Since the boys going to private school and wear uniforms we don't have to buy a lot of play clothes. But buying jeans just kills me when the boys are just going to go roll around in dirt (ok not really roll around ... oh who am I kidding they do that too). So I usually hit up our local thrift store and pick up a few pairs for like $4 each. NOW they usually need a little sprucing up.
I found you can add a Rit dye to your wash and bring them back to a fresh new look. I usually buy the liquid Rit dye, it makes less mess and I think does a better job. I sent Rick out to pick me up the dye and he came back with the powder.
What you Need:
Worn Jeans
Liquid Rit Dye (I promise this is better then powder worth $)
Washer and dryer
- Fill machine with enough hot water for fabric to move freely. Add liquid to hot dye bath.
- Wet fabric in hot water. Uncrumple and add to dye bath.
- Set machine for extended wash cycle. Fabric should be in dye bath for at least 30 minutes before rinse begins. (You can reset your washing machine before the rinse cycle begins for extended wash cycle.)
- Rinse in cold water until water runs clear. Wash deep shades in warm water with mild detergent and rinse thoroughly in cool water.
- Dry item in dryer or hang to dry.
- Clean washing machine using highest water level with hot water, detergent and 1 cup chlorine bleach using complete wash cycle. Clean lint traps. Plastic or rubber machine parts may be tinted but will not stain laundry.
I have done this for my jeans too that need a little pick me up! Hope you can refresh your old jeans!!