How to Darken Jeans

Written By
Heather Orr
Heather Orr
Published: May 30, 2008
Updated: Feb 5, 2019
1 minute read

Whether you just want to get crafty or you have an old pair of jeans that are perfectly broke in but you dislike the color of the wash, you can dye your jeans at home. It is a relatively easy and inexpensive process.

Dying Jeans

Wash the jeans you intend to dye. Do not use fabric softener.

Prepare a dye bath per the instructions on the box of dye you select. Typically, you will need to mix the dye(s), very warm water, and salt in order to set up your dye bath.

Wet the jeans if you have dried them after washing. This will help them absorb color evenly.

Put on rubber gloves to prevent dying your skin. Also, make sure you are wearing clothes that you don’t mind ruining in the event of splashes.

Place your jeans into the dye bath. Make sure they are completely submersed. Leave them in the dye bath for the amount of time recommended on the box of dye. It will depend on what color you are using.

Rinse in warm water for a few minutes then ease into rinsing the jeans in cool water. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear and all dye has been rinsed away.

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Wash the jeans in cool water in your washing machine with regular detergent. Dry and wear!

Heather Orr

Heather Orr has been a professional writer since 2004. She has numerous articles published by several different online media sources, as well as a book of original poetry titled "Walk of LIfe." She also works with private clients on a…

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