For embellished jeans, use gentle wash settings and low temperatures to protect the decorations and fabric quality.
Washing embellished jeans requires a careful approach to preserve their unique decorations, such as beads, sequins, embroidery, or rhinestones. Unlike regular denim, these delicate additions can easily be damaged or come off during harsh washing cycles.
The key is to minimize stress on the embellishments and the denim fabric itself. Based on garment care recommendations, you should set your machine to its eco setting or hand wash setting and turn the temperature down to 30 or below.
Why Gentle Washing is Important
Using faster, hotter washing cycles for day-to-day loads will degrade the quality of the fabric over time. For embellished items specifically, these cycles can lead to:
- Fading: The vibrant color of the denim can fade.
- Shrinking: The jeans may lose their shape or size.
- Embellishments Coming Off: The most significant risk is that the beads, sequins, or other decorations detach from the fabric. This can damage the garment and potentially harm your washing machine or even end up in waterways.
Best Practices for Washing Embellished Jeans
To ensure your embellished jeans stay looking their best for longer, follow these practical tips:
- Check the Care Tag: Always consult the garment's care label first. It provides specific instructions from the manufacturer.
- Turn Inside Out: Before placing the jeans in the washer, turn them inside out. This protects the embellishments from rubbing against the drum or other clothes during the cycle.
- Use a Mesh Laundry Bag: For extra protection, place the jeans in a mesh laundry bag. This acts as a buffer and helps contain any embellishments that might come loose.
- Select the Right Cycle: As recommended, use a delicate, hand wash, or eco setting on your washing machine. These cycles are shorter and use less agitation.
- Keep Water Temperature Low: Wash using cold water or a temperature of 30°C or below. Hot water can loosen adhesives and damage delicate materials.
- Use a Mild Detergent: Avoid harsh chemicals. Opt for a mild, color-safe detergent.
- Avoid Fabric Softener: Some fabric softeners can affect the adhesive used for certain embellishments.
- Skip the Dryer: High heat from dryers can damage both the denim and the embellishments. Always air dry embellished jeans. Lay them flat or hang them upside down to dry, keeping them away from direct sunlight which can cause fading.
- Consider Hand Washing: For heavily embellished jeans or those with very delicate details, hand washing in cool water with a mild detergent in a sink or tub is often the safest method. Gently swish the jeans and avoid vigorous rubbing or wringing.
By following these steps, you can effectively clean your embellished jeans while minimizing the risk of damage, keeping them beautiful and wearable for years to come.
