Why Can't Jeans Be Washed Often? This Is The Answer From Clothing Care Experts

Illustrai jeans should not be washed too often (Pinterest/Reader's Digest)

YOGYAKARTA - Jeans are one of the most popular fashion items used for daily activities. The powerful ingredients, the flexible model, and the ability to be combined with various styles make jeans the mainstay of many people.

However, did you know that jeans should not be washed too often? Clothing care experts instead suggest that jeans are not washed too often, except under certain conditions. Why is that?

Jeans is made of thick and strong denim cloth. However, this cloth also has a durability limit so it should not be washed too often.

Launching Real Simple, according to Nicole Russo, a stylist from New York, whenever the jeans are washed, the fabric fibers are exposed to the friction of the washing machine and detergent, which ultimately causes wear. The original jeans color will fade, and the structure will lose shape.

Hot water and ordinary detergents can also damage the content of elastane (such as Spandex or Lykra) in stretch jeans, so jeans become slacker and uncomfortable to wear.

Not all jeans are made the same. According to Venk Modur, a celebrity stylist in Los Angeles, the type of denim affects the way it is treated. Classical denim for example, this type should be washed after about five times use of cold water, then dried naturally.

Clothing care expert Gwen Whiting of The Laundress recommends washing jeans after 10 times of use or when it starts to smell bad. As long as it's not dirty or smells, jeans can actually be worn repeatedly without washing.

Lana Blanc, a stylist from New York, insists that microbes such as dead skin cells and sweat stick to jeans after being worn are harmless. Therefore, there is no need to worry if jeans are not washed after each use.

Gladys K. Connelly, a former professional janitor, even suggests washing jeans only once every six weeks. If jeans start to smell after two days of use, one alternative way he recommends is to put jeans in the freezer overnight to kill bacteria and get rid of smell.

If you want jeans to keep looking new and long-lasting, here are some tips you can apply:

In conclusion, there are no definite rules regarding how often you wash jeans. The most important thing is to recognize personal use. If your jeans are exposed to a drink spill, mud, or smell good, of course, washing is needed.

But for normal use, such as going to work or just hanging out, jeans may last weeks without needing to be washed.

By understanding the type of denim, following expert advice, and doing proper care, you can keep your favorite jeans cool, comfortable, and durable for years. So, next time before putting jeans into the washing machine, think first, does it really need to be washed now?