If you have dark jeans and want to lighten the color, using bleach might help. The use of bleach will also make the jeans feel softer as if they were worn out. While jeans that look worn out can be purchased at the store, you can make your own at home. By closely monitoring the process and taking precautions ahead of time, you can bleach your jeans to the color you want while preventing cavities.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Setting Up the Bleaching Process
Step 1. Lay out a sheet of newspaper on the floor in case any bleach is spilled
Before starting the bleaching process, lay out a sheet of newspaper around the area you are going to use. There are many things, especially carpets on the floor, that are easily stained by bleach. Also, spread a sheet of newspaper around the washing machine because once bleached, your jeans must be washed immediately.
Step 2. Put on old clothes
Wear clothes like old T-shirts. That way, you don't have to worry about the clothes getting stained with bleach. You can also wear an apron, if you want.
Wear thick rubber gloves to protect your skin from irritating the bleach solution. You may also want to wear protective eyewear to prevent splashes of bleach from getting into your eyes
Step 3. Choose a wide ventilated area so you don't inhale the fumes of the bleach
While they usually don't have any negative health effects, bleach vapors can make some people feel nauseous. If you feel unsteady, leave the area immediately and contact the Poisoning Information Center (SIKER). Keep the whitening product label near you if possible so you can pass the information on it to SIKER staff.
Never mix bleach with other household cleaning products. Toxic fumes may be formed when bleach is mixed with certain types of chemical constituents. Avoid mixing bleach with ammonia, or ammonia with alcohol
Step 4. Pour water and bleach in a 1:1 ratio into a bucket or tub
You can mix the bleach solution in a bucket, but pouring it into the tub will be easier because the fan in the bathroom can help blow off the steam. Avoid using concentrated bleach solutions. While you can get results in less time, this solution is corrosive and is more likely to puncture the fabric of your jeans.
Step 5. Try it first
If you've never bleached jeans before, prepare an old pair of jeans or a piece of jeans material to try. Try this bleach solution on old jeans first, then your favorite pair of jeans. That way, you can clearly see the effect the bleach solution has on the color of your jeans, and whether the levels are too strong.
Different colors of jeans may react differently. So choose old jeans in a color similar to your favorite jeans to get the most accurate picture
Step 6. Use a whitening gel (bleach pen) as another option
If using bleach scares you, you can also use a whitening gel that is available in some stores. While the results may not look natural, this bleach is much easier to use and less messy at the same time. You can also use this bleach to draw specific designs or words on the jeans.
Part 2 of 3: Brighten the Color of Jeans
Step 1. Moisturize the jeans
The effect of the bleach will be stronger if your pants are wet. So, dampen your jeans in cold water first before proceeding. There's no need to get your jeans soaked. So, squeeze out the excess water if it drips.
Step 2. Apply the bleach with a sponge, paint brush, or spray bottle
If you want to create a certain pattern on your jeans, don't just soak them in the bleach solution. However, apply bleach in one of the following ways.
- To create a splash effect, use a paint brush or toothpaste. Wet the brush with bleach, then run your thumb across the surface of the bristles to create a splash effect.
- If you want to speed up the processing time, fill the bleach solution into a spray bottle and apply it to the area where you want to lighten the color.
Step 3. Apply bleach to each side of the jeans in turn
Prioritize the front or back first, then reverse. If you don't want to bleach certain areas, cover them with newspaper before starting. The newspaper will prevent the bleach from seeping into the reverse side.
Step 4. Soak the jeans completely in the bleach solution for an even color
If you want to lighten the color of your jeans completely, soak them in the bleach solution for 20-30 minutes. Change the position and move the jeans every few minutes so that not only one part of it is exposed to the bleach solution. Check the color of the jeans each time you change their position in the water, then remove them when you're happy with the result.
- Squeeze the jeans over a bucket or basin to keep your floor from staining.
- For a tie dye effect, tie a rubber band before dipping the jeans in the bleach solution. This knot will create a floral pattern on your jeans.
Part 3 of 3: Adding the Final Touches
Step 1. Rinse off any remaining bleach solution after 5 minutes
When you're done bleaching or soaking your jeans, place them on a sheet of newspaper for 5 minutes. Then, rinse the jeans in cold water in the tub or sink.
While it's still wet, you won't be able to see the results of the bleaching process clearly. Wait for the jeans to dry to observe the color
Step 2. Machine wash without detergent
Take the wet jeans to the washing machine. Use a sheet of newspaper to line the pants to keep your floor from staining. Machine wash your jeans without adding fabric softener or detergent (because they can turn yellow). This washing process will clean the remaining bleach so that your jeans are safe to wash with other clothes later.
Wash your jeans separately in the washing machine. Do not put other clothes in to avoid staining
Step 3. Dry the jeans
After the first wash, don't machine dry your jeans (it can also turn yellow). It's a good idea to hang your jeans out to dry to avoid high heat in the engine. After washing and drying, you can wear your jeans again.
Step 4. Observe the color of the jeans as they dry
Now that they are dry, the color of the jeans will be clear. If it's still not bright enough, repeat the whitening process above. Repeat again until the color of the jeans is what you want.
Tips
- When it comes to bleach, the less the better. Stop bleaching your jeans once you're satisfied with the results. Remember, you can bleach your jeans again. However, once bleached, the color of your jeans cannot return to its original color.
- Be careful not to stain your clothes or floors too.
Warning
- Do not mix bleach with ammonia or vinegar as they can produce toxic gases.
- If you feel unsteady, walk away immediately.
