No wardrobe is ever complete without denims. From indigo blues to deep blacks, denims come in different forms, shapes, and colours. But denim was not always the fashion icon that it is considered today. Instead, it was used in clothing for pants and overalls by minerson in the US.
Thanks to improvements in spinning, weaving, and finishing, manufacturers have started to create beautiful denims that go perfectly with almost every dress in your closet.
Washing and laundry care plays an important role in taking care of your denims and preserving them for longer. In this clothing care guide, we will tell you everything you need to know to keep your denims in the best shape and form even after multiple wears and washes. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Pre-Treatment
This is the first and one of the most important steps in denim laundry care. All of the woven textiles contain some size on them to strengthen the yarn for weaving. While this extra material allows for shrinking and stretching (enabling a better fit over time), having too much excessive sizing can result in a baggy or sloppy fit.
Generally, there are two types of sizes added in denims i.e., water-soluble (CMC or PVA based sizes), and starch-based sizes (dissolvable in water). To get rid of any excessive sizing or chemicals for your denims, simply rinse them in cold water for at least 2 hours. This will also make your denim feel “lived in” and thus more comfortable.
Step 2: Clean up
Denim is a durable fabric, but it requires some TLC to maintain its appearance and longevity. For starters, always wash your denim in cold water and with a gentle or non-ionic detergent to avoid shrinking and colour bleeding.
However, it’s best to refer to the instructions mentioned on the care label before tossing your garments in the washing machine. Also, wash dark and light-colored denims separately to prevent colour transfer during the cycle.
Unlike other garments in your wardrobe, denims don’t need to be washed that frequently. If there are no visible stains or odours, you can wear them multiple times without washing. To refresh clothing between washes, try hanging your denims in fresh air for some time.
Step 3: Remove pilling
Denim is made of tightly woven cotton and being a natural fabric, cotton is highly prone to pilling. The best way to get rid of pilling on clothes is to rely on an enzyme-based formula such as BIORESTORE cotton. This pilling remover revives your denims in only one home laundry wash and that too in an “eco-friendly” manner.
Pick your denims with lint or pilling and toss them into the washing machine. Then add the recommended amount of BIORESTORE Re-Tergent and using the instructions mentioned on the packaging, run the cycle. When the cycle is completed, you can either tumble-dry the denims on a short cycle or rinse them off with a small amount of your regular detergent and then lay them flat to dry.
To prevent pilling on clothes in the first place, turn them inside out before washing. Also, opt for gentler washing and drying methods such as handwashing and air-drying. This will prevent your clothing from excessive wear and keep them looking and feeling their best for years to come.
Step 4: Use the right laundry Softener
Denim is a heavier fabric and hence needs some softening after the wash process. However, using traditional softeners can result in discoloration and yellowing of denim i.e., change in shade or loss of whiteness, ultimately affecting its appearance and longevity.
Indigo dyed fabric is even more prone to yellowing. While there is no single reason for discoloration in denim, using wrong laundry care products can certainly contribute to it.
An anti-ozone softener is the perfect choice for softening your denims as they are especially designed to protect garments from harmful effects of ozone. These softeners can not only keep your denims from yellowing caused by ozone exposure but also help in maintaining its vibrancy and hand feel for longer.
Step 5: Avoid Bleaching
Chemicals used in bleach i.e., “sodium hypochlorite” can cause yellowing and discoloration in denims. It’s best to avoid bleaching your fabrics, especially the light-colored ones to preserve its vibrancy.
However, if you need to bleach your denim (for fading or any other purpose), make sure to use a neutralising agent afterwards for stopping the bleach agents from reacting with the fabric any longer. This can also be done by rinsing the fabric completely with cold water.
Is denim hard to wash?
While denim may seem like a tough fabric, it’s not hard to wash at all. Just remember to use cold water, a mild detergent, and turn them inside out before washing. If you want to maintain their original vibrancy and texture, do not use any products that may cause yellowing or discoloration such as sodium-based bleaches. Finally, instead of tumble drying, opt for natural methods such as air-drying to reduce excessive wear.
Can I wash jeans with black clothes?
Yes, you can generally wash jeans with black clothes. However, it’s always a good idea to check the care labels of both the jeans and the other black garments to ensure they have similar care instructions.
If you’re unsure, it’s best to err on the side of caution and wash jeans separately from other dark-coloured clothes. This will help prevent colour transfer during the cycle, especially if the jeans are new or have a darker shade of black.
