Why I recommend washing your jeans

By Julia Meyer

I often come across the opinion that jeans should not be washed — or should be washed as rarely as possible. Some people suggest hanging them outside in the cold, putting them in the freezer, or leaving them in a humid bathroom so the warm steam can somehow “clean” them.

But anyone with basic knowledge of hygiene knows that bacteria and microorganisms do not disappear in the cold — they simply become inactive for a while. And warm, humid environments are ideal conditions for bacteria to develop.

We wear our jeans in public places, sit on public transport and street benches, interact with animals, sweat, and naturally shed skin particles and body oils. All of this builds up in the fabric over time. That is why I ask customers to bring garments washed before repair.

Fabric longevity

Bacteria and microorganisms trapped deep inside the fabric may contribute to the gradual breakdown of the fibers. Dirt and biological buildup can speed up the aging and weakening of the fabric rather than preserve it.

Softer fabric, less stress

During washing you can use a small amount of fabric softener. This softens the fabric and may reduce hard creases and excessive local abrasion, which positively affects the lifespan of the jeans.

Hygiene & smell

Please take care of yourself and the people around you: wash your hands, and wash your garments too.

When I work on your jeans I use a hot steam iron, and at that moment it immediately becomes obvious whether they were washed recently. I work very close to the garment — sometimes only 30 cm away — and I can see and feel everything in the structure of the fabric. If you want me to work on your jeans in a good mood, please bring them clean and fresh.

Sand, dust and salt

Dirty fabric may contain sand, dust or salt particles. These act as abrasives that are harmful both to the fabric and to the sewing machines — they increase wear on the fibers and can damage machine parts over time.

Colour matching during repairs

When I do darning repairs I carefully select thread colours to match the fabric. Dirty, unwashed jeans often develop a yellowish or brownish tone. If I match the repair to the dirt instead of the actual fabric colour, the repaired area may look stained once the jeans are finally washed.

Shrinkage and deformation

Jeans stretch slightly while being worn and may shrink again after washing. A repaired area usually shrinks less than the surrounding fabric, so if jeans are repaired while dirty and stretched, the repaired section may later bulge or deform.

Extra washing fee

If you still bring unwashed garments, I will charge an additional 10 € washing fee, and the repair may take longer while I wash and prepare the jeans. Having worked in the sewing industry my entire life, I have also developed an allergy to fine fabric dust — washing beforehand makes my work healthier and more comfortable.

Personally, I wash my jeans inside out in a regular home machine at 30 °C with standard detergent, and sometimes a little fabric softener. Washing jeans too often does not make much sense either — but a reasonable approach, washing them when they are genuinely dirty, is completely justified.