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Housekeeping

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Original poster

New pillows - do you wash them before use?

38 replies

happylilac · 05/12/2018 19:40

I bought goose down pillows which are advised as washable. They are larger (fluffier?) than expected and I think they'll struggle to fit in my washing machine. I am just wondering if I should take them to a local laundry place where massive drums are available, or just leave them unwashed....

I usually wash new items before use. But is it necessary?

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 05/12/2018 20:07

No I don't wash new pillows

Cynderella · 05/12/2018 20:09

I never wash bedding before use - live on the edge, I do.

thelonggame · 05/12/2018 20:10

wouldn't occur to me to wash new pillows no.

RCohle · 05/12/2018 20:11

No, not at all. You cover them with a pillowcase anyway.

Original poster
happylilac · 05/12/2018 20:40

I do use a protector then a pillow case on top. But what's the difference between protector and case. Why do we need two of them.

OP posts:
NoSpend19 · 05/12/2018 20:42

why would you wash them before using?

Original poster
happylilac · 05/12/2018 20:49

I don't know, I just did so always without thinking. For instance, wouldn't you wash new undies before use? I wash all the items I buy before use for the same reason.

OP posts:
Original poster
happylilac · 05/12/2018 20:53

I probably washed the new pillows if my washing machine was large enough. But it's not large enough so I need a trip to a laundry place. That made me think if it's really needed....

OP posts:
NoSpend19 · 05/12/2018 20:55

no I wouldn't wash any new item before wearing it. Its new.

TheCountessofFitzdotterel · 05/12/2018 20:55

I wouldn't trust feathers to be as good after washing, no matter what the label said.

NoSpend19 · 05/12/2018 20:56

the feathers will clump together even if done in a large machine.

user1493413286 · 05/12/2018 21:00

Why would you when you’ll be using a pillow case? You won’t be sleeping directly on the pillow

ApolloandDaphne · 05/12/2018 21:01

That would be totally WEIRD.

DramaAlpaca · 05/12/2018 21:04

It would never occur to me to wash a new pillow. It'd go clumpy & lumpy, and would take forever to dry. I really don't think there's any need.

ApolloandDaphne · 05/12/2018 21:26

I love new clothes and would never wash them before wearing. They are never quite the same after they have been washed.

Original poster
happylilac · 05/12/2018 21:45

I might be a bit of a germaphobe then. For instance, I never lay down on the bed without shower and wearing clean PJs or room wear. I don't like passing any germ I might have gathered from outside (tube, bus, etc) on to my bedding. So I feel I need to wash any item I brought from shops, I suppose...

OP posts:
TheCountessofFitzdotterel · 05/12/2018 21:48

I think that does sound a bit phobic I am afraid!

Original poster
happylilac · 05/12/2018 21:49

But the new pillows are rather lovely and I wouldn't like to lose the fluffiness. So I may go without wash. The need of taking them to a laundry is also putting me off...

OP posts:
redsummershoes · 05/12/2018 21:50

no, but I air it outside for a few hours to remove the shop stink

EdWinchester · 05/12/2018 21:50

No, although we do wash new bedding before use.

Original poster
happylilac · 05/12/2018 21:58

I don't need the pillows till this weekend. It would be great if I could leave them in the sun for a couple of hours.

OP posts:
Original poster
happylilac · 05/12/2018 22:02

Thanks for all the advice.

OP posts:
Vicky1990 · 05/12/2018 22:05

We wash all new clothing that will be next to skin.
Most fabrics used in clothing has been treated with chemicals and insecticides for one reason or another.
Also a lot of clothing items have been brought in from some countries where basic hygiene is optional, and you don't know where items have been stored before packing.
Another reason is that some dyed items are not fast, and can leach out if exposed to sweat or moisture, washing first will resolve this.
I had a very nasty sore rash once caused by new unwashed underwear that took a long time to heal up.
Been new doesn't mean clean.
Pillows I would definitely wash, your head is laying on them all night and you will be breathing in any fumes given of by the new unwashed materials, this is especially important for baby's bedding and cloths.

E20mom · 05/12/2018 22:13

No!

hugoagogo · 05/12/2018 22:13

God no, even supposedly washable pillows seem to go lumpy and weird after washing.
If you wash pillows( That will then have a protector and a case on) where do you stop? How about your sofa? Or carpets? The upholstery in your car? The chair you sit on at work?