Introduction: Soften Stiff Jeans
Just got a new pair of jeans, but they're super stiff? You could wear them in for a few months... Or you can take this nifty little shortcut =]
I should probably point out that this Instructable is not typical in a number of ways. First off, if you have a pair of jeans you need to "break in", by no means do you have to do all these steps. However, I would highly recommend you do the first step before anything else. All the others are up to you. Also, materials are listed individually at each step. Best of all, chances are you already have everything you need at home!
I have a few Thank-You notes I'd like to hang out. These guys gave me loads of help on my forum topic. Thanks guys!
- RocketScientist2015
- NachoMahma
- LinuxH4x0r
- tech-king
- Goodhart
- Firebert010
- Brennn10
*DISCLAIMER:* I'm NOT responsible for anything you do to your pants OR yourself while performing any actions described in this Instructable. Exercise caution. Irons are hot, it can burn you. Chemicals burn, don't get them in your eyes, mouth, or skin. BE CAREFUL!
Step 1: Iron
Materials:
My jeans were already washed, but due to the fact that they've been sitting on my desk in a heap for a week, I decided to iron 'em flat. I had to use a pretty little industrial version of starch on them. When you're done ironing, turn the jeans inside-out and roll them up.
- A clean pair of jeans
- Iron & ironing board/surface
- Starch
My jeans were already washed, but due to the fact that they've been sitting on my desk in a heap for a week, I decided to iron 'em flat. I had to use a pretty little industrial version of starch on them. When you're done ironing, turn the jeans inside-out and roll them up.
Step 2: Bring Out the Sandpaper
Materials:
After just a few seconds of sanding, you'll begin to notice a bunch of colored cotton fibers collecting. If they bug you, you can pick the big ones out. When you're done sanding both legs of the jeans on both sides, just shake 'em out. It gets rid of most excess cotton.
- Clean, ironed jeans
- (Medium-Grit?) Sandpaper (I used my Saltoid
After just a few seconds of sanding, you'll begin to notice a bunch of colored cotton fibers collecting. If they bug you, you can pick the big ones out. When you're done sanding both legs of the jeans on both sides, just shake 'em out. It gets rid of most excess cotton.
Step 3: Stretch the Fabric
Materials:
Twist them, fold them, grab them and pull in every which way possible. It's denim; it was invented to withstand abuse. Fun, fun, fun =]
When you're done with that, roll them up again. I decided to have some fun and beat them against the side of my desk, and then roll them around and pound them. You're more than welcome to follow suit.
- Hands
- Jeans
Twist them, fold them, grab them and pull in every which way possible. It's denim; it was invented to withstand abuse. Fun, fun, fun =]
When you're done with that, roll them up again. I decided to have some fun and beat them against the side of my desk, and then roll them around and pound them. You're more than welcome to follow suit.
Step 4: Beat Them With a Stick
Materials:
At first I thought he was kidding, but according to [www.instructables.com/member/Weissensteinburg/ Weissensteinburg] and [www.instructables.com/member/NachoMahma/ NachoMahma], abuse such as this will break it in.
Oh, and I also had my little brother run over the jeans with his power-wheels truck. I'm sure that a full-sized truck would work much better, so if you have the resources... =]
Have fun =]
- Baseball bat or stick
- Jeans
At first I thought he was kidding, but according to [www.instructables.com/member/Weissensteinburg/ Weissensteinburg] and [www.instructables.com/member/NachoMahma/ NachoMahma], abuse such as this will break it in.
Oh, and I also had my little brother run over the jeans with his power-wheels truck. I'm sure that a full-sized truck would work much better, so if you have the resources... =]
Have fun =]
Step 5: Shampoo & Conditioner
Materials:
Although Brennn10 suggested I use shampoo, I decided to go with conditioner, seeing as how while shampoo cleans your hair, conditioner is what makes it light and soft (which is our objective! =)
So just pour on a BUNCH of conditioner and rub it into your jeans. Make sure to get both sides of both legs!
- Conditioner (or Shampoo, or a 2-in-1 Shampoo)
- Beaten jeans =]
Although Brennn10 suggested I use shampoo, I decided to go with conditioner, seeing as how while shampoo cleans your hair, conditioner is what makes it light and soft (which is our objective! =)
So just pour on a BUNCH of conditioner and rub it into your jeans. Make sure to get both sides of both legs!
Step 6: Wash & Wear
Materials:
Now, using this newly-acquired hint, I set forth to obtain some liquid fabric softener. Mom told me that they didn't make hypoallergenic softener, but she was soon disproved by Nonna, who bought some for me =] (Brand is seventh generation, if you too have allergy problems, I recommend it =)
Now on to the washer. I made a full load of dark laundry. Started the water like normal, added same amount of detergent, and then poured in the fabric softener. On my machine, there is a special reservoir specifically for fabric softener, which it will add in at the last rinse cycle. There's a good chance that the instructions on your fabric softener will say to pour it in during the last rinse cycle, but if your machine has a reservoir like mine, one less thing for you to worry about ;]
When your wash is done, it's time to put your clothes into the dryer. I added a fabric sheet, not only because I want my clothes to smell good, but perhaps also because it's almost second nature. When your clothes are done drying, you'll have a brand-spankin-new (excuse the pun) pair of jeans!
As always, Good luck and Have fun!
~Labot
- Washer & Dryer
- Laundry Detergent
- Liquid Fabric Softener
- Fabric Softener sheets
- Jeans
Now, using this newly-acquired hint, I set forth to obtain some liquid fabric softener. Mom told me that they didn't make hypoallergenic softener, but she was soon disproved by Nonna, who bought some for me =] (Brand is seventh generation, if you too have allergy problems, I recommend it =)
Now on to the washer. I made a full load of dark laundry. Started the water like normal, added same amount of detergent, and then poured in the fabric softener. On my machine, there is a special reservoir specifically for fabric softener, which it will add in at the last rinse cycle. There's a good chance that the instructions on your fabric softener will say to pour it in during the last rinse cycle, but if your machine has a reservoir like mine, one less thing for you to worry about ;]
When your wash is done, it's time to put your clothes into the dryer. I added a fabric sheet, not only because I want my clothes to smell good, but perhaps also because it's almost second nature. When your clothes are done drying, you'll have a brand-spankin-new (excuse the pun) pair of jeans!
As always, Good luck and Have fun!
~Labot
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