Washing jeans with vinegar is a method used to help preserve their color and prevent fading. Vinegar is mildly acidic and can act as a natural fabric softener without damaging the denim. Here's how you can wash your jeans with vinegar:
Materials you'll need:
- Jeans
- White distilled vinegar
- Washing machine
Instructions:
Prepare the Jeans:
- Before washing your jeans, empty all the pockets and unbutton any buttons or zippers.
- Turn the jeans inside out. This helps reduce friction and abrasion on the outer side of the jeans, preserving the color.
Select the Vinegar:
- Use white distilled vinegar for washing your jeans. Other types of vinegar might have color that could potentially stain your jeans.
Measure the Vinegar:
- For one regular-sized load of laundry, you can use about 1/2 to 1 cup of white vinegar. If you have a larger load, you can adjust the amount of vinegar accordingly.
Add the Vinegar to the Washing Machine:
- Place the jeans in the washing machine drum.
- Pour the measured amount of white vinegar into the washing machine along with your regular detergent. The vinegar will not interfere with the detergent's cleaning abilities.
Select the Washing Cycle:
- Choose a cold water wash cycle. Cold water helps preserve the color of the jeans and prevents excessive shrinkage.
- You can use a regular or gentle cycle, depending on the level of soiling and the care label instructions on your jeans.
Start the Washing Machine:
- Start the washing machine and let it complete the cycle, which includes both the washing and rinsing phases.
Dry the Jeans:
- Once the washing cycle is complete, remove the jeans from the machine promptly.
- Shake them out to reduce wrinkles.
- Hang the jeans to air dry, or you can tumble dry on a low heat setting if the care label allows it. Avoid high heat settings, as they can lead to shrinkage and potential damage to the fabric.
By washing your jeans with vinegar, you may notice that they retain their color better over time. Additionally, vinegar can help eliminate any lingering odors and leave your jeans feeling soft and fresh.