Denim has always been a staple of Colorado fashion, and its popularity continues to grow. Whether you’re rocking jeans at work, on the weekends, or in your home office, they take a beating. That’s why proper jeans care is crucial. But when it comes to dry cleaning vs washing jeans, which method is best to keep your denim in top shape?
Should You Dry Clean Your Jeans?
Dry Cleaning is Gentler On Denim
The biggest benefit of dry cleaning jeans is how gentle the process is. Unlike soap and water, dry cleaning uses solvents that lift dirt, sweat, and grime without damaging fibers. This helps prevent denim from fading and keeps your favorite jeans looking newer, longer.
Trained Experts Will Treat Your Denim
Professional dry cleaners are trained to handle delicate fabrics like denim. They’ll choose the right approach based on your fabric type and can remove tough stains without risking discoloration or shrinkage. It’s a smarter, safer way to clean specialty jeans.
You’ll Protect Your Investment
High-end jeans are an investment. Whether you’re into raw denim or designer styles, dry cleaning jeans protects that investment by helping them hold their shape, color, and quality over time.
How to Wash Jeans at Home (Without Ruining Them)
While dry cleaning jeans is the best method for long-term care, there are ways to safely clean them at home. Always read the care label first—jeans care tips can vary by brand or fabric blend. Whether you’re handwashing jeans or using a washer, improper cleaning can cause fading or wear, so proceed carefully.
The most important tip to keep in mind when washing denim is to read the care label, since care instructions often vary.
Handwashing Your Jeans
The Pros:
Using cold water and mild detergent in a sink or bucket is the gentlest method of handwashing jeans. This reduces friction and helps prevent denim from fading, extending the life of your denim.
The Cons:
Hand washing a material like denim is time-consuming and can give you mixed results. Handwashing is only as efficient as how much you are willing to scrub the garment, and some stains may be difficult to remove by using soap and water alone. Line drying denim can help preserve them from fading, but can leave your jeans hard and stiff. To help them become soft again, turn them inside out and run them through an air cycle in the dryer
Machine Washing Jeans: Convenient but Risky
The Pros:
Putting your jeans through the washing machine is one of the easiest ways to clean denim. Washing machines are pretty thorough, so you can be confident your jeans will come out clean after each wash.
The Cons:
Unfortunately, while washing machines will clean your jeans, they just aren’t gentle enough to clean jeans without causing damage. The spin cycle creates a lot of friction, which can remove the dye and deteriorate the fabric. If you have to machine wash your jeans, be sure to use the most delicate setting, turn your denim inside out, and hang to dry.
Show your jeans some love by letting the professionals take care of them. Dry cleaners can make sure your denim is cleaned properly without causing fading or shrinking. With over 20 locations across the Denver Metro area and convenient options like free pickup and delivery and same-day service, Dependable Cleaners will help you rock your denim for years to come.
