What are Jeans Made of?
Jeans are typically made of denim, which is made from a thread of cotton fibers bound together using a twill weave—or a diagonal weave pattern. The typical pair of blue jeans you probably think of are considered non-stretch denim.
Jeans and other denim items undergo a process called “washing” that helps determine their color or design styles. Neutral denim washing can result in light-wash jeans, dark-wash jeans, black jeans, and white jeans. Some mechanical washing processes also give jeans a splotchy appearance or varied design.
What are “Jeggings”?
“Jeggings” are leggings that are made from stretch denim with added elastic fibers, like spandex and nylon often made to look like jeans. The elastic fibers help the fabric stretch out and hold a tighter form for the wearer. “Jeggings” may be preferable for those seeking an added level of comfort and shape in a more classic feel!
Although jeggings are stretchy denim, washing and drying best practices are typically the same as they are for non-stretchy denim.
Do You Wash Jeans in Cold or Hot Water?
Most jeans should be washed in cold water using a delicate cycle. Take care to wash dark jeans, including black jeans, in cold water. This will help prevent color bleeding.
However, if you need to know how to wash white jeans and the proper washing temperature required, choose a warm-water cycle. The warm water may prove more effective for heavily soiled white denim clothes. If those items are lightly soiled, you can use cold water.
Do Jeans Shrink?
Jeans typically shrink after the first wash because tension in the denim fabric goes through a process of “relaxation,” causing the dimensions of the fabric to shrink ever so slightly. However, washing in cold water and choosing a low dryer setting (or air-drying jeans) can help limit the shrinkage over time.
How to Shrink Jeans
Some people might intentionally want to shrink their jeans or jean skirt if they accidentally bought a size that doesn’t fit or are going for a certain stylistic look. The quickest and simplest way to shrink denim clothes is to wash and dry the fabric on the hottest temperature settings available.
General Tips for Jean Care
Although jeans come in different washes and styles, there are several common threads when it comes to jean care. Do your best to heed some of the following tips when washing your jeans:
- Separate Lights & Darks: Darker jeans and denim may be susceptible to color bleeding during the wash process. You wouldn’t want that color to bleed onto your pair of white jeans! Just as you typically would with other laundry, separate your light and dark denim clothes before throwing them in the wash.
- Turn Jeans Inside Out: Washing jeans inside out can help to limit any potential damage along the hems, pockets, zipper, and waistband areas. Additionally, it can stop buttons and zippers from snagging onto other items, while also helping to prevent the outside of your jeans or denim clothes from fading.
- Wash in Cold Water and Dry on a Low Cycle: As previously mentioned, washing denim clothes in cold water can help prevent shrinking and color bleeding. However, if your goal is to shrink items, wash and dry on the hottest temperature settings.
Whether your jean pants or skirts are distressed or have embroidered patterns, the above tips can help you extend their lifespan and ensure they stay in your clothing rotation.
How to Treat Stains on Jeans & Denim Items
Just as with other laundry, knowing how to remove stains from jeans and other denim is an important part of keeping those fabrics looking fresh. But depending on the wash of your jeans, those stains might not be easy to spot.
You should always spot-check your jeans and other denim clothes and pretreat stains as necessary. OxiClean™ Max Force™ Spray™ can help to loosen tough stains so they are easier to remove in the wash!
1. Spray
Directly onto the spot or stain until the area is saturated.
2. Wait
Let stand for five minutes or up to a week, depending on the severity of the stain.
3. Wash
As normal with detergent and in cold water. Choose a cold-water cycle or advise your garment care label for the proper wash temperature.
Test Max Force™ Spray in an inconspicuous area prior to use. For fabrics prone to color change, do not let stand longer than five minutes. Do not use on wool, wool blends, silk, silk blends, leather, or fabrics labeled dry clean only. Shake before use.
Maybe you have some inconspicuous grass stains lingering near the ankle after a day of fun with your kids at the park. Perhaps you accidentally pricked your finger on something sharp and a small drop of blood fell onto your jeans, or you need to get mustard stains out after your kiddo spilled mustard on their jeans eating hot dogs at the ballpark.
Stains happen, and when they do, Max Force™ Spray has you covered. It’s powerful enough to help remove the toughest stains.
With Max Force™ Spray, you can treat stains on jeans and denim immediately and wash up to seven days later. OxiClean™ also offers a travel-sized 2 Fl oz. spray you can bring with you on the go and help you avoid having stains set on your denim clothes!
How to Wash Jeans & Jean Jackets
No matter how many pairs of jeans you own, you want a laundry solution that works gently but effectively washes and cleans pants, skirts, jackets and other denim clothes. That’s why you should use OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover!
1. Check Items
If you are trying to wash a denim jacket, make sure the item is machine washable. Turn jacket or jean pants inside out, button all buttons, and zip up all the zippers. Also, check all pockets for any loose items.
