Use a pair of scissors to remove any price tags on the clothing. Don’t forget to slip the plastic clip out of the clothes, too. Set the tags aside in a safe place. That way, if you wish to return a piece of clothing, you won’t have to dig around in the trash can for the tag later.
Cotton, wool, and silk are more likely to leach dye than synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, and acrylic. Wash clothes of these materials separately on the gentle cycle in cold water.
Set the dye. If you suspect or know that your new clothes will leach dye, you can purchase a dye fixative from your local tailor or clothier. Specific directions for use will vary according to the product you’ve selected. Generally, however, you can simply wash the clothing along with a small amount of the dye fixative on a cold water cycle. [7] X Research source
For instance, you typically should not wash light clothes with dark clothes. Other brand-new clothes need to be washed separately because they are delicate. Consult the care tag(s) on your brand new clothes to determine how to best separate your clothes.
Choosing the right load size will prevent wasting water and get your clothes washed faster.
Cold water detergents generally work best in water between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (16 to 24 degrees Celsius). Adjust your washing machine’s water temperature to the appropriate temperature range, if possible. Washing your brand new clothes (or even your older clothes) in cold water can save energy, which means you save money.
You might have to hunt a bit to find powdered detergents. They are becoming increasingly rare. [19] X Research source
You can often identify an environmentally friendly detergent by its name. Look for detergents with names preceded by the prefix “eco” or “bio. ”
Hang your clothes on the line or place them in the dryer per care label instructions.
Just as you did with brand new clothes that you washed in the machine, separate clothes you wash by hand according to their color. Lay hand-washed clothing flat on a clothing rack or towel to dry.
