Best Ways to Care for Your Favorite Jeans

Everybody has a favorite pair of jeans that they hope will last as long as possible in their closet. However, with so many myths surrounding denim care, what is the most effective way to ensure that your jeans last a lifetime or two? This is the advice provided by denim experts.

WASH YOUR JEANS LESS OFTEN

Wash them once every ten wears at the most to keep them in good condition and prevent excessive "rebound." Alternatively, you could wear them for even longer until they begin to smell a little funky. Instead of washing small stains, use a damp cloth or an old toothbrush dipped in mild soap to remove them instead. Those distinct lines and creases on your jeans that are unique to you? Do you know what I'm talking about? That one-of-a-kind look is achieved by wearing your jeans for extended periods of time without washing them.

USE A LINE-DRYING SYSTEM

Clothes dryers are jeans' natural adversary. All of that lint is the result of your jeans wearing out. Instead, place them on a hook. Drying on a line keeps the fit intact and helps you avoid possible shrinkage or warping of the fabric. Turning your jeans inside out and storing them in a shady location will help to prevent fading and soggy pockets from occurring.

USE COLDER WATER FOR WASHING

Cold water helps to maintain the color you desire. Washing them in cold water helps to keep them from fading and shrinking as they age. Turning your jeans inside out and storing them in a shady location will help to prevent fading and soggy pockets from occurring.

GO LIGHT ON THE DETERGENT

In order to further preserve the color of your jeans, it is best to avoid using harsh detergents in your washing machine load. Choose a mild detergent that is designed for gentle washing, or go completely natural by washing your clothes in a cold-water cycle with a cup of distilled vinegar instead of detergent.

PUT YOUR FEAR OF FREEZING TO REST

According to a persistent myth, "freezing your jeans kills the bacteria." While this may sound like a useful denim-saving lifehack, it isn't true. The reason you can't clean your jeans by freezing them is that your freezer doesn't get cold enough to kill bacteria in the first place. Denim should not be frozen because it is a waste of time and freezer space. Instead of attempting to clean your jeans by freezing them, it is preferable to simply wash them when necessary (but not too frequently).