Jeans are more than just a wardrobe staple. They are a personal expression of style, comfort, and durability. Whether stepping out in your favorite pair of raw denim or slipping into pre-washed blues, proper care of your jeans can significantly extend their lifespan. You have more than one way to take care of your jeans. Should you wash your jeans after every wear? How do you treat stubborn stains? How do you care for raw versus pre-washed denim? This guide answers these and other questions you have regarding caring for your jeans.
Raw vs. Pre-washed
Pre-washed denim jeans are already washed and look a little worn, while raw denim jeans allow you to develop the wear pattern on your jeans. Therefore, you should understand how each type should be cleaned and cared for to retain its color, texture, and longevity.
Pre-Washed Denim
Washed or treated denim has undergone some treatments by the manufacturer and has a specific appearance. This means it has been washed, faded, or distressed to a certain degree, even before reaching the stores. That is why pre-washed jeans are less prone to shrinkage or getting out of shape than raw denim.
But then again, since they are already washed, you should not put them in the washing bin after every use. Regular washing reduces the desirability of having pre-washed jeans since washing removes all the desirable attributes.
For blue denim, frequent washing causes jeans to fade, which might be the desired effect. If you do not want the color to fade, wash the clothes after about seven uses. For everyday stains, spot cleaning is your most effective option, while simple airing of the fabric can help eliminate odors without shrinking the fabric.
White denim, however, is a little more complicated. Although it is good to wash them less often, white jeans are easily soiled, and the dirt shows easily. If white denim is to be maintained clean, it is recommended to hand wash it or wash it in the washing machine in the most delicate setting. Never iron your pre-washed denim; always air-dry your jeans after washing to avoid shrinkage and wear off by the dryer's heat.
Raw Denim
Raw denim, also called dry denim, has not undergone further processing after leaving the loom. It is rigid and dark and considered a blank canvas for custom fades and wear patterns. Raw denim needs special treatment because it has not undergone washing or any form of processing that alters the texture and color.
The ideal thing to do with raw denim is not to wash it for over six months. This makes the denim fit the body perfectly, and as you move, the denim wears out by forming creases, fades, and patterns. For odor or bacteria issues, one of the most effective methods that has been popular among raw denim lovers is freezing the jeans. So, putting them in the freezer overnight will eliminate bacteria and make them feel fresh without washing them with water and detergent, which fades the color and softness of the jeans.
Although freezing does not help to wash it and remove stains, it keeps raw denim clean without losing its appearance. For minor stains, one should try to wash the delicate fabrics with a local cloth and a gentle detergent. As with pre-washed denim, raw denim should be air-dried after washing.
Spot Clean Stains
Even if you are careful about how you put on your jeans, you are bound to spill something on them. Whether it is becoming dirty while out on a nature trail or spilling oil while cooking, stains cannot be avoided.
However, you do not always need to wash your jeans after each spillage or mishap. Laundry spot cleaning also saves time, water, and the wear and tear of unnecessary washing.
Mud and Grass
Two of the most common culprits are mud and grass stains, especially if you are an outdoor person. For mud stains, the first step is to let the mud dry. This might seem counterintuitive, but attempting to clean wet mud furthers the stain. When mud has dried, shake it vigorously and lightly dust off as much dirt as possible.
Subsequently, a mixture of cold water and mild detergent dab at the remaining stain. For tough grass stains that are hard to remove because of the natural grass color, use white vinegar and water to remove the stain before it sets.
Leaving the stain to settle makes it difficult to wash, and using a lot of pressure can cause the fabric to wear out or even make the stain penetrate deeper into the fibers. Always blot, never scrub, and do not use hot water to remove the stain, as it tends to fix it rather than remove it.
Grease and Oil
Grease and oil stains could feel like a death sentence for your favorite pair of jeans, but that does not have to be the case. The secret to dealing with such tough stains is in the realm of absorption. The first step is to wipe as much grease as possible off the surface with a clean cloth or paper. The sooner you do this, the better your chances of lifting the stain off.
After blotting, pour cornstarch, baby powder, or baking soda on the stained area. These absorbent powders will help pull the oil up from the fabric. Allow the power to set for at least fifteen to thirty minutes, then dust it.
Following the powder treatment, wet the area with a solution of mild dish soap and warm water because these are effective in dissolving grease. Do not use too much water to avoid spreading the oil over the denim while washing it. After washing, do not iron the jeans or dry them in a dryer. Leave them to dry independently and check the stain before proceeding to the next step. The grease stains are hard to remove completely, so you have to repeat the process to remove them.
Red Wine
Red wine stains are a nightmare for any fabric, but they are especially challenging for denim. The ideal way to deal with red wine is to act fast. Firstly, dab the area with a clean cloth to remove as much of the wine as possible.
Do not rub the area to avoid aggravating the stain even more. When you are done wiping, sprinkle some salt on it. Salt is also absorbent and could pull out wine from the fabric.
After some time, wash the affected area with cold water. Avoid hot water, which will cause the wine to fall into the fabric. For tougher stains, use white vinegar and laundry detergent, as this can dissolve the wine pigments. Apply the mixture to the stain softly, and then rinse as you did before with cold water.
Lastly, wash the jeans, let them air dry, and then see if any residue of the stain remains.
Find a Professional Garment Cleaner Near Me
Caring for your jeans at home can keep them looking sharp. However, there are times when a professional touch is the best option. Whether you are dealing with tough stains that will not budge, raw denim that needs careful cleaning, or just want to refresh your favorite pair without the risk of damage, a professional garment cleaner can make all the difference.
At Boca Best Cleaners, we have the expertise and specialized tools necessary to handle all types of denim with care. We ensure your jeans stay clean and retain shape, color, and quality. For professional garment cleaning in Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, or Fort Lauderdale, Florida, contact us at 561-613-0352 and let us handle your clothes with the expertise they deserve.
