Here’s Why People Are Freezing Their Blankets Outside—And Whether You Should Try It Too

There are few things I love more than burrowing under a warm, soft blanket when winter hits and temperatures dip. So I did a double-take when I noticed some content creators doing the opposite: hauling their blankets outside into the cold and hanging them up like frozen flags. Why are we willingly turning our bedding into popsicles?

If you’ve seen the videos—blankets hung on balconies or draped over snowy porches, sometimes turning stiff as boards—you may have wondered: Is this just another internet trend to be skeptical of, or is there actually a purpose behind it? Scandinavian countries have been doing this for generations, but does it really freshen bedding the way people claim?

Ahead, we talked to Armaghan-e-Rehman Mansoor, MBBS, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Kentucky’s UK HealthCare, and Ashley Matuska Kidder, a laundry-care expert and founder of Mountains of Laundry, to find out what really happens when you freeze your blankets outdoors. Read on to find out if you should try it too.

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What are people doing with their blankets, exactly?

@jmepnw #pnwlife #blizzard2024 #arctic ♬ Snow Blizzard – Sound Effects

People are taking blankets and hanging them outdoors in below-freezing temperatures for a few hours to “refresh” them. The trend blew up on TikTok, but it’s rooted in a longstanding northern custom.

“It’s part of a bigger ‘fresh air cleaning’ mindset you see a lot in Nordic culture,” Kidder says, describing the practice as a cozy, old-world kind of tradition. “They air out bedding and clothes in the cold to refresh them naturally. It’s less about killing germs and more about letting nature do a little reset.”

This practice has been used across Scandinavia for generations as a natural way to help reduce odors and freshen textiles during long, frigid winters. Note that this practice differs from the Scandinavian sleep method, another viral trend that involves couples using separate duvets or comforters to sleep more soundly (and without fighting over blankets).

What does “freezing” a blanket do for it?

Freezing a blanket can make it feel fresher, smell cleaner and regain some of its natural loft. Here are the specific benefits, according to Kidder and Dr. Mansoor:

• Freshens musty odors: “Cold air can make blankets feel crisp, and it definitely helps tame that musty ‘been in storage’ smell,” Kidder says. Freezing makes odor molecules less volatile and therefore less noticeable, Dr. Mansoor adds.
• Reduces dust mites: “It can also help with dust mites, since they don’t love extreme cold,” Kidder says. “You’re not totally eliminating them, but you can lower their numbers a bit.” Dr. Mansoor says that, unlike many other organisms, dust mites do not respond well to freezing.
• Stimulates the senses: Like slipping between cool, freshly laundered sheets, cold blankets just feel good! “And honestly, it’s just a nice sensory refresh, especially for people who are hot sleepers or have pets,” Kidder says.

Does freezing a blanket actually lessen bacteria?

Not in any meaningful, lasting way. “Most common bacteria do not die at freezing temperatures, though their function can slow down or temporarily stop,” Dr. Mansoor says. He adds that freezing is a common method for storing bacteria in a lab, and most bacteria tolerate it well.

Kidder adds that once your blanket is back inside, “those bacteria can wake back up and go about their business again.” This also applies to mold spores, which are designed to withstand harsh climates: “The spores remain viable, and once brought back to a favorable temperature, can result in ongoing bacterial or mold growth,” Dr. Mansoor says.

The bottom line: Freezing pauses microbes, but doesn’t necessarily kill or otherwise get rid of them.

What’s the best way to freeze a blanket?

If you’re going to try this trend, here’s how to do it safely and effectively. First, this works best with wool and cotton, which Kidder says “handle temperature swings well.” Avoid down, which is prone to clumping, and synthetic materials, which can trap moisture or become stiff.

Here’s how to get that freezer-fresh feeling with your blankets:

1. Choose a cold, dry, sunny day: Below-freezing temps are key, and the sun’s rays will add a “small degree of additional disinfection,” Dr. Mansoor says. Just remember that this isn’t physically cleaning or removing allergens.
2. Start with a dry blanket: “A damp blanket will just freeze solid,” Kidder says.
3. Hang it so air can circulate: Airflow is key. Use a sturdy clothesline, porch rail or balcony edge. “[People will] pile blankets in a cold garage or freezer bag, but it’s the air movement that makes the difference,” Kidder says.
4. Leave it for two to three hours: For best odor neutralization, give it some time to work.

Does freezing your blanket replace washing it?

No. “Freezing is not a substitute for washing, as washing physically agitates and removes dust, dirt and microorganisms,” says Dr. Mansoor. Cold, dry air pulls moisture from fabrics, which Kidder says “is part of what makes everything feel ‘cleaner.'” But it’s not really cleaning.

“Think of freezing as a temporary pause, but it is unlikely to have durable benefits,” Dr. Mansoor says. Kidder agrees: “Biggest myth? That freezing replaces washing. It doesn’t.” It’s like a nice in-between step, “something to do between washes to keep things feeling and smelling fresh.”

RELATED:

• Here’s How to Get the Fluffiest Comforter Ever—You’ll Feel Like You’re Sleeping on a Cloud!
• Here’s How Long It’s OK to Leave Wet Clothes in the Washing Machine Before You Have to Rewash Them
• The Costly Mistake You Might Be Making with Your Thermostat This Winter

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Sources:

• Ashley Matuska Kidder, founder and CEO of Mountains of Laundry; email interview, Nov. 19, 2025
• Armaghan-e-Rehman Mansoor, infectious disease specialist; email interview, Nov. 19, 2025
• Sleep Foundation: “What is the Scandinavian Sleep Method?”

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