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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:
MovingAtGodSpeed · 13/06/2023 23:08

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.

I recognised the username too, they never miss a chance to post something ‘anti dog’. Looks like its made up as well, dresses now trousers. Must have forgot their lies. 😂😂😂

EezyOozy · 13/06/2023 23:10

I don’t and nothing bad has ever happened.

Setting · 13/06/2023 23:12

Always wash.
Chemicals on to make sewing easier, dropped and kicked around the shop floor, shop sprayed with insect repellent bug bombs with the clothes out…..

Frabbits · 13/06/2023 23:15

Would never even think of washing clothes before wearing them. What a complete waste of time and resources. Just wear them, nothing is going to happen to you.

jajajajaja · 13/06/2023 23:17

Peppermint81 · 13/06/2023 22:02

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

Why are you buying clothes that will only survive a few washes? Are people still doing this?

jajajajaja · 13/06/2023 23:18

Borborygmus · 13/06/2023 22:11

So how do you deal with dry clean clothes? Do you dry clean them before you wear them ?

jajajajaja · 13/06/2023 23:19

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 🤢🤢🤢

What about dry clean clothes?

ThursdayFreedom · 13/06/2023 23:19

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.

@MrsClatterbuck in your Mum's day, clothes weren't covered in the chemicals they use these days. It's a whole other ball game.

@Lis1992 yes, I wash new clothes & bedding because of the chemicals used in the manufacturing. I wash & line dry, no iron is harmed or bothered in the process.

Frabbits · 13/06/2023 23:22

“You’re more likely to get an infection from touching the door handle walking into the shop then you are from actually putting on the clothes”

From that article earlier.

If you go outside your door you are potentially exposing yourself to fuck knows what. How people manage to survive from day to day is a complete mystery.

Theoldwoman · 13/06/2023 23:28

I do. My Mum always did. Gets rid of chemical smell and all that.

NeedWineNow · 13/06/2023 23:29

Good God no! I do with things bought in the charity shop but never anything bought new.

nrrf · 13/06/2023 23:30

I’m wearing them not licking them.

So no, I don’t wash before wearing.

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 13/06/2023 23:33

Only for my baby not for me

Lacucuracha · 13/06/2023 23:33

No, they never look the sam after a wash. I’d get a wear/s out of them.

Hollyppp · 13/06/2023 23:39

Only wash baby clothes and new bedding. Don’t wash any new clothes for me

SoCalLiving · 13/06/2023 23:42

Why you being unfair? It's personal preference!

In general I would wash new clothes but 2 things stop me from doing this regularly

  1. Excitment, I want to wear the clothes now and usually this excitement weighs out
  2. We don't have in-unit laundry facilities and have to go outside + pay for it, so if there's not enough of one color etc it just doesn't get done yet.
mastertomsmum · 13/06/2023 23:53

I actually love the first wear of something new and it’s the thing I miss most about not buying very many new clothes these days. I’d only wash something new if it had a strong crease (mens shirts) or chemical smell

ChiefWiggumsBoy · 14/06/2023 00:11

I wash sheets because I want to get that starchy feeling out.

Otherwise, no I don't. I've never had an allergic reaction, nor lice - just like I've never had a UTI or STD from my bum cheeks hitting the toilet seat that someone else has sat on.

Purplepeaches123 · 14/06/2023 00:15

Yes definitely wash. When my friend was at university they tested new clothes and found all sorts of nasty stuff. Urine, faeces even cocaine. I’d never ever wear something unless I’d washed it first.

AlltheFs · 14/06/2023 00:16

No I don’t wash. I’ve seen how clothes are made and treated in shops, still don’t care.

I did have to wash DD’s when she was tiny as the few times I didn’t her eczema flared. But she’s outgrown that now.

IntheSnowySnowyMountains · 14/06/2023 00:19

I was bedding and pants, and anything that feels scratchy.

I like the feeling of new clothes and they never look quite so good once washed, so I joy that 'new clothes' feeling!

I do hang them for a few days before wearing... think this may be left over from Covid. DH washes everything, even socks!

TheRainMustFall · 14/06/2023 00:24

DappledThings · 13/06/2023 22:34

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

Show quote history

I love the feel of new clothes and sheets. They’re never the same after a wash. And I really couldn’t care less about sanitary conditions tbh - I have sensitive skin and have never had any sort of reaction so it really is a case of out of sight out of mind.

MasterBeth · 14/06/2023 00:25

cuckyplunt · 13/06/2023 22:44

My Gawd.. how am I still ALIVE??

It's another fucking world on here sometimes, isn't it. #staysafe

petermaddog · 14/06/2023 00:37

all fabrics are stored with pesticides sometimes for years
in transporting chemicals can be spilled
a load of jeans was overed in poison a lot of people were sick

CallieQ · 14/06/2023 00:44

YABU waste of time!