Vinegar trick for dark wash jeans - does this really work? Tips??

ironkurtin

As it FINALLY cools down here in Austin, I am once again dealing with my Sevens rubbing their darkness off onto my panties, hands, and fingernails. And probably my butt and legs, too. Ick.

I know some of you say immersing the jeans in white vinegar works to set the dye? How much per pair of jeans? For how long? How do you eliminate the vinegar smell afterwards?

Thanks!

13 years ago

General

8 replies

Latest reply was from Christelle

ironkurtin

Veteran

Anyone? Research on the forum yields mixed answers - it works, it doesn't work. Anyone actually tried this?

13 years ago

HelenInCanada

Veteran

Hi Ironkurtin, I wish I had an answer for you! Sounds like a messy problem! Washing normally with other darks doesn't initially remove the smudging? I HAVE tried a vinegar rinse in the washing machine for ridding my dark wash denim of that strange "dye scent". Have you ever noticed such a thing? I thought it was something that would go away with repeated regular washings until I did some research and learned about trying vinegar. It's not a miracle solution, but it DID eliminate some of the smell, if not all. I'm going to have to give it another try, perhaps with a lot MORE vinegar - at least a litre. The vinegar smell goes away with a couple of extra rinses. I wish I could help with your issue!

13 years ago

elpgal

Veteran

I have used vinegar to stem bleeding of plant-based dyes. I have never tried it on denim dye though. I fill the washer to the lowest level, toss in a cup or so of vinegar and agitate till the clothes are thoroughly water saturated. I have left them in the water for long durations (so a couple of hours, not minutes). Then, I run the wash with a color catcher sheet and no soap so the dye gets completely washed out. The smell of the vinegar does not persist upon drying. I use vinegar in the rinse cycle (to get rid of soap residue) on all my clothes and it has never been a problem. Hope this helps.

13 years ago

MNsara

Veteran

I received a little card from Nordstrom when I bought a pair of Paige (or 7FAM, or something) that said:

Denim - suggested washing instructions
wash inside out
cold water
1/2 C. white vinegar (no detergent)
dry 20-30 minutes low heat

I have done this once and can't remember which jeans, and it's definitely not obviously different from my others.

The most notable thing was doing a vinegar-only wash. . .

I'm pretty careful in laundering anyway and haven't had a fading problem. . .but that nasty rub off issue -- I've forgotten how much that bugs me and can ruin a handbag

13 years ago

ButterflyLady

(website)

Veteran

I had problems like this with one pair of jeans, I tried the vinegar thing - both in the machine, and soaking the jeans in a solution of water and vinegar. I washed them over and over and over again, but still the dye came off on our cream sofa, my handbag and my underwear, so eventually I donated the jeans. Probably not what you wanted to hear, but try using vinegar, it may work for you.

13 years ago

Queen Mum

Veteran

I"ve done this once and I think it helped (it was a pair of Kut skinnies.)
I filled my bathtub with cold water and a very generous amount of vinegar and let them soak overnight. I think that then I just sent them through the rinse cycle of my washer. They seem to rub less than the first pair of the same jeans that I had bought. I need to do this with my 2 new jeans still.

13 years ago

nancylee

Veteran

I'm so glad you asked this question! I'm taking notes.....

13 years ago

Christelle

Active Member

I haven't tried it with jeans, but I do it with fabrics ALL THE TIME. The vinegar does help set the dye so it doesn't wash out with subsequent washings, which keeps it looking newer longer.

I do Queen Mum's method of soaking in a bowl or tub of water with about a cup of vinegar. I let it soak at LEAST an hour, usually 3-4, then run through the regular rinse cycle on the washing machine. IT doesn't leave a vinegar smell,

Like I said, I haven't tried this with jeans, but I just bought a new pair of dark-wash jeans the other day and was thinking I should give it a try.

Also, ALWAYS wash them on cold-cold.

13 years ago

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