To wash or not to wash newly bought clothes - that is the question!

New, perfectly fitting jeans are just asking to be worn straight after purchase. But is this the right thing to do? As well as being a source of many bacteria, newly purchased clothes contain numerous chemicals. So why not wash your new clothes first?

The clothing industry, which is an important sector of the economy, uses chemicals - They play an important role in the clothing manufacturing process. Chemicals are used at various stages of production - from dyeing fabrics, to giving them properties such as water-repellency or elasticity, to conservation processes. Formaldehyde, azo dyes, phthalates and heavy metals are the substances most commonly used in the clothing industry.

What is worth knowing about the chemicals used in the clothing industry?

It turns out that 100 per cent cotton in clothing is very often difficult - or even impossible - to achieve. It is estimated that as much as 25 per cent of the composition of cotton or linen clothes is made up of auxiliary substances. However, this does not mean that synthetic clothes are healthier. Synthetic materials are a source of many chemicals, especially phthalates. What is worth knowing about the chemicals used in the manufacture of clothing?

• Formaldehyde: The smell of formaldehyde is associated with the smell of newly purchased clothing. This substance is used to fix dyes or bleach fabric. It is also used as an anti-moulding agent and to make fabrics more crease-resistant. Formaldehyde can have a carcinogenic effect on the body, as well as causing the development of asthma and irritation of the conjunctiva or skin. Direct contact with the substance can contribute to allergic reactions and even eczema.
• Azo dyes: If your wardrobe is dominated by black or brown, there is a good chance that azo dyes were used in the production of your clothes. These substances account for 60 to 70 per cent of all dyes in the textile industry. Their presence in clothes can cause redness and dryness of the skin and contribute to the severity of asthma symptoms.
• Phthalates: One of the reasons for the durability of prints on clothing is phthalates. Phthalates are salts and esters of phthalic acids. These substances also increase the elasticity of materials. Chronic exposure to these substances can be detrimental and can result in changes to the endocrine system, among other things. Phthalates should be particularly avoided by babies and young children.
• Heavy metals: Heavy metals such as chromium, nickel, copper, lead, cadmium, cobalt and arsenic are used in the garment industry. They are used in the process of colour stabilisation during dyeing. Nickel, cobalt and copper can act as sensitisers on contact with the skin. Heavy metals can also contribute to asthma and bronchitis.

Washing newly purchased clothes - is it a solution to the problem?

Just one wash significantly reduces the level of toxic substances in the garment. This reduces the risk of side effects from skin contact with chemicals. How to wash? According to the instructions on the label - this will avoid any doubts about temperature and washing cycle. However, it is important not to use fabric softener on the first wash, as it hinders the rinsing out of the chemicals.