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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To wash all new clothes?

279 replies

Lis1992 · 13/06/2023 21:58

So many divided opinions on this! So it’s all in the title- AIBU to wash all new clothes? For adults, not babies! I have a pile of new holiday clothes and plan on washing all before packing case. Was talking to someone who said no way- total waste of time; she just chucks them in!

OP posts:
justanothermanicmonday1 · 13/06/2023 21:59

Lis1992 · 13/06/2023 21:58

So many divided opinions on this! So it’s all in the title- AIBU to wash all new clothes? For adults, not babies! I have a pile of new holiday clothes and plan on washing all before packing case. Was talking to someone who said no way- total waste of time; she just chucks them in!

Oh god no. Wouldn't bother wasting my time 🤣

MistyGreenAndBlue · 13/06/2023 22:00

I always wash new clothes. Especially underwear.

LubaLuca · 13/06/2023 22:01

If something has a strong shop/chemical process smell to it then I do, but otherwise I don't. It's very unusual that I would want to wash new things.

GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER · 13/06/2023 22:01

It wouldn’t occur to me to wash new clothes, especially not summer ones - mine are all cotton or linen or a mix of the two, and do need ironing - so no way do I want any more of that than strictly necessary.

wildfirewonder · 13/06/2023 22:01

I always wash new clothes. They are covered in chemicals - such as fungicides - that can cause allergic reactions.

Peppermint81 · 13/06/2023 22:02

Depends if they smell chemically!
If cheap ones that only survive a few washes then no!

skilpadde · 13/06/2023 22:04

Of course. Always. New fabrics are coated in horrible stuff that makes it easy for sewing, but I wouldn't want it next to my skin.

On top of that, does anyone really trust that their new clothes have been kept in sanitary conditions right through from fabric construction to the point of sale?

DappledThings · 13/06/2023 22:05

This is another of the things I only learnt from MN that anyone does. It has never crossed my mind to wash new clothes or bedding.

MrsClatterbuck · 13/06/2023 22:06

Is this a thing now. I have never washed new clothes in my life and honestly don't know anyone who does this. My dm who was very fastidious and kept a spotless house never did this.

Topseyt123 · 13/06/2023 22:06

Never done this and never will. What a waste of water and resources.

Simpsonn · 13/06/2023 22:08

If you saw how clothes are chucked around before being put out onto the shop floor, you would wash them 😬

Okbyethen · 13/06/2023 22:08

I wash ALL new clothes before wearing! It's been ingrained into me by my mum 😄

You don't know how many different peoples grubby hands have been on them/if they've fallen on the floor etc. I also have witnessed (someone else's) small children wiping their snotty noses on clothes in shops too 🤢🤢🤢

StrongandNorthern · 13/06/2023 22:08

It has never occurred to me to wash new clothes. Ever.

neverwakeasleepingbaby · 13/06/2023 22:08

Not mine. I used to work in a chemistry lab so have been exposed to far worse than whatever is on the clothes.
I do wash DS's new clothes though. His skin is more sensitive than mine

WandaWonder · 13/06/2023 22:09

I wash new underpants before wearing nothing else, that is because of the chemical smell

WeAreTheHeroes · 13/06/2023 22:10

Would any of you who wash new clothes before wearing them dry clean dry clean only clothing before wearing?

Dacadactyl · 13/06/2023 22:12

Nope. Never done this ever. I'll wash them from a charity shop but otherwise....ain't nobody got time for that.

Mountainpika · 13/06/2023 22:12

Of course. Would never wear anything new without washing it except in an emergency.

Dacadactyl · 13/06/2023 22:14

skilpadde · 13/06/2023 22:04

Of course. Always. New fabrics are coated in horrible stuff that makes it easy for sewing, but I wouldn't want it next to my skin.

On top of that, does anyone really trust that their new clothes have been kept in sanitary conditions right through from fabric construction to the point of sale?

I honestly couldn't care less about clothes being kept in sanitary conditions.

And I've never had lice either 😆

AnIntrovert · 13/06/2023 22:14

I will wash cheaper brands such as Zara. Definitely not wash anything bought in a boutique. Except jeans.

Yessha · 13/06/2023 22:15

I cannot imagine not washing new clothes! They stink of the shop. And who has tried on before you…?? and those who don’t wash new bedding. Isn’t the best part of sheets how they smell so good after washing??

blalala34 · 13/06/2023 22:15

Only underwear

DannyLaRuesBestFrock · 13/06/2023 22:15

Never done this. Ripe old age of 46 and never caught any disease or illness, or indeed lice 😂 from new, unwashed clothes.

caffelatte100 · 13/06/2023 22:16

A friend of mine was in the garment industry and sees the filthy conditions in the factories. He washes every new item he has as a result of his experience and now I do too.