What can I wash my jeans with to make them fade?

Question

I have a pair of jeans that I'm trying to destroy. I've made holes in the knees and distressed the pockets, etc. but the places that I've worked on just look funny because the parts that I haven't distressed are too dark.

I don't want to make bleach spots or designs, just make them not as dark. I'm scared to just put bleach in the wash, because won't that come out splotchy?

Any ideas?

Answer 1

Buy some cheap, cheap laundry detergent. Not the color-safe kind. Use an old washcloth (one that you don't mind getting stained), and dampen it slightly. Pour a bit of detergent on it, and rub like crazy at the spots your jeans would naturally fade first (seams, worn spots, holes, &c). This will pull out some of the pigment in the jeans. It takes some work. Toss them in the wash (on the least gentle cycle your washer has) with some of the cheap detergent, and dry. Repeat the process until desired effect is achieved.

Answer 2

Wash them like normal except add about 1/2 cup of bleach to the water.

Answer 3

If you want them to fade fast use bleach but fill the washing machine with water first, then add the bleach, let it agitate for a minute or two and then put your jeans in

Answer 4

you just have to keep washing them.. it's takes a few washes. I wouldn't use bleach, you will ruin them.

Answer 5

sand paper.
take them to the river and rub on rocks.
pumice stone.

Answer 6

Try rocks from outside, and peach pits....it will work

Answer 7

you could jump in a bay (maybe like.. dirty) and swim in it for a while... or just let them soak in it.. lol happened to my (Cheasepeak Bay, Maryland)

Answer 8

JUST KEEP ON WASHING THEM THEY WILL FADE