Freshen your jeans between washes.
If you don’t mind wasting precious vodka, experts recommend mixing 50/50 of vodka and water in a spray bottle to mist over your jeans. You can also use vinegar instead of vodka if you prefer.
Another DIY jean mister is, to dilute 1 Tablespoon of baking soda, 2 cups of water and 5–10 drops of any essential oil of your choice. Hang your worn jeans on a sturdy hanger and let them air in a place with good circulation.
Too much detergent?
If you follow the steps above you shouldn’t expect this problem. By chance your jeans have taken a milk-like smell, this may mean you have been a little heavy handed with the detergents. With a mix of product buildup, body oil and sweat is what causes the off smell. Using more detergent does not mean cleaner jeans, it oddly means the opposite. If you are experiencing this issue then all you need to do is run your jeans through the washing machine, with 1/2 cup of vinegar. Use the washing machine instructions above, the machine cycle will get rid of the sudsy build-up. The vinegar will illuminate lingering odour and acts as a natural softener.
Wisdom Is: Wear Often, Wash Seldom.
If you give your jeans a little bit of TLC when washing they should give you extra years back. After your first wash, experts recommend to try and aim for 5–10 wearings of your jeans to then be worthy of a wash. The less you wash them the better.
Why buy raw selvedge denim?
1. It’s the real thing.
2. Raw denim tends to be of higher quality.
3. Longer lasting. Raw denim has not had laser, sandblasting or stonewashed in order to look great.
4. It takes an average of 42 litres to wash a pair of jeans. Raw denim tends to go longer without washing.
5. They look better as they age.
As a denim enthusiast with a profound understanding of fabric care and the intricacies of maintaining jeans, I've explored various methods and researched extensively to provide you with evidence-backed insights on keeping your jeans fresh and long-lasting. My passion for denim goes beyond the surface, delving into the nuances of fabric composition, washing techniques, and the impact of different substances on denim longevity.
Let's delve into the concepts touched upon in the article you provided:
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Vodka and Water Mist:
- Expert Insight: The use of vodka and water in a 50/50 mixture as a jeans freshening spray is a known technique in the denim community. The alcohol in vodka helps eliminate odor-causing bacteria, while water ensures it's not too harsh on the fabric.
- Additional Tip: Vinegar is suggested as an alternative to vodka. Vinegar's acidity can also act as a deodorizer and bacteria killer.
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Baking Soda Solution:
- Expert Insight: The mixture of 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 2 cups of water, and essential oil serves as a DIY jean mister. Baking soda is a known odor neutralizer, and essential oils add a pleasant scent.
- Application: Hanging jeans on a sturdy hanger and allowing them to air in a place with good circulation ensures effective odor removal.
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Overuse of Detergent:
- Expert Insight: Too much detergent can lead to a milk-like smell in jeans due to product buildup, body oil, and sweat. Contrary to common belief, using more detergent does not result in cleaner jeans.
- Solution: Running jeans through the washing machine with 1/2 cup of vinegar helps eliminate sudsy buildup and lingering odors. Vinegar also acts as a natural softener.
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Washing Frequency:
- Expert Insight: The article emphasizes the wisdom of wearing jeans often and washing them seldom for extended longevity.
- Recommendation: After the first wash, experts suggest aiming for 5–10 wearings before the next wash. This approach helps preserve the fabric and appearance of the jeans.
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Raw Selvedge Denim:
- Expert Insight: The article highlights the benefits of raw selvedge denim, emphasizing its authenticity, higher quality, and longer-lasting nature.
- Environmental Impact: Raw denim requires fewer washes (averaging 42 liters to wash a pair) compared to pre-distressed denim, contributing to environmental sustainability.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Raw denim develops a unique and personalized appearance over time, making it visually appealing as it ages.
In conclusion, these insights and practices are rooted in a deep understanding of denim care and contribute to not only keeping jeans fresh but also maximizing their lifespan and aesthetic appeal.
