- Washing recommendations
- Vinegar bath for colour fixing
- FAQ ‐ Frequently asked questions
Denim fabrics are more than just a material – they tell stories. With every wear and with whatever each person carries in their pockets day by day, denim develops into a unique piece. This personal pattern, known as patina, develops particularly beautifully on dark blue denim.
Denim fabrics should be washed before use or cutting. This removes excess dye, finishing agents, and allows the fabric to reach its final size.
To ensure your denim stays beautiful and in good condition for a long time, I’m happy to share my best care tips with you as a denim expert.
1. Washing recommendations for denim fabrics
 | Wash at 30 °C on a gentle cycle – protects colour and fibres. |
 | No bleach – prevents colour loss. |
 | Do not use fabric softener – helps maintain the elasticity of stretch denim. |
 | Spin gently at 400 rpm – reduces the risk of wash creases. |
 | Dry flat – preserves shape and colour. |
- Denim fabrics should be washed before use or cutting, even if they are pre-washed. This removes excess dye, finishing agents, etc., allows the fabric to reach its final size, and makes it softer. Denim typically shrinks by around one to five percent.
- To keep the washing process as gentle as possible, denim should only be washed at 30 °C on a gentle cycle. Some washing machines offer special programmes for denim or dark fabrics.
- Use detergent without bleach. For dark blue or black fabrics, a detergent specifically for dark laundry is ideal.
- For denim containing elastane, do not use fabric softener, as it can damage synthetic fibres and cause the fabric to lose its shape.
- To avoid so-called wash creases, the machine should be loosely filled and a low spin speed should be selected (400 to max. 600 rpm).
- After washing, dry the fabric flat. A tumble dryer is not recommended, as it can cause colour fading.
2. My denim fabric is bleeding heavily! What can I do?
Dark denim fabrics typically release excess dye at first and may bleed, especially when damp. If a denim fabric releases too much colour, you can easily fix the dye:
To fix the colour, you can soak the fabric before or after sewing in a mixture of approx. 3 l of water, 250 ml of vinegar essence and 150 g of table salt for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
Vinegar bath recipe for colour fixing
 | 3 l water + 250 ml vinegar essence + 150 g salt – soak overnight. |
3. FAQ – Frequently asked questions about denim care
- How often should I wash denim fabrics?
As rarely as possible – airing is often enough. Frequent washing accelerates colour loss and fibre fatigue. - What are “wash creases” and how can I avoid them?
Light streaks caused by folds during spinning – avoid them by loosely filling the machine and using max. 400 rpm. - My fabric is bleeding – is this a defect?
No, this is typical for dark denim and not a quality issue. The colour stabilises over time. - How do I fix the colour before the first wash?
With a vinegar bath: 3 l water + 250 ml vinegar essence + 150 g salt – soak for 1 hour, preferably overnight. - Why wash inside out?
It protects the outer surface, reduces abrasion and helps preserve colour – especially with dark denim. - What can I do about strong odours?
A vinegar or bicarbonate bath often works better than washing alone. Alternatively: air in a humid environment. - Which detergent is best for denim?
A colour detergent without optical brighteners or bleach – ideally one formulated for dark laundry. - Why shouldn’t I use fabric softener?
It damages elastane, causing stretch denim to lose its shape. It can also wash out colour. - How do I remove stains without damaging the colour?
Treat locally with mild soap or diluted vinegar – dab, don’t rub. - Can I freeze jeans to clean them?
No – that’s a myth. Bacteria survive and odours remain. Washing or airing is more effective.
Discover our denim fabrics – now that you know how to care for them properly:
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