P&G's Ultimate Denim Care Guide: How to Wash, Wear and Preserve Your Favorite Jeans

Your shower wasn’t meant for laundry and neither was your freezer! So why are you using your bathroom fixture and kitchen appliances to care for your favorite jeans?

The perfect pair of jeans is more than just fabric; it’s a second skin, a trusty companion and a versatile wardrobe staple that can be dressed up or down. We understand the lengths you might go to preserve and keep them looking great. But what if we told you that caring for your denim doesn't have to be complicated? You can achieve great results with simple, effective care techniques that will keep your jeans looking their best without resorting to unconventional methods.

At P&G, our Fabric Care scientists have dedicated decades to unraveling the secrets of denim. Through their research, they have developed innovative solutions to help you care for your jeans. Now they’re sharing their knowledge to debunk common myths with science-backed truths to ensure your jeans look and feel their best, wear after wear.

Do I really need to wash my jeans?

While some designers have made headlines suggesting you don’t need to wash them (and we admire their boldness!), the science says otherwise. Our experts have studied all types of fabrics, including denim, after everyday activities – like going to work, sitting on the bleachers at a game, and grabbing pizza with friends. The findings are clear: dead skin cells, food particles, and body soils that can cling to fibers, and which can lead to unpleasant odors.

Myth Buster: Have you heard that freezing your jeans stops odors? P&G Fabric Care scientists confirm that freezing (a common myth!) only pauses odor formation – it doesn't clean or remove stink. So, don’t give jeans the cold shoulder!

How often should I wash my jeans?

This is the million-dollar question. Here’s a good rule of thumb:

• After One Wear: If your jeans are visibly stained or have food or drink marks that could set, wash them immediately. This also applies if you’ve been perspiring heavily or spent time in high-traffic areas where dirt and soils may be lurking. You want to avoid transferring those soils back home. For tougher spots, a quick pre-treat before washing can help lift stains more effectively.
• After Several Wears: For most of us, this is the sweet spot. If you have only worn the jeans for a few hours and haven’t experienced heavy spills, strong odors, or excessive perspiration, you can wait a bit longer. However, since sweat and body oils can build up on fibers over time, we recommend washing your jeans within a week to maintain cleanliness.
• Ten Wears: Really? While some might suggest waiting this long to preserve color, remember that sweat and body oils can still build up over time and result in odors that will be tough to remove. Gentle washing with a high-quality detergent, like Tide or Gain, will help keep your denim clean and fresh without excessive fading.
• Never: Please, we beg you – do not to do this! Your jeans (and everyone around you) will thank you.

What is the best way to wash jeans to maintain original fit and prevent stretching or shrinking?
The secret to caring for your perfect pair is this perfect pair: cold water and the right products.

• Go Cold, Go Gentle, Go Sustainable: Washing denim in cold water on a gentle cycle can reduce energy use for that load by up to 90% compared to hot water washing. Our advanced formulas are designed to clean effectively at lower temperatures, helping you care for your clothes while saving energy. The P&G Fabric Care R&D team has spent decades innovating on these formulas to ensure a great clean, even in cooler temperatures.
• Choose Your Champion Detergent: Opt for a detergent that’s proven to perform in cold water, like Tide Oxi Boost PODS®, Tide Boosted Original HDL, or Tide Ultra Oxi Powder._ Available in a variety of formats, these detergents provide powerful cleaning while helping maintain denim’s color and fabric integrity. Combined with cold water, they help remove stains efficiently without compromising your jeans.

Myth Buster: Many people believe you need hot water for cleaning, but modern cold-water detergents, like Tide, deliver a deep clean while helping to protect the color of your fabrics.

How can I prevent jeans from fading?

Fading is a common concern, but it doesn't have to be your denim's destiny. The good news is that cold-water washing techniques also help protect color.

• Wash in Cold Water: Washing in cold water with a detergent like Tide or Gain, optimized for cold or lower temperatures, helps prevent color loss in the wash cycle.
• Turn Your Jeans Inside Out: Before washing, turn your jeans inside out. This simple step minimizes friction on the outer surface and further protects the dye from fading.

My jeans feel stiff after washing. How do I keep denim soft and comfortable?
No one wants jeans that feel like cardboard! The secret to soft, comfortable denim that still holds its shape is to add a fabric enhancer to your washing machine. Here’s how you can keep your jeans feeling great:

• Add a Fabric Enhancer: Downy Fabric Softeners were specially formulated to deliver freshness while helping to keep clothing fibers soft and flexible.
• Why it Matters: Using a fabric enhancer is crucial for denim, as it prevents that stiff, rigid feeling without compromising the fabric's structure. This way, your jeans maintain their fit and comfort wash after wash.

Myth Buster: "Fabric softener ruins jeans." False! The right balance of fabric enhancers, like Downy Fabric Softener, is actually beneficial for natural fibers like cotton in jeans – it helps protect and condition the fibers without damaging them. Our textile chemistry experts have designed our formulas to work with your jeans, not against them. So, you can enjoy comfortable, well-fitting denim without worrying about damage.

If you aren’t concerned about softness and want extra odor fighting power for your fabrics, use Downy Rinse Out Odor in your rinse drawer instead. You just add the Rinse to your fabric softener drawer, and it will go to work in the rinse cycle to help break down and remove odor-causing residues.

What is the best way to remove stains from denim?

Spills happen! Whether it's coffee, grass or a rogue food stain, quick action and the right products are essential for effective stain removal. Here’s how to tackle tough stains on your favorite jeans.

1. Pre-Treat Power: For stubborn stains, start by pre-treating the affected area with a small amount of liquid Tide or Gain detergent. Gently rub it into the stain with your finger or a soft brush, always working with the fabric’s grain. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the detergent to penetrate the fibers.
2. Wash as Usual: After pre-treating, wash your jeans using cold water on a gentle cycle with your favorite P&G detergent. This helps to remove any remaining stain while preserving the color and integrity of your denim.

Do I need special detergent for jeans?

You don't need a detergent specifically labeled for jeans, but you do need a high-quality detergent optimized for cold water. This is where Tide and Gain excel. Their advanced formulas are specifically designed to tackle dirt and stains effectively in cold water while helping to protect your denim's color. By choosing the right detergent, you can help ensure your jeans stay clean and vibrant, wash after wash.

How should I dry my jeans?

When it comes to drying your jeans, the method you choose can make a big difference. Here are some effective tips to preserve color and fit while keeping your jeans soft:

• Air Drying: Laying jeans flat or hanging them to air dry helps preserve color and fit but can sometimes leave denim feeling stiff. To combat stiffness and maintain color, consider using a fabric enhancer like Downy Fabric Softener in the wash to help keep your jeans looking good without compromising softness and comfort.
• Tumble Drying: If you want to shorten the dry time on your jeans, you can tumble them on low heat until they are about halfway dry. Adding a Bounce dryer sheet can provide additional freshness while the jeans are tumbling in the dryer. This will help prevent shrinkage that can happen in the dryer.

P&G Fabric Care Innovation: Science You Can Trust

At P&G, our commitment to your clothes goes beyond just getting them clean. Our dedicated team of Fabric Care scientists – experts in textiles, chemistry, garment care innovation and fiber sustainability – are continuously researching and developing solutions to help keep your clothes in great shape. We are passionate about extending the life of your garments, saving you money, and reducing clothing waste.

So, next time you reach for your favorite pair of jeans, remember: P&G has your back (and your denim!). With the right fabric care knowledge and the power of Tide, Gain, Downy, and Bounce, you can confidently wash, wear and help preserve your beloved jeans for years to come.