- Experts agree: you need to wash new clothes before wearing them.
- When your fresh garments arrive, they have likely passed through multiple settings teeming with unidentified grime, mold, and bacteria.
- You can maintain clothing in like-new condition for an extended period with some basic care tips.
Once you've purchased a shirt or dress that you've instantly grown fond of, it's quite typical to desire wearing it immediately. You could find yourself wanting to put it on as soon as possible. like that new clothes smell. However, there’s always the looming thought of how many hands touched the clothing before you finally snagged it off the hanger.
So, the question is: Should you wash new clothes before you wear them? We tapped two experts for their take on if you can wear new clothes right away—or if it’s best to practice some patience.
Meet the Experts
- Robin Murphy is the founder of home cleaning service Maid Brigade.
- Wendy Saladyga is a stain expert and senior manager for Henkel.
Should You Wash New Clothes Before Wearing Them?
While it's easy—and convenient—to toss on your new clothes on right away, experts agree that it's best to wash them beforehand.
"For most people, the risk of anything bad happening is pretty minimal, and shrinking, fading, or changing the texture of certain fabrics is a real concern, too," says Robin Murphy, founder of cleaning service Maid Brigade. "But, when you stop and think about all the hands those clothes have passed through, the chemicals used to keep them wrinkle-free, and even the bacteria that might be lurking from storage or trying-on, it’s a little harder to ignore."
This shifts the balance towards rinsing out your garments quickly Before wearing them—at least for items that make direct contact with your skin, according to Murphy.
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Why You Should Pre-Wash Your New Garments Before Use
Even though new garments might appear pristine, they often harbor an unexpected quantity of grime and residues.
Murphy clarifies, "Initially, materials are frequently processed with dyes, formaldehyde-containing treatments, and various chemicals designed to maintain their appearance on retail displays. These substances may lead to skin irritations, allergies, or simply produce that distinctive ‘new clothing’ odor."
Additionally, clothing items pass through many hands both before and after arriving at the stores.
Wendy Saladyga, a stain expert and senior manager at Henkel, points out, "Regardless of whether the clothes were bought in-store or online, it's likely that someone else may have tried them on."
Production line personnel, distribution center team members, and retail staffers likewise interact with garments as part of their job responsibilities.
Murphy warns, "[New clothing] might collect bacteria, mold, or even an occasional louse or bed bug—though this is rare."
Furthermore, garments kept in storage or transport containers might soak up dust and scents, resulting in a “manufacturing facility odor,” as Murphy points out.
Suggestions for Maintaining Clothing’s Like-New Appearance Post-Washing
To maintain your new garments' freshness after multiple washes, consider adhering to these guidelines:
- Wash colors and textures that are similar together: In addition to organizing by color, categorizing based on weight and texture proves beneficial. As Murphy points out, “[This approach] helps avoid issues such as pilling, lint transfer, snags, and excessive drying.” He further explains that heavier materials like denim and bath towels might be too abrasive for more delicate items such as T-shirts.
- Don’t Overload the Washer: Overloading your washing machine causes increased friction among garments, which can result in colors running, fabric deterioration, or items failing to get completely clean.
- Store Clothing Properly: Murdphy states that folding knitwear such as sweaters and cardigans helps prevent stretching, whereas structured garments including blazers, coats, button-down shirts, and dresses should be kept on hangers to preserve their form. Wire hangers should be avoided because they may cause shoulder deformation in these more rigid clothes over prolonged use.
- Wash Clothes Inside Out: Inverting garments, particularly those featuring hues and designs, helps prevent color fade and reduces friction against other textiles.
- Use a Gentle Detergent: Since harsh detergents Murphy advises choosing a gentle detergent when cleaning fabric that can deteriorate over time. For dealing with stains, she recommends using either a stain remover or a natural alternative such as baking soda or vinegar, instead of laundering the whole piece of clothing.
- Turn Down the Heat and Take Out Soon: Speaking of gentle treatment, the gentle cycle On your dryer, maintaining settings is crucial for keeping your garments looking their best. As Murphy points out, "Exposure to high heat can cause shrinking, weakening, and fading of fabrics." She recommends using a lower heat setting and taking clothes out when they're still somewhat moist to avoid excessive drying and minimize creases.
- Read the Care Label: Stuck and unsure? The care labels on your garments generally provide all the necessary information about how to wash, dry, and iron them properly. Adhering to these guidelines ensures they stay in excellent condition since various types of attire require distinct treatment methods.
Read the initial article on The Spruce
