Why you should wash that new outfit before you wear it: Consumer Reports

Whether you're purchasing a World Cup soccer jersey, or a pair of pants - you want new clothing to look its best for as long as possible.

Whether you’re purchasing a FIFA World Cup jersey, or a pair of pants, you want your new clothes looking its best for as long as you can.

In the past, you may have held off washing new items so they can keep that ‘new look’, however, experts say you should wash your clothes before wearing them.

Yvanna Cajina spoke with Consumer Reports and shared her experience of washing any new items she purchases before wearing them.

“I’ve had issues with clothes in the past. That’s why I’m really careful about the clothes that I buy and making sure that i wash them beforehand,” said Cajina.

It’s exactly what Consumer Reports experts recommend. Even if the new clothes look clean, they should always be washed before being worn. This includes everything, especially delicate items and undergarments.

“It might seem unnecessary to wash all new clothes you buy, but there are really good reasons to do it. For example, chemicals from the manufacturing and finishing process can still be on the fabric and for someone with sensitive skin, that can cause irritation,” said Jodhaira Rodriguez with Consumer Reports.

Babies can be even more vulnerable. Their skin is thinner and more absorbent than adults’, making them more sensitive to chemicals that may still be lingering in brand-new clothing.

“So you’re not just wearing a new outfit, you’re wearing everything it picked up along the way,” Rodriguez said.

Many clothes travel thousands of kilometres before reaching you. From factories, warehouses, shipping containers, and store shelves, where they’re unpacked, handled, and even tried on by other shoppers. Along the way, your “new clothing” may collect dust, dirt, bacteria, and even insects before ending up in your closet.

So, what’s the safest way to wash new clothes?

“Wash clothes with similar colours together. Some brightly coloured garments can bleed or fade during the first wash. Washing in cold or cool water on a gentle cycle can help minimize that and also reduce the risk of shrinking,” said Rodriguez. “I also use a special detergent to make sure that I’m not having a reaction.”

Before tossing anything in the washer, check the care label. Following those instructions can help your clothes last longer and continue looking their best.

Consumer Reports also recommends skipping fabric softener as it can irritate sensitive skin, leaving residue inside your washing machine and encourage mould growth. Tests have shown over time, fabric softener could even make some clothing more flammable.