Be Honest, Just How Often Do You Wash Your Jeans?

Caring for your jeans doesn’t necessarily mean keeping them squeaky clean.

Some wardrobe items will definitely need a good wash after one wear – like your activewear and your unmentionables – but there are some things, like your favourite jeans, that could go without frequent washing, even if they are part of your regular rotation.

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What’s the benefit in washing your jeans less?

Aside from saving you time and money that you would spend in the laundry, washing your jeans less frequently will also help reduce the ecological impact attributed to denim.

To give you some insight, the process of making jeans – from growing cotton crops to dying and rinsing – already uses a significant amount of the world’s irrigation water. So, over-washing jeans after they’ve been purchased only adds to their environmental footprint.

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If we’re not washing them, how do we keep our jeans fresher for longer?

Air your denim out on a hanger between wears, or try storing them in an air-tight bag in your freezer, which will help prevent odour-causing bacteria from growing. Minor spills and marks can be spot-cleaned with a small amount of soap and water – an old toothbrush will be perfect for the job.

Aim to hold off from machine washing your denim for as long as possible. When you do eventually need to give your jeans a good clean, take the right steps to care for them properly. Follow the instructions as per the care label. Turn them inside out with the button and fly fastened, and avoid tumble drying where possible.

By taking good care of your jeans they will last longer. Plus, with more wears, your jeans will form to your body and develop a unique patina – hello personalised denim!

And when the time comes to say goodbye to your favourite jeans (via donation to charity of course), you can make a considered decision when you’re shopping for new styles.

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