Chantee Hau is fast becoming a retail legend in South East Queensland with her tips on how to wash and maintain your favourite items of clothing.

According to Hau, freezing your jeans is an age-old trick that will not only save your denim, it will help reduce your laundry chores and the amount of money you spend on water and washing powder.

If you dread washing day, here’s some news you’ll love, you don’t actually need to wash your jeans every time you wear them. In fact, according to Chantee, manager of Elm Lifestyle at Yamanto Central shopping centre in Ipswich, South East Queensland, the best way to keep your denim looking fresh and lasting longer is to pop it in the freezer.

“This is an age-old trick that’s making a comeback and for good reason,” Ms Hau said.

“Freezing your jeans is one of the best things you can do to keep them in top condition. It stops bacteria developing, refreshes the fabric and means you don’t have to wash them as often.”

Why jeans get dirty in the first place

Jeans naturally collect bacteria from your skin, sweat and the environment. Over time, this is what causes them to smell and is the main reason people think they need constant washing. However, bacteria can’t survive in freezing temperatures, which means your freezer can refresh your jeans without a single drop of water.

“Freezing jeans is a method to help neutralise odors and potentially kill some bacteria,” Ms Hau said.

How freezing protects colour and fit

Washing jeans too often does more damage than most people realise. Machine washing causes the colour to fade and can strip away the indigo dye that gives denim its rich tone. The agitation of a washing machine also breaks down the fibres, causing jeans to lose their shape, often becoming baggy at the knees or hips while tightening in other areas.

“Your favourite pair of jeans fits you perfectly because the fabric has moulded to your body,” Ms Hau explained.

“Over-washing destroys that shape. Freezing keeps your jeans fresher for longer without undoing all that natural wear.”

The easy way to do it

“To freeze your jeans, simply fold them, place them in a sealable bag to protect them from moisture and odours, and pop them in the freezer overnight. By morning, the bacteria will be gone and the jeans will smell fresh and be ready to wear, no detergent, no water and no drying required,” Ms Hau said.

The problem with shade drying

While drying in the shade is often recommended to prevent fading, Chantee said it can have unintended consequences.

“If clothes stay damp for too long, especially in humid weather, fungus and bacteria can grow,” she said.

“With jeans, that means unpleasant odours and potential fabric damage. Freezing bypasses that problem entirely.”

A win for the environment

This method doesn’t just save time and preserve your jeans, it’s also environmentally friendly. Washing less reduces water usage, detergent waste and energy consumption, making it a sustainable choice for denim lovers.

So next time your jeans need a refresh, skip the spin cycle and make space in your freezer. It might just be the easiest laundry hack you’ll ever use and if you need other quirky clothing tips, just head into Elm Lifestyle at Yamanto Central and see Chantee. Elm Lifestyle is rapidly becoming the home of denim for women. She has many more tips that will help you achieve longer lasting results with your clothing.