The habit of wearing new clothes without washing them poses unexpected health risks.
Whenever we buy clothes, we always request the seller to provide items that have not been tried on, still packaged in plastic bags and boxes.
However, it’s difficult to know how many people have touched or tried on the clothing before it becomes yours.
“Consumers often have the mindset of wanting to buy a shirt that has not been tried on by anyone, so they can wear it directly to work. This habit is not limited to men; many women share this behavior as well.”
Many people have the habit of wearing new clothes right away without washing them, which is a very bad practice.
However, this is not good for your health, says Philip Tierno, Director of Microbiology at New York University, USA.
The research team led by Dr. Tierno examined 14 popular items such as jackets, underwear, coats, and other types of clothing sold in both high-end and budget stores.
They found traces of vaginal secretions, various bacteria, yeast, and even diarrhea-causing viruses present on fitting room items and products returned by customers.
“Some items contained bacteria at levels higher than acceptable. The risk of infection is present if you try on damp clothes due to sweat, clothes that have been tried on by too many people, or those stored in unsanitary conditions,” Tierno explained.
New clothes may contain chemical residues: A garment goes through many processes during its production. For instance, the dyes used need to be set, and some fabrics may require softening. In these processes, numerous chemicals, dyes, and other substances may be used. If not washed properly, these substances can remain on the clothing.
Clothes can harbor numerous bacteria: When purchasing clothing in stores, you may not be the first person to see or try on that particular item. Furthermore, in the production process, from fabric making to cutting and printing, many people have handled the garments, increasing the risk of bacterial contamination.
The stockroom of a clothing store is generally a relatively cramped space filled with merchandise. Although many clothing items come with outer packaging, this does not guarantee absolute cleanliness.
Fabric dust can irritate the respiratory system: Many people believe that new clothes are clean and do not need to be washed before wearing, but in reality, during production and packaging, clothing can attract a lot of dust and dirt, especially from mass-produced industrial garments.
Wearing new clothes and inhaling this dust can irritate the respiratory system, causing uncomfortable itching; this is particularly concerning for those with pre-existing chronic respiratory conditions.
It is advisable to limit trying on new clothes when purchasing, especially t-shirts and underwear. (Image: Pinterest).
Contact dye irritation (fading colors): Clothes that bleed color onto the skin are akin to dyeing the skin with a chemical-laden dye. If not removed and continuously exposed for long periods, the dye can be absorbed by the skin, increasing the risk of skin irritation and various skin diseases.
Additionally, washing new clothes before wearing them allows you to easily assess the colorfastness of the product, making it easier to return or exercise caution when washing with other colored items.
Wash new clothes before wearing
Microorganisms can survive for weeks or even months on clothing, Tierno states. To limit the risk of infection, it is advisable to limit trying on new clothes when purchasing, especially t-shirts and underwear.
Newly purchased clothes should be washed in warm water and dried in a dry place before wearing. This method helps eliminate pathogens and remove harmful chemicals used to preserve the garments.
Some dark clothing, especially jeans, can easily bleed color. To avoid this, you can use a bit of salt and white vinegar. First, prepare a basin of warm water, pour in white vinegar and salt. Then stir well to dissolve the salt in the water.
After soaking for about half an hour, wash the clothes as you normally would, which may help prevent color bleeding. This is because salt not only disinfects but also sets colors well. Like white vinegar, it also helps fix colors and remove lingering odors from new clothes. After soaking, your clothing will no longer fade, and some residual stains may also be cleaned out.
