People Are Freezing Their Blankets Outside in the Winter—but Is It a Good Idea?

If you've seen videos of people draping blankets and duvets over their deck railings or clothelines in the middle of winter, you might be wondering what they're doing—and no, they're not crazy! This practice of airing out your bedding is maintained in Scandinavian and other cold-weather cultures, where it's been practiced for centuries to maximize the crisp freshness of laundry day.

Lately though, claims about the practice have grown, with viral videos and content creators claiming that exposing your blankets to freezing temperatures kills bacteria, banishes allergens, and more. We spoke with an expert to learn the benefits and limits of freezing your blankets outdoors.

The Benefits of Airing Out Your Laundry

Finnish visual storyteller Sanna Vaara says part of the reason Scandinavians "freeze" their blankets is for enjoyment. "I air out my bedding almost every week when I change the sheets," she says. "Personally, I enjoy it because the bedding smells incredibly fresh afterwards—like pure outdoor air."

Vaara is native to the practice of airing out blankets, which began in Nordic cultures where temperatures are below freezing much of the year. "We learned this habit from the generations before us," she says. "It’s only natural to use the freezing air to freshen up blankets, clothes, and even ourselves." Vaara airs out her blankets on the same day she washes her sheets, that way, the whole bed is fresh.

Another perk of this practice is that hanging your blankets outside on a cold winter day can increase its freshness. Freezing temperatures (those below 32 degrees Fahrenheit) can trigger bacteria to go dormant. This will slow their growth and temporarily reduce odors. These factors will help your bedding feel fresh without washing and allow you to extend the time between washes.

How to "Freeze" Bedding Like a True Scandinavian

To air out your blankets, find a place outdoors to hang them—either over a deck railing, on a clothesline, or even slung over some outdoor furniture. Then, Vaara recommends beating your blanket with a carpet beater to remove dust, pet hair, and other particles. You could also use the handle end of a broom.

Leave your blankets and duvets outside for as long as possible for the best effects. Bring them in about an hour before you plan on going to bed, so that the bed is not too cold.

"There’s nothing quite like bringing in blankets that have spent the whole day outside in -30°C, putting on fresh sheets, and climbing into that clean, crisp bed," Vaara says.

Can Freezing Your Blankets Actually Replace Laundry Day?

Unlike what some claim, freezing temperatures do not actually kill bacteria, meaning the practice of airing out blankets cannot completely replace washing. The cold causes bacteria to go dormant, temporarily halting their growth. Growth will resume when the bacteria thaw out.

Regular "freezes" added into your laundry routine can help you extend the time between washes by slowing down the particles that cause allergies and odors. Airing out your blankets, however, should not replace washing them in hot water three or four times a year.