Why You Should Always Wash New Clothes Before Wearing Them 👕🧼
Buying new clothes is always exciting—whether it’s a fresh white shirt, a cozy sweater, or a stylish pair of jeans. They look clean, smell fresh, and feel brand new. But here’s the truth: new clothes aren’t as clean as they appear. In fact, wearing them without washing can irritate your skin and expose you to hidden chemicals and bacteria.
At Eric’s Specialty Cleaners, we understand the importance of proper garment care, especially before first wear. Here’s why giving your new clothes a wash is a must.
🧪 1. New Clothes Often Contain Chemicals
During manufacturing, garments are treated with various chemicals to preserve color, prevent wrinkles, and resist mildew while being shipped and displayed.
These may include:
- Formaldehyde-based resins (used to keep clothes looking “crisp”)
- Azo dyes (which can cause allergic reactions)
- Other finishing agents that can linger on fabric
👎 These chemicals can trigger skin irritation, rashes, or allergic reactions, especially in people with sensitive skin.
✅ Washing before wearing helps remove these residues and minimizes your risk of exposure.
🧼 2. You Don’t Know Who Tried It On Before You
Let’s face it: many hands (and bodies) may have touched or tried on that new item before it made it to your closet.
- Clothing in stores is often tried on by multiple people
- Items may have been dropped on fitting room floors or exposed to dust, sweat, makeup, and even bacteria
✅ A proper wash ensures hygienic safety before the garment touches your skin.
🎨 3. Remove Excess Dyes and Prevent Color Transfer
Dark or brightly colored garments, especially denim, often have excess dye that can bleed onto your skin or other clothes.
✅ Washing new items (especially jeans, black shirts, or red fabrics) can set the dye and help prevent staining or color transfer during wear or future washes.
👶 4. Essential for Babies and Sensitive Skin
Babies and individuals with eczema or sensitive skin are especially vulnerable to harsh residues left on new clothing.
✅ Always wash baby clothes, undergarments, and anything that will have direct contact with skin using a gentle, fragrance-free detergent.
🧺 How to Wash New Clothes Safely
- ✅ Read the care label first – Follow fabric-specific instructions
- ✅ Wash in cold water – Preserves color and prevents shrinking
- ✅ Use a gentle, skin-safe detergent – Especially for sensitive skin
- ✅ Consider professional cleaning for silk, wool, or delicate designer pieces
At Eric’s Specialty Cleaners, we offer wet cleaning and dry cleaning solutions that are safe, eco-friendly, and ideal for high-end or delicate garments.
🧥 Final Thoughts: Wash First, Wear Later
Even though that brand-new outfit looks perfect, washing before wearing is a simple but important step that protects your health, your skin, and even the clothing itself.
Whether you’re buying a basic t-shirt or a luxury designer piece, make sure it gets the proper first wash—and if you’re unsure how, we’re here to help.
📍 Eric’s Specialty Cleaners
1105 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, LA 70005
📞 Call us today for professional garment care and fabric-safe cleaning!
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