Why you should wash new clothes before wearing

We all love the shine and crispness of the new clothes but do know it could actually harm your skin as well as your health. According to the Columbia University Medical Centre, new clothes do increase the chance of risk on health when worn washed. First, there are dozens of people who may have tried the cloth before you buy it. You have no idea how clean their hands and bodies were, no matter whether they touched it or place it on. Secondly, many chemicals are used on the clothes for the shine and freshness. Hence underneath are the reasons why one should wash and how to wash new clothes.

1. Harsh Chemicals

Most textile manufacturers use a variety of chemical treatments bestowing value-added properties including wrinkle-resistant, stain-resistant, flame-retardant, colour-fasteners, and/or softness-enhancers.

Also, the clothes are transported over long distances, so manufacturers add urea-formaldehyde to help prevent mildew from developing on the fabric. These chemicals can develop a rash especially in constant contact areas like armpits, collars, trouser waists and thighs. So it is one of the reasons to wash clothes before wearing them.

2. Bacteria and Lice

Changing rooms is breeding grounds for bacteria because they are rarely cleaned. It has been found that infected clothes can actually transmit the athlete's foot fungus to other clothes.

Not just bacteria, even lice may be passed from one human to another while wearing clothing. They can easily live in the seams of the clothes and eventually get transferred to your hair. The worst part is lice can live on clothing for a month. So this is enough reason for you to wash the clothes before wearing them.

3. Loose Dye Transfer

It’s been said that new clothes often have a small amount of dye resting on the surface which is unabsorbed during the process of dying. If you wear the cloth without washing, there are chances that the loose dye may be transferred to your skin or other clothes. These dyes can cause a severe allergic reaction to those you have sensitive skin.

Tips for Washing New Clothes

Always read the care label instruction do that you don’t damage or shrink the clothes. Using a natural detergent leaves no chemical residue on the fabric that could lead to additional skin irritations. Don’t use too much of the detergent otherwise, the rinse cycle may not get all the residue out of your clothing. Prefer cold water while washing the clothes since the hot water wears out the fabric.

Air-dry whenever possible as it's easier on clothing, helps prolong their lives and is safer for the environment. Even if you are using a dryer, use it at low heat setting.

For any laundry or dry-cleaning related query we’d recommend you to give Launderette a try. They got some of the most affordable and best laundry service providers in your area. Download the app today and avail amazing services they are offering.

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