When it comes to washing new clothes, it's generally recommended to wash them separately from older clothes, especially for the first few washes. Here are a few reasons why washing new clothes separately can be beneficial:
Color bleeding: New clothes, especially those with vibrant or intense colors, may release excess dyes during the initial washes. Washing them separately helps prevent the dye transfer onto other garments, preventing potential color bleeding and discoloration.
Lint transfer: New clothes, particularly those with textured fabrics or loose fibers, can shed lint during washing. Washing them separately reduces the chances of lint adhering to other clothing items.
Fabric care: New clothes may have different care requirements, such as delicate fabrics or specific washing instructions. Washing them separately allows you to follow the care instructions provided on the garment labels and ensure they receive the appropriate treatment.
Chemical residue: As mentioned earlier, new clothes may contain residual chemicals from the manufacturing process. Washing them separately helps reduce the chance of transferring these chemicals onto other garments.
That said, once new clothes have been washed a few times and any excess dyes or chemicals have been removed, they can typically be washed together with older clothes of similar colors and fabrics. Just be sure to follow the care instructions for all the garments involved to prevent any damage or color transfer.
Additionally, it's a good practice to sort clothes based on color, fabric type, and care instructions when washing them together. This helps ensure that each garment receives the appropriate treatment and minimizes the risk of color bleeding, fabric damage, or other issues.
If you're uncertain about the specific care requirements for your new clothes, it's always a good idea to check the garment labels for any washing instructions or consult the manufacturer's recommendations.