How to Wash a Denim Jacket Properly? Machine-wash & Handwash

Follow this detailed tutorial on how to wash a denim jacket by hand or in a washer to keep it looking new.

The most popular and frequently worn items in most people’s closets are their denim jackets, which are quite common. The piece is an essential all-season staple in any wardrobe, as every fan of denim jackets knows, and would be seriously harmed by improper cleaning techniques.

When the time comes that your jean jacket needs a refresh, you can give it a wash by hand or with the help of your washing machine as long as the instructions on the laundry care label allow it.

Follow the instructions in the following guide to maintain the cleanliness and quality of your denim jacket.

How to Clean a Denim Jacket in the Washing Machine?

Using the suggestions and instructions below, you can quickly refresh your go-to jean jacket in your washing machine. Before using a washing machine to get the job done right, always read the care labels on your laundry.

Step 1: Empty Pockets and Remove Any Pins, Tags Etc.

Remove any removable pins or tags, along with any small items like loose change, from the jacket pockets. Secure buttons and zippers to keep them safe during the washing process.

Step 2: Treat Stains

Oil, grease, grass, ink, and other stains should be treated on the spot with a liquid detergent or stain-removing formula before putting your jacket through a wash cycle. For details on how to remove specific stains, refer to the care label on the jacket.

Turn the jacket inside out after treating any stains to help shield the denim fibers from any friction that might happen during washing.

Step 3: Place in Washer and Add Detergent

After preparing your jacket for cleaning, carefully put it in the washer. You might want to wash the jacket separately from the rest of your household laundry because new or freshly dyed denim is more likely to experience color bleeding during a wash cycle.

Add the recommended amount of detergent to your machine’s dispenser by following the packaging instructions. Make sure to only use detergent formulated for HE washing machines if you have one. Fabric softener shouldn’t be used on denim clothing because buildup may result over time.

Step 4: Select the Wash Cycle and Start

Close the washer and start the wash cycle and the water temperature specified on the care label for your jacket. Even though denim is a heavy fabric, it is frequently advised to only wash it on a gentle cycle to prevent the fibers from needless friction. Only use cold water to wash denim in order to reduce shrinkage and fading.

How to Wash a Denim Jacket by Hand?

Read on for step-by-step instructions if you’d prefer to wash your jean jacket by hand.

1. Prep jacket and pretreat stains: Look for any areas on your jacket that require extra care before washing. Apply a stain remover beforehand to any stains on the fabric. For detailed cleaning instructions, refer to the jacket’s care label. Close all zippers and buttons after turning the jacket inside out to prevent snags.
2. Fill the tub with water and detergent: Use mild detergent and cold water to fill your tub or bucket. Before adding your denim jacket, be sure to fully dissolve the detergent.
3. Soak and rinse: Your denim jacket should soak for 30 to 45 minutes after being laid in the water. Drain the water after soaking, then refill it with cold, fresh water to wash away any detergent traces. Before draining again, let sit for at least ten minutes. Keep doing this until the water is clear.
4. Hang to dry: Hang your jacket to dry in a cool, well-ventilated area after washing and rinsing it. Avoid the sun’s direct rays because they can cause fading.

Spot Treat Stains on a Denim Jacket

Stains on a denim jacket can be treated in a few simple steps. Look for any specific stain removal instructions on the label of the jacket to get started.

In general, you should spray a denim-safe stain remover on the stained area and wait 3 to 5 minutes before using a soft brush or sponge to scrub the fabric gently. After that, rinse off any leftover substances and repeat as required.

Tips to Remember While Washing Your Denim Jacket

Use Mild/natural Detergents

Make sure your washing product doesn’t contain any significant amounts of chemicals by performing this inspection. Get a mild detergent for your denim even if you have to deviate from your regular detergent because it is worth the extra work.

The natural stiffness of your denim jacket can be loosened by harsh ingredients, which will cause the dye to fade more quickly and cause the fabric to lose its shape. Also, keep in mind that your denim only needs a tiny bit of washer liquid or soap. It should work with half a teaspoon.

Flip to Avoid a Flop

Denim jackets should always be washed from the inside out. This technique will thoroughly clean the interior areas that originally needed cleaning while also preventing tampering with the dyes. For the longest possible product life, it is equally important to purchase high-quality denim jackets.

Always Line-dry

Never, ever dry your denim jacket in the dryer or hang it up to dry. Dryers have a negative impact on the shape and strength of the fabric over time. The second issue is that hangers can leave dents near your jacket’s collar and shoulders. They should ideally be dried flat on an old towel or hung on a straight wire.

Wash With Cold Water

Your denim jacket’s dye threads won’t bleed or leach out if you wash it in cold water, keeping the shade and tone without adding extra wear and tear. A cold cycle can also help keep your denim from getting ruined or shrinking.

Because there is less friction and long-term wear and tear, cold water is better for your clothes. Therefore, the right water temperature will ensure that your jacket comes out exactly as you put it in, regardless of whether you have a light wash, dark wash, or even whitewash.

Use a Lint Roller

A handheld tool called a lint roller is used to remove lint from clothing. Denim, which readily picks up lint, dust, and dirt, benefits greatly from the same. You can quickly and easily clean your denim jacket with a lint roller as often as you’d like, while you’re driving in the car or taking a break at work, to avoid frequent unnecessary washes.

Use a Gentle, Short Cycle

With wear, denim oxidizes and softens, giving the wash a more genuine vintage appearance. You should treat denim differently than other fabrics in light of this. Avoid conventional washing and drying unless your jacket is actually filthy.

Despite the fact that denim is durable, you should still take care not to abuse it when washing it. Always use the gentlest cycle in combination with cold water. One of the best ways to make sure jean fabric holds up to repeated washings is to use a brief, gentle cycle.

How Often Should You Wash Your Denim Jacket?

Denim is made of a heavier fabric than other clothing. Because of this, you can wear it longer between washes or until an offensive smell develops. To get rid of smells and add a fresh laundry scent, you can freshen them with a fabric freshener.

Denim fabric is protected from deterioration by the lesser number of washes you give it. The fabric is broken down during the wash cycle; therefore, drying them or washing them in hot water will do more harm than good. especially those made of stretchable fabric or elastane.

Other than these pieces of advice, you should also know that the frequency you will wash your denim depends on the type you are cleaning. Denim that has been unwashed and sanforized should only be dry cleaned. If you own this kind of denim, you should have it professionally dry-cleaned.

A cold water wash and air drying should be done after five wears for acid-washed or stonewashed denim. It is different for blended denim clothing, which combines denim with spandex, Lycra, or polycotton fibers. When they deflate or expand, washing is advised.

Final Thoughts: Wash a Denim Jacket

Considerations abound when washing a denim jacket. If you wash it, you must wear it until there is a stain or an offensive odor. It won’t need to be washed as often because it will wear out quickly.

If your denim jacket has any stains or obvious soil, is worn in hot or rainy weather, or has been around for a few weeks, you should wash it.

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