Question from Dsmythe
I recently purchased 100% Cotton GOTS certified (male) socks and underwear from a reputable online retailer.
Unfortunately, these clothes triggered my symptoms severely, and I have no doubt these were the cause of my symptoms.
Even after washing they still triggered me.
Is there any explanation for this?
Lisa’s Answer
I really can’t say what will trigger a sensitive individual because everyone is different. GOTS certified organic clothing is non-toxic. Perhaps there is something natural that is a problem for you.
Yes, I agree. Wash many times. Especially if you have an HE (High Efficiency) washer which uses very little water. I always add water to my machine so it is about halfway up the door when I am washing anything. A lot of water is very important to getting the chemicals or fragrance out.
I used to be in the clothing manufacturing business. All clothing, regardless of what it’s made out of, goes through a washing process at the end. Even if it’s organic and non toxic dyed, or no dyes, the garments have to be washed. The soap used is likely fragranced. I have to wash organic things many times to get the whatever-it-is out.
I had the same problem from an online company that sold organic clothing and I purchased men’s underwear too. I wondered if it was the thread because even though the material maybe organic sometimes the thread is not. I also reacted to their organic hemp pants too.
If they came in a cardboard box, or were wrapped in plastic, those chemicals will permeate the clothing for a while as well.
So try putting your new clothing out in the rain. It will help rinse away some of the things bothering you, and it will also have a mild ozone affect, which helps as well. Then wash several times.
I had to buy new jeans and several washes with intermittent time in the rain got them to the point I can wear them now.
John, Could you tell me what brand you bought from?
I’ve had this happen with organic clothing many times. It’s never been my experience that one wash would be sufficient. So, keep washing until you no longer react. Debra once explained to me that although the cotton starts out being organic, it doesn’t always end up 100% chemical free. I can’t remember her explanation, but I have to wash organic clothing 3, 4, 5x before I no longer react. Don’t give up:-)
You can read more about chemicals in clothing here.