The happiest laundry in the world

Today, and March 10th annually, is Pre-washing Day 水通しの日 (Mizutoshi no hi). Mizutoshi 水通し refers to "pre-washing", but in this incidence it is associated with the washing of baby clothes before a baby is born. A beautiful, albeit laborious, tradition in Japan, often called "the happiest laundry in the world"! 

Pre-washing removes chemicals such as formaldehyde and washes away the starch used in new fabrics, making them softer and more absorbent for a baby’s delicate skin. Most parents perform this wash around eight to nine months of pregnancy, and / or in a stage of pregnancy commonly called "nesting".  I did it for all of my children! And I remember taking a photo at least once of all the Babygro's hanging on the line, but unfortunately, I can't find them. The photo in this post was taken at a garden cafe!

The anniversary was established by Pigeon Corporation, a leading manufacturer of baby products, maternity items, women’s care goods, and home‑health supplies. Pigeon also promotes products designed for this stage, including Pure, a baby‑safe laundry detergent free from additives, fragrances, dyes, and fluorescent agents, and tested for skin irritation and allergies. The date comes from the wordplay on the date; mi (3) and zutoshi (10), forming mizutoshi.

Did you pre-wash your baby's clothes?