Jeans will never fall out of fashion. They go well with just about anything, so when you find a pair that fits perfectly — you'll want to keep wearing them for many years to come. That's why it's important to know how to wash your jeans properly. That way, they can stay looking like new for longer and last a good while.

Trouble is, there's lot of myths about washing jeans. That's why we're going to cut to the chase and denim-strate the best ways to clean your jeans — with a washing machine or by hand.

Before you give your jeans a wash, you'll want to make sure you follow these steps first:

• Read the fabric care label: Have a good look at the care label on your jeans before cleaning them. It'll give you recommended wash temperatures, and probably say that the dye can come out after the first few washes. So, best to avoid washing new jeans with other clothes — especially light-coloured garments.

• Turn your jeans inside out: Doing this can help protect the finish and colour of your jeans, as they'll be less exposed to friction and as much detergent. It's a really simple way of stopping the denim from fading as much over time.

• Zip up and button your jeans: This will help prevent the zipper and button from snagging on and damaging other clothes in the wash.

• Check your pockets: No matter how you're planning on washing your jeans, you'll still be using water! So, check that you've taken out your phone, wallet, or tissues to prevent a laundry disaster.

• Shake your jeans out: Give your jeans a good shake to remove any loose dirt or debris.

It's much quicker and easier to get your jeans clean with a washing machine. Just chuck them in, add your detergent, select the right program, and wait until they're done. But for some types of jeans, it's much safer to wash them by hand.

Luckily for you, we've provided step-by-step instructions for both methods below:

Denim might be a durable fabric, but that doesn't mean you should be cleaning your jeans with a heavy cycle. To stop their colours from fading and protect the denim fibres, you're best off using much kinder settings on your washing machine.

Here's how to wash your jeans in a washing machine the right way:

1. Use cold water (30°C or less) and the gentle/delicate program on your washing machine to avoid shrinking or damaging the material.

2. Add a mild laundry detergent to your machine to prevent the jeans from fading. Avoid using fabric softener, as this can affect the fabric and alter the colour of your jeans.

3. Make sure you've followed our preparation pointers in the section above (like turning them inside out first), and place your jeans inside your washing machine.

4. If your jeans are brand new, wash them separately the first time (otherwise their dye can bleed into other clothes). Or, you could just follow our hand-washing tips in the next section instead.

5. Take your jeans out after the cycle has finished, then hang them to dry rather than using a tumble dryer. This will help preserve the fit and fabric, as heat can cause shrinkage and even yellow the denim. If you must use a dryer, use a low heat setting and dryer balls to keep your jeans from tumbling.

Tech tip: Wondering how to wash black jeans? Or got a dark pair of jeans you want to keep looking that way? Make sure you wash them with other dark clothes. This will help stop the denim from fading as fast, especially if you're cleaning them on the reg.

Got a pair of jeans with some delicate embroidered detail or grungey holes and tears? Or maybe you're just worried about that fresh new pair transferring dye to your other garments in the machine?

Whatever your reason, it's perfectly fine to just wash your jeans by hand. And here's the best way to do it:

1. Fill up your sink or a large container with cold or warm water. The right temperature will depend on what your jean's fabric care label says.

2. Add a small amount of laundry detergent to the water and mix it well.

3. Submerge your jeans in the water and move them around for a couple of minutes with your hands.

4. Leave your jeans in the water to soak for about 15-20 minutes.

5. Get rid of the dirty water and replace it with clean water.

6. Leave your jeans to soak for another 5-10 minutes in the fresh water. Also try to remove any leftover dirt and detergent by swishing them around with your hands.

7. Drain the water and squeeze as much excess water out of your jeans. Don't wring them, just fold your jeans and press them between your hands.

8. Hang up your jeans and leave them to air dry. Avoid using a tumble dryer or heat straight away, as this can cause them to shrink and fade more quickly.

You know those myths we mentioned at the start? Well, we thought it'd be fun to highlight a few of them and suggest what to do instead of following them:

• Freezing jeans: Some denim experts believe freezing jeans can be a great way to freshen them up between washes, with the low temperature killing off bacteria and reducing smells. But according to Denimhunters, bacteria can still survive extreme cold and it doesn't remove molecules embedded in denim. So, cleaning them with water and soap is still best!

• Wash jeans once every few months: Sounds gross, doesn't it? But some jeans enthusiasts really hate the thought of seeing their favourite threads fading — especially if they're made from raw denim. But sweat, oils, and dirt can build up and break down the fibres in your jeans, leading to a shorter lifespan. So, it's best practice to just to wash them when they're dirty or starting to smell.

• Always wash jeans in cold water: While cold water is gentler on your jeans and can help prevent fading, it's not always the best option. If your jeans are particularly filthy, then you might have to use warmer water to provide a deeper clean. Like we've already said, always check the care label on your jeans first to see what temperatures they can withstand.

• You should only air dry jeans: While air drying is what we recommend to prevent shrinkage and damage, it's not always practical. If you're in a rush, a quick tumble in the dryer on a low heat setting would probably be okay. It can actually help take out wrinkles and soften your jeans up a bit before wearing them too.

Should I wash jeans inside out?

Yes. It helps to stop the denim fibres from breaking down, and the friction from the washing machine can cause the colour to fade more quickly. Turning your jeans inside out can also help prevent any stitching or detailing on the outside from getting caught and damaged during the washing cycle.

Is it bad to wear new jeans without washing?

Not necessarily, but there are a couple things to keep in mind. New jeans are often treated with chemicals to give them a crisp look and feel, which might irritate your skin if it’s sensitive. Plus, new jeans can contain excess dye which can rub off on light-coloured fabrics — like your sofa. So, it’s almost always best to wash new jeans before wearing them.

Can you tumble dry jeans?

Yes, you can. But we recommend letting them mostly air dry first. And then you can stick them in the dryer on a low heat setting to get out any wrinkles. High heat causes shrinkage, fading and damage to the fabric — so don't use a hot setting. It's also best to turn your jeans inside out before placing them in the dryer, to prevent damage to the outer material like fading or pilling.

Any more questions?

Wondering how often you should wash your clothes in general? Check out our interactive oops I wore it again piece. Or if you’ve got a washing machine door that won’t budge, read our tips on how to open a stuck washing machine door.