How to Wash Denim Without Fading its Colors

Denim is one of those wardrobe staples that never really goes out of style. From your favorite pair of jeans to the denim jacket you throw on with everything, these are the pieces that get worn on repeat and only get better with time. 

But when your denim starts fading after just a few washes, the problem usually isn’t the fabric. It’s your laundry routine.

Hot water, harsh detergents, and high dryer heat can all cause denim, especially black and dark indigo, to fade faster than they should.

The good news is that taking care of denim is pretty simple once you know how to wash denim and what to avoid. This denim care guide covers everything from how to wash denim properly to the best ways to dry it and help protect the color for longer. 

Denim care guide: How to wash denim without fading colors?

Here’s a comprehensive denim care guide you can follow to keep your denim staples looking as good as new for years to come:

1. Wash less, but wash smart

The first (and arguably most important) rule in our denim care guide is to wash your denim clothes as sparingly as possible. 

Unless your jeans or other denim clothes are visibly dirty, try to wash them every 10 wears. But when you do wash them, it’s important to do it right. 

2. Try Mozi Wash — cleaner, fresher, smarter.

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   Always turn denim inside out

Whether you’re washing jeans or your favourite denim jacket, always turn it inside out to avoid color fading. 

Most color loss happens when the outer surface rubs against other clothing or the washing machine drum. Turning denim inside out creates a protective barrier during the wash cycle, helping:

• Reduce direct friction on the outer dyed surface

• Protect darker washes

• Minimize visible fading

• Preserve texture and finish

3. Stick to cold water for the wash

Temperature plays an important role in preserving the color of your denim clothes. Cold water is the safest option because hot water can:

• Release more dye

• Weaken fibers faster

• Increase the shrinkage risk

• Accelerate fading

That’s why it’s best to use cold water when washing jeans and other denim clothing. 

4. Use a mild, denim-safe detergent

When learning how to wash denim, the detergent you use makes a bigger difference than most people realize. Using detergents with strong bleaching agents can slowly strip away the denim dye, especially for black jeans that are prone to losing color depth. 

You should look for detergents that are:

• Non-abrasive and don’t leave residues

• Can cleanse without breaking fibers

• Designed for fabric protection

You can try out Mozi Wash detergents, which use a mild, plant-based cleaning technology that’s gentle on fabrics like denim and preserves the color dye. 

5. Wash with a gentle cycle

Always choose the gentle or delicate wash cycle when washing jeans. Gentle cycles help reduce:

• Excessive spinning

• Twisting

• Surface abrasion

• Strain on seams

This is especially important for stretch denim, which can lose shape faster under aggressive washing conditions.

6. Line dry your denim

The last step in our denim care guide is about correctly drying your denim clothes. If possible, avoid the dryer at all times and air-dry instead. Using a dryer can damage, fade, and shrink your denim. Air drying helps preserve the fit, color, and fabric of your denim clothes.

Try these air-drying tips for your denim:

• Choose a spot with the best shade cover for air drying

• Hang your washed jeans/jacket inside out to prevent fading from indirect sun exposure

• Use an accordion-style rack for proper air circulation and faster drying

• Avoid humid areas, as this will keep the moisture in and lead to musty odors 

• If you have to use the machine for drying, use the lowest or ‘no heat’ settings

• Toss your jeans into a cool dryer for about 10 minutes if they are too stiff after air drying

How to wash raw denim without fading?

If you’re a fan of raw denim, you already know how important it is to treat this fabric right. Raw denim is dyed but not pre-washed or pre-treated, so the indigo dye hasn’t been softened or stabilized the way it is in washed denim. That means:

• Color transfers more easily

• Fading happens faster with aggressive washing

• Hot water and friction can strip away the dye quickly

While some experts suggest never washing raw denim, it might not be practical for most of us. So if you do have to wash jeans made with raw denim, here are a few tips you can follow to avoid fading:

• Fill your sink or bathtub with cold water (hand-washing is best for raw denim)

• Mix the water with a little mild detergent

• Keep your denim soaked for 30 minutes

• Rinse the denim thoroughly to remove detergent and dirt

• Gently roll your denim jeans from the hem upwards to remove excess water

• Line dry them in a shaded area to avoid fading

Extra tips on how to wash denim and preserve color

Want a better shot at preserving the color of your favourite denim jeans? Here are a few extra tips you should note down:

• Spot clean if needed: For minor stains, use a plant-based spot cleaner like the Magic Stain Treater from Mozi Wash. Cleaning with this fabric-safe, bleach-free, gentle spot cleaner can help you treat small stains without having to wash the entire denim piece unnecessarily. 

• Avoid direct sunlight: UV rays from the sun can fade the denim color. That’s why you should always dry your washed jeans in a shaded area. 

• Don’t use fabric softeners: While they smell great, fabric softeners can actually accelerate denim fading. If you want your jeans smelling fresh after every wash, just use Mozi Wash detergents. 

• Read the care label: The care label instructions will tell you the exact dos and don’ts. Treat this as the ultimate denim care guide for that piece of clothing. 

Wash your denim the right way for zero fading 

The key to denim care and color protection is washing your jeans and jacket as infrequently as possible. But if you do have to wash, do it right by:

• Turning denim inside out

• Using cold water, a gentle cycle, and mild detergent

• Line drying the denim inside out 

Take extra precaution if you have raw or black denim, and always read the product care label to understand what’s best for your clothes to give them the right care. 

How to wash denim FAQs

1. How often should I wash my jeans?

The frequency depends on the level of soiling. Experts suggest washing your jeans after every 10 wears if they are not too dirty or smelly. 

2. How to wash black denim jeans?

Washing black jeans can be a bit difficult, as they do tend to fade more quickly. To effectively wash your black jeans, you can follow the guidelines in this denim care guide and make sure to keep them out of direct sunlight to prevent fading. 

3. How do I wash denim for the first time?

How to wash denim for the first time can be tricky because the fabric can bleed color. It’s best to wash your denim clothes separately with cold water for the first time to avoid tainting other clothes. 

4. Will bleach affect the color of my denim jeans?

Yes. Bleach has chemicals that can strip away the color of your jeans, causing yellowing and fading. 

5. Is hand washing best for denim?

Hand washing may be the better option for some types of denim (like raw denim). However, you can also use the washing machine. Just remember to use a delicate cycle with cold water and a mild detergent.