How to Set Jean Dye

How to Set Jean Dye
Written By
Mary Ylisela
Mary Ylisela
Published: Apr 29, 2011
Updated: Nov 18, 2019
1 minute read
...
Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images

A new pair of jeans or other denim garment with a dark wash often fades a bit with washing. During the first wash, denim that bleeds can cause dye transfer stains on other garments. Jean dye that's not set can also rub off on furniture upholstery and other surfaces. To avoid both faded denim garments and dye transfer stains, use supplies found around the home and the proper techniques to set the jean dye.

Place your jeans or denim garment in a bucket. Pour 3 cups white vinegar, or more if needed, over the garment. Soak the jeans for 15 minutes to prevent the denim dye from bleeding in the wash.

Turn your jeans inside out and place them in the wash.

Wash the jeans with laundry detergent and add 1 cup white vinegar to the wash cycle to keep the dye from running.

...
Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images

Dry the jeans by hanging them on a drying rack out of direct sunlight. Using the dryer repeatedly can cause colors to fade.

Photo Credits

Photodisc/Photodisc/Getty Images

Mary Ylisela

Mary Ylisela is a former teacher with a Bachelor of Arts in elementary education and mathematics. She has been a writer since 1996, specializing in business, fitness and education. Prior to teaching, Ylisela worked as a certified fitness…

Sponsored
Our Everyday Life Logo

Explore our everyday life, the best source for food and drink tips, health and general wellness, healthy relationships and much more.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.