Anyone know how to revive the color of blue jeans?

[Paper Roses]

I have 6 pair that have served me well and are in great condition. Except! The knees are no longer denim color. They have become a pale blue. I don't care for the look. Anyone here ever tried to dye jeans to even out the color? I have heard that if you dye something, the color will constantly rinse out with each washing. True? Does it also mess up your washer?


Some are also a little pale in the backside. I cannot afford new jeans and feel it would be a waste to toss these because of the pale knees.

Any advice is a help.
Thanks

[Warpy]

1. I use Rit dyes on the stovetop

in a huge pot. It saves wear and tear on the washer and works very well, although you do need to stir frequently to make sure the dye is applied evenly.

I have overdyed ugly thrift shop clothing into wearable items as well as redyeing clothing faded by too many washings and trips to the dryer.

Rit dyes are cheap and predictable. Ordinary salt is the mordant and they're idiotically simple to use. They're great on any vegetable fibres like cottons and linens and do a creditable job on many synthetics, although they're less color fast on synthetics.

If you're dyeing wool, however, you need a more acid based dye. You can get those online or at good craft shops.

[Paper Roses]

2. Thanks, just what I need to know. Knowing the size of my biggest

pot, it would be 2 pair per pot. 6 pair, 3 packages.

Any problems with color-fastness(any such word?) or transfer of color later in the washer?
Thanks

[Warpy]

3. I wash them with other pairs of jeans the first time

because there's always a little loss of surface dye that wasn't completely taken up by the fibers. However, Rit dyes are set with heat and salt and they are color fast on cottons.

Just make sure your pot and stirrer are only used as dye equipment. It's also wise to wear rubber gloves since Rit will temporarily dye your hands.

Just be aware it can be addictive.

[eleny]

4. Just a tip from Heloise for the future

Years ago I saw her on tv and she said that to keep blue jeans looking new, wash them inside out. She showed a pair that she had for many years and their color looked great.

[troubleinwinter]

5. I recommend you try only one pair at first...

You may not like the color. Denim is of white and blue threads. If you dye them, they won't look like denim anymore... they'll look 'dyed'. Part of what makes jeans 'jeans' is the subtle lighter areas at the edges of seams and pockets. You'll lose that. You'll also end up coloring what is usually a contrasting colored top-stitching thread at seams, hems, etc.

All that aside, YES, you can dye in your washer. Realize that the fabric 'takes up' dye (you'll end up with clearer or nearly clear water), so use enough dye.... the ratio of dye to water doesn't really matter, interestingly, but the garments need room to move freely. For a full load, throw in a cup of ordinary salt half way through... this 'sets' the dye. After you are done with your load, run a short empty load (just the water) and throw a cup of bleach in the cycle. It will clean the machine.

Whether stove-top or machine, make sure there is LOTS of room for the garment to move around (stirring on stove-top), to avoid splotches.

And I ALWAYS wash home-dyed garments alone or with like colors, as they do tend to 'bleed' more than factory dyed.

If any of you wear 'jelly' shoes... they are FUN to dye! I find them for cheap in summer, most often in clear. I dye 'em pink or blue or green!

[Warpy]

6. They only look weird for the first couple of wearings

because the seams and such tend to lighten up a bit first. Contrasting topstitching does disappear completely, though.

This is just a way to extend the wearable life of favorite dark wash jeans because nobody wants lightened knees, thighs and hips--they make you look like you've put on weight.