For guys who don’t baby their clothes, washing jeans can be a disaster waiting to happen. You might think you can just toss them in with the rest of the washing—no big deal—but that’s exactly how you end up with faded, stiff, or misshapen denim. Unlike your workout shorts or hoodies, jeans are built tough with thick, woven cotton (sometimes with a little stretch).
Biggest rookie mistakes? Over-washing, using too much detergent, and—worst of all—throwing them in the tumble dryer. Unlike those quick-drying, moisture-wicking fabrics, denim holds onto water and soap like a sponge, meaning too many washes can strip away the colour, alter the fit, and shorten their lifespan.
Cleaning jeans isn’t the same as washing chinos, which are made from softer cotton and can handle regular machine cycles. And if we’re talking black jeans, the stakes are even higher—wash them too much and they’ll fade into a sad, uneven grey way before their time. So how often should you wash your jeans? Personally, I go five to ten wears before washing—sometimes even longer if they’re not visibly dirty. But wait too long and dirt, oil, and bacteria start to build up, messing with the fabric and even irritating your skin.
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When I do wash them, I always turn them inside out, use cold water, and go easy on the detergent. And the tumble dryer? Forget it—unless you want your jeans to shrink and wear out faster.
Here’s the game plan for keeping your jeans in top shape without wrecking them in the wash.
Step One: The Proper Preparation
First things first: Turn your jeans inside out. This isn’t some random laundry hack—it’s a game changer for helping your jeans preserve their colour. Ever notice how jeans, especially black or dark-wash denim, tend to fade unevenly after a few washes? That’s because the outer layer takes the most direct hit from water, detergent, and friction in the wash. Most of the grime, sweat, and body oils accumulate inside, not outside. When you reverse them, the detergent gets direct access to the areas that actually need cleaning, so you get fresher jeans without unnecessary damage to the exterior.
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Not to mention, this step keeps the fabric from getting too beat up. As your jeans tumble around, they rub against other clothes, the drum of the washer, and themselves. That friction is what causes pilling, thinning, and unnecessary distressing—especially on areas like the thighs and pockets. Turning them inside out minimises that surface damage. Whether you’ve got raw denim, selvedge denim, or stretch-infused jeans, washing them aggressively can change their texture. Keeping them inside out helps maintain the fabric’s original feel, preventing it from becoming rough or overly stiff.
Step Two: Select the Correct Settings—the Colder, the Better
Before starting the cycle, make sure to use only cold water. Heat is denim’s worst enemy—it speeds up fading, shrinkage, and fibre breakdown. Cold water is gentler on the fabric, helping your jeans keep their true fit and deep colour—especially if they’re dark-wash or black.
Step Three: Pick the Right Detergent
Use only a small amount of detergent—too much leaves behind residue, which makes denim feel stiff over time. Skip fabric softener, too—it coats the fibres and reduces the denim’s natural texture. Standard detergents like OMO, Sunlight, or Ariel can be too harsh on denim because they contain enzymes and brighteners designed to break down stains and lift dirt. That’s great for your t-shirts and socks, but for jeans? Not so much.
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Instead, go for a gentle, colour-preserving option like SKIP or a fragrance-free detergent like Ariel Auto Sensitive. These help reduce dye loss and keep your jeans looking fresh for longer.
Step Four: Air Dry or Lay Them Flat—the Tumble Dryer Is a No-Go
When the wash is done, lay your jeans out flat or hang them to air dry. Using a tumble dryer can really work against your jeans’ longevity and look. The high heat weakens the fabric, warps the overall fit, and strips away that soft, lived-in feel.
How to Wash Jeans by Hand
Machine washing might be easier, but hand-washing will help extend the lifespan of your jeans while keeping their colours vibrant and fabric soft. The latter minimises agitation, friction, and excessive water absorption, all of which break down denim fibres, cause fading, and change the fit. High-spin cycles stretch and twist jeans in the washer. Hand washing, on the other hand, lets you clean them with minimal stress—just a simple soak, light scrub, and rinse to remove dirt while preserving the fabric’s integrity. Follow these steps:
Step One: Prep Your Jeans
Turn the jeans inside out. If you have stubborn stains, pre-treat them with a mild detergent or a damp cloth before soaking.
Step Two: Fill Your Basin with Cold Water
Use a clean sink, bucket, or bathtub. Cold water is key—it prevents fading and shrinking.
Step Three: Soak Your Jeans
Use a mild detergent and mix it in well. You don’t need a lot—just enough to create a light soapy solution. Submerge your jeans and let them soak for about 15 to 30 minutes. This helps loosen dirt and oils without harsh scrubbing.
Step Four: Gently Agitate and Rinse Thoroughly
After soaking, gently swish the jeans around by hand. Focus on areas that tend to get sweatier (like the inner thighs or waist). Avoid vigorous rubbing, which can damage the fabric. Then drain the soapy water and refill with clean, cold water. Rinse your jeans until all the detergent is removed—this may take a few rinses.
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Step Five: Remove Excess Water and Drain Properly
Don’t wring your jeans, as that can distort their shape. Instead, press them gently against the side of the basin or roll them in a clean, dry towel to absorb excess water. Hang your jeans to air dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. You can also lay them flat on a drying rack if you’re concerned about creases. And there you have it—clean, well-maintained jeans that’ll stay looking sharp for years.
This article originally appeared on menshealth.com – additional reporting and products added by the Men’s Health SA team.
