How to Clean Denim Jacket

What You'll Need

• Soap-Man Power Wash Laundry Detergent
• Cold water
• White vinegar
• Hanger

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Turn inside out and close fasteners

   Turn the jacket inside out, zip up zippers, and button all buttons. This protects the outer surface from abrasion and fading.

2. 2

   Wash on cold gentle cycle

   Use cold water on the gentlest cycle with a small amount of detergent. Wash alone or with similar dark items to prevent color transfer.

3. 3

   Add vinegar to the rinse

   Add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to set the dye and prevent fading. The vinegar smell disappears when dry.

4. 4

   Hang dry immediately

   Remove promptly and hang on a sturdy hanger to air dry. Smooth out wrinkles with your hands while still damp.

Pro Tips

• TIPWash denim jackets as rarely as possible -- every 10+ wears unless stained. Spot clean stains as they occur.
• TIPFreeze your denim jacket overnight in a bag to kill odor-causing bacteria without washing.
• TIPRaw or selvedge denim should be soaked in cold water with vinegar, never machine washed, to preserve unique fading patterns.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• XWashing a denim jacket after every wear, which fades the color rapidly and weakens the fabric.
• XUsing hot water or the dryer, which shrinks denim and accelerates indigo dye loss.
• XWashing with light-colored clothes, which absorbs the indigo dye and turns them blue.

Frequently Asked Questions