All About Washing New Clothes

Most of us love new clothes. They are "perfect". Colors are bright, the lines are crisp, and the embellishments pristine. So why would you ever wash them and risk changing the look before you even get a chance to wear them?

3 Reasons Why New Clothes Should Be Washed Before Wearing

There are three good reasons to wash new clothes, especially pieces like underwear or t-shirts and shorts that are worn in direct contact with your skin before you wear them.

Loose Dye Transfer

One reason to wash new clothes is to wash out extra dye that can be transferred to your skin or other garments. Most fabrics made from synthetic fibers (polyester, acrylic) are colored with azo-aniline dyes. These dyes can cause severe skin reactions for people, especially small children, who are allergic to them. If the allergy is severe, the rash will be similar to poison ivy. But even less severe reactions can cause dry, itchy inflamed patches of skin. 

Bacteria, Fungus, and Insects

It is possible to transfer lice, scabies, bacteria, and fungus from one person to another person when clothes are tried on. Dressing rooms can become breeding grounds for everything from viruses to athlete's foot. Why take that risk?

Chemical Irritants

And, most importantly, new clothes should be washed to remove the chemical finishes like Urea-formaldehyde that manufacturers put on clothes to enhance texture and reduce wrinkles. The finishes won't bother everyone, but if you have sensitive skin, you can develop a rash especially in constant contact areas like armpits, collars, cuffs, and trouser waists and thighs.

Urea-formaldehyde is often the chemical used to prevent mildew from forming on clothes that have to be shipped long distances in hot, humid containers from Asia and South America to the United States. It has a very sharp odor that will remain in the fabric until the garment is washed. One washing will probably not remove all of the formaldehyde but you will reduce the resin significantly, and it will continue to be removed with each wash.

How to Wash New Clothes

New clothes should be washed following the instructions on the care tag. If you have a tag on the garment that reads "wash separately before wearing," beware of dye transfer and color bleeding. Washing will help remove some of the excess dye but check the rinse water after each washing. If color remains in the water, you will continue to wash separately or with similar colors. It may take several washings to get rid of the excess dye and prevent damage to other fabrics.

Washing new bed linens and bath towels should be done to remove applied chemicals since these come in direct contact with skin. Washing will also improve the absorbency of the fabric by removing surface coatings on fibers.

What About Used or Secondhand Clothing?

Clothing from a consignment or thrift store should always be washed or dry-cleaned before wearing for hygienic purposes and to prevent skin irritation. Even though these clothes have probably been cleaned before being placed for sale, washing in your regular detergent will ensure better results for your family. This is particularly important if someone in your home has a sensitivity to fragrances like those in fabric softeners that so many people love.

If the clothing has excessive odors from perfume or scented products, you should take extra steps beyond just washing. Wash as suggested and if the odor remains, use fresh air to help remove the scent. Or, soak the clothing overnight in a sink or bucket filled with lukewarm water and one cup of baking soda before washing. Add one-half cup of distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle to help strip away any detergent or fabric softener residue in the fibers that may be holding onto the scent.

Allow the freshly washed clothes to air dry in a breezy location and give the item a final sniff test before wearing.

What Can I Do to Reduce Exposure to Chemicals on Clothing?

You can avoid some chemicals by shopping for organically produced natural fiber clothing. But be sure to read the care labels because not all cotton and linen and wool clothing is created equal. Manufacturers apply chemicals to prevent mildew, and natural fibers are particularly vulnerable to mildew if exposed to moisture during a long shipping process from overseas manufacturers.

Choose clothing that can be washed at home to avoid any chemicals used in the dry-cleaning process.