When you purchase a new pair of underwear, it’s easy to get excited about the fresh, untouched feel and the sense of newness. After all, who doesn’t love the crisp comfort of newly bought clothes? However, even though underwear might look pristine right out of the packaging, it’s important to take a moment and consider the potential health risks before you slip them on.
Washing new underwear before wearing it isn’t just a matter of personal preference—it’s a simple step toward protecting your health. While new clothes can seem clean and ready to wear, they often harbor a range of potential contaminants, such as bacteria, fungi, and even harmful chemicals. Underwear, in particular, is the most intimate piece of clothing we wear, coming into direct contact with sensitive areas of the body. Therefore, it’s essential to ensure that it’s as free of harmful substances as possible.
we’ll dive into why you should always wash new underwear before wearing it, highlighting the health risks and contaminants that could be lurking in those brand-new pairs. By the end, you’ll understand the importance of taking a few extra minutes to properly clean your new underwear no matter how fresh and enticing they seem straight from the store.
Why You Should Wash New Underwear Before You Wear It
When it comes to new underwear, there’s more to consider than just the look and feel. Despite being fresh from the store, new underwear can carry a range of hidden risks, from bacteria and fungi to irritating chemicals and fabric dyes. Let’s break down why washing new underwear is essential for your health and comfort.
Potential Exposure to Bacteria and Fungi
Underwear is one of the most intimate items of clothing, so it makes sense to ensure that it’s completely clean before wearing it. Unfortunately, studies have shown that underwear, along with socks, tends to be one of the most contaminated items of clothing. They can harbor harmful bacteria, fungi, and even traces of dirt from their production or the handling process.
One key reason for this is that many stores allow customers to try on underwear, and although hygiene liners are often provided, there’s no guarantee that everyone follows those guidelines. Even if the underwear is brand new, the contamination risk remains. Furthermore, returns can also be a potential issue. Even if a store takes precautions with sanitizing returns, there’s still the chance that harmful microbes could be transferred, making it safer to wash your new underwear first.
Chemical Irritants in New Fabrics
New clothes, including underwear, often go through a chemical treatment process during manufacturing to prevent wrinkles, mildew, and other issues that may arise during transport or storage. Chemicals such as urea-formaldehyde are commonly used for this purpose. While these treatments help keep the garments in good condition during their journey from the factory to your home, they can also cause irritation to sensitive skin. The skin around your groin is particularly sensitive, and exposure to these chemicals could result in rashes or discomfort.
Washing new underwear before wearing it helps to remove these harsh chemicals, offering you a safer, more comfortable experience from the moment you put them on.
Excess Fabric Dye Transfer
Another reason to wash new underwear before wearing it is the possibility of dye transfer. Many new clothes, especially those with bold colors, are prone to releasing excess dye during their first wash. This dye can stain your skin, leaving unsightly marks in places you’d rather not have them.
This is particularly common with darker-colored or brightly dyed fabrics. Washing your new underwear helps rinse away the extra dye and minimizes the risk of it transferring to your skin when you wear them for the first time. Not only does this avoid any accidental staining, but it also ensures that your new pair of underwear stays looking fresh and vibrant.
How to Wash New Underwear Effectively
Now that you understand why it’s essential to wash new underwear before wearing it, let’s explore the best practices to ensure your new garments are properly cleaned and maintained. Washing new underwear doesn’t require anything complicated, but it’s important to treat it with care to preserve its quality, longevity, and comfort.
Follow Care Instructions
Before you toss your new underwear into the wash, the first step is to check the manufacturer’s care instructions. Each brand or fabric may have specific recommendations that can help preserve the fit and feel of the material. Some delicate fabrics, like lace or silk, may require extra care or special treatment to prevent damage. Always follow the care tag to avoid accidentally ruining the fabric or losing the garment’s shape. This simple step can go a long way in making sure your new underwear stays in great condition for longer.
Separate from Other Laundry
Underwear is often made from delicate materials such as lace, cotton, or mesh, and it can easily get caught on zippers, buttons, or other rough items in your laundry load. To prevent damage, it’s best to wash your underwear separately from the rest of your laundry. Doing so minimizes the risk of snags and ensures that the fabric stays intact.
If you’re washing multiple pairs at once or mixing it with other delicate items, consider using a mesh laundry bag. These bags are designed to protect your underwear from getting tangled with other clothes or snagging on anything else in the wash. They provide an extra layer of protection while still allowing the water and detergent to reach the fabric effectively.
Use Mild Detergent
When it comes to washing new underwear, a mild detergent is your best friend. Harsh chemicals and fragrances in many commercial detergents can cause irritation, particularly in sensitive areas. Opt for a gentle, fragrance-free detergent that’s specially formulated for sensitive skin. These detergents contain fewer chemicals and are less likely to cause discomfort or allergic reactions, making them perfect for your new undergarments.
Wash on Gentle Cycle or Hand Wash
Delicate fabrics like those often used for underwear require special attention to avoid wear and tear. Instead of using the standard wash cycle, which can be too harsh for finer fabrics, choose the gentle cycle. This cycle uses slower agitation, which reduces the stress on delicate materials.
Alternatively, you can hand wash your new underwear, especially if it’s made from particularly fragile fabrics like silk or lace. Hand washing allows you to carefully control the pressure and temperature of the water, ensuring that the fabric is treated with extra care. If hand washing, gently rub the fabric together without twisting or wringing it out.
Wash in Cool Water
Hot water can break down delicate fibers over time and lead to shrinking, fading, or weakening of the fabric. To maintain the integrity of your new underwear, wash it in cool or lukewarm water. This helps preserve the fabric’s strength, color, and shape, ensuring that your new undergarments stay in great condition for longer. Plus, using cooler water is gentler on the environment and more energy-efficient.
Air Dry Outdoors
After washing your new underwear, it’s best to air dry it. While a tumble dryer may be convenient, the heat can cause elastic fibers to break down, leading to premature wear. Air drying, on the other hand, is much gentler on fabrics and helps maintain their elasticity. If possible, let your underwear dry outdoors in the sunlight. Not only does sunlight help kill off any remaining bacteria, but it also helps freshen up the fabric naturally. Air drying outdoors can also prevent any unwanted shrinkage, keeping your underwear looking and feeling new for longer.
Read more: How to Wash and Care for Cashmere Without Ruining It
Conclusion
Washing new underwear before wearing it is an important step in ensuring both your comfort and your health. Even though new clothes may appear fresh and clean, they can harbor bacteria, fungi, irritating chemicals, and excess dyes—risks that are best avoided by giving them a proper wash. By following a few simple yet effective washing tips, such as checking care instructions, using a mild detergent, washing on a gentle cycle, and air drying, you can protect your skin from irritation and preserve the quality of your underwear.
Ultimately, taking the time to wash your new undergarments before wearing them is a small but valuable practice that ensures your first wear is as fresh, comfortable, and safe as possible. Whether you’re concerned about contaminants, skin sensitivities, or fabric longevity, these steps will give you peace of mind and help your new underwear stay in great condition for many wears to come.