Expert Warns: Wash Before You Wear!

   By SheSpeaksTeam  Jan 09, 2017
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Before you dig into new wardrobe you may have gotten as holiday gifts, you may want to consider giving them a spin in the washing machine first. Though it may be tempting to wear it right away, those new pants and sweaters may come with harmful germs or harsh chemicals that can be eliminated in a quick wash. One doctor warns of some of the health risks of wearing clothes straight off the rack and why washing them beforehand can benefit the wearer in more ways than one.

The DailyMail reports about one doctor’s warning regarding new apparel that will have you heading for the laundry room. British food and hygiene expert Dr. Laura Ackerley weighs in on why we should all make sure to wash clothing before the first wear. One important reason to wash new clothes is that the dyes and fabrics can cause nasty skin rashes if you are sensitive to the chemicals used. A turn in the spin cycle will rid the clothing of the stronger straight out of the factory chemicals.

Another important health risk to consider with new clothes is the germs, bacteria and even possible fungus that may be present from all the handling that went on before it made it in your shopping cart. Ackerley warns, “Viruses such as cold, flu and norovirus can survive on fabrics and hard surfaces for up to 48 hours, so if someone has tried on a garment whilst suffering from a cold or flu, then the viruses could survive a day or so and spread or cause infection.”

And aside from colds and flu, skin infections are easily spread if a sufferer tried on your outfit before purchase. Ackerley adds, “If someone has been suffering from a skin infection, then this could be passed on via clothes.Some skin infections may be caused by antibiotic resistant bacteria, such as strains of Staphylococcus aureus, and these can sometimes be quite hard to treat.”

Even new shoes can carry fungus infections like athlete’s foot, especially if they are a pair that has been on display and tried on by many. You can avoid this type of risk by purchasing new shoes in the box. If all this information is turning you into a germaphobe, the good news is that a single wash on a high temperature (as high as the item will allow) can eliminate any risk of infection.

What do you think of this doctor’s advice to wash new clothes before you wear?

Do you usually wear clothing straight off the rack or do you wash first?

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joangelajohnson by joangelajohnson | Mayflower, AR
Mar 14, 2017

I've always washed before wearing clothes I buy, I can only imagine how many people have touched those clothes before I bought them!

Allisonbb15 by Allisonbb15 | Florence, AL
Mar 06, 2017

I have never really thought about this. Thanks for the warning!

Christina2012 by Christina2012 | HORSESHOE BND, AR
Feb 19, 2017

Wow I've never have washed my new things after buying. Definitely going to have to start washing first now.

KasperGrl by KasperGrl | Villa Rica, GA
Feb 08, 2017

Never thought about this before! But it is something my boyfriend insists on me doing whenever getting new clothes (due to his OCD). I've known that it was something that should be done but I was too lazy in the past to do so.

SophiaG by SophiaG | MOUNTAIN CITY, TN
Jan 26, 2017

This article got my attention. I usually wear clothing items as they look best prior to there first wash. But after reading this I will start washing first. Ive never had any issues in past but you never know. I love shoes so that is a hard one to wrap my head around as you never know if they were tried on prior to purchase!

superbutt by superbutt | GRAND RAPIDS, MI
Jan 17, 2017

Great advice!

Irishborn by Irishborn | PHILA, PA
Jan 16, 2017

I always wash items before wearing. Once contacted a serious rash from straight-from-store clothing.

browneyes78 by browneyes78 | Homosassa, FL
Jan 14, 2017

This is probably good advice, something I've never thought about. I generally do not wash before I wear. Hm.