Washing settings guide
How to Wash Jeans in a Washing Machine
Use this guide to wash jeans without unnecessary fading, shrinking, or creasing.
Wash jeans inside out on a denim, mixed, or cottons cycle at 30°C or 40°C, with a moderate spin and similar colours.
Last updated: 29 April 2026
Quick answer
Best washing machine setting
Program
Denim, Mixed, or Cottons
Temperature
30°C to 40°C
Spin
800 to 1200 rpm
Why: A cooler wash and moderate spin help protect denim colour and shape.
Safe tip: Turn jeans inside out and wash dark denim with similar colours.
Step-by-step setup
- 1.Empty pockets and turn jeans inside out.
- 2.Wash with similar dark or colourfast items.
- 3.Select Denim, Mixed, or Cottons depending on your machine.
- 4.Use 30°C for colour care or 40°C for more soiled jeans.
- 5.Use 800 to 1200 rpm and air dry where possible.
Related problems and error codes
When to use this setting
- Jeans, denim jackets, and robust denim garments.
- Dark denim that needs colour protection.
- Small denim loads that have room to move.
When not to use it
- Raw denim or specialist garments that say do not machine wash.
- Mixing heavy jeans with delicate tops or sportswear.
- Very hot washes that can shrink or fade denim.
Common mistakes
- Washing dark jeans with whites or light towels.
- Using high heat too often, which can speed up fading and shrinkage.
- Loading too many heavy jeans, which can cause poor spin balance.
Related guides
Best Setting for Dark Clothes
Wash dark clothes inside out on a mixed, synthetics, or darks programme at 30°C, using a moderate spin and a detergent suited to colours.
Mixed Load vs Cottons on a Washing Machine
Use mixed for everyday clothing with varied fabrics. Use cottons for towels, bedding, robust cotton garments, and heavier loads that need a longer wash.
What Temperature to Wash Clothes in the UK
Use 30°C for lightly worn clothes, 40°C for more soiled everyday items, and 60°C for towels, bedding, or hygiene loads where the care label allows.
Frequently asked questions
Should jeans be washed inside out?+
Yes. Turning jeans inside out helps reduce visible fading and protects the outer surface.
What temperature should I wash jeans at?+
Use 30°C for colour care or 40°C for more soiled jeans if the care label allows.
Can jeans go on a cotton wash?+
They can if the care label allows, but denim or mixed programmes may be gentler for colour and shape.