Do jeans fade after being washed? Experts teach you to add "a cup of liquid" to keep it looking like new after washing

Dark jeans are a must-have item in many people’s wardrobes. However, after wearing them a few times and washing them a few times, the original dark blue or black color becomes dull and the fit becomes loose. Leanna Spektor, co-founder and fashion consultant of Australian clothing brand Brand House Direct, shared that if you want to keep your jeans looking new, you can actually do it with "common items in the kitchen."

Why do jeans get older as they are washed?

Leanna pointed out that the main reason why jeans fade is that the dye is washed away during the washing process. Hot water will open the fabric fibers and allow the dye molecules to escape; strong detergents, excessive washing or dehydration will also accelerate fading. In addition to fading in color, damaged fabric fibers can easily deform, causing the pants to become loose and no longer fit.

"Add a cup of white vinegar" to make the color of jeans stronger

Leanna Spektor recommends adding a cup of white vinegar to jeans when washing them and washing them "side out, in cold water." White vinegar is a natural fixative that helps dye molecules adhere more firmly to fibers and reduces dye loss during washing. She said: "White vinegar can remove laundry detergent residues, making the color of the fabric more stable, and can also protect the fibers from being corroded by chemicals."

Cold water, washing inside out + no drying is the key to color preservation

Washing inside out can reduce friction on the outer layer of the fabric, and cold water can prevent dye from dissolving due to heat. She cautions to avoid using bleach-containing or strong detergents and choose a mild laundry detergent designed for dark-colored clothing. In addition, softening essence should also be avoided because it will coat the fiber surface and cause the fabric to pill more easily.

After washing, it is recommended to dry naturally and do not use a dryer. Hot air will cause the color to fade faster and the fabric to shrink and deform.

Extend the life of clothing and reduce waste

Leanna Spektor said that correct washing habits can extend the life of clothes and reduce environmental waste: "I have seen many people buy jeans worth tens of thousands of dollars, only to have them reimbursed because they were washed incorrectly a few times. Adding some white vinegar is really effective, not only saving money, but also being more environmentally friendly." She added: "Learning the correct cleaning method can keep the clothes straight and dark in luster, wear them longer, and buy fewer pieces, saving money for both the wallet and the earth."