How to wash new clothes the first time

Short answer: Wash new clothes before you wear them. A first wash removes residue from manufacturing and transport and rinses out loose dye that could otherwise bleed onto other clothes. Bedding gets softer straight away, and towels only start absorbing properly after a couple of washes.

Why it is a good idea

New clothes pass through a long chain of manufacturing, dyeing, packing and transport before they reach you. Along the way the fabric can pick up treatment residue and dust. A single wash removes most of it, so what you feel against your skin is the fabric itself. It takes no extra time, since the clothes need washing anyway. See washing and care.

Dark clothes release dye

New dark items contain loose dye that has not fully bonded to the fibre. It comes out in the first washes, usually the first five. Wash new black, navy or charcoal clothing on its own or with similar colours until the water runs clear. That way light underwear does not pick up a grey tint. See bamboo underwear for men.

Bedding gets softer

New bedding often feels a little stiff straight out of the packaging. That comes from finishing, a treatment applied during manufacturing so the fabric looks neat in the pack. The first wash removes it, and the bedding feels noticeably softer at once. Wash duvet covers inside out with the buttons closed so the fabric is not twisted. See bamboo bedding.

Towels need two washes

New towels often absorb poorly, and many people think something is wrong with them. The cause is again finishing, which sits as a thin layer on the fibres and keeps water out. Two washes without fabric softener remove it, and then the towel absorbs as it should. Softener adds a new layer and works against you. See bamboo towels.

Follow the care label

The first wash follows the same rules as every other. For bamboo clothing that usually means 40 degrees and no fabric softener. You do not need a hotter wash to get clothes extra clean the first time, and high heat can shrink the fabric before you have even worn it. Check the label if in doubt. See bamboo underwear for women.

Wash similar items together

The first wash is a good moment to sort by both colour and type. Underwear and T-shirts can go in together, while towels should be washed separately because they shed lint at first. That lint sticks easily to smooth fabrics and makes them look worn. Closing zips and buttons also protects soft fabrics from snagging and tearing.

Drying after the first wash

New bamboo clothing can shrink slightly the first few times it is washed and dried, especially in a hot dryer. Hang it to dry after the first wash, or use the lowest heat and take it out while slightly damp. Pull the item gently into shape while wet. That way it settles into its final fit the gentle way.

Smell from the packaging

New clothes sometimes smell faintly of cardboard or plastic because they have been packed for a long time. It is not harmful, but it is not pleasant to wear. A normal wash at 40 degrees removes the smell, and drying outdoors in the shade clears the last of it quickly. If it lingers, simply repeat the wash.

Frequently asked questions

Should you wash new clothes before wearing them

Yes. It removes residue from manufacturing and transport and rinses out loose dye, so it does not bleed onto other clothes in the next few washes.

Why do new towels absorb poorly

Because of finishing from manufacturing, which sits as a thin layer on the fibres. Two washes without fabric softener remove it, and then the towel absorbs as it should.