Wearing new clothes is always exciting. However, it is essential to remember that new clothes may not always be perfectly clean. In fact, new clothes can be full of germs and chemicals from the manufacturing process.

This article will explore what happens if you wear new clothes without washing them.

Why should you wash new clothes?

You might think that new clothes are clean, but the truth is, they aren’t. New clothes have been through a long journey from the manufacturer to the store, and they have passed through many hands.

During this process, they could have picked up bacteria and germs. Moreover, new clothes are treated with chemicals like formaldehyde to preserve and protect them while in storage or in transit. Wearing new clothes without washing them can lead to several issues that we will discuss below.

What happens if you wear new clothes without washing them?

When you wear new clothes without washing them, you expose yourself to the following dangers:.

1. Allergic reactions

Many people are allergic to the chemicals that are used to preserve and protect new clothes. When you wear new clothes without washing them, you expose your skin to these chemicals, and it can cause rashes, itchiness, and other allergic reactions.

This is especially true for people with sensitive skin or skin conditions like eczema.

2. Skin infections

New clothes can carry bacteria and germs from the people who have handled them before.

Wearing new clothes without washing them can cause skin infections like impetigo, ringworm, and other skin infections that manifest as redness, itchiness, and blisters.

3. Respiratory problems

Formaldehyde is a common chemical used to treat new clothes to prevent wrinkles. This chemical is known to cause respiratory problems and can be dangerous to your health.

Wearing new clothes without washing them can expose your lungs to formaldehyde fumes, leading to difficulty breathing, coughing, and other respiratory problems.

4. Sweating and body odor

New clothes may have been packed and stored for a long time in warehouses or transit. This means that they may have picked up dust, dirt, and other odor-causing bacteria.

When you wear new clothes without washing them, you may experience sweating and body odor, even if you are not usually prone to sweating.

5. Dirt and stains on the clothes

During the manufacturing process and transit, new clothes can pick up a lot of dirt and stains. When you wear new clothes without washing them, you run the risk of getting these dirt and stains on your skin or even other clothes.

How to properly wash new clothes

Washing new clothes before wearing them is essential to protect yourself from the dangers listed above. Here are some tips for properly washing new clothes:.

1. Read the care label

Before washing any new clothes, make sure you read the care label. Different materials and fabrics require different washing methods, and following the care label’s instructions will help prolong the life of your clothes.

2. Wash in cold water

When washing new clothes, it is always best to wash them in cold water. This helps to preserve the color of the clothes and prevent shrinkage.

3. Use a gentle detergent

Using a gentle detergent will help protect the color and fabric of your new clothes. Avoid using fabric softeners or bleach, which can be harsh on new clothes.

4. Dry on a low setting

When drying your clothes, make sure to dry them on the lowest setting possible. High heat can damage the fabric and also cause shrinkage.

Conclusion

Wearing new clothes without washing them can lead to a lot of problems such as allergic reactions, skin infections, respiratory problems, sweating, dirt, and stains on clothes.

It is essential to wash new clothes before wearing them to protect yourself from these dangers. By following the tips mentioned above, you can properly wash your new clothes and keep them looking new for longer.