Can You Dry Clean Raw Denim (2025)

The myth that dry cleaning jeans will make them stay raw is not entirely accurate. While it is true that any washing will change the look and fit of raw denim, it is important to maintain a gentle approach and let the jeans air dry. For raw denim, hand washing is the best option as it is unwashed and untreated.

To minimize dye loss, fill a bathtub with cold water and submerge the jeans without any detergent. Hang them to dry without scrubbing or hot water. Dry cleaning can kill bacteria without affecting the color, but fading is inevitable. Christian McCann, founder of Left Field NYC, recommends wearing raw jeans at least 30 times before hand-washing them with mild detergent and hanging them to dry.

Dry cleaning is more harsh than machine washing due to its chemicals, so it is not recommended. Instead, you can rinse wash your jeans periodically and lay them out in the sun to dry. However, some people dislike dry cleaning because it can alter the shade of indigo and the hand of the denim.

Once the wash is complete, let the jeans air dry. Avoid using the dryer as heat shrinks cotton, and size 31s may not be suitable for this method. A quick rinse (short, low spin, no detergent) will remove some starch and stiffness, making the jeans easier to wear.

In conclusion, while dry cleaning may not be the best option for raw denim, it is essential to maintain a gentle approach and allow the jeans to air dry.

What are the disadvantages of raw denim?

Raw denim, also known as “dry denim”, is a type of jeans made from denim that has not undergone a pre-washing process. This type of jeans are stiff and take a few weeks of regular wear to break-in. Raw denim comes in two types: sanforized and unsanforized. Sanforized denim has a chemical treatment that prevents shrinkage after washing, and most mass-produced jeans are sanforized. Unsanforized denim hasn’t been treated with this shrink-preventing chemical, so when washing or soaking jeans, they will shrink by 5-10.

Selvedge denim is a type of denim produced on shuttle looms, which produce tightly woven strips of heavy fabric with finished edges to prevent fraying, raveling, or curling. The edges come out of the loom finished, making it known as having a “self-edge” denim. The pros and cons of raw denim are discussed in the pros and cons section.

Does raw denim bleed after washing?

Raw denim may experience bleeding or crocking, where the color rubs off. Soaking may help minimize this, but the extent depends on the denim. Bleeding is not harmful, but it may cause blue color on white leather sofas. Washing raw denim is a common topic among denimheads, but it is recommended to wash jeans periodically to maintain its appearance and longevity. Without washing, raw denim becomes brittle due to unwashed starch from the production process, combined with grime and dirt from months of wear, leading to less durable denim. Washing helps maintain the color and prevents it from rubbing off on white leather sofas.

How often should I wash my raw denim?

Raw jeans should be washed once or twice a year to maintain good fading. The stiffness of raw denim creates sharp creases when you sit or move, which are where fades appear. When you wash the jean, the starch-like substance washes out, softening the denim and making the creases less sharp. Daily wear causes abrasion on the top blue yarns, allowing the bottom white yarns to show through. Each time a jean is washed, it loses some color and reduces the contrast between dark and white areas. Therefore, it’s better to buy dark wash jeans instead.

Will dry cleaning stop jeans from bleeding?

Dry cleaning is a gentle and mild washing process that prevents color bleeding by using active ingredients in chemical solvents. It keeps clothes bright and prevents stains from remaining. My Butler Service, a top-rated mobile dry cleaning service in Sydney, uses the best techniques and processes to eliminate friction and fading. With numerous dry cleaners and experts, there is no laundry overcrowding, which contributes to cloth bleeding. They also use environmentally friendly solvents and provide hand-finished dry cleaning and garment care. Book a collection today to experience the convenience of dry cleaning.

Does raw denim ever get soft?

Breaking in raw denim can be uncomfortable, especially for tight or heavier denim. However, it will eventually soften as you wear it. To prolong the wear and prevent crotch blowouts and other rips, soak the jeans before wearing them. New raw denim may experience ‘bleeding’ or ‘crocking’, where the color rubs off. Soaking may minimize this, but the extent depends on the denim. Bleeding denim is not harmful, but it may not be ideal for certain surfaces. If you don’t want the color to appear on your white leather sofa, don’t worry about it coming off in the wash.

Does raw denim shrink after wash?

For a tapered long-term fit, ensure the denim fits snug from the start, giving room for wear. The initial fit serves as a reference point for shrinkage after washing, and the longer the denim is worn and washed, the less it will fluctuate. If you want a looser fit, go up a size, as the denim won’t stretch much and shrinks back 3-5 from the initial fit. The only permanent shrinkage is in leg length, which won’t stretch out with wear after washing.

Raw denim is beautiful because it molds, shapes, and fades according to your life. You can control the outcome of raw denim by choosing options 1-2, as 3-4 kills the charm of raw denim. Option 1: Don’t wash at all, considering dry cleaning to kill bacteria without affecting color. Eventually, fading is unavoidable, but the overall raw indigo look will stick. Option 2: Wear the denim for at least a year without washing, then wash at low temperature (30-40°C).

Option 3: Wash before wearing to maintain an even color and reduce fading, using a gentle soaking in cold water followed by a 30°C machine wash. Option 4: Wash at 60°C for little to no contrast over time, making the denim more classic blue than dark indigo and won’t fade much.

How to clean raw denim?

Washing jeans with other items can cause indigo bleeding, so it’s best to turn them inside out to prevent excessive bleeding. Use a denim-friendly detergent and cycle settings for dry cleaning to prevent bleeding and give a more even fade. However, this exposes the dirtiest part of the jeans to water and detergent. Hand washing is recommended as it’s gentler on the fibers and helps prevent excessive water temperature. Denim bleeds blue blood, so it’s best to hand wash jeans to avoid damaging lighter colors. Hands are also good thermometers, so they can help prevent hot water from causing damage.

Should you size up in raw denim?

When purchasing unsanforized raw denim, it is essential to select a larger size than one would normally choose, as the fabric tends to shrink after washing. In contrast, sanforized denim may be sized down, as the fabric stretches after wearing. Denim garments produced directly from the loom may exhibit a stiffness and discomfort that is uncomfortable for the wearer. Additionally, the process of breaking in jeans may result in the transfer of dye to other garments.

Is it OK to not wash denim?

The notion that jeans should never be washed is a fallacy. While infrequent washing may preserve color and shape, it can also result in the accumulation of dirt, oils, and bacteria, which can negatively impact both the fabric and the skin. It is crucial to strike a balance between washing and implementing appropriate care techniques to ensure the continued cleanliness and optimal condition of your jeans.

Can you put raw denim in the dryer?

To care for raw selvedge denim jeans, avoid machine drying and only air dry them. Use the lowest setting possible and avoid over-drying. Pull out a little damp and let them air dry on your body, inside out in a shaded area. Avoid machine drying on high temperatures at all costs. This simple and straightforward approach ensures the maximum lifespan and aesthetic enhancement of your jeans. High temperatures can shrink your jeans and make them unwearable, so use the lowest setting possible.

Will raw denim fade after wash?

Washing raw denim often does not accelerate fades, as each wash will lose some indigo. However, the indigo loss will be uniform. For sharper honeycombs and whiskers, frequent washing is not recommended. For vintage fades, washing frequently is necessary. Striking a balance between crisp fade patterns and clean jeans is crucial. If you prioritize keeping jeans dark and fades crisp, you may sacrifice cleanliness and longevity. A good rule of thumb is to wash jeans once every two months, especially in the summer when hands and jeans get dirty.