There is no single answer to how often you should wash your jeans, experts say. The frequency depends on how you wear them. If you wear your jeans to a baseball game where you might sit in something sticky or spill beer, you may need to wash them more often than if you only wear them for quick errands. A general guideline is to wash jeans every four to five wears, according to Morgan LaLonde, a brand manager for Whirlpool Laundry. If your jeans look or smell dirty, wash them. If not, wait until they’ve been worn five or six times. For minor stains, like a small coffee spill, you might not need to wash them right away. Instead, consider spot-cleaning the affected area. Some people suggest using the freezer to clean jeans, which might sound unusual but is based on science. Freezing jeans can make odor-causing bacteria inactive, says Daniel Feliciano, co-founder and CEO of Clotheslyne, an on-demand laundry service. However, freezing doesn’t remove dirt or oils. "It’s a temporary fix — a thorough wash is still needed for true cleanliness," Feliciano explains. Both LaLonde and Feliciano recommend following the care instructions on your jeans’ label. Generally, use cold water and a gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine, along with a mild detergent. You can wash jeans with other clothes, but if they are dark (like indigo or black), it’s best to wash them alone the first few times. This helps prevent the dye from bleeding onto other garments. To protect your jeans, turn them inside out before washing, which helps prevent fading or wear. If your jeans have rips or embellishments, place them in a mesh washing bag to avoid damage. Experts also suggest using a mild detergent, and for dark jeans, opt for detergents designed for dark clothing to prevent fading. Avoid using a dryer if possible, as it can cause shrinkage, fading, or fiber damage. Instead, remove the jeans from the washer, stretch the seams, and let them air dry flat. If you must use a dryer, choose a low- or no-heat setting and use dryer balls to prevent the jeans from clumping. Light or medium wash jeans don’t necessarily need washing after purchase, but indigo jeans should be washed once to prevent dye from transferring to your skin, shoes, or furniture. Baggy jeans can often be worn more times between washes than slim or skinny styles because their looser fit means they absorb less sweat and body odor. This means you might be able to wear baggy jeans five to ten times — or even more — before they need a wash.