The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
For ordinary denim, turn it inside out, close zippers, wash it on a gentle cycle in cold water with similar colors, and air-dry it when practical. Those steps help limit heat and abrasion that can affect fit and color, but they cannot guarantee zero shrinkage or fading. Always follow the garment’s care label—especially for raw denim and workwear with special finishes or protective properties.
Start with the care label and the type of garment
Before washing, check the sewn-in care instructions. Denim does not all behave alike: most Levi’s jeans are preshrunk, while its Shrink-to-Fit jeans are raw and not preshrunk. Workwear instructions can vary by garment category and product, so do not assume that a routine suitable for jeans also suits every bib, jacket, or treated item. Levi’s denim care guidance says to follow the garment’s instructions; its Shrink-to-Fit information distinguishes those raw jeans from its preshrunk pairs.
Wash ordinary denim gently
- Prepare it: Turn the denim inside out and close the zippers.
- Sort it: Wash with similar colors to reduce the chance of dye transferring to lighter items.
- Choose the cycle: Use cold water and a gentle cycle, following any different instructions on the care label.
- Use detergent sparingly: If the label allows, choose a gentle cleanser. No detergent can be promised to prevent fading or shrinkage.
Levi’s recommends these precautions for its denim, including cold water and a gentle cycle. Avoid unnecessary heat and aggressive washing when retaining fit and color matters. Levi’s washing instructions
Handle raw denim according to its instructions
Raw or unpreshrunk denim may respond differently from preshrunk jeans. Levi’s regional guidance recommends hand washing its raw denim in cold water with a gentle cleanser and says not to wring the fabric. Treat that as Levi’s guidance, not a universal rule: check the maker’s instructions for your particular pair. Levi’s raw-denim washing guidance
#1 Best Overall
- Woolite Darks with Color Renew, smooths fibers, removes pilling and revives colors, so dark colors stay vivid & bold for longer
- Keeps the dark clothes you love looking like new even after 30 washes
- Does not cause fading, shrinking or stretching
- Designed for use in both regular and high-efficiency machines
- Ultimate protection for clothes with refreshing Midnight Breeze scent
Take extra care with new dark denim
New dark, black, or raw denim can transfer dye. Levi’s recommends washing it before first wear, turning it inside out, and using cold water. Keep it away from pale clothing and light-colored surfaces until you know whether it releases dye. Levi’s guidance for black jeans
Follow workwear instructions product by product
Workwear may have different care needs from ordinary jeans, and manufacturer directions can differ even within one brand. Carhartt’s general instructions vary by category: its guidance says to wash jeans, shorts, and sweats in cold water, while bib overalls have a different generic instruction. Check the specific garment’s label and the manufacturer’s product instructions rather than applying one temperature to all workwear. Carhartt care instructions
Rank #2
- Special Fibrex-tech formula prevents your favorite dark garments from fading and keeps them looking like new.
- Revives color intensity in just a few washes
- Smooths rough fibers for color brilliance
- 1.4 Liter bottle, use between 80 - 120 ml. per washload.
