Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

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:
Setting · 14/06/2023 18:33

Borborygmus · 14/06/2023 13:05

I never buy dry clean only clothes.

Show quote history

This, the only thing I have ever dry cleaned is my wedding dress that I never intend to wear again anyway 😂

Thisistheendof · 14/06/2023 18:39

Sahara123 · 14/06/2023 13:43

Good grief no ! I also love the newness of new things. Can’t be bothered with all that and as many have said have lives to tell the tale. Plus I literally have no idea what this apparent awful chemical smell is on new clothes .
I also love crispy new sheets , I can never replicate that .
See also hovering over toilet seats , anti bac everywhere etc etc .
I am rarely ill !

I was like you until I caught impetigo from a new jumper. Now I wash everything.

Moonshine60 · 14/06/2023 18:48

Only if I have to take up hems etc, just to see if they shrink first.

CurlewKate · 14/06/2023 19:03

The waste of water and power is sooo depressing!

Myfavouritepenguin · 14/06/2023 19:28

Hilarious thread! Thanks OP 😂

No. Never met anyone in my 43 years who routinely washes new clothes. This thread has attracted the outliers, for sure!

Guessing they all wash their new shoes too - or maybe just sandals, as they go next to the skin? 🤷‍♀️

Royalbloo · 14/06/2023 19:40

I've never done this

wildfirewonder · 14/06/2023 19:41

CurlewKate · 14/06/2023 19:03

The waste of water and power is sooo depressing!

They just go in a regar wash with other stuff.

CecilyP · 14/06/2023 19:42

misskatamari · 14/06/2023 17:48

So surprised by the voting in this! I always wash new things and thought it’s something everyone did

Conversely it’s not something I thought anyone did with a few possible exceptions. This thread has been an eye opener as I wouldn’t have believed it was so common.

CurlewKate · 14/06/2023 19:45

@wildfirewonder "They just go in a regar wash with other stuff."

But they don't need washing. So of course they are using extra resources over time.

CecilyP · 14/06/2023 19:46

No. Never met anyone in my 43 years who routinely washes new clothes. This thread has attracted the outliers, for sure!

But how do you know? This could have been going on behind our backs for years! I’m going to have to ask all my colleagues tomorrow!

CecilyP · 14/06/2023 19:48

Anyway if you’ve tried them on in a changing room, you’ve already taken the risk as far as I can see!

WellThisIsFun1 · 14/06/2023 19:54

I always wash new clothes as I hate the 'new' chemically smell.

Much prefer the smell of Persil.

PeloMom · 14/06/2023 20:03

@CurlewKate right? Just go to harrods during sales and see all the clothes thrown on the floor! Just because something is $$$ doesn’t make it cleaner

Musicaltheatremum · 14/06/2023 20:05

Nearly 60 never done this and never will. None of my family do either.

Royalbloo · 14/06/2023 20:09

I've never done it for me, never done it from charity shop purchases. Never for my child. I'm 42 and she's 6 and we are both fine.

A massive waste of water imo.

Royalbloo · 14/06/2023 20:09

Violasaremyfavourite · 14/06/2023 06:56

Dry clean only clothes tend not to be in skin contact ie jackets that you wear something under. I have worn washable clothes without washing twice. Both times I got nasty rashes. I now wash everything washable before wearing.

Not if you buy dry clean only tops, trousers and skirts....

JMSA · 14/06/2023 20:11

God no!

SpringIntoChaos · 14/06/2023 20:12

Never have I ever...🤦‍♀️

wildfirewonder · 14/06/2023 20:13

CurlewKate · 14/06/2023 19:45

@wildfirewonder "They just go in a regar wash with other stuff."

But they don't need washing. So of course they are using extra resources over time.

Oh Biscuit.

It is a bloody miniscule difference. I haven't flown for over 20 years and got rid of my car more than 5 years ago. I barely buy anything new anyway.

My halo is polished enough, thanks. Go and preach to someone else. I'm willing to bet my energy and water usage is at least as good as yours.

Myfavouritepenguin · 14/06/2023 20:14

CecilyP · 14/06/2023 19:46

No. Never met anyone in my 43 years who routinely washes new clothes. This thread has attracted the outliers, for sure!

But how do you know? This could have been going on behind our backs for years! I’m going to have to ask all my colleagues tomorrow!

I just feel like I’d know if someone was committing this madness 😂 I’ve lived with many people over the years and been on many a shopping trip… new clothes were always fair game for wearing that evening, no laundry involved!

I’m wondering what else people are washing. New hair brushes? Handbags? Jewellery? Nothing is clean after all!

Sarahtm35 · 14/06/2023 20:14

I’ve never washed any new clothes. Myself and all my family are alive and well no rashes or weird symptoms. I have more important things to do.

cardibach · 14/06/2023 20:17

Borborygmus · 13/06/2023 22:11

I’m 58. This has never happened to me. I conclude the risk is tiny.

Royalbloo · 14/06/2023 20:17

All of my friends washed their newborns clothes. I got it but I didn't and everything was fine.

rainbowrings · 14/06/2023 20:26

I didn't wash something yesterday I usually do, had the blimmin label hanging out the back all day !! So yes should wash clothes

OrwellianTimes · 14/06/2023 20:39

Yes always. I’m confident I caught ringworm off new clothes a few years ago.