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Washing

Washing Methods

By Updated · Published

From gentle hand soaks to ocean adventures - every method has its place in denim care.

Choosing Your Method

There's no single "best" way to wash raw denim. The right method depends on how dirty your jeans are, how established your fades are, and how much control you want over the process.

The universal rules apply to all methods: cold water only, turn inside out, and never use a dryer.

Hand Wash (Tub Soak)

The gentlest and most controlled method. Submerge jeans in a tub of cold water with mild detergent.

Pros
  • Most gentle on fabric and indigo
  • Full control over agitation
  • Can target specific areas
  • No risk of machine damage
Cons
  • More time and effort
  • Requires a clean tub or large basin
  • May not remove heavy soiling as well

Best for: First washes, high-end denim, when you want maximum control

Steps:

  1. Fill tub with cold water
  2. Add small amount of gentle detergent
  3. Turn jeans inside out and submerge
  4. Soak 30-45 minutes, agitating occasionally
  5. Drain, rinse with cold water until clear
  6. Hang dry by waistband

Machine Wash (Gentle Cycle)

Convenient but requires care. Use cold water, gentle cycle, and minimal detergent.

Pros
  • Convenient and time-saving
  • Good for regular maintenance washes
  • Effective at removing dirt and odors
Cons
  • More agitation = faster indigo loss
  • Risk of tangling or hardware damage
  • Less control over the process

Best for: Maintenance washes after fades are established, heavily soiled jeans

Steps:

  1. Turn jeans inside out
  2. Wash alone or with similar dark items
  3. Use cold water, gentle/delicate cycle
  4. Use minimal dye-free detergent
  5. Remove promptly when done
  6. Hang dry - never use dryer

Ocean Wash

A traditional method where you wear your jeans into the ocean. The salt water cleans and softens.

Pros
  • Natural cleaning and softening
  • Creates unique marbling effects
  • Fun experience for denim enthusiasts
  • Salt has antibacterial properties
Cons
  • Requires access to clean ocean water
  • Salt can be harsh if not rinsed
  • Unpredictable results
  • Sand can cause abrasion

Best for: Adventurous enthusiasts, creating unique character, softening stiff denim

Steps:

  1. Wear jeans into the ocean
  2. Move around to let water flow through fabric
  3. Stay in for 15-30 minutes
  4. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water after
  5. Hang dry completely

Spot Cleaning

Target specific stains without a full wash. Great for extending time between washes.

Pros
  • Preserves overall indigo
  • Quick and easy
  • Addresses problems without full wash
Cons
  • Only works for localized stains
  • May leave water marks if not careful
  • Doesn't address overall odor

Best for: Small stains, food spills, extending time between full washes

Steps:

  1. Dampen a clean cloth with cold water
  2. Add tiny amount of detergent if needed
  3. Gently dab (don't rub) the stained area
  4. Blot with clean water to remove soap
  5. Air dry the area completely

Detergent Options

The detergent you use matters. Harsh detergents with optical brighteners or bleach will strip indigo faster. Here are recommended options:

Woolite Dark

Gentle, widely available, good for preserving dark colors

Dr. Bronner's

Natural, mild, works well for hand washing

Denim-specific washes

Products from brands like Railcar, 3sixteen designed for raw denim

No detergent

Some prefer water-only washes to minimize indigo loss

Avoid These

Never use bleach, fabric softener, or detergents with optical brighteners. These will damage the indigo and alter the fabric's hand feel. Also avoid hot water and machine drying.

Our Recommendation

For your first few washes, we recommend the hand wash method. It gives you the most control and is gentlest on your developing fades. Once your fades are well-established (after 1-2 years), machine washing on gentle is perfectly fine for convenience.

Next Topic

Drying Your Denim →

Air dry vs tumble dry - how drying affects shrinkage and fades.