For a better experience on Tide.com, please enable JavaScript in your browser.

How to Wash Jeans

These days, a great pair of jeans is an investment and an absolute wardrobe essential. Therefore, knowing how to wash denim from the first day to help keep your pieces looking great is a laundry priority.

Denim might be durable, but it does require special care, especially the colored and printed denims, and anything with a deep indigo wash that has not been pre-washed by the manufacturer.

How to wash jeans

Here are the key tips on denim care to keep your jeans looking fabulous:

How to Wash Your Jeans in General

Jeans require special attention, even after the first use. If you want to enjoy your denim favorites for years to come, then the key to long life is in the laundry.

Follow these steps to keep your jeans looking as good as new:

- 1. Make sure you read the fabric care label before washing and wash your jeans separately from other items if it’s the first few washes to avoid dye transfer.
- 2. If your jeans are machine washable, then turn them inside out before placing in the washer.
- 3. As a general rule, use cold water and a laundry detergent that will respect the denim’s color and wash, such as Tide Plus Coldwater. It’s fine to wash denim in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with other deep-color clothing.
- 4. Dry your jeans according to the instructions on the fabric care label.

How to Wash Jeans for the First Time

When you get a new pair of jeans, early loving care is important when it comes to long-lasting denim.

Follow these steps to keep your jeans looking pristine from day one:

How to wash jeans for the first time

Ideally, wash your jeans for the first time by hand. Turn them inside out, and either wash them in the sink or in the bathtub, where they can be placed down flat.
Put a small amount of detergent in the water and gently agitate the pants occasionally as they soak for 45 minutes.
Then rinse them thoroughly with cold water and hang to dry.

If you do wash your jeans in the machine, consult any fabric care instructions that are on the garment’s inside tag.

One secret to prolonging the wear of jeans between washings is to hang them when you are not wearing them. It will help the fibers recover from stress and stretch, especially in the knees and the seat.

Jeans are a wardrobe staple, and a little care will go a long way. Find out more about how to take care of your denim, and see more tips and tricks about caring for jeans in our article: Five Myths About Caring for Jeans.

Hang jeans when you are not wearing them

Hang up Your Jeans.

One secret to prolonging the wear of jeans between washings is to hang them when you are not wearing them. It will help the fibres recover from stress and stretch, especially in the knees and the seat.
Take care of your denim, and see more tips and tricks about caring for jeans in our article: Five Myths About Caring for Jeans