Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

Flip

Original poster

wash new clothes

15 replies

MrsFJ · 04/10/2010 15:56

Some friends told me that I have to wash all the new clothes that I have been given before I give to my baby to wear. Is it really necessary?

OP posts:

AMumInScotland · 04/10/2010 16:03

I didn't. The world didn't end.

vonnyh · 04/10/2010 16:10

I didn't either.

scurryfunge · 04/10/2010 16:12

Unless the person giving you the clothes is known for domestic sluttery when it comes to washing, I wouldn't worry about it.

Seona1973 · 04/10/2010 18:14

if they are brand new then yes I would tend to wash them first as there can be chemicals on them from the manufacturing process and I wouldnt want them against newborn skin.

WhereTheWildThingsWere · 04/10/2010 18:17

Second the above, I wash all new clothes for all of us, they have horrible crap on them.

Though tbh I do try to buy organic now as much as possible.

overmydeadbody · 04/10/2010 18:18

I've never known a baby die from not having washed new clothes.

Life's too short. Your baby won't thank you when they're an adult.

overmydeadbody · 04/10/2010 18:20

and I don't buy it that new clothes have horrible crap all over them.

dexter73 · 04/10/2010 18:25

I remember reading somewhere that rats walk over the clothes when they are in the warehouse!!! Still don't bother washing new clothes mind you...

overmydeadbody · 04/10/2010 18:26

yes Dexter, and those same rats walk all over fizzy drinks cans, which is why you should always wash drinks cans before drinking from them.

FattyArbuckel · 04/10/2010 18:29

no, absolutely not necessary and a big waste of time!

Seona1973 · 04/10/2010 20:00

Chemicals finishes are put on the clothes to enhance colour and texture and some chemicals are applied to prevent mildew. I dont wash them beforehand now but did when the kids were babies as their skin is more sensitive.

TheLemur · 05/10/2010 15:54

My DS (3) was allergic to his new duvet cover/pillow as I didn't wash them before putting it on his bed. Poor chap had sore red eyes and it took me a while to realise. After a couple of washes of the duvet cover/pillow he got better

Original poster

MrsFJ · 07/10/2010 19:23

Allergic: That's what I have been wondering. I guess different babies react differently. Just find it a bit difficult to choose what way to start with.

OP posts:

tefal · 07/10/2010 21:18

eeewwww yes! I always wash new clothes. Just the smell of new clothes is horrid. All chemically and musty plus new clothes tend to feel like cardboard to me.

Plus you don't know who has tried on clothes before you (adult obviously) and if they've had undies on or may be they've had their period, thrush or some skin condition or if the clothes have been walked on if lying on the floor. YOu just don't know what's been on the bottom of someone's shoe.

May be it is just me who thinks like that though!

It is no biggie here as the machine is on lots anyways

peachybums · 07/10/2010 21:31

I only wash new clothes from certain shops (they smell different imo) i always wash clothes i get from ebay but if a close friend gives me them and i know they are ok i wont wash them. If any of your family have washing powder allergies though i would just incase its been washed in something that may irritate the baby.

Flip