New clothes? Why it’s important to wash them before use

January brings with it the tradition of the “Fiera del Bianco” (White Sale), an event that has marked the beginning of the year in Italian homes for decades. Born in France in the 19th century as an initiative by textile shops to boost post-holiday sales, it has become a true domestic ritual: renewing sheets, towels and linens gives the home a sense of order and a fresh start.

Today, however, this moment can become an even more valuable opportunity, because choosing new household textiles also allows you to opt for more durable materials, natural fibers, environmental certifications and products designed to last over time. The “Fiera del Bianco” thus becomes an invitation to shop more consciously, reducing waste and prioritizing quality and sustainability.

Once you bring your new purchases home, it is important to remember that, according to several tests and analyses^¹, new garments should always be washed before use.
Fabrics may contain processing residues, protective substances and anti-mold treatments applied to keep them intact during transport and storage. They may also collect dust or dirt along the supply chain or in stores. A first wash therefore helps remove these residues and makes garments safer and more pleasant to use, especially when it comes to bed linen or towels that come into direct contact with the skin.

Here’s how you can wash your new items in a sustainable and eco-friendly way:

• Choose moderate temperatures such as 40–50°C. This helps reduce energy consumption, while warm water ensures more effective removal of production residues.
• Use eco-friendly and certified detergents such as Greenatural laundry detergents for hand and machine washing. This helps limit environmental impact.
• Avoid unnecessary pre-washes to save water.
• Air dry your laundry to extend the life of fabrics and further reduce consumption.

To make this first wash truly effective, a valuable ally is Greenatural Percarbonate + Baking Soda. Percarbonate, in warm water, releases active oxygen, ideal for sanitizing and keeping white and colored fabrics bright, while baking soda neutralizes odors and enhances the detergent’s action. The new formula, certified AIAB, is also delicately scented, leaving garments fresh and hygienized.

There’s an extra advantage: the product comes in a 1 kg package, but only 2 tablespoons are needed for every 5 kg load. This product is not only useful for washing new garments, but also a versatile ally for all your laundry needs.
It is perfect for removing stains and marks from tablecloths, towels and bed linens, both white and colored. A single natural, effective and environmentally friendly product that goes beyond the “Fiera del Bianco” and helps keep fabrics clean and hygienized with reduced impact.

Do you know all the uses of Sodium Percarbonate and the products that contain it?

Discover all Greenatural products that contain it in our dedicated article: https://www.greenatural.it/sbiancare-e-igienizzare-naturalmente-con-il-percarbonato-di-sodio/

Or listen to our podcast: greenatural.it/Podcast

1. The studies were conducted by Consumer Reports, one of the largest consumer associations in the United States. Here is the link to their research: https://www.consumerreports.org/appliances/laundry/wash-new-clothes-before-wearing-them-for-the-first-time-a8763351216/
   The article translated into Italian can be found here: https://ilsalvagente.it/2025/01/01/perche-lavare-i-vestiti-nuovi-prima-di-indossarli/ ↩︎