Always wash new clothes before wearing them.
Image: Freepik
Don’t you just love the look and feel of brand new clothes?
The fresh, vibrant colours, that perfect fit, and simply the excitement of slipping into something new.
However, you might want to think twice before you rip off that price tag and rock your new outfit because there’s one very important step you most likely haven’t thought about taking.
That is, to wash that new item before wearing it.
You’re probably wondering why you need to wash something that has just come off the shelf.
Well, it’s not quite as fresh and clean as you think it is.
Your new item can carry a surprising and kind of gross mix of chemicals, germs, and other nasties that you definitely don’t want up against your skin.
Here’s a look at why that first wash is way more important than you might think.
How many times have you tried on an item before buying it?
Now, just think about how many other people have tried on that very same item you’ve just paid for.
Do you really want to wear something that several strangers have already had on their probably not-so-clean bodies?
Think about the sweat, skin oils and dead skin cells that have been left behind in that clothing item.
Even bacteria can be transferred onto fabrics.
Trying on a hat? You might just be carrying lice home with you.
You're not the only person who has tried on the clothes. Picture: Mart Production / Pexels
Image: Mart Production / Pexels
To keep clothes looking good on the rack, manufacturers treat them with a variety of chemicals.
One such chemical is formaldehyde (yep, the same chemical used in embalming fluid).
It helps prevent mildew and wrinkles during storage and transport.
Unfortunately, that same chemical is also known to cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in some people.
Azo dyes, which are used for bright colours, can break down into carcinogenic compounds.
Flame retardants or anti-mould agents can linger in fabric fibres.
Washing helps rinse away these residues before they have a chance to irritate your skin or get absorbed into your body through contact.
From the factory floor to the shipping container to the store shelf, your clothes go on quite a journey before they land in your hands.
Along the way, they might be exposed to dust, dirt, and grime.
Garments are handled by multiple workers, and who knows if they wear gloves or not?
Often, they are stored in unsanitary conditions.
So even though they look clean, they in fact aren’t clean at all.
You never know where clothing items have been before they hit the shelves. Picture: Remy Gieling / Unsplash
Image: Remy Gieling / Unsplash
If you have sensitive skin, eczema, or allergies, new clothing chemicals can trigger flare-ups or irritation.
Babies and young children are even more vulnerable. That’s why paediatricians always recommend washing baby clothes before use.
The same logic applies to adults, too.
IOL Lifestyle
