We are in the midst of the coronavirus epidemic. Like others trying to figure out ways to pass time in isolation, I decided to take on the how to dye jeans project and burn up a few hours of my Sunday.
For those that utilize a minimalist wardrobe (check out Minimalist Wardrobe for Men, A Casual Guide), you’ll find that your clothes start to wear out after about the second year. Although I love never having to worry about wasting time on outfit choices, I have noticed that after a while, t-shirt collars get stretched, clothing edges get worn, and the dye in jeans fade.
This guide on how to dye jeans will help bring new life to a pair of jeans, so your minimalist wardrobe can stay in tip top shape for years to come.
How to Dye Jeans
Step 1: Wash jeans in washer
Wash your jeans in the washer to remove any stains. Don’t bother drying, as you’ll need the jeans to be wet prior to dyeing.
Step 2: Get all your supplies together.
You will need the following:
-
- Rit Dye 8oz-Denim Blue
- Rit Colorstay Dye Fixative, 8oz
- 1 teaspoon dish soap
- 1 cup salt
- Rubber gloves
- Large pot to heat water
- Large spoon
- Rit Dye 8oz-Denim Blue
Optional:
- thermometer
- plastic tote
Recommended:
- work clothes
- old towel
Step 3: Heat 3 gallons of water to 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
For best results, heat to a minimum of 140 degrees. For those that don’t have a thermometer, 120 degrees is what the Department of Energy recommends for a hot water heater setting. 140 degrees is the default setting for most hot water heaters, so if you haven’t adjusted it since installation, it’s likely there. Otherwise, use the large pot to heat the water.
Caution: 140 degrees is pretty hot and can cause third degree burns in two seconds, so be careful!
Step 4: Add 1 teaspoon dish soap
If you’re using a tote to dye the jeans, place an old towel between your floors and the bottom of the tote. Splashing is a strong possibility, and you won’t want to get any dye on grout or hardwood floors.
Either pour the hot water into the tote or add the 1 teaspoon of dish soap to the hot water pot directly and stir.
Step 5: Stir in 1 cup of salt
Step 6: Shake the dye vigorously and add ½ of the bottle to the hot water
Stir completely, ensuring the dye is mixed.
Step 7: Add jeans and stir continuously for 10 minutes, minimum
Step 8: Stir regularly for up to 60 minutes & prepare another 3 gallons of hot water
Depending on how dark you want your jeans to be, adjust the soaking time. No less than 10 minutes, but no more than 60.
I went for the full 60 minutes, because I like my jeans dark and want the dye to last as long as possible.
In the meantime, if you are using a tote, prepare another 3 gallons of hot water at 140 degrees.
Step 9: Remove the jeans and ring out excess water
Set the jeans aside and empty the dyed water
Step 10: Add the Colorstaye Dye Fixative to the new batch of hot water
Stir completely.
Step 11: Add jeans and stir for 20 minutes
Step 12: Remove jeans and rinse with cool water
Rinse with cool water until the water runs clear.
Step 13: Wash in the washer
Wash in the washer with warm water and mild detergent.
I did a two-rinse cycle and threw in the same old towel I used earlier to collect any excess dye in the wash.
Step 14: Dry in the dryer
Step 15: Enjoy your dyed jeans!
