Can You Use Fabric Softener on Jeans? Here’s What the Laundry Pro Says

A good pair of jeans is a staple in everyone’s wardrobe, whether you’re going for a high-fashion look or everyday wear. And while a new pair of jeans can seem like a fun addition, the denim is often rigid and stiff, making the jeans a less than comfortable option.

Before you reach for a laundry product to relax the fit, we consulted an expert on if you should use fabric softener on jeans and other denim care tips.

Should You Use Fabric Softener On Jeans? 

If you want to preserve the quality and fit of your jeans, avoid fabric softener. 

“Although fabric softener can make jeans feel smoother initially, it works by coating the fabric with a waxy substance,” James Joun, COO of Rinse laundry service, says. “This coating can reduce breathability, break down stretch fibers over time, interfere with natural fading and the personalized fit [of denim].”

One or two washes with fabric softener won’t destroy your jeans, but it can wear them out over time. Joun recommends trying other methods to soften your denim that don’t have as many negative effects.

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4 Ways to Soften Jeans

If you want your jeans to feel less stiff and want to prioritize maintaining the fabric’s quality, here are four alternative methods to soften up your denim.

• Try a vinegar rinse. Pour a cup of white vinegar in the washer and wash the jeans on a light rinse setting to soften the fibers naturally. This will also prevent fading.
• Use dryer balls. If you dry your jeans in the dryer, place dryer or tennis balls with your jeans and run a low heat setting. The balls bouncing around the dryer will agitate the denim to wear it down and soften it.
• Soak them in salt water. Mix a cup of salt in a basin of warm water. Soak your jeans in the saltwater for a few hours, then rinse and air dry. The salt helps break down the denim’s fibers and will make the fabric softer.
• Wear them. “The best way to soften jeans naturally is through wear,” Joun says. “Breaking jeans in over time molds them to your body and softens the fibers.”

Additional Tips on Washing Jeans

• Wash jeans as infrequently as possible. Joun says to aim for every 5 to 10 wears to preserve the color and fabric strength.
• Always turn jeans inside out before washing. This reduces friction during the wash cycle, which prevents fading and surface wear.
• Wash jeans separately. If possible, wash denim only with other denim to reduce friction in the wash.
• Follow the care label. Most denim should be washed in cold water on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent.
• Air dry as much as possible. This helps maintain the fit and prevent shrinkage and fading.
• Use low heat. Remove jeans before they are fully dry—if drying by machine—and let them finish by air-drying.
• Never use chlorine bleach. “Even on white jeans, chlorine bleach can permanently damage or strip color from the fabric,” Joun says.

FAQ

• The best machine mode to wash jeans is the delicate or gentle cycle. Double check your denim’s care label and follow those instructions for best results, and make sure to turn jeans inside out when washing to preserve their color and quality.

• Jeans can feel stiff after washing if they contain detergent residue or are air dried. To avoid stiff jeans after a wash, make sure the denim is properly rinsed out and remove denim from the dryer while still slightly damp to air dry.