How to wash jeans in an automatic washing machine correctly?

It often happens that your favorite jeans stretch after washing, lose their decor or fade. To avoid such troubles, you need to know how to wash jeans in an automatic washing machine and manually. How long the item will last and how it will look depends on the correctness and accuracy of the actions.

How often can you wash jeans?

According to statistics, about 37% of people wash denim pants every 5-6 wears, about 16% after 7 wears. Of course, there are those who wash their jeans almost every day, and there are those who wash them quite rarely. But what will the professionals say about this?

In fact, it is not advisable to wash your jeans too often as the fabric can fade and become stiffer when machine washed. Jeans items can be washed once every 2 weeks; more frequent washing is permissible only in case of heavy soiling.

Can jeans be washed in a washing machine?

For many, the question of whether it is possible to wash jeans in an automatic machine remains open. Some wash denim only by hand, but this method does not always allow stains to be removed efficiently, and sometimes due to strong friction, pale bald spots appear on the jeans. In addition, after manual processing, jeans take a long time to dry, since it can be difficult to wring them out properly.

Therefore, using an automatic machine for jeans is quite acceptable, the main thing is to choose a suitable program and non-aggressive detergents.

But it should be borne in mind that some models of denim trousers are best washed exclusively by hand. We are talking about models with hand embroidery, stones and other decor. In the machine, such a thing can become hopelessly damaged, while jeans made of plain cotton and denim look great even after machine washing.

Preparing jeans for washing in the washing machine

It would seem that it could be easier than washing in a machine. Throw the clothes into the drum, add the powder and wait for clean, fragrant clothes. But in the case of jeans, everything is a little more complicated. Before washing, they need to be properly prepared, namely:

1. Fasten buttons, zippers and snaps.
2. Remove all small items from your pockets: hairpins, pins, coins, etc.
3. If there are leather inserts, lubricate them with glycerin to prevent cracking of the material.
4. Turn the jeans inside out so that they do not become deformed and various locks, buttons and decorative elements do not come into contact with the drum of the machine.

It is also important to understand that light and dark jeans cannot be washed together. They need to be sorted to preserve the original color.

Selecting a washing mode

To ensure that jeans do not lose their original appearance after washing, it is important to choose the right mode.Of the modes available in modern machines for washing denim, the following modes are suitable:

1. “Jeans” is a separate program designed specifically for washing jeans. The peculiarity of the mode is the abundant formation of foam, which reduces the intensity of friction of clothes on the drum.
2. “Hand wash” is a gentle washing mode that requires a minimum drum rotation speed and careful handling of items.
3. “Gentle” or “Delicate”. These modes may be called differently depending on the model of the washing machine, but they provide a soft wash without harming things.
4. "Quick wash". This mode may differ in different machines. This can be a 15-minute or half-hour wash, which works great for denim. Contact with water in this mode is short-lived, so the product does not fade or deform.

In most washing machines, you can independently set the washing parameters, selecting the required temperature and spin force.

In this case, it is advisable to focus on the manufacturer’s recommendations indicated on the label.

Selecting the washing temperature

One of the unpleasant consequences that can occur after washing jeans in a machine is their shrinkage. This is due to the fact that denim is based on cotton fibers, which shrink when exposed to temperatures. And the higher the water temperature during washing, the more the product will shrink. It will be very difficult to return jeans that have shrunk 1-2 sizes to their original state.

In order for the pants to fit as before, they need to be washed at 30-40 degrees. Lowering this value will not remove stains well and will not eliminate unpleasant odors.You should also avoid strong temperature changes when soaking. The range should always be between 30-40 degrees.

Choosing a product for washing jeans in the washing machine

You can wash denim with standard laundry detergents: powders, capsules, gels and even laundry soap. However, it is better to give preference to liquid and gel detergents, as they are quickly removed from the coarse fibers of jeans and do not leave white streaks.

You can also wash your jeans with wool or silk detergent. They efficiently, but at the same time delicately remove dirt, preventing rough denim from fading and shrinking. Also today in stores you can find special detergents for washing jeans, and their choice is quite wide.

Bleach should only be used on white jeans.

