3 Reasons Why New Clothes Should Be Washed Before Wearing…

Who doesn’t love new clothes? Even though the colors are bright, the added glitz is all in place or it’s just so perfectly ironed, we’re sharing 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.

Washing Reduces or Removes Dye Irritation

Dyes can cause severe skin reactions for people, especially in 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.

You Are Probably Not the First To Try On Your Clothes

Everyone has tried on your clothes. 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.

Other Chemicals In the Clothes Can Irritate Your Skin

Chemical finishes can irritate your skin washing removes the chemical finishes like Urea-formaldehyde that manufacturers put on clothes to enhance color or texture. The finishes won’t bother everyone, but if you have sensitive skin, you can develop a rash.

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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.

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, at the very least washing in your favorite detergent will give you peace of mind.

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