Myth: Should you really wash your jeans in vinegar?

Some self-proclaimed experts, especially on TikTok, adamantly claim that you should wash your jeans in vinegar. But is that really true? Should we listen to 20-year-olds who "mansplain" textile care based on trends, or should we look at actual traditions?

Spinning, dyeing, and weaving have historically been the domain of women in most cultures. This knowledge of plants, wool, and dyeing processes has largely been an oral tradition that is now dying out. At Raw Denim Norway, we have deep respect for these ancient craft traditions, and we want to contribute with fact-based knowledge rather than social media myths.

The myth of vinegar and color fixation

The myth claims that vinegar "fixes" the color and prevents the jeans from losing indigo. The truth is actually the exact opposite: Indigo dye and cotton fibers are vulnerable to acid.

Vinegar is an acid. If you use acid in the wash, it can actually cause the color to release more easily. Perhaps the myth originated because the process makes the jeans stop "bleeding" indigo then and there, but over time the acid breaks down the fibers and bleaches the fabric. Do you want a faded eighties look? Use vinegar. Do you want to keep the deep dark blue color? Keep the vinegar bottle in the kitchen cupboard.

When is vinegar actually useful?

There is one exception, but it is rarely applicable in Norway. Vinegar lowers the pH of "hard" water (water with a lot of lime). Lime can be harmful to both cotton and washing machines. If you live somewhere with very hard water – like in parts of Denmark or the USA – a splash of vinegar can help soften the water. However, with the clean, soft water we have in Norwegian taps, it has no function.

Forget vinegar – try baking soda!

If you absolutely want a laundry "hack" that actually has a theoretical basis in reality, you should look to the other end of the pH scale. Indigo thrives best in water that is slightly alkaline.

By adding a spoonful of baking soda to the wash, you increase the pH of the water. This can theoretically provide the following benefits:

• Increased surface tension: May help dirt loosen without pigments releasing as easily.
• The "stiff" feeling: Baking soda can make jeans feel a bit stiffer after washing – perfect for those who love the raw feel of newly washed raw denim in the morning.

Our advice for longevity

Keep it simple. Use a gentle, preferably eco-labeled detergent. These are developed to remove dirt while caring for the textile. We have gathered all our knowledge in a series of easy-to-read guides. Whether you're going for high contrast or vintage fades, here you'll find answers to your questions:

• How often should you actually wash raw denim? – For most people, the answer is: More often than you think. Learn why and how to find your own washing rhythm.

• The ultimate washing guide – Our complete step-by-step guide to washing, from sorting and machine settings to drying. A must-read for all jeans owners.

• The ritual: How to hand wash your jeans – For those who want maximum control. Hand washing is the gentlest method, ideal for avoiding wash lines and preserving as much indigo as possible.

Keep it simple, love your jeans to death – and then repair them.