Black jeans are a versatile item of clothing. They are worn to school, to work, and to meet friends. The dirt on them is hardly noticeable, but you still need to wash them periodically.
The main problem that faces the owner of black jeans is the washing out of their color.
In order to preserve the pigment inside the fibers of the fabric and not get a faded product after the first wash, you need to know some rules for caring for black things.
We will tell you in this article whether and how to properly wash black jeans in a washing machine and by hand so that they do not lose color.
Is it possible to wash jeans in a washing machine?
Some doubt whether it is possible to wash jeans in an automatic washing machine, or whether this can only be done manually. Since such washing is not always able to get rid of all stains and thoroughly clean coarse fibers, such treatment may be required. But it is necessary to do this correctly, taking into account the characteristics of the fabric and the presence of decor, in order to avoid deformation of your favorite jeans or unsightly bald spots after peeling off the rhinestones.
Important! Jeans manufacturers advise washing such products exclusively by hand, since this method, in their opinion, guarantees the original freshness of both the relief and the shade of the fabric.
Traditional methods
To prevent your feet and clothes from getting dirty when wearing denim, try “fixing” the dye. Table salt, vinegar and lime are suitable for this.
Salt
Regular table salt can hold the coloring element on any fabric. Use this property for denim as well.
- For three liters of water, take 50 g of salt and make a solution.
- After washing the jeans, place them in a bowl of salt water.
- Leave for 15 minutes.
- Without rinsing, hang to dry.
Vinegar
If the vinegar smell does not irritate you, then fix the paint in the following way:
- Pour 0.5 cups of table vinegar into a basin with five liters of warm water.
- Place the washed item for half an hour.
- Squeeze lightly and hang to dry.
Lime
The lime mixture will help set the paint. But remember that it can lighten the color a little. If this is not a problem for you, then feel free to proceed:
- Pour water into a large basin and add 1/2 cup of lime.
- Place the washed jeans in the basin.
- Leave for 25 minutes.
- Rinse, let drain and hang on a line to dry.
If you don’t want to waste time preparing homemade solutions, you can find helpers in the ranks of household chemicals.
In what mode should you wash jeans?
Modern machines provide for washing denim: most of them are equipped with a special “Jeans” mode. True, it does not take into account the nature of complex decor in the form of rhinestones, thin lace, mesh inserts and abrasions.
If the car model is old, you can go a different route here. The main rule: always follow the recommendations on the clothing label, which clearly indicates the required mode, temperature, and number of spin speeds.
The following modes are usually recommended:
- Hand wash - allows you to delicately clean denim without full revolutions.
- Delicate - ideal for gently washing jeans. The temperature should be no higher than 40 degrees, spin speed should be no more than 800.
- Express - used when clothes only need to be refreshed. It is not recommended to wash jeans in this mode. Not suitable for stubborn dirt. Since denim does not tolerate frequent machine manipulation, this mode is ideal for 15-minute washing. The item will not shrink or become deformed.
- Mini 30 or Fast 30 – the mode is recommended for items made of dense fabric with a minimum of stains. The water doesn't get as hot and the jeans sit in the water for no more than 20 minutes, which reduces the chance of color fading and shrinkage. You can wash your jeans more often in this program.
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Reasons for loss of rich shade
The main reason for color loss in a product is regular washing. Gradually, water with the addition of powder or gel washes away the paint, making the fabric lighter each time.
In order to preserve the original color for a long time, the housewife must use special conditioners that are designed for black things.
Another common reason for loss of shade is shedding. Probably every housewife has noticed that during washing the water becomes dark in color. In addition to all this, traces of paint may remain on the body or other elements of clothing that the jeans come into contact with.
This should not be considered a marriage. Even if the trousers were of high value, this can happen. The reason for this is the coloring of products with natural paint. During the first washes, it releases coloring pigments.
When buying jeans, do a quality test. To do this, wipe the pant leg with a damp white cloth or cotton pad. If the item is of poor quality, then marks will remain on the white.
Loss of color in jeans can occur with prolonged wear or fading in the sun.
What detergent should I use to wash jeans in the washing machine?
Gel-like, liquid detergents are best suited, since, unlike powders, they come out faster from rough material and do not leave whitish streaks. At the same time, the washing itself is of better quality, since mobile gel particles penetrate the fibers better than powder.
You can choose detergents for wool and silk that provide gentle care. They wash rough denim well and do not allow it to shrink or fade. It’s even better to buy special gels for washing jeans; the choice is quite large.
