How to Keep Jeans Color Using the Refrigerator: Sounds Strange But Effective
One of the ways to preserve the color of jeans using the refrigerator that is being passed around by young people is to… put them in the freezer! It sounds strange but there is actually a very fashionable reason behind it.
“Freezing” Is Not Just For Food – Refrigerators Are Also An Effective Jean Preservation Tool
If you’ve ever regretted seeing your dark jeans fade after a few washes, you’re not alone. But instead of constantly washing them or using color-preserving chemicals, many denim enthusiasts are opting for a simpler solution: freezing their jeans .
1. Why Can Refrigerators “Save” Jean Color?
The reason lies in two words: temperature and bacteria. Frequent washing causes the fabric to wear out and the dye to fade. Meanwhile, the odor does not come from the fabric but from the bacteria that live on it – which can be killed by placing jeans in the freezer. That is why freezing is extremely effective at removing the smell of jeans without using detergent.
Many fashionistas from Tokyo to New York have shared this tip in their “how to keep your denim raw & fresh” videos – and this trend is spreading strongly in Vietnam, especially among the local brand-loving community.
2. Refrigerators and Sustainable Fashion – An Unexpected Connection
Washing less, using less detergents, and discharging less wastewater into the environment. Refrigerators and sustainable fashion may seem unrelated, but they are in fact closely linked. A pair of jeans worn 5–7 times before needing to be washed can retain its color, shape, and personality for years – something brands like Root Rotation are encouraging users to do in their responsible fashion journey.
Try It At Home – Freeze Jeans In Just 3 Steps
If you're wondering how to do it, here's the simplest way to put jeans in the freezer without affecting the food or damaging the fabric.
Step 1: Fold and Put in Zip Bag
Fold the jeans as you would your normal wardrobe, then place them in a large zip-top bag or airtight cloth bag. This will help keep out moisture and odors from the food in the freezer. A quick tip: keep a separate “fashion” section in the freezer if you do this frequently.
Step 2: Place in the Freezer for About 6–12 Hours
The process of preserving jeans that are rarely washed begins as soon as the temperature drops below 0°C. Bacteria are killed, odors disappear, the fabric fibers are “frozen” and friction that causes fading is limited. No need to leave it overnight – just 6–12 hours is enough to “refresh” the pants.
Step 3: Take Out, Let It At Room Temperature Before Wearing
Avoid wearing your jeans when they are still cold. Let them “recover” for about 15 minutes. No need to iron or do anything else – the jeans will keep their shape, no wrinkles, no odor, and most importantly, the denim color will remain the same as when you first bought them.
Refrigerate Freshly – Not Crispy: Keep Color and Shape Smartly
Many people think that cold temperatures can stiffen fabrics. But with denim – a strong, densely woven fabric – this is an advantage. The reason why jeans don’t fade in the refrigerator is because the dye fibers are stabilized and not exposed to water – the main cause of fading.
Besides freezing, you should also protect the shape of your jeans by hand washing (if necessary), avoid washing in the machine with a strong spin mode. And remember, always dry in a cool place - direct sunlight is not good for indigo dye. With light wash, slim fit or straight-leg jeans from Root Rotation , good storage will help keep the shape for a long time without much intervention.
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