You can remove stains on colored denim using oxygen-based stain removers. As an addition to washing, you can use special products to preserve the color of products. And if your jeans feel rough after washing, you should add conditioner. It makes clothes nicer and softer to the touch.

What items can you wash jeans with?

Washing blue jeans with white and light-colored items is a big risk, even if the temperature was set to low. This mistake leads to the appearance of stains on light-colored clothes, which then have to be dealt with for a very long time.

You can wash classic jeans with other items only if they are similar in color and do not fade. It is also important to consider the type of fabric and the manufacturer's recommendations on the label. In no case should you overload the drum, given the fact that wet things weigh much more than dry ones.

How to properly wring jeans in a washing machine

You should avoid spinning too hard when washing your jeans in a machine. The fabric may not be able to cope with the load and may become deformed or even tear. You need to choose medium speed so that the fabric does not wrinkle. Typically, it is recommended to set the number of revolutions on the labels from 400 to 700.

Some models are best pressed only by hand. We are talking about jeans with metal fittings, lace, rhinestones and other decorations. Torn parts will not only spoil the appearance of the product, but can also cause damage to the washing machine. It is also undesirable to wring out stretch jeans in the machine - they can stretch and become 2-3 sizes larger.

How to dry jeans correctly

Jeans is a fairly thick fabric that takes a long time to dry. After hand washing, the water first drains, and only then does the moisture begin to evaporate. The last things to dry are the seams, the area near the fasteners, the pockets and the waistband. Denim dries faster after machine washing and spinning at medium speed.

You can dry your jeans in one of the following ways:

1. Hang on the balcony, attaching them with clothespins to the belt or the lower edges of the legs. It is important to take into account that the fabric can fade in the sun, so before drying it is better to turn the jeans inside out.
2. You can dry your jeans faster using a radiator. But since this drying method can cause the fibers to coarse, the pants may become unpleasant and rough to the touch. To reduce this kind of consequences, you should smooth and stretch your jeans with your hands from time to time. It is also important not to leave your jeans on the radiator for too long - they can dry out and become very hard, especially if the fabric is thick.
3. With the help of a fan, the jeans dry quickly.To do this, you need to hang the jeans on the back of a chair or dryer and turn on the fan at a distance of about 30 cm. Using the same principle, you can dry the jeans using air conditioning.
4. An electric dryer is a device that is designed specifically for quickly drying clothes. If you have such a unit in your home, there will be no problems with drying things - even thick jeans will dry in just a couple of hours. The electric dryer works autonomously, so the housewife can go about her business.
5. If you need to dry your jeans urgently, you can use an iron. For this method you will also need an ironing board, a couple of towels, diapers or sheets. The jeans should be laid out on a terry towel with the wrong side up, covered with a diaper or sheet, then begin to iron the pants with a well-heated iron. It is important that the ironing mode is without steam. After a few minutes, you need to let the jeans cool, replace the wet diapers with dry ones and repeat the cycle until the product is completely dry.
6. A hairdryer is usually used to dry slightly damp clothes. It takes a lot of effort to dry your jeans immediately after washing. This will require a fairly powerful device. The jeans need to be straightened well, turned inside out and secured with a rope. The air should be directed from top to bottom, distributing it over the entire surface of the legs. It is important to monitor the condition of the device and periodically let it cool down, otherwise the hair dryer may overheat and fail.

It must be taken into account that heating devices for drying can only be used for denim fabric that does not contain synthetic fibers. Otherwise, the product may stretch and lose its appearance.

Hand washing jeans

Washing jeans by hand is quite difficult, but this option is the most gentle. In order to wash jeans by hand efficiently and carefully, you must follow a certain algorithm:

1. Prepare jeans for washing (remove excess items from pockets, fasten buttons and zippers, turn the product inside out).
2. Fill a bathtub or basin with warm, but under no circumstances hot, water, add a suitable detergent (marked “For hand washing”), wait until it is completely dissolved. Do not pour powder or add gel directly onto the fabric, so as not to spoil it.
3. Soak the jeans without creasing or wrinkling them. If there is heavy dirt, leave it for 30-40 minutes; if not, you can wash it immediately.
4. Wash jeans as usual. You can use a brush to remove stains, avoiding strong rubbing.
5. Drain the water and rinse the jeans well, wring them out, but do not twist them. You can apply a terry towel to remove excess water.
6. Hang the product to dry.