2. Add
Add mild laundry detergent and Versatile Stain Remover to the drum before inserting jeans or denim clothes.
Test OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover on an inconspicuous area prior to use. Rinse, allow to dry. Safe on colorfast fabrics only. Always follow manufacturer’s guidelines for the item being cleaned. Launder in the warmest water recommended by the garment care label. Do not use on wool, wool blends, silk, silk blends, leather, or fabrics labeled dry clean only. Safe for septic tanks.
OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover works in HE and standard washing machines and can help boost any type of laundry detergent. Always refer to the packaging for directions and follow the recommended laundry instructions on the item’s care label.
You can also use OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover Free to wash jeans and jean jackets! It does not contain any dyes or perfumes. Plus, you can treat stained jeans or denim clothes by creating a mixture of Versatile Stain Remover and water (follow instructions on the package). Soak your jeans and other denim items in the mixture 1-6 hours then wash as normal with detergent to help fully remove stains in the wash.
How to Wash White Jeans
Does this laundry day call for washing your white jeans? OxiClean™ White Revive™ Laundry Whitener & Stain Remover can help remove stains while brightening white laundry items, including white denim clothes!
1. Add
Add mild laundry detergent and White Revive™ Powder or Liquid to the drum before inserting jeans or denim clothes.
Test OxiClean™ White Revive™ Laundry Whitener & Stain Remover on an inconspicuous area prior to use. Rinse, allow to dry. Safe on colorfast fabrics only. Always follow manufacturer’s guidelines for the item being cleaned. Launder in the warmest water recommended by the garment care label. Do not use on wool, wool blends, silk, silk blends, leather, or fabrics labeled dry clean only. Safe for septic tanks.
White Revive™ is a chlorine bleach-free alternative that can help remove stains while brightening white denim and reviving dingy clothes. Plus, it’s safe on colors! And we’re just getting started.
White Revive™ offers 40 percent more whitening power vs. chlorine bleach per use. See how White Revive™ can be used to brighten sheets and towels or clean white mesh or canvas sneakers that have begun to yellow from general wear and tear. You can also use to pretreat stains on white denim clothes by creating a mixture of White Revive™ and water (follow the instructions on the package). Soak your white jeans and other denim clothes 1-6 hours, then wash as normal with detergent to help whiten those whites again.
How to Remove Odors from Smelly Jeans
Imagine making your 30-minute walk to work in 90-degree heat while wearing your favorite pair of jeans. You might get a bit sweaty, right? Indeed, sweat can make your jeans smell over time, particularly if you are washing infrequently. The dye used in dark washes can also contribute to smelliness, as can storing your denim clothes in dark and damp locations—which may lead to a musty odor.
Whenever you need to remove odors from jeans and other denim items, turn to OxiClean™ Odor Blasters™!
1. Fill
Use up to a full scoop of Odor Blasters™ Versatile Odor & Stain Remover powder or one capful of Odor Blasters™ Odor & Stain Remover Laundry Booster Liquid per gallon of water. Or submerge 1 Pak of Odor Blasters™ Laundry Odor & Stain Remover Paks in 1 gallon of water. Mix* well and wait until the solution is dissolved.
2. Soak
Submerge all jeans or denim clothes for 6 hours. Especially pungent odors may require a longer soak.
3. Wash
Wash as normal with detergent.
*When creating a solution, mix until completely dissolved. Use warmest water possible. Do not heat or boil. Do not mix/store solution in a sealed container.
Test on an inconspicuous area prior to use. Do not use on wool, wool blends, silk, silk blends, leather, or fabrics labeled dry clean only.
Say you got caught out in a rainstorm without an umbrella and now have a damp pair of jeans which are already beginning to smell by the time you get home. Not fun, right? Keep calm and power out those musty odors with Odor Blasters™!
How Often Should You Wash Jeans?
The frequency with which you wash your jeans depends on how often you wear them. Pairs of jeans you wear less often probably only need to be washed every few weeks. However, you might wash pairs that you wear more frequently on a bi-weekly basis.
How Long Do Jeans Take to Air Dry?
Jeans can take around eight hours to fully dry out when air drying at room temperature. They may take longer to air dry when stored in colder or humid environments.
If you elect to air dry your jeans after washing, try laying them out on a rack or hanging them on a line. You may choose to lay your jeans out or hang them overnight to help ensure they are fully dry before putting them back in a dresser or your closet.
OxiClean™ Products Help Prolong the Life of Your Favorite Items!
Whether you’re trying to revive that chic denim jacket you purchased at the local thrift store or need help cleaning your new pair of jeggings, turn to OxiClean™ stain solutions so you can help keep those items looking fresh and ready to wear whenever you please!