Brilliant Trick: Faded Jeans Look New Again

How to Make Old Faded Jeans Look New Again: Dyeing Them in Your Washing Machine

Do you have a pair of beloved jeans that have seen better days? Instead of letting them languish in the back of your closet, why not give them a new lease on life? Dyeing your old, faded jeans is a simple, cost-effective way to restore their color and make them look almost brand new. Best of all, you can do it right in your washing machine! Follow these easy steps to breathe new life into your favorite denim or other clothing items.

What You’ll Need:

– A pair of faded jeans
– Fabric dye (choose a color that matches or complements your jeans)
– Salt (optional, but helps the dye set better)
– Rubber gloves
– Washing machine

Step-by-Step Guide:

 1. Choose the Right Dye:

Select a fabric dye suitable for cotton or denim. Popular brands like Rit or Dylon offer a variety of colors, so you can pick one that closely matches the original color of your jeans or opt for a completely new shade.

RIT DYE IN DENIM BLUE 

2. Pre-Wash Your Jeans:

Wash your jeans in the washing machine without detergent to remove any dirt, oils, or finishes that might interfere with the dyeing process. This step ensures that the dye will adhere evenly to the fabric.

 3. Prepare the Dye:

Turn on your washer and fill with hot water for a normal wash cycle. Stop the washer when filled and add your Liquid Rit Dye and 1 cup of salt. I prefer using the liquid Rit Dye because no dissolving needed.  After adding the dye let your machine agitate for a minute then stop and add your jeans. Remember to wear your gloves.

4. Dye Your Jeans:

1. Push the wet jeans down into the water and make sure they are submerged. Be sure to wear rubber gloves or use a large unused paint stick or big dipping spoon to push the clothing into the water or you will come out with BLUE HANDS.

2. Close door/lid and let washer agitate for 2 minutes to distribute the dye through out the fabric and then stop washer. and let your jeans soak for 1 – 2  hours.

3. Soak the jeans in the dye water for one to two hours.  You CAN NOT over dye. Make sure to leave the jeans in the dye long enough to let the fabric absorb the dye.

5. Rinse and Wash:

Once the dyeing time is complete, run your jeans through the rinse only cycle – TWICE with cold water to remove any excess dye. This step prevents any color transfer to other clothes in future washes.

TIP: Optional (I didn’t use the dye fixative)

Setting the Dye: To ensure the color stays vibrant, consider using a dye fixative, which can be found at most craft or fabric stores.

Here is the before and after so you can get the idea of the results.

I think the dye works perfectly. See how the distressed look is still apparent in the jeans but more subtle just like when new and the thread color of the jeans stayed as they were.

Clean your washing machine:

To clean the washing machine: Wipe around the inside of the lid and pour a little bleach through the internal dispenser (if there is one) as dyes can get into these areas. Then, fill washer to the highest water level there is and select the hottest water temperature setting. Add detergent with 2 cups of chlorine bleach and run a full wash cycle with 3 old towels.

NOTE: Front Loader machines can be used as well as Top Loaders

1. Add the rit dye to the washing machine that is filled with hot water, I set my front loader on the normal soiled setting (42 minute cycle)  Keep in mind that you will need more water if you dye more than two pairs of jeans at once. One Rit Dye bottle will dye up to 2 lbs of clothing.
2. In a separate container, dissolve 1 cup of salt in 4 cups of very hot water if dyeing natural fibers like cotton or linen.
3. Add to the washing machine with the Rit dye.
4. Run the washing machine for about 10 – 20 seconds to mix the dye.
5. Pause machine

Final Thoughts:

Revamping your faded jeans with fabric dye is a fantastic way to extend their lifespan and save money on new clothing. Not only is this process eco-friendly, but it also allows you to experiment with different colors and styles. So, the next time you find yourself with a pair of jeans that have lost their luster, reach for some fabric dye and give them a stylish new look—all from the comfort of your home!