If the choice is still on powder, then you need to choose a high-quality brand. It is best to take one marked “for colored items”, since the special formula will protect denim from shedding and preserve the original brightness of the material. In this case, you need a conditioner that softens the rough fabric after the powder.
Important! After washing with powder, the item becomes noticeably rougher, so conditioner is needed. Soft gel products do not weigh down the fibers and you can do without rinse aid.
Preparatory stage
Before moving directly to hand or machine washing, it is important to properly prepare your denim clothing. And the very first thing is to read the information on the label to find out what care the clothing manufacturer recommends. In particular, the temperature for washing and ironing, whether the use of bleach, machine drying, etc. is acceptable.
The pants are then checked for small items in the pockets. All contents (candy wrappers, keys, business cards, etc.) must be removed, all pockets zipped and the item turned inside out.
To preserve the color of the product as much as possible, you need to choose the right detergent. For hand washing, laundry soap is best suited. It is especially important to follow all the rules when cleaning black jeans, as they quickly lose their color saturation. When choosing a powder, it is recommended to give preference to products for colored clothes or jeans. A liquid product is best. It should not contain enzymes, phosphates and other dangerous components that can lead to loss of color.
At what temperature can you wash jeans?
The most gentle, optimal temperature for washing jeans is 30-35 degrees. This temperature will not allow the item to “sit” or stretch the fibers. The only possible “minus” is that the mode does not cope with most difficult stains. Therefore, in case of heavy soiling, clothes are washed by hand, and then they begin to wash the jeans in the washing machine. Another option is to increase the degree to 40 or more. Stretch trousers cannot be washed at high temperatures: they will stretch, the relief will sag and the item will become completely unusable.
Important! One simple thing to remember: the higher the temperature, the greater the likelihood of shrinkage.
Features of caring for denim products
A characteristic property of denim is its density, which is ensured by the complex weave of cotton fibers. Thanks to this, the fabric does not allow dust to pass through, is not blown through, and at the same time has a “breathable effect” and durability. The basis of denim is natural cotton fibers, sometimes supplemented with silk, linen, and synthetics, but in minimal quantities.
The natural composition makes denim comfortable, tactilely pleasant, it is hygroscopic and does not electrify. It is these wonderful qualities that make jeans a favorite item of clothing, but, unfortunately, there is a downside:
- Cotton items stretch when worn.
- The fabric may shrink when washed.
- Denim takes a long time to dry.
- Depending on the dye, denim may lose color, fade or fade in the sun.
Considering these and other possible problems, it is necessary not only to put denim items in the washing machine, but to learn how to wash jeans correctly.
Is it possible to spin jeans in a washing machine?
There is no clear answer to the question of whether it is possible to spin jeans in a washing machine. If this is the most ordinary model without rhinestones, rivets, lace, mesh and decorations, then it is much more convenient to immediately get the item almost dry and not have to worry about spinning. True, you will have to iron them later, since multiple creases are guaranteed.
Jeans equipped with metal fittings, decorations, and lace cannot be wrung out in a machine, otherwise half of the decorations may not be found later. Due to torn parts, the washing machine itself may be damaged.
Stretch models are pressed only by hand, otherwise there is a risk of getting a deformed item that is 2-3 sizes too large.
Important! Usually the number of spin revolutions is indicated on the label of the item - from 400 to 700.
Changing jeans size
We use all the tips in reverse to reduce stretched jeans. Tricks will also come in handy for those who have lost weight by 1-2 sizes, but do not yet have the opportunity to update their wardrobe.
Shrinkage
Wash your jeans in a machine at 60 or even 90 degrees. The more cotton in the composition, the higher the likelihood of shrinkage. A radical method is boiling in a saucepan, but this is only suitable for the most durable denim.
Stretching
To stretch pant legs, work with the fabric while it is wet. Simply secure the waistband and give the bottom a good tug. Leave to dry in this position, you can additionally secure the pant legs.
Another way is to steam your jeans well and put them on yourself.
How to dry jeans correctly
During the warm season, jeans are air dried in the shade. Do not hang products in the sun, as this leads to fading. Be sure to turn things inside out: firstly, they do not lose the brightness of the color, and secondly, they will not be dirty on the front side if, for example, the wind raises dust.
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In winter, it is better to dry jeans indoors, as high humidity will not ensure proper drying. In addition, in the cold the item will freeze and may break or become deformed.
After squeezing, the jeans are shaken, slightly stretched in length and width, and carefully straightened. Clothespins are used to attach the trousers to the waistband. Alternatively, dry on hangers with existing clothespins. The clothes will dry well and not wrinkle.