Don't be alarmed if the water turns a little color. Dark jeans always show color, especially in the first few washes. In this case, the appearance of the product after drying will not be affected.

What should you do to prevent jeans from losing color?

To avoid fading of denim, you must consider the following recommendations:

1. Do not wash the item too often.
2. Do not soak jeans for a long time, choose a short washing cycle.
3. After the first wash, rinse the product in a vinegar solution (3 tablespoons per 10 liters of water).
4. Use liquid or gel detergents instead of powder.
5. Do not use chlorinated or acidic compounds.
6. Wash stains as soon as possible so that they do not have time to become embedded in the fabric.

The listed rules are enough to ensure that jeans retain their color and attractive appearance for a long time. But this applies only to high-quality products, since jeans that are too cheap can suffer even with gentle washing.

How to soften stiff denim?

If after drying it turns out that the jeans have become rough and unpleasant to the touch, they can be softened. To do this, you can use one of the following tips:

1. Twist the jeans and beat them on a hard surface.
2. Place the pants in a bag and carefully roll them with a rolling pin or other similar object.
3. Put on your jeans and wet them with a spray bottle of plain water. After the first wear, the fabric will become much softer.
4. Steam jeans with a steam generator.
5. Wash the product again, adding fabric softener or hair rinse.

You may hear advice that washing your jeans with tennis balls will make them softer. This is true, but it should be taken into account that the increased friction created by the balls can lead to rapid wear of the fabric.

Do I need to wash my jeans after purchasing them?

Many people believe that it is not at all necessary to wash jeans immediately after purchase. However, there are several arguments in favor of why this is still worth doing:

1. Washing new jeans will remove excess pigment. If this is not done, the pants may stain the skin, which will lead to discomfort and even allergies.
2. The first wash will remove the “factory” smell from your jeans.
3. Most likely, someone else tried on the same jeans while you were in the store. In this case, washing is necessary for hygienic purposes.

If there are concerns that the jeans will lose their color after washing, you can fix the dye with vinegar, adding 3 tbsp. l.for 10 liters of water.

How to remove difficult stains?

Many people are interested in the question of how to remove difficult stains from denim. It should be noted right away that incorrect actions can lead to the formation of whitish scuffs, so it is important to do everything correctly.

First, you should treat overly dirty jeans by soaking them for half an hour in warm water with detergent or powder. Then lightly rub the stains with your hands or with a soft brush.

Now let's look at the most common types of stains and methods for removing them:

1. Kerosene is great for removing greasy stains - apply it to a cotton pad and moisten the stain, then wash the jeans as usual. As an alternative to kerosene, you can use dishwashing detergent by adding it instead of powder to water and soaking the jeans for 30 minutes, then washing as usual.
2. If gum is stuck to your jeans, they should be placed in the freezer. After a good freeze, removing the gum will not be difficult.
3. Wine stains can be easily removed with a solution: 2 tbsp. l. peroxide per 200 ml of water. Soak a cotton pad in the resulting liquid and apply it to the stain until it is completely removed.
4. Blood from jeans is washed off using vinegar, soda and salt. First, you need to apply a mixture of salt and baking soda to the stain, and after five minutes, pour vinegar over it. When the hissing stops, wash the jeans.
5. Iodine stains can be washed off with milk. You just need to apply a little milk for 15 minutes, then wash the stain with laundry soap.

Under no circumstances should you wash difficult stains from jeans using bleaches and aggressive detergents or too high a water temperature.Such manipulations will inevitably lead to deformation of the product or loss of paint.

Conclusion

Washing jeans in a machine is not the most common procedure. But if you take into account the above recommendations, the item will not lose its appearance and will serve for many years. Of course, if we are talking about jeans with a lot of decoration or some very expensive product, you should think carefully before putting them in the drum. It may be better to wash this item by hand.