Dear Home Ec 101,
If I have brand new sheets, should I wash them first before putting them on my bed?
Signed,
Short Sheeted in Shelbyville
Heather says:
Yes, wash the sheets. Many new fabrics are treated with pesticides prior to packaging, especially if they are shipped from overseas or are expected to be stored for a long time. Additionally if you have sensitives skin new fabrics often have excess dyes or sizing which can cause itching or rashes. Good luck and enjoy your new sheets.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
New clothes, too. I had a summer job at an inventory company, and I’ve seen what those back rooms can look like.
I know someone who used to work retail unpacking new clothes. Some of them are actually packed with formaldehyde, which gave her nose-bleeds. That was several years ago, so perhaps they don’t do formaldehyde anymore, but who knows what they’d have replaced it with? Definitely wash the sheets. Besides, if they are cotton, they’ll feel softer after a wash to remove some of the natural waxy oils out of ‘em.
One way to avoid the problem of pesticides is to buy organic cotton or bamboo sheets. Even Target sells them now a days.