Can You Wash Denim with Whites
It's generally not recommended to wash denim with white clothes. While it might be tempting to toss everything into one load, mixing denim with whites can lead to several issues that could ruin your white garments.
Why You Should Separate Denim from Whites
The primary concern is color bleeding. Denim, especially new or dark-wash jeans, contains excess dye that can transfer to other clothes during washing. This dye release, known as crocking, is particularly noticeable on white fabrics and can permanently stain them with a blue or grey tint. Additionally, denim is typically heavier and more abrasive than white garments like t-shirts or dress shirts, which can cause excessive wear on lighter fabrics.
When It's Safe to Mix
There are rare exceptions when mixing might be acceptable:
- If the denim has been washed multiple times and no longer releases dye
- If the denim is extremely light-colored or white itself
- If both the denim and whites are similarly lightweight fabrics
Best Practices for Washing Denim
To maintain your denim and protect your white clothes:
- Wash new denim separately for the first 3-4 washes
- Turn jeans inside out before washing
- Use cold water to minimize dye bleeding
- Consider using a color-catching sheet in the wash
- Opt for gentle, color-protecting detergents
Caring for Your Whites
To keep white clothes bright and clean:
- Wash them separately or with similarly light-colored items
- Use warm or hot water when appropriate
- Add oxygen-based brighteners or whitening agents
- Sort whites by fabric weight and washing instructions
By taking these precautions and washing denim and whites separately, you'll extend the life of both types of garments and maintain their original appearance. The extra time spent sorting laundry is worth avoiding permanently stained or damaged clothes.
