Should You Wash New Sheets Before Use? A Textile Expert Explains

Should You Wash New Sheets Before Use? A Textile Expert Explains

It's time to put this laundry debate to rest.

Housekeeping myths exist, but today we're providing clarification on a big one. While you don't necessarily need to wash your new sheets before their first use, you probably should. We spoke with a fabric expert about what you should do with your most recent sheet purchases.

Why You Should Wash New Sheets

While washing new sheets isn't a hard-and-fast rule, it is advised. "I always recommend it," says textile expert Nomi Dale Kleinman. There are many steps fabrics go through before they make their way to you, and even natural fibers can be exposed to potential irritants.

"Natural fibers require scouring and cleaning before they become yarn, yarn spinning requires lubricants, sometimes resins are used for warp sizing, and starches can be used in the weaving process," Kleinman explains. "Yarn and fabric can require additional scouring using soap products, sodium hydroxide, or bleaching to properly accept color during dyeing or printing processes."

All this means that your new sheets are not just the fabric when they're first opened. Washing helps clear out these extras.

What Happens if You Skip Washing?

According to Kleinman, most people will be fine and won't notice any adverse reactions if they don't wash their new sheets. But if you have sensitive skin, any chemical remnants may cause itching or skin irritation.

The last thing you want, especially if you've just invested in a set of cooling sheets, is to wake up with itchy skin. Also, when you do wash sheets, she recommends using a detergent that's hypoallergenic and toxin-free (they're better for the environment, too).

Even if you don't have sensitive skin, though, remember that sheets are made in dusty factories and are touched by people and machines before being packaged and opened by you. That is on top of all the dyes and chemicals the sheets come in contact with during production. If this gives you the ick, give your sheets and linens a good wash before use.

The Final Verdict

The decision is truly dependent on how sensitive your skin is, but it's probably a good idea to wash new textiles before using them. Will the world end if you slip on a new pillowcase without running it through the washing machine? Probably not. One less thing to worry about!