Should you wash new clothes before wearing them and does it help?

Yes, washing new clothes before wearing them is strongly recommended. New garments can carry residual chemicals from manufacturing including formaldehyde, excess dye, NPE surfactants, and sizing agents. A single wash can reduce free formaldehyde levels on fabric by 60% or more and remove much of the loose surface dye that might otherwise transfer to your skin.

However, washing has limitations. Bonded formaldehyde resins used in wrinkle-free finishes cannot be fully washed out because they are chemically attached to the fiber. PFAS coatings are designed to be wash-resistant and will persist through many cycles. Heavy metals embedded in hardware or fabric cannot be removed by washing at all. So while washing helps with surface contaminants, it is not a complete solution for chemically treated clothing.

For the best results, wash new garments in cold water with a mild, fragrance-free detergent before first wear. For baby clothes and items that will be worn against sensitive skin, consider washing twice. The most reliable protection is choosing clothing made from certified organic or OEKO-TEX tested materials that start clean. ONDU's brands minimize chemical treatments so washing is a precaution rather than a necessity.