Should You Wash New Clothes Before Wearing Them?

Green Oaks Cleaners
January 24, 2023
1:50 pm
Laundry care

It’s no surprise that buying new clothes can be an exciting experience, especially when the garment is unique or has special details you can’t find anywhere else. But, with all the fun of buying a new item, there’s one task you should always add to your shopping list: washing.

Yes, it’s important to wash all of your new clothes before wearing them for the first time. Washing removes any dirt, dust, and other debris that may be leftover from the production or shipping process. It also helps to remove any chemicals, dyes, or other substances that may have been used during the manufacturing process.

This article will show you why washing your new clothes is a must-do and some other tips and tricks on how to do it properly.

What is on your brand-new clothes?

Brand new clothes can be affected by dyes, chemicals, and dust that may have been used in the manufacturing process or added during shipping. These substances can irritate your skin, cause allergies, and even damage your new clothes if not removed properly before wearing them.

Also, some fabrics like wool and synthetic fibers tend to attract more dirt than natural materials like cotton. That means your new wool coat or synthetic jacket may need a few extra washes before hitting the streets.

Why should you wash new clothes before wearing them?

There are tons of reasons why you should wash your brand new clothes before wearing them. Here are some of those reasons:

Rid the clothes of smells from the store or the manufacturer

One of the most common reason why you should clean your new clothes is to remove any smell from the store or manufacturer. This smell can linger on your clothes after wearing them and make them unpleasant to use.

Decrease pilling

Sometimes, when you wear a new item of clothing, tiny balls of fabric can form on the surface, known as “pilling”. Washing your clothes before wearing them helps to reduce pilling and make your clothes look like new for longer

Kill bacteria

We all know how important it is to keep our clothes clean, and this includes new items as well. Washing your clothes helps to remove any bacteria that may have been introduced during the manufacturing or shipping process. This will help keep you and your family healthy by avoiding any potential skin infections or illnesses related to bacteria on your clothing.

Remove the chemicals from the dyers in making your new clothes

When clothes are made, there can be instances where chemical agents are used to ensure a certain color and texture for the item. Washing your clothes can help remove any of these chemicals, which will help reduce any potential skin irritations or allergies in the future.

Make items softer and easier to iron

There are clothes that need to be ironed before wearing and washing them before can help make this process easier. Washing your clothes helps remove any residue left from the production process, which will make it easier to work with when ironing.

Avoid rashes or infections

Aside from bacteria, brand new clothes may also contain dust and other particles that can cause skin irritation or infection if not removed. Washing your clothes will help remove these particles and keep your skin safe from any potential rashes or infections in the future

Fresh, clean, and ready to wear

Lastly, washing your new clothes will make them look, feel, and smell fresh and clean. This will make them ready to wear whenever you need them!

What about used or secondhand clothing?

If you bought clothes from a thrift shop or another person, then you should also consider washing them before wearing them. Even if the clothes look clean, there could be bacteria and other particles that have been transferred from the previous owner’s skin. Washing them will help reduce any potential risks associated with this transfer.

How to wash brand-new clothing

Now that you know why you should wash your new clothes, here are some tips and tricks on how to do it properly:

Wash before the first wear

Even though you’re excited to wear your new clothes, it’s best to wash them before the first wear. This will help remove any dirt, sweat or other particles that may have been transferred during shipping and handling.

Take the time to read care labels

Clothes can come in different materials and fabrics, so it’s important to always check the care label before washing. This will help you avoid shrinking or damaging your clothes during the process.

Wash according to fabric type and color

When washing clothes, keep in mind the fabric type and color of the item. Delicate, light-colored items should be washed separately from heavier fabrics or darker colors to avoid any staining or fading.

Don't overload your machine

Don’t overload your machine. Sometimes, when we’re excited to clean our new clothes, we can be tempted to add too many items to the washing machine. This can cause damage to your clothes due to overloading and should be avoided.

Be aware of temperature settings

It’s important to be aware of the temperature settings when washing clothes. Some materials and fabrics can shrink in higher temperatures, so always check the care label for instructions on which setting to use for your items.

Use the right detergent

Of course, let’s not forget the detergent. Always use a gentle, mild detergent when washing your clothes to avoid any potential damage or fading.

Take care with buttons, zips and fasteners

When washing clothes, be sure to fasten all buttons, zips and other fasteners. This will help prevent them from getting tangled or caught during the wash cycle. It’s also dangerous to put sharp objects (such as zips) in the washing machine, so fasten them first to avoid any potential accidents.

Rinse and repeat

It’s always best to wash your clothes twice, just to make sure that all the dirt and particles have been removed.

Remove stains as soon as possible

If your clothes get stained, don’t wait until the washing cycle to remove them. Use a pre-treatment solution or stain remover on the area before putting them in the machine. By following these tips, you can ensure that your new clothes will remain fresh and clean for a long time!

What are the risks of wearing new clothes without washing them first?

There are also some risks associated with not washing new clothes before wearing them. Some of these risks include:

Clothing can contain high levels of bacteria

Despite looking clean, new clothes can contain high levels of bacteria due to handling and shipping. Washing them will help reduce the number of bacteria and other particles that may be transferred to your skin when wearing them.

Chemicals can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions

Clothes can also contain chemicals from the production process which may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Washing these clothes will help remove some of these chemicals, reducing the risk of an adverse reaction.

New clothes may trigger asthma or allergies in some people

Due to the high levels of dust and other particles on new clothes, they can trigger asthma attacks or allergic reactions in some people. Washing them first will help reduce any potential risks associated with this transfer.

Clothes are often dyed with substances that are harmful

Most clothes are dyed with substances such as formaldehyde, which can be harmful to your skin. Washing them will help reduce the amount of these chemicals that you come in contact with.

New clothing is often unsafe for newborns

New clothing is often unsafe for newborns. New clothing is often not safe for newborns due to the high levels of bacteria and chemicals that can be present. Therefore, it’s always best to wash any new clothes before giving them to a baby or small child.

Clothing can carry disease-causing pathogens

Lastly, new clothes can carry disease-causing pathogens such as E. coli and salmonella, which can cause serious health issues if transferred onto your skin. Washing new clothes thoroughly before wearing them will help reduce the risk of these pathogens transferring to you.

Clean your brand new clothes right away!

To sum it up, cleaning brand-new clothes can help reduce the risk of potential skin irritation, allergic reactions, and disease-causing pathogens. Always read the care instructions on each item before washing them to ensure that you are using the correct settings. Finally, remember to rinse and repeat for the best results!

If you need a professional laundry service in Texas, Green Oaks Cleaners have 2 accessible locations in Missouri and one in Pearland. We have been professionally laundering clothes for many years and offer competitive prices, top-notch customer service, and fast turnarounds. Visit us online to learn more about our services today!

Last update on January 24, 2023