Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
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:
Xmasbaby11 · 13/06/2023 22:17

No, wouldn’t occur to me, unless from a charity. None of us have sensitive skin or allergies. Sounds like the chances of getting lice are negligible!

TallTrees78 · 13/06/2023 22:19

I always wash new clothes before wearing.

SgtCatherineCawood · 13/06/2023 22:20

I wash anything I buy from a shop where anyone could have tried it on 🤢 and if I've ordered online it kind of depends what it is/if it smells funny/how fast I need it! Also sometimes to get the creases out of kids school shirts that come packaged in a million bits of packaging

Theydontknowthatweknowtheyknowweknow · 13/06/2023 22:20

One of my kids had an allergic reaction after wearing new trousers without washing them so now everything gets washed before wearing.

NeverTrustAPoliceman · 13/06/2023 22:21

I never used to but since seeing a dog lift its leg on a rail of trousers while the oblivious owner was looking the other way I have changed my mind.

SirenSays · 13/06/2023 22:24

Usually but only because I prefer the smell of my wash powder

User15387534 · 13/06/2023 22:26

I do with most things if they are easy to wash so not woollens as I try to wash them as less as possible

Theydontknowthatweknowtheyknowweknow · 13/06/2023 22:27

I never used to but since seeing a dog lift its leg on a rail of trousers while the oblivious owner was looking the other way I have changed my mind.

Wasn't it on a load of dresses last time you posted? Or have you seen this happen more than once? You clearly just hate dogs, you post your hatred of them at any opportunity. 🤣

User15387534 · 13/06/2023 22:28

Some things like sheets have extra starch in for presentation in the packet.

DappledThings · 13/06/2023 22:34

User15387534 · 13/06/2023 22:28

Some things like sheets have extra starch in for presentation in the packet.

That's what makes them feel so good when they are new. I wouldn't want to lose that by washing them.

VisionsOfSplendour · 13/06/2023 22:35

Mountainpika · 13/06/2023 22:12

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

Only on MN, an emergency situation necessitating the wearing of unlaunderd new garments

What could that possibly be 😂

Mrshawshouse · 13/06/2023 22:41

I always them on the rapid cycle. Its enough yo freshen them up and get rid of the new clothes smell/chemicals. Couldn't bear having them unwashed against my skin...

PastTheGin · 13/06/2023 22:42

100% wash them. Just imagine how far they have travelled and how many hands have touched them, plus the chemicals that fabrics are treated with!

User15387534 · 13/06/2023 22:44

Yes I just use the rapid cycle for new things, more to get rid of any additives or grubbiness rather than germs

DappledThings · 13/06/2023 22:44

PastTheGin · 13/06/2023 22:42

100% wash them. Just imagine how far they have travelled and how many hands have touched them, plus the chemicals that fabrics are treated with!

I have solemnly imagined all these dreadful things whenever the topic comes up on here. And then failed to be moved by the concept and carried on not washing anything new. Never smelt this "weird chemical smell" that is so offensive either.

cuckyplunt · 13/06/2023 22:44

My Gawd.. how am I still ALIVE??

Beginningless · 13/06/2023 22:48

Wow, no I’d never wash new clothes - that’s the only time they look ironed!!

Bedding I do wash before, it feels weird and fluffy bits come off it if not.

TheChosenTwo · 13/06/2023 22:50

Absolutely not. Never. Not even baby clothes.
Never had any adverse reaction. Waste of energy and also they are always pressed and lovely for that first wear. I don’t iron so this is one of the main perks of new clothes!

StripyHorse · 13/06/2023 22:52

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.

Apart from baby clothes when mine were newborn.... not something I do either.

I wash fabric for sewing, but only because of shrinkage (to shrink it first) not because of cleanliness / chemicals.

MrsJHarker · 13/06/2023 22:53

NeverTrustAPoliceman · 13/06/2023 22:21

I never used to but since seeing a dog lift its leg on a rail of trousers while the oblivious owner was looking the other way I have changed my mind.

Where were you? Skegby Market?

MrsJHarker · 13/06/2023 22:53

Skegness Market?

MusicLass · 13/06/2023 22:57

I don’t wash new clothes. So far ok!

Catsmere · 13/06/2023 22:58

I might occasionally if it’s pants, but certainly not as a rule.

LaLaLouella · 13/06/2023 22:58

I Always wash new clothes! Smells, dirt, other peoples grubbiness.... I am by no means a clean freak but I always wash new fabrics!

NancyJoan · 13/06/2023 23:03

Never. And astonishingly have never had lice, scabies, or an allergic reaction to clothing. Clothes look at their very best when fresh from the shop. After laundering and home ironing some of that newness is gone for good.