When we started 11 years ago, we abided (the dude abides) by the adage of work hard, wear often, wash rarely for our jeans. That advice remains as strong as ever.
We recommend washing your jeans infrequently. Typically about every 80-100 wears. Sometimes less, sometimes more depending on the season and your activities. Bottom line, don't overdo it. You will know when you need to wash your jeans. The more you wash your jeans, the quicker they will break down and the lighter they will become.
Bottom line: wash your jeans infrequently. If unsure, don't wash. If sure, wash.
How to Wash Your Jeans
Ah, if I had a nickel for each time I heard of a new way to wash (or faux wash) jeans, I could buy a pair of DDCo.'s!
Turns out, it's easy to wash and care for your jeans. Here's the process.
1. Wait until your jeans are dirty and need washing.
2. Machine wash in cool water with laundry detergent of your choice.
3. Hang to dry (please don't put in the dryer).
4. Wear for a long time until the next wash.
Here are a few more guidelines to help you on your journey:
| Dry clean? | Don't |
| Iron? | Don't |
| Bleach? | Don't |
| Wash in the ocean (salt water)? | Yes |
| Wash in a great lake (fresh water)? | Don't |
| Never ever wash? | Please wash |
Washing Alternatives
Got the funk? No worries, there are a few ways to handle a pair of jeans that need some airing out.
What works?
1. Lay out in the sun. Sunlight is a natural disinfectant (no jokes please). Hang or lay your jeans out in the sun and let that big fiery ball do its magic.
2. Febreeze. Borrow some from your grandma and give these pants a few sprays.
3. 50/50 mix of cheap vodka and water spray. Alcohol kills bacteria. A liberal spray of vodka and water will tame any odors. (fact: this is a common method for refreshing outfits in live theater)
What doesn't work?
1. The freezer. Doesn't work. Does give you nice cold pants to wear though.
2. Leave wadded into a ball at the foot of your bed. C'mon. How old are you? Hang up your jeans!