Denim is one of those rare, timeless wardrobe staples that only get better with age. Whether it’s a pair of broken-in blue jeans or a crisp raw denim jacket, each piece tells a story through its fading, creasing, and wear patterns. But that same charm can fade quickly if denim isn’t cared for properly.

This guide walks through how to clean different types of denim, from everyday jeans that see plenty of wear to raw denim that needs a gentler touch.

And when laundry day feels like too much, a professional laundry service and dry cleaner like Tumble can handle the heavy lifting.

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Denim Care Basics

Denim is made from sturdy cotton twill, which gives it its signature texture and durability. However, frequent washing or harsh detergents can strip away dye, cause shrinkage, and break down fibres over time. That’s why proper denim care is often less about how often you wash and more about how you wash.

Here are a few basics to keep in mind before jumping into the laundry:

• Wash less often. Jeans don’t need to be washed after every wear. Washing only when they’re visibly dirty or start to smell helps maintain their colour and shape.

• Turn inside out. This protects the outer surface from friction in the wash and reduces colour fading.

• Use cold water. Hot water can cause shrinkage and fade dyes faster, while cold water helps preserve colour.

• Use gentle detergent. Look for formulas made for dark colours or delicates to keep denim from becoming stiff or faded.

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Everyday Jeans

Most everyday jeans are made from pre-washed denim, which has already been softened and shrunk during production. This makes them more forgiving and easier to care for than raw or selvedge denim.

For these jeans that see regular use, a gentle machine wash works perfectly fine. The key is to avoid over-washing and to treat them kindly during the wash cycle.

• Use a gentle cycle. This reduces friction and helps prevent unwanted wear on seams and hems.

• Wash with similar colours. Denim tends to bleed dye, especially dark indigo. Keep them away from light-coloured clothes.

• Skip the fabric softener. It can coat fibres and reduce denim’s natural durability.

• Air dry flat or hang. Avoid the dryer when possible. Heat can shrink and weaken the fabric. Instead, let jeans air dry to maintain their fit.

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Stretch Denim

Stretch denim blends traditional cotton with a small amount of elastane (spandex), giving it that comfy, flexible feel. It fits close to the body and bounces back easily, but the added stretch fibres are more delicate than pure cotton, so they need gentler care.

• Wash in cold water. Heat can break down elastane over time, causing sagging or loss of stretch.

• Skip the dryer. High heat damages stretch fibres, so always air dry.

• Avoid harsh detergents. Strong chemicals can weaken elasticity. Instead, use a mild, gentle detergent.

• Don’t overwash. Frequent washing wears out the stretch faster. Only wash when necessary.

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Raw Denim

Raw or dry denim is denim that hasn’t been pre-washed or treated, and it requires a completely different approach. Its appeal lies in how it moulds to the wearer’s body and develops unique fade patterns over time. Washing too early or too often can interrupt this process.

• Delay the first wash. Many denim enthusiasts wait 4–6 months before the first wash to let personalised fades set in.

• Spot clean when needed. Use a damp cloth or soft brush to gently remove dirt without soaking the whole garment.

• When washing, be gentle. Hand wash in cold water with a small amount of mild detergent, and avoid wringing or twisting.

• Air dry flat. Support the shape while drying to prevent stretching or warping.

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Selvedge Denim

Selvedge denim is woven on traditional shuttle looms, creating a tighter weave and clean finished edges (the “self-edge”) along the outseam. It’s often raw and stiffer at first, but softens beautifully over time. Because of its dense weave and deep dye, it needs extra care to prevent colour loss and distortion.

• Wash sparingly. Like raw denim, wash only when absolutely necessary to preserve the deep indigo colour.

• Turn inside out. This protects the outer surface from friction and reduces dye bleeding.

• Use cold water and mild detergent. Hot water can cause shrinkage, while harsh detergents can strip the rich dye.

• Air dry flat. Avoid the dryer to maintain its shape and prevent the dense fabric from shrinking unevenly.

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Final Thoughts

Denim is built to last, but only if it’s treated with care. Washing less often, using gentle methods, and tailoring the approach to the type of denim can keep every piece looking its best.

And for the times when laundry feels like a chore, Tumble Laundry is always an option, offering professional care that keeps denim clean, fresh, and ready for more adventures.

Book a laundry service at Tumble today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with expert care.