One item in the closet that will never go out of fashion is jeans, although their style may change–straight-cut, skinny, boot cut, flare, or “mom” jeans. Jeans are unique in that they are uniquely woven to make a strong fabric that will age gracefully with time.

There are many misinformations out there about how to wash jeans and care for them. These are the most frequently asked questions.

You can extend the life expectancy of your jeans by taking care of them like any other piece. You’ll also spend less on jeans over the long-term, which can help your wallet. Maybe. Let’s face it, buying new pants can be fun.

Here are some tips to wash your jeans right.

How often should I wash my jeans?

Good jeans don’t have to be washed often. However, if they feel loose or sloppy, it may be time to wash them.

The question of how often jeans should get washed has been debated for years. Some people prefer to wash jeans after only a few wears. Others, like Chip Bergh (CEO of Levi Strauss), prefer to wash them only when absolutely necessary.

‘Listening to your jeans’ is a good idea. Or, better yet, feeling and smelling your jeans. You might wash your jeans if they are getting too smelly or sloppy.

Raw denim is more durable than other jeans. This is because it hasn’t been washed or treated in any way. Raw denim jeans can wrinkle and fade due to daily wear and tear.

How to wash jeans in the washing machine

If you want your jeans to look fresh, you will need to put in a bit more effort than the rest of your laundry. The extra effort does not mean that you have to change from what you are used to.

• Make sure you wash your laundry properly

We recommend washing your dark jeans together with your other dark clothes.

Choose a detergent specifically formulated for dark jeans, such as the Woolite All Darks detergent. These detergents make a huge difference. Use an all-purpose detergent if your jeans aren’t too dark. You can find our top-rated laundry detergents here.

• Flip your jeans inside out

It’s important to turn your jeans inside out before you put them in the washer. Flipping your jeans will allow the dirtiest part of the jeans to be exposed to the soapy water. The machine’s agitation also protects the jeans’ outside.

You shouldn’t wash more than one pair of jeans at a time. The effects of too much detergent on laundry might surprise you.

• Use a calm setting

Use the machine’s lowest agitation setting, and use cold water. I will repeat the same thing for washing machine settings: delicate and cold. The washing machine temperature should be set at a lower temperature to prevent your dark jeans from fading or bleeding.

You can choose a warmer temperature for denim that is very badly stained, but avoid using hot water.

Hand-washing

Although hand-washing jeans is more labor intensive, it will preserve the fabric and its color. Hand washing jeans is a good way to preserve the integrity of your jeans, even if it takes more effort and time.

Most people will plug their sink or tub when they need to wash laundry by hand. If you don’t like the idea of washing your clothes in the sink, we recommend getting a dishpan or basin.

Turn your jeans inside out, and then wash them in cold water. If you wish, add a little detergent. Let them sit for at least an hour before gently massaging any stains with your hands.

After the water has been drained, don’t try to squeeze out any excess moisture. This could cause denim to look shabby and can eventually lead to more wear.

After you have purchased your jeans, wash them immediately

Lee and other brands recommend that jeans be washed immediately after they are purchased. This will prevent any dyes or other additives from getting transferred to your clothes and rubbing off onto your skin.

Raw denim is an exception to this rule, as it’s not treated or dyed.

Dry your jeans

The best way to preserve the fabric and fit of your jeans is to air dry them. A dryer is the fastest way to ruin jeans, especially if it’s set to medium-to high heat. Combining the dryer’s heat with the machine’s tumbling action, the dryer quickly breaks down fabric.

This results in a faded, worn-down pair of jeans that has been reduced to its peak. Your trousers could be in trouble if you tumble dry them on the lowest heat setting.

Wooden hangers look elegant and are strong enough to hold the most heavy, soggiest jeans. The foldable drying rack, on the other hand, is a great investment that will revolutionize the way you do laundry. Although it isn’t as stylish as its counterparts (like this wooden drying rack), the foldable design makes it easy for you to store away when you’re not using it.

Be careful when drying your clothes with a dryer

A dryer can cause shrinkage in jeans and a loss of softness in denim. You can use a dryer with just a few dryer balls if you are in an emergency.

Don’t freeze your jeans

Some claim that storing a pile of jeans in the freezer will kill bacteria and eliminate odors. I hate to break everyone’s bubble but the freezer isn’t very effective in keeping your jeans fresh.

Sub-freezing temperatures can only keep odor-causing bacteria at bay for so much time. The temperature of your jeans will slowly rise once they are back on your body.