Denim Painting 101: How To Wash Painted Denim
Published Dec. 2019 | Updated Oct. 2024
Can painted denim be washed? Absolutely!
Washing painted denim can be scary after you have spent hours perfecting your masterpiece, but it doesn’t have to be. There are 3 ways that I recommend washing denim in order to protect your painting and keep it looking perfect!
If you follow all the steps to use high-quality paint, mix in fabric medium, and heat-set your painted denim, then you do not need to worry about washing your painted denim masterpiece.
New to painting on denim? Start here!
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3 Methods for Washing Painted Jeans
1. How to Machine Wash Painted Jeans
Turn your jeans or jacket inside-out and wash on the delicate cycle. Button up the jacket first before turning it inside-out.
I only recommend using this option if you used fabric medium in your acrylic paint and heat-set your painted denim.
There is a small risk of your painting getting slightly rubbed off in a rough washing machine or peeling off if you used low-quality paint.
Use a small amount of mild detergent, like Seventh Generation.
Do not use bleach, softeners, or any alcohol-based cleaner. Alcohol of any kind will destroy the painting.
2. How to Hand-Wash Painted Jeans
Hand-washing painted denim the best way to ensure your painting is stays perfect while your jeans still get fully washed.
If your painted denim isn’t super dirty and just needs a regular wash, this is the best way to do it.
Fill a large sink, your bathtub, or a large bin with warm or cold water and add a splash of mild detergent. Turn your jeans or jacket inside out before submerging them into the water.
Use your hands to move the denim around in the water and scrub any particularly dirty areas.
The photo of the water running directly onto the painting illustrates how permanent the painting is on denim once heat-set, but isn’t meant to be replicated. Turn yours inside out!
3. How To Spot-Clean Painted Jeans
Spot cleaning is the most ideal method to protect your painting.
This method is useful for cleaning stains or dirty spots on your denim when the rest of it is clean enough to go without a full wash.
Use a wet cloth with mild detergent to scrub the spot that needs cleaning and rinse with cold or warm water.
How to Dry Painted Jeans
You can dry your painted denim as usual on medium or high heat in the dryer, hang-dry, or lay flat to dry.
I prefer using the dryer because it’s fast, easy, and helps to heat-set the painted denim even more!
Be sure to check the drying instructions on your painted denim. I always recommend painting on 100% cotton denim, which can be dried on medium or high heat in the dryer.
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