, cold water can reduce the risk of shrinkage.

#2 Air-dry away from direct sunlight

After washing, turn your jeans inside out and hang them to dry in a cool, well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight, as UV rays can cause fading. These methods can help extend the life of the color and keep your jeans looking like new!

Can you wash jeans in the washing machine?

Hand-washing is the gentlest method. If you really don’t want to wash them by hand, use your machine’s “delicate” or “hand-wash” cycle and put your jeans in a laundry bag to reduce friction. Avoiding over-washing is also key: jeans don’t need to be washed after every wear. It’s recommended to wash them after 4-5 wears and spot-clean stains in between.

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Jiae Kim（@lexx_jiae_kim）分享的貼文

How should you wash new jeans?

Use white vinegar or salt to set the color! The first time you wash new jeans, add 1/2 cup of white vinegar or 1 tablespoon of salt to cold water and soak them for about 30 minutes. This helps set the dye and reduce fading. Choosing a detergent made for denim or a mild, pH-neutral detergent, while avoiding cleaners that contain bleach, can also help protect the color.

Why shouldn’t you wash jeans too often?

Over-washing can damage the fibers in jeans. With darker styles in particular, it can cause fading, misshaping, and even a loss of their original texture. It’s recommended to wash them after 4-5 wears and spot-clean everyday stains, such as by gently wiping them with a damp cloth.

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SORA（@sora_pppp）分享的貼文

How do you get odors out of jeans?

Because jeans are difficult to wash often, odors can be especially frustrating. Some people use deodorizing sprays, though the spray’s distinct scent can sometimes mix with the odor on the jeans. A cleaner, more effective option is rubbing alcohol. Spray it on your jeans, then let them dry thoroughly to get rid of their characteristic stuffy odor. Drying them completely is very important: if they aren’t fully dry, bacteria may grow and make the odor worse.

How to remove blood stains from jeans

#1 Cold water, detergent, and salt

Pour 1 teaspoon of detergent directly onto the blood stain, then gently scrub it with a toothbrush dipped in cold water. Once it begins to foam, rinse with clean water. Repeat until the blood stain is completely gone. If it doesn’t come out well, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of table salt onto the stain, then use a toothbrush and cold water mixed with detergent to scrub repeatedly until it foams.

#2 Baking soda

Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of baking soda evenly over the blood stain. Using your finger, gently rub the baking soda into the stain in circular motions, allowing it to fully absorb and break down the stain.

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This article has been automatically translated from Chinese.