We're going to let you in on the secrets to extend the life of your jeans and it's probably not what you imagine. But... trust us when we say that once you're a convert you will never look back!
Most jeans these days come with at least a small amount of elastane. Elastane's kryptonite are chemicals, including detergent, friction, including friction created in a washing machine and, finally, heat, especially high heat like the heat produced by your clothes dryer or iron. Can you see where this is heading?
Detergent + Friction + Heat = Dead Jeans.
Here are some tips to keep your jeans fresh without throwing them in the wash.
Spot clean
Get in quick and gently dab the affected area with a damp cloth or sponge. Rubbing stains tends to set them further into the fabric, so avoid rubbing any spots. The quicker you can get dabbing the better. If absolutely necessary you can use a mild detergent or stain remover specifically designed for denim.
Air them out
You might be of a vintage where you remember an airing cupboard being an integral part of your home. Mum loved ours. You might be lucky enough to have one. They're perfect for hanging your jeans to air after wear to avoid any odours. You can hang them in any well-ventilated area - near an open window or outside are perfect spots.
3-2-1 FREEZE!
We can hear you saying WHAT??!! but we are not kidding. Popping your jeans in the freezer overnight kills bacterial and eliminates odours. Yes, really. Fold or roll them tightly and put them into a plastic bag then pop them in the freezer. The cold temperature will neutralise odours and bacteria will be killed. Freezing won't remove any stains or dirt but it will keep your jeans fresh.
Febreeze is your friend
Actually any spray designed for refreshing fabric will work here. For a quick refresh a quick spritz with an odour neutralising spray designed specifically for fabric is great. Follow the instructions on your product of choice and be sure to test it on a small inconspicuous area of your jeans first.
Brush off the big stuff
And the not so big stuff too. Use a soft brush or lint roller to remove dirt, lint or other debris that may have accumulated on the surface of your jeans. We're not ashamed to admit to employing a fingernail to remove gunk on the go.
Wear them less frequently
We love our jeans. Really, really love our jeans. That's why we have a few pairs in the wardrobe so we can rotate them. Switching to a refreshed pair of jeans will reduce wear and tear and prolong the need to wash them.
If you really need to wash
Follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. Some jeans have very specific recommendations for cleaning and maintenance. Always check to be sure before chucking them in with your regular wash.
Whether you spot them, air them, freeze them or febreeze them your jeans can be kept looking great for longer if you forgo the wash.
Most jeans these days come with at least a small amount of elastane. Elastane's kryptonite are chemicals, including detergent, friction, including friction created in a washing machine and, finally, heat, especially high heat like the heat produced by your clothes dryer or iron. Can you see where this is heading?
Detergent + Friction + Heat = Dead Jeans.
Here are some tips to keep your jeans fresh without throwing them in the wash.
Spot clean
Get in quick and gently dab the affected area with a damp cloth or sponge. Rubbing stains tends to set them further into the fabric, so avoid rubbing any spots. The quicker you can get dabbing the better. If absolutely necessary you can use a mild detergent or stain remover specifically designed for denim.
Air them out
You might be of a vintage where you remember an airing cupboard being an integral part of your home. Mum loved ours. You might be lucky enough to have one. They're perfect for hanging your jeans to air after wear to avoid any odours. You can hang them in any well-ventilated area - near an open window or outside are perfect spots.
3-2-1 FREEZE!
We can hear you saying WHAT??!! but we are not kidding. Popping your jeans in the freezer overnight kills bacterial and eliminates odours. Yes, really. Fold or roll them tightly and put them into a plastic bag then pop them in the freezer. The cold temperature will neutralise odours and bacteria will be killed. Freezing won't remove any stains or dirt but it will keep your jeans fresh.
Febreeze is your friend
Actually any spray designed for refreshing fabric will work here. For a quick refresh a quick spritz with an odour neutralising spray designed specifically for fabric is great. Follow the instructions on your product of choice and be sure to test it on a small inconspicuous area of your jeans first.
Brush off the big stuff
And the not so big stuff too. Use a soft brush or lint roller to remove dirt, lint or other debris that may have accumulated on the surface of your jeans. We're not ashamed to admit to employing a fingernail to remove gunk on the go.
Wear them less frequently
We love our jeans. Really, really love our jeans. That's why we have a few pairs in the wardrobe so we can rotate them. Switching to a refreshed pair of jeans will reduce wear and tear and prolong the need to wash them.
If you really need to wash
Follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer. Some jeans have very specific recommendations for cleaning and maintenance. Always check to be sure before chucking them in with your regular wash.
Whether you spot them, air them, freeze them or febreeze them your jeans can be kept looking great for longer if you forgo the wash.