Jean Jackets are one of the most fashionable jackets you can find. They are helpful during those almost chilly days when wearing a moderately thick jacket could suffice.
But Jean’s fabric can be misleading. Although they are tough and have a rugged-looking exterior, they are delicate and require great care when washing.
This article will show how often and how best to wash your Jean Jacket to prevent fading and other damages.
How Often Should You Wash Jean Jackets?
There are special dyes that attach to the Jean fabrics. As you wash your jean more often, the dyes will loosen from the fabric and cause them to fade eventually.
To prevent the quick fading of the jacket, you should take care of how you wash your jacket and how often.
The standard recommendation is to wash your Jean jacket once every ten wears; this would prevent quick fading and allow your jacket to preserve its quality for as long as possible.
You can use these laundry tips to stop your jacket from developing an odd smell between washing intervals.
Tips to Remember When Washing Your Jean Jacket
Before you begin washing your Jean jacket, there are several tips you need to note. Following these tips will keep your Jean Jacket looking cool and new.
Always Use Mild Detergents
Harsh detergents will make your Jean fade quickly, giving you a washed-up look. Using mild detergents like Woolite will protect the denim fabric of your Jean.
While washing, only use the recommended amount on the fabric care label. A good rule of thumb is half a teaspoon of liquid detergent.
Also, make sure you avoid detergents with bleach as they also cause Jean to fade.
Always Flip Your Jean Jacket Inside Out
Flipping your jacket inside out will protect the dyes used to make the fabric while also giving the inner areas an excellent clean.
You should use this method when washing your jacket by hand or with a washing machine.
Always Use Cold or Lukewarm Water
Warm and hot water can cause the Jean fabric to shrink. Only use hot water if you wish to shrink your jacket intentionally; if not, always use cold water when washing your Jean jacket.
Always Air-dry Your Jacket
Dryers cause the fabric of your jacket to loosen over time; this makes them prone to feel loose or even tear easily.
The best way to dry your Jean jacket is to place them on a clothesline or air rack, and you can also flat dry them on a towel.
How to Spot Clean Your Jean Jacket
Since frequent washing of Jean jackets can quickly spoil them, spot cleaning is the most preferred option.
This method works particularly well when the stains on your jacket are too minor to warrant a full-blown laundry round.
To effectively spot clean the stain off your Jean jacket, follow the steps below:
Step One: Scrape Off Excess Stains From The Jacket
Some stains, like food stains, can become congealed on the jacket. Use a blunt instrument to scrape off these stains from the jacket.
If the stain is liquid, you can use a piece of white cloth to absorb the stain. Use baking soda or cornstarch to absorb oily stains.
Step Two: Select The Right Detergent
Next, choose the suitable detergent to use. Endeavor to use a bleach-free detergent or mild liquid detergent.
Fill a small bowl with some water, add a small amount of a suitable detergent. Mix the water and detergent until you get an even solution.
Step Three: Use a White Piece of Cloth To Rub the Stain
Lay the jacket on a flat surface. Dampen a white piece of cloth with the detergent solution, and squeeze out excess moisture.
Use the damp cloth to gently rub against the stain on the jacket in a circular motion. Do this until the stain is no longer visible.
Repeat the process on all stained parts of the jacket.
Step Four: Hang the Jacket to Dry
After treating every stain, dry the jacket by either placing it on a hanger, an airing rack, or a clothesline.
If the jacket smells odd, you can apply a spritz of fabric freshener. Avoid placing the jacket under the sun to prevent fading.
How to Hand Wash Your Jean Jacket
Sometimes spot cleaning your jacket is not enough due to the stain or the smell. In this case, washing by hand is the next best thing.
Here is a step-by-step guide to washing your jacket by hand:
Step One: Prepare the Jacket
Firstly, check the pockets of your jacket for any object that might damage it during the washing process.
Also, button up the jeans and unfold the cuffs if needed. Finally, turn the jacket inside out (for reasons we have outlined earlier).
Step Two: Add Detergent to Water
When Handwashing, you will need to use a large bowl. A tub or sink is preferable since they have enough space to immerse the Jean entirely and give you room to wash them.
Add a few drops of bleach-free liquid detergent to a filled tub or sink. The detergent should be mild, and if possible, use a detergent made for delicate fabrics.
Although it isn’t compulsory, you can add ½ cup of white vinegar. Vinegar helps in preventing excessive color loss.
Wix the mixture until you have an even solution.
Step Three: Place the Jacket in the Detergent Solution
Place the jacket in the solution and let it soak for at least 60 minutes.
After that, gently rub the jacket against your palms. Concentrate on the places with significant stains.
Do this until all the stains are out. Rinse the jacket in plain water until there is no detergent residue.
Step Four: Dry the Jean Jacket
Your Jean jacket does better when you air-dry them. Hang the jacket and let it drip dry in your bathroom or any well-ventilated part of your apartment.
You can also spread it on a clothesline outside or flat it on an airing rack.
How to Wash Your Jean Jacket Using a Washing Machine
Using a washing machine to wash your Jean jacket as the last resort. Here is how you can do it without damaging your jacket:
Step One: Prepping The Jacket
As always, empty all jacket pockets to reduce damage during the wash cycle. Button up all the pockets of the jacket as well.
Turn the jacket inside out to protect the fabric and wash the inner parts of the jacket.
Step Two: Place the Jacket in Your Washer
Fill the washing machine with cold or lukewarm water, and put the Jean jacket into the washer.
Set the machine to a short, delicate wash cycle and a moderate spin cycle. Add a mild detergent and vinegar to prevent color loss.
Also, don’t wash your Jean jacket with other materials to prevent wear and tear. If you must wash your jacket with other denim material, ensure that they are of similar colors.
Step Three: Drying Your Jean Jacket
Place the jacket on a clothesline or an airing rack and spread them out in a suitable part of your house.
If you must put it in a dryer, set it at the lowest temperature and remove the jacket while it is still damp. Allowing it to dry will cause it to shrink.
Hang the damp jacket in a well-ventilated part of your apartment until it is dry.