There’s nothing like a great pair of jeans. They are the finishing piece to so many different outfits, but while denim is a versatile and timeless material, it needs to be cared for properly in order to last. In this guide, we’ll tell you how to clean denim properly to keep it looking fresh and dynamic.
AWDis So Denim is designed with long-term style in mind, with premium feel and everyday durability. But even the best denim needs the right care. With a few simple wash-and-dry habits, you can extend the life of your favourite AWDis denim and keep it looking its best, wear after wear.
The First Rule of Denim Care: Wash Less:
The golden rule for washing denim? Less is more. Despite what you might think, one of the key tricks to keeping denim properly clean is to wash it less frequently. It might sound a bit unusual, but this tip makes a big difference when it comes to keeping your jeans and jackets looking fresh for the long haul.
You’d think that more washing means fresher denim, but when it comes to jeans and jackets, less is more. In fact, washing too frequently breaks down the denim fibres, with the constant absorption of water and drying causing fading and loss of tight shape.
But how often should you wash denim? Striking the right balance between underwashing and overwashing can be tricky, but a great principle to follow is the 10-wear rule. After you have worn your jeans or denim jacket ten times, give them a wash. Also, wash when you notice a stain, dirt mark, or a bit of an odour.
Not every mark calls for a full wash. Spot cleaning is a technique that involves using a damp cloth or soft brush with soap to directly clean the affected area. This technique keeps So Denim products like our Men’s Leo Straight Jeans and the Olivia Denim Jacket looking spotless without putting them through the wear and tear of a full wash cycle.
How to Wash Denim: The Step-by-Step Professional Method
Determining how to clean denim properly is the key to making sure that your jeans, jacket and shirts stay fresh and clean without succumbing to years of abrasive washing. There are two main ways you can wash denim: in the washing machine and by hand. Both options are viable, and there are steps that can be taken to ensure both are as denim-friendly as possible.
The Machine Wash Method: Convenient but Demanding
Throwing your denim in the washing machine is definitely the easiest option, and let’s be honest, it fits right into busy weekly routines. But that convenience comes at a cost. Frequent machine washing can weaken the fibres and fade the colour, gradually stripping away the structure and sharp look that makes denim a staple in the first place.
Machine washing denim isn’t off the table, though. By following some of the following tips, you can make this method as denim-friendly as possible, prolonging the integrity and colour of your favourite denim outfit pieces.
- Preparation is key: Before throwing your denim into the drum, take a few quick steps to help minimise wear and keep it looking sharp. Only wash denim with dark colours to prevent dye transfer and retain its colour. Turn your denim inside out, too, to reduce friction wear.
- Choose cold water: Cold water puts nowhere near the same amount of strain on denim as hot water. Choosing a cold wash not only prevents fading but also stops your denim from shrinking.
- Select a gentle cycle: Adjusting the settings of your wash to a more delicate or gentle setting puts far less stress on the denim fibres, prolonging their integrity over time.
- Use the right detergent: Try washing your denim with a mild, colour-preserving detergent, as this will be less demanding on the material. Avoiding bleach and fabric softeners will also help limit the breakdown of denim fibres.
- Try adding vinegar: A cup of white vinegar in your wash can help set the dye in your So Denim products and preserve that iconic, deep indigo colour.
The Hand Wash Method: Time-Consuming but Preserving
It may take longer than a machine wash, but hand washing your denim is often the kindest way to keep your favourite clothing clean. But why is this method best practice, and how is it done properly?
Washing denim by hand is the preferred method because it is simply the gentlest way. Without the rough and abrasive spin of the washing machine, hand washing denim applies cleaning products to the material without straining the fibres, helping it preserve its colour and texture. This is especially effective for raw or dark denim.
To properly handwash denim, begin by filling a tub with cold or lukewarm water. Remember: hot water puts strain on denim fibres, so cooler water is best. Add a mild detergent and submerge the denim (folded inside out) in the warm water for a soaking period of 30 to 60 minutes. Gently swish the denim around the tub, drain the water, and rinse with cold water.
The All-Important Final Step: How to Dry Denim
Caring for denim doesn’t stop once it’s clean. How you dry it matters just as much. The wrong drying method can be just as damaging as overwashing, so it’s worth taking a few extra steps to protect the fabric and keep your pieces in top shape.
The first thing to know: never use a tumble dryer! Just like a hot machine wash, the high temperatures of this drying method will likely cause shrinking and fabric damage, doubling the strain on your denim if washed and dried in a machine. If you’ve ever noticed lint accumulating in your dryer filter, this is the material of your denim being broken down and shed.
Instead of tumble drying, allow your denim to air dry. Using an airer or washing line, this method allows your jeans and jackets to dry naturally, demanding nothing of the material in the process.
When air-drying your denim, turn them back right-side out and put them in a well-ventilated area. Remembering the effect that heat has on denim, make sure it is hanging up in a shaded place or out of direct sunlight. This will also help them to dry evenly.
Find The Denim Outfit Pieces at AWDis
Now that you know how to clean it properly for long-lasting freshness, why not browse the products in our incredible So Denim range? At AWDis, our range of denim garments lets you customise the perfect pieces for your needs. Check out our ranges and find the perfect customisable clothes for you. Got questions? Reach out – our team is always here to help!
