Don't Wear New Clothes Before Washing

Evidently, the majority of people wear newly bought clothes without washing them. We think they are spotless and clean. Dr. PV Ranganayakulu Ph.D. explains the health hazards of such practice and why we should wash new clothes before wearing them.

Most of us wear clothes made of synthetic fiber because it is hassle-free to maintain. Others wear cotton or linen because they are cooler and congenial. Invariably, when we buy new clothes we wear them before first wash. It is a bad practice because there are some issues relating to our skin health.

The so-called ‘disperse dyes’ are used in polyester fiber dyeing. Even if we buy 100% cotton wear, we do not know what chemicals are used in dying. The dyes, particularly disperse dyes, can irritate skin and cause Allergic Contact Dermatitis. This inflammation may appear immediately or after few weeks. The sweat and friction may cause disperse dyes to leak out onto the skin. Washing them immediately after purchase will wash out those little extra dyes on new clothes, which will lessen the risk. Usually, the neck area and armpits are at greater risk. Some people experience allergy for years as the immune system is compromised.

Research at the Stockholm University in Sweden found ‘quinoline’ in 29 of the 31 samples of new clothes. This is high in polyester garments. Quinolone was classified as 'a possible human carcinogen’ by the US Environment Protection Agency. Nitroanilines and benzothiazoles are also found in dyes, which have potential adverse effects on human health.

Time magazine recently published ‘clothing is often treated with stain-repellents, color-fasteners, anti-wrinkle agents, softness-enhancers, and any number of other chemical treatments. Clothing manufacturers don’t have to disclose any of these to customers, and many of the chemicals, including a popular type of waterproofing chemical called fluorosurfactants, have little or no research backing their safety. Not only could these chemicals pose health risks to people, but they also end up in the air and water supplies, where they could do further harm.

Not just these chemicals in textile processing, the dirt, and pollution that creeps in new clothes while sewing remains on. Scissors, sewing machine, a thread that comes in contact with fingers, buttoning, and all acts involve some contamination. Therefore, it is always better to reduce this chemical burden by washing new clothes in warm water before wearing them. Because we are not aware of various chemicals used in the textile industry, that are in constant touch with our skin.