The Nasty Reason You Should NEVER Skip Washing New Clothes First!

You’ve just got yourself a killer outfit. It’s fresh out of the shop, and you’re buzzing to wear it straight away. How tempting is that? But hold up! Have you ever wondered what might be lurking in those brand new threads?

Turns out, not giving your new clothes a wash before wearing them is, well… pretty grim. Let’s get into why you absolutely should never skip that first spin in the washing machine. Spoiler alert: It’s gross.

Why You REALLY Need to Wash New Clothes

Here’s the deal: your new clothes could be hiding all sorts of nasty surprises. And no, we’re not being dramatic. 

From bacteria to chemicals, the experts will tell you,  there’s more going on with those new jeans than meets the eye. Here’s the reasons why you need to wash new clothes before you wear them;

They Could Contain Bacteria, Germs, and Even Fungus? 

Before that shirt ended up in your hands, it’s been on a journey. From factories and warehouses to display racks, your clothes have been handled by loads of people and stored in who knows what type of conditions.

Think about it, other shoppers have probably tried it on (yes, even the sweaty ones). Some might’ve even sneezed on it. Lovely, right? And let’s not forget bacteria like Staphylococcus (fancy name for the stuff that can give you infections) or even the odd fungal spore.

The thing is, we’re not trying to turn you into a germaphobe. All we’re doing is letting you know the truth. And the truth is everything you buy is likely to be covered in germs, in fact, nothing is completely germ free.

If you wear those new threads without washing them first, all of those pathogens will be in direct contact with your skin. You run the risk of all sorts of problems, even warts!

Pro tip: A quick wash in hot water can nuke most of those germs. Just don’t ignore the care label unless you fancy shrinking your new jumper into doll clothes.

They Could Contain Irritating Rash Causing Chemicals

New clothes are often treated with chemicals like formaldehyde to keep them looking fresh and wrinkle free. Sure, they look great on the hanger, but those chemicals can mess with your skin big time.

Got sensitive skin? You’re basically asking for rashes if you skip the wash. Even if you’re not usually allergic, why risk it? After all, nobody wants to spend their day scratching like they’ve got fleas.

You might want to start wearing organic clothes made from natural fibres. These contain far less chemicals and will cause less irritation.

Your Skin Deserves Better

Even if you don’t have sensitive skin, not washing new clothes before wearing them, can still leave you feeling itchy or irritated. Dermatologists always recommend washing clothes before wearing them. 

Think of it as giving your skin a clean slate. It’s a simple step that’ll save you from scratching in public and looking like you’ve got ants in your pants.

They Could Have Insects Hiding In The Fabrics 

Brace yourself for this one. Sometimes, new clothes come with unexpected guests. We’re talking lice and other bugs that’ve hitched a ride somewhere along the supply chain. Gross doesn’t even begin to cover it.

Online shopping doesn’t save you either,  those warehouses? Yeah, not exactly sterile environments. So unless you fancy making friends with fabric dwelling creepy crawlies, give those new clothes a good rinse.

New Clothes Can Ruin Other Clothes

Ever chucked a bright red top into the wash, only to find all your other clothes now look like they’ve been tie-dyed? New clothes are notorious for colour bleeding. 

Depending on how and where they’ve been made, coloured fabrics can bleed colours just through surface contact. Simply by rubbing up against other items in your wardrobe they can spread colours.

Do yourself a favour and wash bright new clothes separately first, unless you’re planning a surprise rebrand for your wardrobe. Dark or brightly coloured clothes are more likely to bleed colours. Wash them separately a few times before allowing them in a mixed wash. 

They Could Shrink

It’s not uncommon for new clothes to shrink a few centimetres in the wash. But if they shrink by more than 5% they might be faulty and should be returned to the store.

It’s worth bearing in mind that some new clothes are liable to shrink. You might need to size up in some cases.

Don’t Take The Risk

Let’s be honest, nobody loves doing laundry. But when it comes to new clothes, it’s 100% worth the effort. Chuck them in the wash, use a nice smelling detergent, and give yourself peace of mind.

Trust us, the only thing better than rocking a new outfit is knowing it’s actually clean. Plus, your skin will thank you too.

What About You?

Have you ever worn new clothes straight away and regretted it? Or maybe you’ve got your own horror story to share? Let us know in the comments, we’re dying to hear your tales of new clothes disasters. 

And if you’ve got a mate who’s guilty of skipping the wash, hit that share button and give them a (much-needed) nudge. They’ll thank you later… probably.

SEE ALSO: Never Do This When You’re Short on Time – It’ll Destroy Your White Clothes!

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