Laundry Lovin’: To Wash or Not

by Heather on February 12, 2008

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

girlHeather 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.

Submit your question by sending an email to helpme@home-ec101.com 

Print Friendly
If you enjoyed this post, please consider leaving a comment or subscribing to the free daily or weekly emails to have future articles delivered to your inbox.

Tagged as: Reader Questions

Post comment as
twitter logo facebook logo
Sort: Newest | Oldest
Jen

Wow I didn't know they contained pesticides when packaged. I will definitely be putting these in the laundry.

share
  • spam
  • offensive
  • disagree
  • off topic
 Like
N. & J.

One way to avoid the problem of pesticides is to buy organic cotton or bamboo sheets. Even Target sells them now a days.

share
  • spam
  • offensive
  • disagree
  • off topic
 Like
Fawn

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.

share
  • spam
  • offensive
  • disagree
  • off topic
 Like
Rachel

New clothes, too. I had a summer job at an inventory company, and I've seen what those back rooms can look like.

share
  • spam
  • offensive
  • disagree
  • off topic
 Like

Previous post:

Next post: