How to Keep Dye in Jeans From Running

For the denim enthusiast, there's nothing quite like pulling on a fresh pair of dark indigo blue jeans. While some long for the worn-in, faded look, others pine to preserve their dark denim for as long as possible. With normal washing in a household machine, a new pair of jeans can lighten as much as several shades in two weeks. By adjusting your denim-care regiment, you'll be able to prevent the dye from running and keep your jeans dark as ink.

Measuring cup
White vinegar
Mild laundry detergent
Towel

Instructions

- 1
  Wash your jeans only as needed, such as after sweating through the denim or accidentally falling into a mud puddle. Remove small spots and stains with a wet washcloth, and eliminate odors by leaving the jeans in the freezer overnight.
- 2
  Fill your bathtub a quarter of the way full with warm water. Add a cup of vinegar to the water along with two tablespoons of mild laundry detergent.
- 3
  Turn your jeans inside out and place them in the water. Allow them to soak for five to 10 minutes, then agitate gently for five more minutes. Empty the bathtub.
- 4
  Rinse the jeans thoroughly in a bath of cold water. Hang them over a folded towel from the shower rack to drip dry. Avoid drying your jeans in a dryer on a high setting, as this will shrink and fade the denim over time.

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