The Importance of Washing New Clothes Before Wearing Them

Many of us have worn new clothes without washing them first, believing that they are completely or at least relatively clean. But, the tests conducted by Philip Tierno, Ph.D. director of Microbiology and Immunology at New York University, at the behest of Good Morning America, have shown that most clothing items contain some very harmful compounds.

This is just one of the many reasons why you need to wash your clothes before wearing them. Most clothes are also contaminated with chemicals and dyes that may cause irritation or other health problems. Also, in some cases, even insects could be transmitted on new clothes.

If you are still not a washer-before-wearing type, you will probably change your mind after reading this article.

Feces, Respiratory Secretions, Vaginal Organisms and More…

Tierno had tested underwear, pants, jackets, blouses, and other clothes purchased from chain clothing stores (including both low-end and high-end options). The results have shown that many unsavory compounds are lurking on the “new” clothes, including fecal flora, skin flora, respiratory secretions, and yeast.

Of all the tested clothing items, underwear, swimsuits, and other intimate items were the most contaminated. Tierno told ABC News:

“Some garments were grossly contaminated with many organisms … indicating that either many people tried it or … someone tried it on with heavy contamination …

In a sense, you are touching somebody’s armpit or groin. So you want to be protected that’s all … You may not come down with anything and, most cases you don’t, but it’s potentially possible.”

Contaminated clothes (or clothes tried on by multiple people) may contain harmful organisms that can cause hepatitis A, norovirus, MRSA, traveler’s diarrhea, yeast infections etc.

Sometimes, even lice and scabies could potentially be transmitted by trying on clothes, especially if you have a weak immune system. Tierno told The Huffington Post:

“The good thing is that most people have a very robust immune system, so they can usually fight off the small number of organisms they may get on their body … The fact that you come into contact with one doesn’t mean you’re going to get sick.”

Harmful Chemicals – Another Reason to Wash New Clothes!

New clothes may also contain numerous potentially dangerous chemicals. Among these chemicals are azo-aniline dyes, which are known to cause skin reactions ranging from mild to severe.

If you have sensitive skin, these types of dyes may leave your skin dry, itchy, and red, especially where the fabric rubs on your skin, such as at your thighs, armpits, neck, and waist. These irritants can be washed out in most cases, but you may need multiple washings to do so.

Formaldehyde resins are also used in clothing items to reduce wrinkling and mildew. Formaldehyde is not only a well-known carcinogen, but the resins have also been associated with increased risk of eczema and skin rashes.

Another harmful chemical that can be found on new clothes is Nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPE). This is a toxic endocrine-disrupting surfactant that is used to manufacture clothing.

The Best Tips for Safer Clothing       

1. First of all, you should always try to find clothing items that are made from organic cotton.
2. You can also look for the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 label, which shows that it has been tested by an independent laboratory and doesn’t contain potentially harmful levels of more than 100 substances, such as allergenic dyes, pesticides, phthalates, and heavy metals.
3. Finally, most experts agree that you must wash new clothes when you bring them home from the store.

Source: http://movingtoorganic.com/