Dispelling the misconception that freezing jeans can enhance freshness and eliminate odors

According to experts, it's not just cold temperatures that can eliminate bacteria from your clothing.

Dispelling the misconception that freezing jeans can enhance freshness and eliminate odors
Dispelling the misconception that freezing jeans can enhance freshness and eliminate odors

The belief that freezing jeans is a helpful denim care tip has gained popularity.

It is claimed by advocates that freezing your favorite jeans can effectively freshen them and eliminate odors without the need for washing.

Is this unusual approach effective or is it simply a fashion myth?

The mystery of freezing jeans and whether it is a valid method is being examined.

The myth suggests that exposing jeans and other clothing to colder temperatures can eliminate odors by killing the bacteria responsible for the unpleasant scent.

Bacteria accumulate in jeans when shed skin and dirt are not properly washed away.

These bacteria flourish at the body's normal temperature.

Folded jeans
Opt for a mild detergent to clean your jeans without causing damage. (iStock)

Understanding the limitations of freezing is crucial, even though it prevents bacterial growth.

Stephen Craig Cary, an expert on frozen microbes at the Smithsonian, explains that certain bacteria can survive extremely low temperatures.

If the jeans are left in a room at room temperature, any surviving bacteria can become active again.

It is essential to distinguish between smells produced by bacteria and those resulting from other causes, such as environmental influences or human oils.

Addressing bacterial odors may be effective with freezing, but it may not combat all sources of unwanted smells.

Jeans going in the washer
Wash your jeans based on actual need rather than after every wear. This helps maintain the fabric and color. (iStock)

The New York State Department of Health states that people's ability to detect a specific odor can vary. At low concentrations, some individuals will detect the odor while others will not. At higher concentrations, most people will become aware of the odor. Several factors can influence a person's sense of smell, including age, gender, and smoking habits.

According to the National Institute of Health, a healthy person has a robust skin barrier that can effectively ward off bacterial infections caused by wearing jeans.

Experts claim that freezing denim is not a complete solution for maintaining its cleanliness.

Jeans drying on a rack
Following proper drying practices helps extend the life of your jeans and keeps them looking great. (iStock)

To eliminate the odor-causing bacteria in your jeans, Levi Strauss recommends freezing them instead of washing them, which would conserve water.

The company stresses the significance of periodically washing to eliminate oils, dirt, and other pollutants that freezing cannot eliminate.

Although freezing can temporarily eliminate bacterial smells, it cannot substitute comprehensive cleaning.

The smell and cleaning of denim cannot be improved by freezing it.

For that, the indispensable duo remains water and soap.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit planetchronicle.net/lifestyle.

by Maeghan Dolph

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