Has anyone dyed their jeans a lighter color?

I've bleached them in the washing machine by pouring Clorox into the soap dispenser and running a wash cycle. Then I'd wash the jeans in a regular wash load (alone) using liquid fabric softener and laundry soap.

They can shrink since it's cotton. Air dry.

In order to dye denim a lighter colour, you have to first remove the dye/coloring that is in the cotton fibres. To do this, you need to use dye remover.

Keep in mind that jeans become heavy and cumbersome to handle when wet and not wrung out. Do you have a place to attempt this project that is safe and clear from any surfaces/other materials becoming stained by the dyes?

Rose, wash and dry the jeans first so the shrinkage will be over. Then fill your washing machine for low load. Add detergent again. Add the amount of bleach you want to use, at least half a cup, and let the jeans soak about fifteen minutes. If they are light enough, run the washer through the low cycle. If you want lighter, add another half a cup, soak, then wash. Get more info if you want special effects. Have fun!

The shrinking usually happens when you put clothes in the dryer. But yes, you will have to lighten them first with a bleach substance, which is what dye remover is a variant.