How to Wash Jeans Without Them Fading

If you've found a perfect pair of jeans exactly the shade you prefer, you'll want to keep them from fading in the wash. Unfortunately, jeans do fade over time and you cannot prevent it entirely, unless you do not wash them. You can slow the fading process of jeans, though, by practicing a few techniques when you do the laundry.

Things You'll Need

• White distilled vinegar
• Salt
• Color protecting detergent

Instructions

1. Turn jeans inside out before washing. This reduces the friction on the outside of the jeans and reduces fading.

2. Wash jeans in cold water with a laundry detergent designed to reduce fading. There are several available in the laundry aisle and they are worth the extra cost to maintain your jeans. Warm water causes the dye to run and your jeans to fade.

3. Add 1 cup of distilled white vinegar or salt to the wash water when you wash your jeans for the first time. This will help prevent the dye from running, reducing fading.

4. Wash your jeans on the delicate cycle to reduce friction. Always use the shortest cycle to clean the jeans. Washing by hand will reduce friction even more, but it can be difficult to wring out water with your hands. You can wash jeans by hand and run them through the spin cycle if preferred.

5. Use low heat if you must use a dryer, and remove the jeans before they are completely dry. Hang inside to finish drying.

6. Take your jeans to the dry cleaners if you are hesitant to clean them on your own. Dry cleaning will prevent fading but can get expensive. If you do not mind the expense and the inconvenience of visiting the dry cleaner regularly, it is your best alternative for preventing your new jeans from fading with repeated washing.