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Sticking your jeans in the freezer is a tip that’s been around for generations as a way of getting rid of smells and giving your jeans a wash, without actually giving them a wash, but does it actually work?
Why would you want to put jeans in the freezer?
True raw denim (jeans that aren’t blended with polyester or other materials) does do better with age, according to classic brands like Levis. They recommend getting lots of wear out of your jeans before washing them to encourage comfort, age marks and softness. This is also because denim dyed with indigo can fade significantly in the wash. People have often looked for alternatives to washing their jeans and sticking them in the freezer is just one of them.
Does putting jeans in the freezer work?
However, most modern jeans are not made in the same way traditional denim was prepared (we’re talking way, way back). A new pair of jeans usually comes prewashed and denim is often blended with other fabrics to encourage some stretch in the fabric. This means that washing your jeans when needed isn’t really such a big deal. Denim is not without its sustainability implications, however. It’s important to be mindful of the impact of denim, and look after your clothes accordingly.
Can you freeze your jeans to clean them?
The short answer is no. Whilst it definitely doesn’t hurt to pop them in your freezer (other than taking up a bit of space and some potential hygiene implication depending on how you store them), if you truly want to get clean jeans, you need to give them a wash. Scientists have recently debunked the myth that freezing jeans kills bacteria and have declared that the typical household freezer isn’t going to get your jeans cleaner or fresher.
“One might think that if the temperature drops well below the human body temperature [the bacteria] will not survive, but actually many will,” Stephen Craig Cary, a University of Delaware expert on frozen microbes told Smithsonian Magazine. “Many are preadapted to survive low temperatures.” Yuck.
How long can you leave your jeans in the freezer?
Erm, as long as you like but leaving them in for longer isn’t going to magically get them clean or bring their shape back to life. Your best bet it to wash them properly when needed.
How long can jeans go without washing?
Jeans can typically be worn 3 times before washing. This is just an arbitrary number though and it really depends on what you’ve been doing whilst wearing your jeans. The moral of the story is to just wash them when you feel like they need a wash and don’t feel like you have to wash them after every wear. Getting a few more wears out of something when you can is never a bad decision.
How do I know if my jeans need to be cleaned?
If you have obvious stains or marks that can’t be removed through spotwashing then it’s probably time to give them a wash. If they smell unpleasant or you feel like they’ve “lost their shape” then stick them in the wash. At the end of the day, it's up to your personal judgement as to when something does or does not need a wash.
How can I keep my jeans fresh between washes?
Your best bet is to hang your jeans outside for a few hours or near an open window to reduce smells. You can also try spot washing marks and using fabric freshener sprays to give them a bit of refresh in between a proper wash.
How do I wash my jeans?
Use a delicate cycle and gentle detergent. Wash them inside out. Use a cool wash. Air dry them. Hand Wash them if possible.
These simple instructions will get your jeans clean but will help you avoid fading and shrinkage, and help you keep the fit.
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