Should jeans be washed?

Gina (No)

In Katherine Ashenburg’s book The Dirt on Clean: An Unsanitized History, she tells us, 'We don’t need to wash the way we did when we were farmers.” This shines a bright light on the existing debate of whether or not we should be washing our jeans. 

No one knows denim better than Levi Strauss & Co. The organization has been part of the blue jean game since its advent in 1873. Chip Bergh, 13-year CEO of Levi’s, tells us to stop washing our jeans. Not only are “Levi's” dedicated to sustainability efforts, but they are also very proud to say their jeans are the number one hand-me-downs. To keep them lasting for multiple generations, it’s important not to wash jeans too frequently, which can damage the material and make them fade faster. 

Josh Le, a denim jeans-wearing student at the University of Alberta, tested bacteria levels on two pairs of his jeans. One pair was worn without washing for 13 days, the other was worn for 15 months without washing; they had virtually the same level of bacteria, proving that washing was unnecessary. 

If your jeans do not smell or have visible stains, consider them clean. Stains can be easily addressed with spot cleaning by using household ingredients such as table salt, vinegar, or bar soap. Also, hanging your jeans outside in the fresh air is an excellent way to keep them smelling fresh. An added bonus is that the sun’s UV rays kill bacteria and can be used to “clean” jeans. By challenging the status quo of regular jean washings, we increase sustainability, reduce waste, and truly appreciate the unique character and comfort of unwashed jeans. 

Emily (Yes)

According to Statista, the average price for jeans in the US in 2018 was $210.86 for men's jeans and $165.44 for women’s, so properly caring for them is a must for such a hefty price tag. Washing jeans not only helps keep them clean but also keeps them in good condition. Not washing your jeans can cause them more harm than good.

Denim worn for months without washing is more prone to tearing. These tears most likely occur in the crotch, honeycombs, and whiskers. Additionally, washing jeans can help remove any lingering odors caused by bacteria. While it's a common belief that freezing jeans can eliminate odors, this method is not foolproof. Some bacteria can survive at low temperatures, and when the jeans warm up again, the surviving bacteria can multiply, leading to the return of the odor. This potential damage and odor buildup should concern any jeans owner.

Fortunately, washing jeans is a breeze; if done correctly, they won't be damaged by the washing machine. According to Whirlpool, fading can be prevented by washing jeans inside out in cold water. Ensuring the zippers are zipped shut to protect the denim is also good. It's a simple yet effective practice to wash denim after wearing it three to ten times or immediately if it's soiled. Following these easy steps makes it very simple to maintain quality jeans and prevent them from tearing faster after months of wear.