How to Wash Jeans Properly for Freshness & Durability

Jeans are more than just a piece of clothing; they can be your go-to staple for comfort, confidence, and practicality, offering a balance of casual style and functionality. Whether you're running errands or heading out with friends, a great pair of denim has your back. 

But like any clothing, jeans collect dirt, germs, sweat, body oils, bacteria, and everyday grime with wear, and need washing for hygiene and to prevent fabric damage. Thus, washing your jeans involves more than just tossing them in the washing machine; knowing how to wash jeans properly is essential to help maintain their look and feel by preventing shrinkage, stiffening, fading, or losing their shape. 

But wait a moment. It's not only the visible impurities on the jeans that you need to worry about, but also the harmful bacteria and viruses that your detergent may leave behind. To help sanitize your jeans, add Lysol^® Laundry Disinfectant. 

So keep on reading to learn how to wash jeans so they stay fresh, clean, and wearable all year round.

The best way to laundry jeans

Here's how to wash and sanitize jeans for a fresh, well-fitted, and hygienic wear.

Step 1: Read the care label

Before tossing your jeans into the washer, check the care label for proper washing instructions. Different types of jeans, such as skinny, bootcut, straight leg, high-waisted, and flared, require specific instructions for washing, drying, and sometimes ironing or dry cleaning.

Step 2: Flip, sort & prep jeans

Getting your jeans ready for a wash requires only a little preparation, but it makes a big difference. Start by turning your jeans inside out. This small step helps protect the outer dye from fading and reduces wear on the fabric surface during the wash.

Plus, avoid washing jeans with items that have zippers, hooks, velcro, or rough embellishments like studs or sequins, as these can cause friction, snags, or fading during the wash cycle. 

Lastly, make sure to wash the jeans with other dark or denim-friendly garments, such as t-shirts, button-down shirts, sweaters, and jackets, to maintain colour balance and prevent damage.

Step 3: Add detergent + laundry disinfectant

Moving on, it’s wash time, but remember that less is more with jeans. Treat them as your everyday essential, not something to scrub hard. 

Try to avoid harsh cleaners like bleach or fabric softener, as they can fade the dye and weaken the fibers. Instead, use a gentle laundry detergent that’s safe for dark or denim fabrics.

They may appear clean, but your jeans may be trapping more than just fashion—sweat, dead skin cells, dirt, and hidden bacteria. Ready to wash them the proper way?

All you need to do is add Lysol^® Laundry Disinfectant - Crisp Linen to your regular laundry detergent. This disinfectant is gentle on fabric, safe for both whites and colours, eliminates 99.99% of viruses and bacteria that detergents may leave behind^*, and works even in cold water.

Step 4: Air Dry

The best way to dry jeans is by air drying, either by hanging them on a clothesline or drying rack, or laying them flat on a towel. This method prevents shrinking, colour fading, and fabric wear caused by using high heat in a dryer.

^*vs detergent alone; Always read and follow the label.

FAQs

How often should I wash my jeans to keep them hygienic without over-washing?

To keep your jeans clean and long-lasting, it's best to wash them with Lysol^® Laundry Disinfectant after every 5–10 wears or sooner if they look dirty or start to smell. Washing too often can cause fading and fabric deterioration, while not washing enough can lead to odours and hygiene issues. 

Can you wash jeans with other clothes?

Yes, you can wash jeans with other clothes, but it's best to group them with similar colors, especially dark ones, to prevent dye bleeding. 

Should you turn jeans inside out before washing?

Yes, turning your jeans inside out before washing is highly recommended. It helps protect the outer fabric and preserve the color by reducing friction during the wash cycle. This simple step minimizes fading and wear, keeping your jeans looking newer for longer.

How should I fold and store my jeans to maintain their shape?

To keep your jeans in good shape, fold them lengthwise and then into thirds for stacking, or roll them from hem to waistband to prevent wrinkles. Hanging by belt loops or using clamp hangers helps avoid creases and preserves their natural form.