DIY Cleaning Methods for Jeans

How to Soak Jeans with White Vinegar and Baking Soda

• Gather your supplies: You’ll need a clean tub or large basin, white vinegar (the plain, distilled kind), baking soda, and cold water. Make sure your jeans are free of any loose dirt or debris—give them a quick shake or brush-off first.

 

• Mix your solution: Fill your tub or basin with enough cold water to fully submerge your jeans. Add about 1 cup of white vinegar and 2–3 tablespoons of baking soda. The mixture will fizz—this is normal, and it’s just the baking soda reacting with the vinegar.

 

• Submerge the jeans: Place your jeans in the solution, making sure they’re fully covered. Gently agitate the water with your hands to help the mixture reach all areas of the fabric. If you’re working with dark or raw denim, avoid scrubbing or twisting, as this can affect the color and texture.

 

• Let them soak: Allow the jeans to soak for 30–60 minutes. This gives the vinegar and baking soda time to work on lingering odors and help loosen buildup from detergents or body oils. If you’re dealing with particularly stubborn smells, you can extend the soak up to 2 hours, but don’t go much longer—prolonged soaking can weaken fibers.

 

• Rinse thoroughly: After soaking, drain the tub and rinse the jeans under cold running water. Keep rinsing until the water runs clear and you don’t feel any residue. This step is important—leftover baking soda can leave a gritty feel, and vinegar can leave a scent if not rinsed well.

 

• Air dry: Lay your jeans flat on a clean towel or hang them up to air dry. Avoid using a dryer, as high heat can cause shrinkage and fade the color. If you want to keep the shape, reshape the jeans while damp and let them dry naturally.

 

• What this method does: The vinegar helps neutralize odors and can break down some mineral deposits from hard water. Baking soda acts as a mild deodorizer and can help lift some residues. This soak is a gentle way to freshen up jeans between washes or after a sweaty day, without using harsh products.

Lemon Juice and Sunlight for Cleaning Jeans: A Straightforward Guide

• Gather your supplies: You’ll need fresh lemon juice (bottled works in a pinch), a clean spray bottle or bowl, and access to direct sunlight. If you’re working with dark or raw denim, test on a hidden spot first—lemon juice can lighten fabric.

 

• Spot treat stains: Squeeze or pour lemon juice directly onto the stained area of your jeans. For stubborn spots, gently rub the juice in with your fingers or a soft cloth. The citric acid in lemon juice helps break down some common stains like grass or food.

 

• Lay jeans flat in sunlight: Place your jeans outside on a clean surface, stain-side up. Sunlight can help boost the stain-fighting power of lemon juice thanks to a process called photobleaching (that’s just a fancy way of saying the sun can lighten stains). Make sure the jeans are spread out so the treated area gets full exposure.

 

• Let them sit: Leave the jeans in the sun for a few hours. Keep an eye on them—prolonged sun exposure can fade denim, especially if it’s a deep or vibrant color. If you’re worried about fading, check every 30 minutes or so.

 

• Rinse and wash: After sun treatment, rinse the jeans thoroughly with cool water to remove any lemon residue. Then wash as usual, following the care label instructions. This helps prevent any lingering stickiness or scent.

 

• Dry as recommended: Air dry your jeans if possible. High heat from a dryer can set any remaining stains and may shrink denim.

 

• What to expect: Lemon juice and sunlight can help lighten some stains and freshen up jeans, but results vary depending on the stain type and denim color. This method is best for light spot cleaning, not for deep cleaning or heavy-duty stain removal.