You can hang your jeans on a rope, hooking them to the bottom. They will take longer to dry this way, since all the water will flow down to the pockets and hips, where the fabric is multi-layered and dense. You cannot throw jeans over a rope, as this will leave a crease that is difficult to iron.
You cannot dry denim on a radiator, as the item will dry out, become deformed and become wrinkled. And there is a danger that the battery will leave stains.
Important! The more synthetics in the fabric, the faster the drying. Thick jeans dry within 1-2 days.
Do I need to iron it?
If you hang wet jeans from your waistband, they will straighten out on their own under their own weight. This eliminates the need for ironing.
When it is still necessary, for example, in order to soften a thing, adhere to the following recommendations:
- Do not iron dry fabric. The pants should remain slightly damp. If time is lost, they can be moistened using a spray bottle.
- The product can only be ironed from the reverse side.
- It is recommended to set the iron temperature to 150 degrees. The thinner the fabric, the lower it should be.
- To prevent pocket marks from remaining on the trouser leg, you need to put a handkerchief in it. First, iron the seams and the back side, then the pockets and the front surface of the product.
After ironing is completed, the jeans should be allowed to cool so that they are fixed in the desired position.
Useful tips
A few tips on how to properly wash jeans in a washing machine:
- soaking in a washing machine can harm light-colored trousers decorated with metal fittings, as it can quickly oxidize and stain the fabric;
- jeans are always washed separately from other clothes, and light denim is processed separately from dark ones;
- It is better to wash heavily soiled areas by hand with soap and then place them in the machine. A long wash in a machine will, of course, remove most stains, but it will deform the item;
- you need to wash jeans in an automatic washing machine for the first time immediately after purchase, this can be done without detergents, since the item is clean, you just need to wash off excess dye and possible chemicals;
- We must not forget to remove the straps from the trousers: they inevitably deteriorate when washed and clog the machine parts with scraps of leather;
- To make dark denim richer, you can add vinegar during the last hand rinse, this will protect the fabric from fading;
- You can iron denim, but you need to moisten the fabric during the process; ironing will be more accurate and easier if the trousers are slightly damp initially;
- before placing jeans in the car, you must double-check all existing pockets - keys, lighters, key rings, coins - all this will definitely cause a breakdown if it gets stuck in the parts of the automatic machine;
- If the jeans have embroidery, riveted fittings, mesh and lace, they must be turned inside out before being put into the machine, they can be washed in a special bag, and too elaborate models can only be washed by hand.
Important! During washing, you can put no more than 5 pairs of jeans in the drum.
Hand washing rules
To prevent black jeans from losing their color saturation, it is recommended to wash them by hand. This will allow you to control the process at every stage.
Step-by-step algorithm of actions:
Prepare the pants: remove all items from the pockets, shake them out, fasten the zippers and turn the item inside out.- Fill the bath with warm water (up to 30 degrees) and dissolve the detergent in it.
- Immerse the jeans in the prepared solution.
- If they are very dirty, they are soaked for 30-60 minutes.
- Rub existing stains with a soft sponge.
- Drain the dirty water and rinse the product under running water.
The pants are not wrung out after washing. When the water has drained, the product is shaken and hung out to dry. Read more about hand washing jeans here.
Important Tips
To make washing your jeans as effective as possible, you must use the following recommendations:
Do not ignore the manufacturer's advice. They are indicated on the product label. It is always on the wrong side of the jeans.- Do not actively rub dirt on your jeans with a brush.
This will cause stains. The fibers of the fabric will become fuzzy, which will affect the appearance of the product. - The powder must be dosed strictly. Its excess will remain in the fibers of the fabric, which will require additional rinsing of the item.
If creases in the form of white stripes appear on your pants during drying, you need to moisten them with water and wait until they dry again.
Do I need to wash new ones immediately after purchase?
There are several arguments for and against washing jeans after purchase.
The main argument in favor is that new pants are always painted and sometimes quite heavily . This applies not only to cheap, but also to expensive branded items.
A light wash without using detergents will remove excess pigment and prevent it from transferring to the skin of your feet or other things.
Also, with the help of the first wash, you will be able to get rid of the unpleasant odor that may be present on the new product. Wash jeans after purchase for hygienic purposes. It is possible that other people tried them on before purchasing the pants.
The main argument against washing is the fact that the color of the product may become less saturated . To avoid this problem and fix the dye, it is recommended to add 9% vinegar to the water (3 tablespoons per 10 liters of water).
Sometimes they refuse to do laundry because they want to put on a new item as quickly as possible. However, hygiene rules should not be neglected. Moreover, the washing and drying process will take no more than 10-12 hours.
