Here's How To Clean Your Denim Jeans Without Washing Them
John Shaw
Updated on October 07, 2026
OK! Magazine recommends freezing your jeans to kill bacteria. Unfortunately, it's not simple. As the Cleveland Clinic notes, bacteria cannot survive temperatures below minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The average freezer can only reach 0 to 4 degrees, which isn't cold enough to kill the germs on your clothes.
However, this doesn't mean you must wash your jeans for a deep clean. One option is to use antibacterial spray with odor-neutralizing properties, recommends The Guardian. Simply spray your jeans inside out and wait five to 10 minutes before putting them on.
If you prefer a natural alternative, mix white vinegar and water and then add a few drops of essential oil (via MasterClass). Some essential oils, such as oregano, basil, fennel, and thyme oils, exhibit antimicrobial properties, reports a 2016 research paper featured in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Similarly, white vinegar may kill some viruses and bacteria, according to the David Suzuki Foundation. Plus, it's a natural disinfectant.