Why You Should Always Wash New Clothes Before Wearing Them

Have you ever felt the urge to don that brand new top or pair of jeans straight from the store without washing it first ? It’s a common practice, but one that we need to reconsider. In this article, we delve into why it is crucial to wash new clothes before wearing them – your health might just depend on it.

The Hidden Health Hazards in Your New Clothes

The Bacterial Contamination

Surprisingly enough, clothing items are not germ-free when they hit the shelves. Whether tried on by another shopper or handled by multiple individuals during the manufacturing and distribution process, new clothes can carry bacteria from countless sources. This bacterial contamination can lead to skin irritations or infections, especially if you have sensitive or damaged skin.

Potential Carcinogens in Your Closet

According to Fashion Revolution’s 2020 Transparency Index, some fashion brands haven’t yet established a list of banned substances. Thus, consumers are unknowingly exposed to potentially harmful chemicals such as benzidine, chromium 6 and nickel which may be present in their new clothes. Not only can these cause allergic reactions and dermatitis – a type of skin inflammation – but some are even classified as carcinogens.

If you’re wondering how this ties into our next topic: these hazards make the case for why washing new clothes is not just an option but a necessity.

The Presence of Chemicals and Allergens in Textiles

Chemical Cocktails Lurking in Your Wardrobe

New garments often come loaded with various chemical substances used during production. For example, nonylphenols and formaldehydes, identified by ANSES (French Agency for Food, environmental and Occupational Health & Safety) in new clothes, are known allergens and irritants. They aid in giving the fabric its desired characteristics like colorfastness or wrinkle resistance. However, they can trigger allergic reactions or exacerbate existing skin conditions.

Allergenic Metals in Clothes

Metals such as nickel, often used in buttons and zippers, can cause contact dermatitis, a skin condition that results in itchy, red rashes. Washing the garment before wearing can drastically reduce the risk of experiencing these side effects.

Moving forward, we will discuss how to effectively eliminate these troublesome substances from your brand-new buys.

How to Remove Harmful Substances from New Purchases ?

Cleaning New Clothes Right Off The Bat

The best way to rid your new clothes of these potential hazards is by washing them straight out of the bag. This initial wash not only removes chemical residues but also deals with any biological contaminants, reducing risks of skin irritation and allergies.

Paying Attention To Specific Items

Specially, items that come into direct contact with the skin, those intended for children or for individuals with sensitive skin should always be washed prior to use. It’s a quick step that could prevent an array of health problems down the line.

Now let’s look at some good habits you should adopt for maintaining a healthier wardrobe.

Adopting Good Practices For A Healthy Wardrobe

Becoming A Conscious Buyer

Avoiding harmful chemicals begins at the shopping stage. Opting for brands that disclose their manufacturing practices and have set prohibited substance lists can help ensure your clothes don’t pose hidden health threats.

Regular Washing and Maintenance

Regularly washing your clothes, not just when they’re new, can help maintain a healthier wardrobe. Regular cleaning keeps bacterial levels low and removes accumulated substances that may be harmful.

To wrap things up, let’s reflect on why these practices matter.

New clothes might bring joy and fresh style into your life, but they could also carry potential health hazards. From being a breeding ground for bacteria to containing allergenic metals and harmful chemicals – your fashion choices could have unintended consequences. However, by simply washing new purchases before wearing them, choosing conscious brands and maintaining regular cleaning habits, you can enjoy your sartorial choices while safeguarding your well-being. After all, isn’t that the best way to truly enjoy fashion ?