It is a common practice for most people to wear new clothes right after purchasing them without washing them first. However, this practice is not recommended as there are many reasons why you should wash new clothes before wearing them.

The importance of washing new clothes

There are quite a few reasons why it is important to wash new clothes before wearing them, we will discuss a few of them below:.

Manufacturing chemicals

Did you know that clothes manufacturers use a lot of chemicals in the manufacturing process of clothes? For example, some clothes are treated with formaldehyde which is a known carcinogen (a substance that causes cancer).

This chemical is often used to keep clothes looking fresh and wrinkle-free. Therefore, it is important to wash clothes before wearing them so as to remove any harmful chemicals that may be present in the clothes, more so if you have sensitive skin.

Germs and bacteria

New clothes can harbour germs and bacteria that can affect your health.

Clothes are often handled by different people from the time they are manufactured, during transportation, and when they are displayed in stores, making them susceptible to contamination. Thus, washing new clothes helps to get rid of the germs and bacteria that might be present in the clothes.

Allergic reactions

Washing new clothes helps to remove any dyes, chemicals or residue that can cause an allergic reaction. New clothes can also have a strange odour due to storage or transportation, and washing them can help to remove the strange smell.

If you have sensitive or reactive skin, it is recommended that you wash new clothes before wearing them to avoid allergies or skin irritation.

Dirt and dust

New clothes can accumulate dust and dirt during the manufacturing process, transportation, and storage.

Even clothes that are packaged can accumulate dirt in the packaging process, so washing new clothes before wearing them helps to remove dirt and dust.

The washing process

The washing process is relatively simple, here’s what you should do:.

Sort your clothes.

Sort your clothes according to colour and fabric type. This will prevent dye transfer and fabric damage. Some new clothes bleed colour and washing them separately prevents the colour from transferring to other clothes.

Check the care label.

Read and follow the instructions on the care label of your new clothes. Some clothes need special handling such as handwashing or dry cleaning. Failing to follow care instructions can damage your clothes.

Pre-treat stains.

Check your new clothes for stains and treat them before washing. This will ensure that the stains do not set in the fabric.

Use cold water.

Use cold water to wash your new clothes. Hot water causes clothes to shrink, fade or lose their shape.

Use mild detergent.

Choose a mild detergent that is suitable for your clothes, and avoid using too much detergent. Too much detergent can affect the quality of your clothes.

Dry your clothes properly.

After washing your clothes, dry them properly according to the instructions on the care label. Some clothes need to be tumble-dried, while others need to be left to dry naturally.

Conclusion

Washing new clothes before wearing them is crucial for your health and the longevity of your clothes. Washing new clothes helps to remove harmful chemicals, dirt and bacteria that can affect your health.

Moreover, washing new clothes ensures that your clothes last longer.