How to Care for Your Jeans was originally published on Simply Suzette | Diligent Denim
It came to a shock to me that the most water exhaustive points in the lifecycle of denim are growing the fibers and post consumer washing. I knew it took mass amounts of water to grow the fibers, but I was unaware of the excess washing involved post-consumer purchase. Not to mention, washing your jeans too often will kill them faster! I am here to tell you some of the more responsible ways to wash and care for your jeans, so they will last you a lifetime while saving water at the same time!
Spot Clean
For me, spot cleaning is the way to go. I get a lot of gross looks on people faces when I say I don’t wash my jeans, but I don’t find the need. I only spot clean with non-toxic detergent when spilling on myself or getting down and dirty in the mud :p
Freezer/Oven Method
I recently just heard of the oven method, but have been a fan of the freezer method for years. To get rid of the bacteria in your jeans, stick them in the oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for an hour. I know this sounds scary and it does to me too, but after pulling them out of the oven, you know that the bacteria is got and your jeans could end up smelling like cookies :) If you are too scared to turn your oven on, stick them in the freezer overnight to kill the bacteria.
Soak
The soak method id good for people that don’t believe freezing your jeans will get rid of odor causing bacteria. In this method, simply fill your tub or sink with cold/warm water, add a tiny bit of non-toxic detergent, turn you jeans inside out and dunk them in! Let them sit for about 30 minutes then rinse them off and hang to dry.
Vineager Spray
Another method people are using to get rid of our is buying vinegar sprays to clean their jeans. Simply mix water with vinegar in a spray bottle and spray the area you think need it most!
Actual denim care products
Many companies are now creating products that help you care for your jeans more responsibly. There are many sprays, as well as soaps for soaks that have been released to make it easier for you! For example, Jeanswest creates an eco-friendly spray for you to keep your jeans clean.
Drying
Never put your jeans in the dryer! The dryer is the devil for your clothes. Always hang dry.
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