When you run out of storage space in your dresser or closet, where do you turn to next? The guest room closet? The coat closet in the hallway? Nope and nope. Enter: The freezer.

Still reading? Okay, good. And yes, we’re being completely serious. It may sound absurd, but there are actually a lot of benefits to putting your clothes in the freezer, especially when it comes to certain pieces in your wardrobe.

Don’t believe us? Try one of these clothing freezer hacks for yourself. Here’s the best kind of clothing to put in your freezer, and what the freezer can do for each:

 

1. Leather

   Freezer benefits: You know how your leather jacket or skirt can start to smell a little funky? Washing leather is a complicated process, so instead, just stick the item in a sealed plastic baggie and put it in the freezer for 24 hours. We swear, your leather outfit will be as a good as new—and as fresh as a flower.

2. Cashmere

   Freezer benefits: We love our soft, chic cashmere sweaters. But these can be pretty pricy, so of course you want to take care of them. If you notice that your cashmere is always pilling or shedding, into the freezer it goes. This also works for clothing made of any natural fiber. Probably best to put this one in a plastic baggie as well.

3. Tights

   Freezer benefits: Stockings can get all sorts of weird after a few years. For tights, first stick them under the faucet, squeeze out the excess water, and then put them in the baggie for freezing. The cold air will tighten their fibers, and the next day, you’ll come out with better-than-new tights.

4. Jeans

   Freezer benefits: It’s not uncommon for people to get a few uses out of their jeans before they stick them in the wash— because who really likes that just-washed tight jean feel? To stretch the longevity of jean washing out either further, try freezing a pair. You might want to warm them up before slipping them on again, but they’ll definitely have more freshness to them.

5. Shoes

   Freezer benefits: We’re all guilty of smelly shoes sometimes. If they’re smelling extra stinky, get that baggie ready and seal those babies up. After a night (or a few in this case) in the freezer, your favorite sneakers will smell a lot more pleasant. Side hint: to break new shoes in, fill two plastic bags with water and stuff them into your shoes. Put them in the freezer, and voila: the frozen water will have expanded your shoes ever so slightly so that they’re comfortable to wear!

6. Wool

   Freezer benefits: If you’re over using mothballs for those times you find those devastating holes in your wool sweater, then try freezing it. Something about the freezer can kill moth larvae – which is what’s responsible for creating those holes – and doesn’t stink or carry possible carcinogens. Leave the wool item in a baggie in the freezer for about two weeks.

7. Gym clothes

   Freezer benefits: You might cringe at this one, but hear us out. According to Bustle, the freezer can kill off even the stinkiest of bacteria that causes odor and mildew in your workout wear. Same goes for the T-shirts you get the most use out of it that might smell a little funky. No time to do laundry? Stick it in the freezer over night and it’ll be stink free!

Aren’t these freezer hacks amazing? Who knew the freezer was such a cool way to care for your clothes? Which piece of clothing are you going to try first?