Are You Washing Your Jeans Too Often? Probably Yes, According to Experts

While some clothes should always be washed after one use, other garments can be worn a few times before tossing them into the hamper, which is typically the case for jeans. But while you may not wash your denim every day, the question of just how frequently your jeans should be washed remains a conundrum for many.

To help answer this debate, we turned to our readers. In a recent Instagram poll, we asked how often our followers wash their jeans. Of the 6,575 people who responded, 57 percent wash their jeans after every couple of wears, 29 percent wash their jeans only when they have to, 13 percent wash them after every wear, and 2 percent never wash their jeans. 

Despite this being a divisive topic, experts say there is a general rule of thumb to follow when deciding how often to wash your denim. 

How Often to Wash Your Jeans

While there are some instances when you should wash your jeans more frequently, a general rule of thumb is to wash denim about every 10 wears. "Most people wash their jeans way too often—you really only need to wash them every nine or 10 wears unless they are physically dirty," says Patric Richardson, founder of The Laundry Evangelist. "Washing your jeans too often breaks down the fibers through abrasion." This can cause the colors to fade and the fabric to wear prematurely. 

When to Wash Your Jeans More Frequently

In an ideal world, you are only washing your jeans after wearing them a handful of times. But some factors may require you to wash your jeans more often. "If you use your jeans for heavy-duty jobs, or if you frequently wear jeans in warm, humid weather, you’ll probably want to wash your denim more often," says Morgan LaLonde, laundry brand manager for Whirlpool. You should also clean your jeans as soon as you notice any spots or stains. 

How Often to Wash Raw Denim

Raw denim is denim that hasn’t gone through pre-washing or shrinking processes during production. If you have raw denim, you should only wash your jeans when you absolutely need to. "This is so the rigid denim has a chance to form to your body (impossible with artificially aged jeans) and for a patina to begin to develop," says Tony Patella, co-founder of Tellason. "I usually wait four to six months before the first wash and then wash every couple after that."

Should You Freeze Jeans? 

Rather than washing, some people opt to freeze their jeans. The theory is the cold temperatures will kill bacteria or odors, but home freezers aren’t cold enough for this to work, says Richardson. Additionally, it’s unsanitary to keep dirty jeans near food and drink items. 

How to Ensure Your Jeans Last Longer

Not washing your jeans too often is the best way to preserve their quality, but there are some other factors to keep in mind. "To preserve the color and fit of jeans over time, avoid using hot water when washing, and make sure all buttons or zippers are closed to protect the jeans from damage," says LaLonde. "Additionally, make sure to wash your jeans inside out. As with all garments, follow the washing instructions on your item’s care tag before washing—all jeans are slightly different."