- Country of origin: Germany
One Carhartt denim bib product listing illustrates why product-specific directions matter: it permits normal washing up to 40°C and low-temperature tumble drying, and recommends washing inside out with like colors, avoiding fabric softener, and removing the item promptly. These are instructions for that listed product, not a blanket rule for every bib or brand. Carhartt denim bib product instructions
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Flame-resistant workwear
Do not substitute general denim-care advice for instructions on flame-resistant garments. Carhartt provides separate laundering guidance for its flame-resistant clothing, including product-specific limits and prohibited additives. Follow the garment label and its manufacturer’s instructions exactly. Carhartt flame-resistant clothing care instructions
Rank #3
- KEEPS DARKS & COLORS LOOKING VIBRANT: Give favorite dark and brightly colored fabrics specialized care with The Laundress Darks Detergent. This bio-based clothes detergent deep cleans while helping maintain rich, vibrant color across everyday fabrics, a thoughtful pick for anyone who values clean-conscious, bio-based ingredients
- FOUR-ENZYME BLEND TARGETS TOUGH MESSES: Powered by The Laundress proprietary blend of four enzymes, this washing detergent targets fresh and set-in stains, dirt, and oil for a beautiful clean. Use on dark wash jeans, patterned blouses, and bed linens, a go-to for denim lovers and anyone building a black-and-navy work wardrobe
- OPTIMIZED FOR COLD WATER CLEANING: Specially designed for washing dark, black, and brightly colored laundry in cold water, this concentrated detergent liquid cleans effectively while supporting thoughtful color care. Use in place of an all-purpose detergent for dark loads. Follow garment care labels and sort by color and fabric
- CLASSIC CLEAN LAUNDRY SCENT: Surround dark laundry in The Laundress Classic fragrance, an airy blend of citrus, marine notes, lavender, rose, jasmine, and lily of the valley, grounded by musk, sandalwood, cedarwood, oakmoss, and patchouli, ideal for laundry day after a busy week or keeping travel wardrobes smelling their best
- THE LAUNDRESS FABRIC CARE RITUAL: Part of a thoughtfully curated collection of laundry essentials, this Laundress detergent pairs seamlessly with The Laundress fabric sprays and conditioners to complete a premium garment care routine for beautifully refreshed fabrics from wash to wear
Air-dry when preserving fit is the priority
Air- or line-drying is the conservative choice when you want to limit heat exposure. Levi Strauss & Co.’s The Definitive Denim Care Guide (2018) says, “Line-drying preserves the fit and helps avoid possible shrinkage or fabric warping.” This is a precaution, not a guarantee. Follow the label if it permits tumble drying and you need a faster option; some specific workwear instructions do. Levi Strauss & Co., The Definitive Denim Care Guide
Choose the routine that fits your priority
| Priority | Practical choice | Trade-off or limit |
|---|---|---|
| Preserving fit | Use cold water and air- or line-dry when the label allows. | These steps reduce heat exposure but cannot ensure that a garment will not shrink; raw and preshrunk denim differ. |
| Preserving color | Turn denim inside out, wash cold with similar colors, and avoid unnecessary machine drying. | Dark or raw denim may still transfer dye. |
| Convenience | Use a gentle machine cycle for ordinary denim when the label permits. | Levi’s raw-denim guidance favors hand washing; a particular workwear label may allow tumble drying. |
| Protective function | Follow the garment’s specific label and manufacturer instructions. | General denim advice may not be safe or suitable for treated or flame-resistant workwear. |
If denim has already shrunk or needs repair
Do not assume that washing instructions can restore a garment’s original fit. For a fit or repair issue, consult a qualified tailor. Levi Strauss & Co. says its tailors can alter, hem, repair, and customize Levi’s products; service availability may vary. Levi Strauss & Co. denim care and tailoring information
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Zum Laundry Soap: A mix of gentle, grime-busting ingredients makes our liquid laundry soap safer for even the most sensitive launderers
- Efficient, Plant-Based Laundry Soap: This 64-ounce bottle of Zum Laundry Soap cleans up to 64 loads and is low-sudsing; it's also highly concentrated and perfect for high-efficiency machines
- Sultry Scent Notes: Amber Zum has notes of vetiver and patchouli for grounding energy, while lavender adds sweetness and cedar and bergamot top things off
- Natural & Cruelty-Free: We use ingredients from nature and don't test our products on animals, making our products vegetarian and cruelty-free
- About Zum by Indigo Wild: Zum's natural products for body and home are handcrafted in the U.S.A. with ingredients you can say, spell and love to smell
Rank #4
- Triple-Renew Technology: The liquid detergent with triple-renew technology cares for dark textiles - for laundry that looks, feels and smells like new
- Fiber Renewal: The gel detergent renews & smoothes the fibers of the clothes and improves the color intensity, so that dark and black laundry looks like new again
- Gentle Cleanliness: Provides gentle cleaning at low and high water temperatures, standard and special wash programs, as well as hand washing
- Easy Application: Simply pour the desired amount of liquid detergent into the cap, pour into the washing machine's rinse chamber and start the wash cycle
- Versatile Fabric Care: Suitable for use on a wide range of fabrics including delicates and all dark textiles to maintain their deep color intensity
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
