A Refresher on Keeping Those Jeans Fresh and Clean

When exactly is it the perfect time to wash your jeans? Well, never! And this advice is coming straight from Levi Strauss & Co. CEO Chip Bergh, who was quick to point out the environmental benefits that come from keeping your jeans out of the wash and minimizing water usage.
Before you wrinkle your nose at the idea of stepping into a “dirty” pair of jeans, know this: According to Business Insider, a student at the University of Alberta in Canada tested the bacteria levels on a pair of jeans he’d worn for 15 months without a single wash against a pair that had been worn for only 13 days. The result may surprise you: The bacteria counts were almost identical.
Ok, but what about the smell, right? Some eco-friendly denim lovers love to toss their jeans in the freezer over the wash, though Huffington Post reports that the freezer won’t do much by way of killing bacteria, it’ll only stop it from spreading for the time being.
Another tip to help prevent stains, smells and a trip to the washing machine? Spot cleaning. Immediately target and remove small stains with the help of a damp cloth, an old toothbrush and a mild soap. It’s simple, it’s easy, and it keeps your jeans looking great. Avoiding laundry will also help keep the fit you love true to you.
If you really can’t help it and you need to give those beloved blues a dunk after a few wears, then opt for the hand wash. You can control how much water you use and the temperature of the water. Only use as much water as you truly need, and keep it cold. Cooler water temps protect your jeans against fading and shrinking and saves energy (and money).
Once you’re done, skip the dryer and let your denim duds air dry—another option that helps preserve the fit and avoids warped fabrics. Oh, and did we mention this method won’t cost you a dime? Pro tip: When air drying, keep your denim out of the sun to prevent fading.
Now that you know the dirty little secrets to keeping your fave 501’s® fresh and clean, all you have to do is rock them with confidence.
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