Question of necessity: do you need to wash new bed linen before use and how correctly?

A beautiful, neatly packaged new bedding set feels clean and fresh.

It smells nice and has a smooth, delicate texture.

All this raises doubts: is it necessary and why to wash new bed linen before use, how to do this so as not to spoil it?

These and other questions are discussed below in the article.

Is it necessary to wash it before first use?

Hygienists are unanimous on the issue of the need to wash a new bedding set - it needs to be done. Moreover, this requirement applies to all sets - both children's and adults, and even exclusive ones from famous designers.

The need to wash before first use is due to the following reasons:

• the fabric may be dusty due to prolonged exposure to warehouses and factory workshops;
• the material is often treated with drugs that can cause allergies;
• dyes can remain on the fabric in large quantities;
• pathogenic microorganisms can settle on the fabric;
• The new material is rigid in its structure.

Before reaching the consumer, a set of underwear passes through the hands of dozens of people, from fabric creation to sewing and packaging. During the sewing process, pillowcases, duvet covers and sheets come into contact with the mechanisms of machines in sewing production, come into contact with the hands of workers, and absorb dust and other contaminants.

It should be borne in mind that some manufacturers, among other additional treatments, may subject their products not only to conditioners, but also to substances that can give the material additional shine and smoothness, as well as prevent caking and the appearance of mold.

How to carry out treatment after purchase so that it does not fade or shrink?

Before you start washing for the first time, you should consider the information provided on the product label. In most cases, the temperature limit for processing colored bed linen is limited to +40? C, but a higher value is possible. For the first wash, you can limit yourself to even +30? C.

Almost all sets are allowed to be processed in a washing machine. Exceptions are most often associated with compositional features (for example, natural silk) or the implementation of design techniques (the presence of complex additional elements, etc.).

The following recommendations will help you carry out your first wash simply and without unpleasant consequences:

1. The detergent is chosen taking into account the composition of the fabric. Liquids are preferable to powdered ones, as they dissolve better and are easier to wash out when rinsing.
2. Bleach is not used during the first wash, even for white items.
3. If several bedding items from different sets are sent for the first wash, they must first be sorted by color and material composition.
4. All things are turned inside out.
5. Intense friction is not required when processing new items for the first time.
6. Selecting a mode on the washing machine is in accordance with the type of fabric under the conditions recommended by the manufacturer. But you can use a delicate wash for the first time.
7. When washing a set intended for a child, it is recommended to use baby detergent.

You will find a lot of useful information about washing bed linen in this section.

Drying, ironing and storage

After washing, you can dry the set outside in the shade, turning it inside out. This will not only dry things out, but also ventilate them. But you can dry it in an apartment.

Ironing is carried out taking into account the composition of the material from which the new set is made. If there is decor on the duvet cover or pillowcase, for example, in the form of embroidery, then the item should be ironed from the wrong side.

It is advisable to carry out ironing immediately after drying, before storing the set in a closet. Bamboo, viscose and silk do not moisturize when ironed.

The kit, prepared for use, can be sent for storage. For this it is placed in a dry place, protected from bright sunlight.

How to replace wet cleaning: myths and reality

Sometimes you want to avoid the first wash of a set. One of the suggested options is to simply use an iron without wet treatment, because high temperatures disinfect the surface.

With this choice, the following positive effects are achieved:

1. The material is disinfected by exposure to high temperatures.
2. The fabric becomes soft.

But there were some downsides too:

1. The chemicals used to treat the fabric still remain in the fibers.
2. Residues of dyes also remain in the fabric.

Conclusion

Whether or not to wash a new bed set is up to everyone to choose for themselves. But to maintain hygiene and take care of health, it is recommended to carry out the first wash.