How to Wash Jeans in Washing Machine with Detergent

Let’s be honest: washing your jeans can feel like walking a tightrope. You want them clean, but you don’t want to shrink, fade, or turn them into stiff fabric relics of the past. Luckily, washing jeans in a washing machine with detergent doesn’t have to be an Olympic event. With a few clever hacks and a sprinkle of know-how, you can keep your denim looking sharp and feeling comfy.

Why Treat Your Jeans Like Royalty?

Jeans are not just pants; they’re often a wardrobe staple that tells a story, shows personality, and loves to age with you. Harsh washing can mess with their color, fit, and texture. The goal here? Keep your jeans fresh and clean without turning them into a faded, shrunk, or stiff mess.

Step 1: Turn Them Inside Out – Denim’s Secret Shield

Turning your jeans inside out isn’t just some laundry myth. This simple step protects the fabric’s surface, prevents abrasion, and keeps the outer color vibrant longer. According to DenimHunters and Levi’s Denim Care, this is the #1 hack for denim preservation.

Step 2: Volume Matters — Don’t Overstuff the Machine

Jean washing is not a party for other clothes. Overstuffing your washing machine can cause uneven washing, extra friction, and more wear. Wash jeans either alone or with similarly colored garments, especially for new, dark denim. This prevents dye transfer and keeps your jeans looking fresh.

Step 3: Select the Perfect Cycle — Gentle Does It

Aim for a gentle or delicate cycle with cold water settings. This combo reduces the risk of shrinking and color fading. Levi’s experts suggest washing your jeans at temperatures no higher than 30-40°C to maintain fiber strength and color pop, which you can verify on your washing machine’s specifications here.

Step 4: Detergent — The Gentle Giant

Not all detergents are created equal when it comes to denim. Opt for a mild detergent designed for dark or delicate fabrics to avoid bleach or brightening agents, which steal your indigo dreams. Liquid detergents are often preferred as they dissolve more easily and leave fewer residues. For those extra color protection points, consider detergents specifically marked as color-safe.

If you want to jazz it up, adding about ½ cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle works wonders to set color, soften fabric, and even reduce bacteria—a tip recommended by Pro Housekeepers and Downy.

Step 5: Spin Settings — Keep it Low and Slow

Excessive spinning can leave your jeans creased and stressed. Keep the spin speed under 900 RPM to protect the denim fibers. Some even recommend skipping the spin cycle entirely to keep those pristine creases at bay, which might save your jeans from premature wear.

Step 6: Drying — The Ultimate Dealbreaker

Well, this is where the jeans either live or die. Avoid tumble drying like your denim depends on it (because it does). The heat risks shrinking and dulling your beloved fabric’s color and texture. Instead, hang your jeans by the waistband or lay flat to air dry. Smooth out wrinkles and stretch gently to maintain shape. This step is absolutely crucial and emphasized by Levi’s official care instructions.

Bonus Tips to Keep Your Denim Forever Young

  • Don’t wash too often. Many denim fans swear by washing only when jeans are actually dirty to preserve dye and fabric integrity (source: YouTube Shorts).
  • Spot clean when possible. For small stains, use a damp cloth or mild soap instead of throwing them in the machine.
  • Pre-soak for tough stains. Soaking your jeans inside out in cold water before washing helps loosen dirt and keeps colors bright.
  • Resist the dryer, embrace the sun. Natural sunlight is great for air-drying but avoid excessive direct sun to prevent color fading.
  • Know your fabric blend. Some stretch or treated denim might need extra care per manufacturer guidelines.

Explore More Denim Care Tips

If you own an LG, Bosch, or Hisense washing machine and want to tailor your jean care routine, we’ve got specialized guides that dive into the perfect settings and hacks:

Best Detergent Recommendations for Your Jeans

For those ready to upgrade their jean care routine with trustworthy detergent picks, check out these options with safe formulations for denim:

Wrap Up

Washing jeans in a machine with detergent might seem like a straightforward task, but with these pro tips, it becomes a craft that preserves your favorite pair for many wearings. Remember: inside out, cold water, gentle cycle, mild detergent, low spin, and air dry. Your jeans will thank you by keeping their color, shape, and comfort intact.

Happy washing!