Bleaching jeans means partially bleaching them with bleach. Many love this style, but buying them already treated in this way can be quite expensive. Thanks to this guide you can learn how to carry out the treatment yourself; you need a bleach solution, a pair of old jeans and a well-ventilated area.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Starting the Procedure
Step 1. Choose a pair of old jeans
The process removes a lot of color and you shouldn't do it on a pair of pants you care about; choose old jeans instead.
If you don't have them, buy them at a thrift store; you can find cheap jeans that you can bleach at home
Step 2. Tie each pant leg with rubber bands to create a kind of bundle
In this way, you can give them a mottled look typical of the washed-out jeans you find on the market; work on one leg at a time, tying the various parts with rubber bands.
- There is no exact technique for this stage; it all depends on the type of stains you want to get. If you want a style that is reminiscent of reserve dye, twist the pants in several places on the legs and secure them with elastic; if you prefer a less "messy" look, turn and tie only certain areas of the jeans. You can also focus on a specific area, such as the knees or bottom hem.
- When you have twisted and wrinkled the pants to your taste, roll each leg up. Use a large rubber band to securely close each roll; at this point, the jeans should look like a lumpy little bundle.
Step 3. Fill a bucket with 2.5 liters of cold water
Choose a container large enough to completely submerge the pants. Remember to use cold water; if necessary, let it run from the tap until it cools down.
Measure the water carefully. The bucket should have a graduated scale on the edge; if not, use a cup or container you know the capacity to make 2.5 liters of cold water
Step 4. Add the bleach
You can use the common one, which you can buy at the supermarket. Wear gloves when handling this substance and pour it into the water by dosing it carefully (1.5 liters).
If you want to get more contrast between the stains on the jeans, use a slightly larger amount of bleach; in this way, the solution is more concentrated and eliminates more dye from the pants
Part 2 of 3: Complete the Procedure
Step 1. Soak the jeans in bleach
Put on rubber gloves for this step and put the garment in the solution until it is almost completely submerged.
If some parts remain above the liquid level, there is no problem; you will need to turn the jeans over afterwards, but for now make sure to simply soak as much of them as possible
Step 2. Turn the pants every 20 minutes
Set a timer to remind you to move them regularly; never neglect to wear gloves during this job. This procedure allows to obtain a uniform washed out effect.
As you turn the pants, you can notice that they start to change color; part of the dye melts from the jeans, which turn white
Step 3. Leave the garment to soak for 30-60 minutes
The duration of the treatment depends on the effect you want to achieve. If you prefer a more defined result and a more intense color contrast, leave the trousers in the solution for a longer time, so that the fibers discolour more; if you opt for a more sober washed-out look, keep the pants in the bleach for only half an hour.
If you're not sure how long to wait, check your progress regularly; when you notice that the pants are taking on the look you want, you can take them out of the liquid
Step 4. Rinse them in cold water
Make sure you get rid of all traces of bleach and put the pants under cold running tap water. As always, wear gloves when handling bleached trousers, as this substance should not come into contact with bare skin.
- You can also wet your pants outdoors with the garden hose;
- Rinse every part of the jeans to get rid of the bleach;
- When done, squeeze your pants.
Step 5. Wash and dry them
Set a cold wash cycle and machine wash your pants twice: the first time use detergent and run the second cycle without any soap.
- When finished, hang the garment out to dry; do not use the dryer.
- At this point, you should have a nice pair of washed out jeans.
Part 3 of 3: Take Security Measures
Step 1. Wear gloves when using bleach
Contact of this substance with bare skin is dangerous; put on a pair of sturdy plastic or rubber gloves.
Examine the gloves before proceeding with the treatment. Make sure they are perfectly intact; if not, throw them away and get a new pair for your own safety
Step 2. Work in a well-ventilated area
Accumulation of bleach vapors can cause dizziness, eye irritation and breathing problems; when you work with this substance you must always stay in a very airy room.
If possible, whiten your pants outdoors so you can enjoy maximum air exchange
Step 3. Use eye protection
Goggles are important when using bleach, as it could cause serious damage if it comes into contact with the eyeballs.
- If the substance gets into your eyes, wash them with water for 15-20 minutes, making sure to remove your contact lenses if you have them in.
- If bleach gets in your eyes, call your local poison control center as soon as possible.
Step 4. Wash your hands after using this substance
This is a very important detail, especially if you plan to eat after handling the bleach. Use warm soapy water after bleaching your pants; bleach should not stay in contact with the skin for too long and you should never ingest it.
Advice
- If you want a shaded effect, you can dip the waist or bottom hem of the jeans in the bleach solution and then gradually soak the rest over an hour; when finished, remove the pants from the bucket and wash them with detergent.
- It is best to wear old clothes when doing this procedure.
