White streaks on your favourite jeans can be frustrating, but don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! This problem typically occurs during the washing process and can happen for various reasons. The good news is that these streaks are usually preventable with a few simple adjustments and, in some cases, even fixable! By understanding what’s causing the issue and how to address it, you can keep your clothes looking fresh and streak-free.

Why do I get white streaks on my jeans after washing?

Most of the time, these streaks occur because there’s not enough space for the detergent to dissolve or spread properly. When the machine is overcrowded, it can create soap scum that leaves streaks on your clothes. The same goes for using too much detergent. The detergent will build up, which leads to streaks.

A dirty washing machine can also leave behind white marks on your clothing, so make sure to maintain your machine regularly. And if you’re unlucky and you live in an area with hard water you have to be extra careful. Hard water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can leave behind stains on your clothes.

White streaks are most common on dark fabrics and dry denim. They are also more difficult to get out of darker jeans. It’s not something we can control in production. Therefore, we urge you to take extra care when washing your dry denim for the first time. Read all our tips for your first dry denim wash in this blog.

https://a.storyblok.com/f/180781/4160x6240/98f15590cf/wash-stripes.webp

How do I prevent white stains on jeans?

Preventing is always better than solving. So we have a couple of pro tips for you to prevent these white stains altogether:

1. Don’t fill the machine to the top. This gives the detergent room to work its magic and distribute evenly. Leave about a fist’s height of space at the top of the drum.

2. Use liquid detergent instead of powder to avoid undissolved washing streaks. If you still prefer powder detergent in a cold cycle, add hot water to the powder first. That gives the powder the possibility to dissolve.

3. Always stick to the recommended amount of detergent, whether powder, sheets, or liquid. More doesn’t always mean cleaner or better!

4. Clean your washing machine periodically. Run a hot wash cycle with an empty drum once a month and use a washing machine cleaner every three to six months.

5. Don't forget to clean the detergent drawer, the soap residue can build up and end up on your clothes. You should be able to take out the full detergent drawer for a deep clean.

6. Descale your washing machine regularly, especially when you live in a hard water area. Use a descaler or add 250 ml of white vinegar to the detergent drawer, then run an empty wash cycle!

How to get rid of white streaks on jeans?

It’s not a guarantee that the streaks will disappear. But we can try! First, try washing them again. If that doesn't help, use equal parts vinegar and water, dip the mixture on the spots, and then wash them again. Always test this mixture on a small, hidden area of your clothes first to ensure it doesn’t damage the fabric.

What to do when white stripes on jeans can’t be fixed

If the streaks don’t disappear, don’t throw your jeans away! You can always embrace the vintage vibe the streaks may provide or find another loving owner who does. Maybe you can use them for a nice DIY project. And if that doesn’t work out, you can always send them back to us through our Trends are Circular program. You get a small discount on a new item and we’ll find a good destination for them.

"It’s not a guarantee that the streaks will disappear. But we can try!"

Wash Smart, Wear Longer

To recap: When washing your favourite jeans, use the right amount of washing detergent, don't overfill your washing machine, take care of your machine and most importantly, wash your jeans as little as possible! That way, you keep your jeans in the best shape possible and you have no risks of streaks. Because real denim lovers never wash their jeans.