Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Getting ready for bleaching
• Tips
• Warnings
• Necessities

If you have dark jeans that you want to give a lighter color, you can do this by bleaching them. Bleaching your jeans also gives them a worn and softer look. You can buy bleached jeans at the store, or you can do the bleaching process yourself at home. By keeping a close eye on the bleaching process and taking precautions, you can bleach your jeans to the color you want and avoid burning holes in your jeans.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Getting ready for bleaching

1. Put newspaper on the floor in case you spill. Before you start bleaching, place newspaper where you want to start. Bleach can quickly stain many surfaces, including carpeting. Also, put newspaper around your washing machine, as you will need to wash your jeans shortly after bleaching.
2. Wear clothes that you don't mind getting stained. Wear older clothes like sweatpants and a T-shirt that you don't mind getting bleach stains. You can also wear an apron if you wish.
   • Wear thick rubber gloves to prevent the bleach from irritating your skin. It may also be a good idea to put on safety glasses so that you don't get bleach in your eyes.
3. Choose a well-ventilated area so that you don't inhale bleach fumes. Smelling only bleach is usually not bad for your health, but it can make some people dizzy. If you feel light-headed, leave the room immediately and call your doctor. If possible, keep the packaging handy to provide information to your doctor.
   • Never mix bleach with other household products. Toxic fumes can be produced when you mix certain chemicals with bleach. Never mix bleach with ammonia or ammonia with rubbing alcohol.
4. Treat one side first and then the other. Get started with the front or back first, then flip the jeans over to treat the other side. If you don't want to bleach one side, stuff your jeans with newspaper beforehand. The newsprint prevents the bleach from penetrating the pants and into the other side.
5. Wash your jeans in the washing machine without detergent. Take your jeans wrapped in newspaper to the washing machine so you don't stain the floor. Wash your jeans in the washing machine without using detergent and fabric softener, otherwise the jeans can turn yellow. Washing rinses the excess bleach from the fabric and allows you to safely wash the jeans together with other clothes later.
   • Only put the jeans in the washing machine and not together with other clothes. That way, your other clothes won't get bleached.
6. Watch the color after drying. Now that your jeans are dry, you can only really see the color. If your jeans are not light enough, repeat the process with the bleach mixture. Repeat until your jeans have faded to your favorite color.

Tips

• When it comes to bleach, just a little bit is enough. Stop bleaching when your jeans are a color you like. Remember, you can always apply more bleach later, but there is nothing you can do to restore the color once your jeans are bleached.
• Take precautions to avoid getting stains on your clothes and floor.

Warnings

• Never mix bleach with ammonia or vinegar as the mixture can give off toxic fumes.
• Leave the room immediately if you start to feel lightheaded.

Necessities

• Jeans
• Bleach (liquid or pen)
• Rubber bands (optional)
• Bucket, basin or bathtub
• Water
• Gloves
• Safety glasses
• Bleach application aids such as a sponge, paintbrush, toothbrush and spray bottle