Should You Wash New Clothes?
Should You Wash New Clothes?
You wonder if you should wash new clothes before wearing them. Maybe you just bought a new shirt, you’re excited to wear it, or you wonder if washing is necessary. The answer is yes, you should wash new clothes before wearing them. Here’s why and how to wash new clothes.
Yes, you should wash new clothes before wearing them. New clothes contain chemical residues from manufacturing (formaldehyde, dyes, finishes), dirt and germs from shipping and handling, and excess dye that can transfer to your skin or other clothes. Washing new clothes removes these substances and makes them safe and comfortable to wear. The key is washing new clothes with the right detergent and settings.
To wash new clothes, read the care label, sort by color, wash with Tide Free and Gentle in cold or warm water, add vinegar to the rinse, and dry according to the care label. Don’t skip washing, don’t wash new dark clothes with light clothes, and don’t use hot water on new clothes that might shrink.
Why You Should Wash New Clothes
Chemical Residues
New clothes contain chemical residues from manufacturing:
- Formaldehyde: Used to prevent wrinkles during shipping. Can cause skin irritation.
- Dyes: Excess dye can transfer to skin or other clothes.
- Finishes: Chemical finishes (stain resistant, water repellent) can irritate skin.
- Size and starch: Used in manufacturing to maintain shape.
Dirt and Germs
New clothes have been handled by many people during manufacturing, shipping, and store display. They can contain dirt, bacteria, and even lice from being tried on by other customers.
Excess Dye
New dark clothes (especially dark jeans and black shirts) often have excess dye that can transfer to skin, other clothes, or furniture. Washing removes the excess dye.
Shrinking
Some clothes shrink on the first wash. Washing before wearing lets the clothes shrink to their final size so you know how they fit.
Softening
New clothes can feel stiff from manufacturing finishes. Washing softens the fabric and makes them more comfortable.
Odor Removal
New clothes can have a chemical smell from manufacturing. Washing removes the odor.
How to Wash New Clothes
Step 1: Read the Care Label
Read the care label before washing. Follow the recommended washing, drying, and ironing instructions.
Step 2: Sort by Color
Sort new clothes by color (whites, lights, darks). New dark clothes are especially likely to bleed dye. Wash new dark clothes separately for the first few washes.
Step 3: Wash with the Right Detergent
Wash with Tide Free and Gentle in cold or warm water. Tide Free and Gentle is free of dyes and perfumes, making it gentle for new clothes and sensitive skin.
Step 4: Add Baking Soda
Add half a cup of Arm and Hammer Baking Soda to the wash. Baking soda helps remove chemical residues and odors.
Step 5: Add Vinegar to the Rinse
Add half a cup of white vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser for the rinse. Vinegar helps remove excess dye and chemical residues.
Step 6: Use the Right Water Temperature
Use cold or warm water for most new clothes. Don’t use hot water on new clothes that might shrink (cotton, wool).
Step 7: Dry According to Care Label
Dry according to the care label. Air dry if the label says line dry or flat dry. Use the dryer on the recommended setting.
Step 8: Check for Fit
After the first wash, check the fit. Some clothes shrink on the first wash. If they shrink too much, return them.
Step 9: Pre-Treat Any Stains
If new clothes have stains from store handling, pre-treat with OxiClean Max Force Spray, Dawn Ultra Dish Soap, or Shout Advanced Grease Busting Foam.
Step 10: Clean the Machine Monthly
Clean the washer monthly with affresh Washing Machine Cleaner to prevent buildup.
Special Cases
New Jeans
Wash new jeans inside out in cold water to prevent fading and dye transfer. Don’t wash with light colors for the first few washes. Add vinegar to the rinse to set the dye.
New Dark Clothes
Wash new dark clothes separately for the first 2 to 3 washes. Use cold water to prevent fading. Add vinegar to the rinse to set the dye.
New Underwear and Swimwear
Always wash new underwear and swimwear before wearing. These items have been tried on by others and can contain bacteria. Wash in warm water with Lysol.
New Baby Clothes
Always wash new baby clothes before use. Baby skin is sensitive to chemical residues. Wash with Tide Free and Gentle in warm water. Add Lysol Laundry Sanitizer to the rinse.
New Delicates
Hand wash or machine wash new delicates on the gentle cycle with cold water. Don’t wring. Dry flat.
New Wool
Hand wash or machine wash new wool on the gentle cycle with cold water. Use a wool-safe detergent. Dry flat.
Additional Products
Use Amodex for Ink on New Clothes
If new clothes have ink marks from tags or labels, use Amodex Ink and Stain Remover.
What Not to Do
Don’t skip washing new clothes. New clothes contain chemical residues, dirt, and germs. Always wash before wearing.
Don’t wash new dark clothes with light clothes. New dark clothes can bleed dye. Wash separately for the first few washes.
Don’t use hot water on new clothes that might shrink. Hot water can shrink cotton and wool. Use cold or warm water.
Don’t use fabric softener on new clothes. Fabric softener can interfere with moisture-wicking and flame-resistant properties. Use white vinegar instead.
Don’t put new clothes in the dryer without checking the care label. Some new clothes need to be air dried. Check the label first.
Don’t try on new underwear without washing. New underwear can contain bacteria from other customers. Always wash first.
FAQ
Should you wash new clothes before wearing them? Yes. New clothes contain chemical residues (formaldehyde, dyes, finishes), dirt and germs from handling, and excess dye. Washing removes these substances and makes clothes safe to wear.
Why should you wash new clothes? New clothes contain chemical residues from manufacturing, dirt and germs from shipping and store handling, excess dye that can transfer, and chemical finishes that can irritate skin. Washing removes these.
How do you wash new clothes? Read the care label, sort by color, wash with Tide Free and Gentle in cold or warm water, add baking soda to the wash, add vinegar to the rinse, and dry according to the care label.
Should you wash new dark clothes separately? Yes. New dark clothes (especially jeans and black shirts) can bleed dye. Wash separately for the first 2 to 3 washes. Use cold water and add vinegar to the rinse to set the dye.
Should you wash new baby clothes before use? Yes. Baby skin is sensitive to chemical residues. Wash new baby clothes with Tide Free and Gentle in warm water before use. Add Lysol Laundry Sanitizer to the rinse.
References
- Tide. “New Clothes Washing Guide.” tide.com.
- The Spruce. “Should You Wash New Clothes.” thespruce.com.
- Good Housekeeping. “New Clothes Guide.” goodhousekeeping.com.
- EWG. “Chemical Residues in Clothing.” ewg.org.
