Wearing ripped jeans is a trend that isn’t going away anytime soon. But if you’re like most people, you probably don’t know how to wash ripped jeans without causing further damage.
Don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this blog post, we’ll be sharing everything you need to know about washing ripped jeans, from the type of rips to the best washing method.
So, if you want to learn how to keep your ripped jeans looking their best, read on!
Types of Rips on Jeans
Before we get into how to wash ripped jeans, let’s first take a look at the different types of rips:
Holes: These are the most common type of rip and are usually caused by wear and tear. Holes can be small or large and can be found on any part of the jeans. A rip is considered to be a “hole” when it cuts through the denim completely.
Shreds: Shreds are thin, vertical strips of denim that are usually found on the knees or thighs. Unlike holes, shreds do not go all the way through the denim and are held together by a few threads.
Scrapes: Scrapes are light scratches or abrasions on the surface of the denim. They are usually caused by rubbing against a rough surface, such as concrete. Scrapes are not considered to be rips and do not require special care when washing.
Now that you know the different types of rips, let’s move on to how to wash ripped jeans.
How to Wash Ripped Jeans
There are several methods you can use to wash ripped jeans, but not all of them are created equal. Here’s a look at the best way to wash ripped jeans, depending on the type of rip:
Hand Wash:
For larger holes and shreds, the best way to wash ripped jeans is by hand.
Step 1: Fill a sink or basin with cold water and add a small amount of mild detergent.
Step 2: Submerge the jeans in the water and let them soak for 10-15 minutes.
Step 3: Gently rub the areas around the rips to loosen any dirt or debris.
Step 4: Rinse the jeans in cold water and then hang them up to dry.
Machine Wash:
For jeans with smaller holes, shreds, or scrapes, you can machine wash them on a delicate cycle.
Step 1: Pre-treat any stains with a stain remover or liquid laundry detergent.
Step 2: Place the jeans in a mesh laundry bag and zip it closed.
Step 3: Set the washer to the delicate cycle and use cold water.
Step 4: Hang the jeans up to dry.
Dry Cleaning:
Larger rips in jeans will cause them to become delicate and require special care. In this case, we recommend dry cleaning your jeans.
Step 1: Take the jeans to a local dry cleaner and be sure to explain the type of rip you have.
Step 2: The dry cleaner will assess the damage and determine the best way to clean the jeans.
Step 3: Inspect the jeans when you pick them up to ensure that the rip has not gotten worse or mistakenly repaired.
Soak Method:
If you’re not sure how to wash ripped jeans, the soak method is always a safe bet. This method is gentle and will not cause further damage to your jeans.
Step 1: Fill a bathtub or basin with cold water and add a small amount of mild detergent.
Step 2: Submerge the jeans in the water and let them soak for 10-15 minutes.
Step 3: Gently rub the areas around the rips to loosen any dirt or debris.
Step 4: Rinse the jeans in cold water and then hang them up to dry.
Drying Ripped Jeans
Once you’ve washed your ripped jeans, it’s time to dry them. We recommend one of two methods: drip/hang drying or tumble drying on low heat.
Drip/Hang Dry:
The best way to dry ripped jeans is to hang them up to drip dry. This will prevent the fabric from shrinking or becoming misshapen in the dryer.
Step 1: Hang the jeans on a clothesline or hanger and allow them to air dry.
Step 2: Once they are completely dry, inspect the jeans for any new rips or tears.
Step 3: Iron the jeans if necessary and then store them in a cool, dark place.
Tumble Dry:
If you don’t have the time or space to hang dry your jeans, you can also tumble dry them on low heat. Just be sure to remove them from the dryer while they are still slightly damp to prevent shrinkage.
Step 1: Place the jeans in the dryer on the lowest heat setting.
Step 2: Check on the jeans every few minutes and remove them when they are slightly damp.
Step 3: Hang the jeans up to finish drying or iron them if necessary.
Tips for Washing Ripped Jeans
Now that you know how to wash and dry your ripped jeans, I want to share a few tips to help you get the best results:
Pre-treat stains: Be sure to treat any stains on your jeans before washing them. This will help to prevent the stain from setting and becoming permanent.
Turn them inside out: Always turn your ripped jeans inside out before washing them. This will help to protect the fabric from further damage.
Wash on delicate: If you’re machine-washing your ripped jeans, be sure to use the delicate cycle. This will help to prevent further damage to the fabric.
Use cold water: Not only does washing in cold water save energy, but it also prevents shrinking. Denim is mostly made of cotton, which is a natural fiber that can shrink when exposed to heat.
Tape the holes: If you’re worried about the holes in your jeans getting bigger, you can always apply some water-resistant tape near the edges of the rip. This will hold the denim together and keep the rips from getting larger.
Stitch them up: If you have time, you can temporarily stitch up the ripped areas of your jeans before washing them. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just enough to hold the fabric together. This will help to prevent further damage and minimize the risk of the rips getting bigger.
Use a laundry bag: If you’re machine-washing your ripped jeans, be sure to place them in a mesh laundry bag first. The ripped parts of the jeans can get snagged on other clothing items or on the inside of the washing machine, causing further damage.
Conclusion
Depending on the type of rip in your jeans, there are different ways to wash them. If you have a hole, scrape, or shred, you can hand-wash, machine-wash on the delicate cycle, or dry-clean your jeans. If you’re not sure how to wash ripped jeans, the soak method is always a safe bet.
Just be sure to turn them inside out before washing and use cold water to prevent shrinkage. And finally, always hang or drip dry your jeans to prevent further damage.
Now go forth and wash those ripped jeans with confidence!