Do you wash new sheets before using them?

[curls2grow]

Sort of an offshoot from the bedding thread, but I was wondering if people wash brand new sheets before using them, or do you just put them on the bed and call it good?

I wash them before using, because I've found that they smell either musty or chemical-y when they are brand new. Also, the washing softens them up a bit.

[justgreen]

I always wash, sometimes twice. I used to only wash once first, but then noticed how much softer they were when I'd wash the second time after using.

[Carolyn]

I never do because I like the crispy "new" feel. I never wash anything before I wear it. I was very surprised to find out people washed new things.

[OhioSKy]

Let me appologize in advance for this, because it may freak some of you out....

My mom used to work in a big-name chain super store here in CA that carried lots of clothes, bedding, dishes, you name it.

You would not believe the filth that these things come packaged in. I mean, I went to work with her a few times and there was always rats nests in the boxes with the stuff when they recieved them. Mice sleeping in the dishes, and chewing through the plastic coverings on stuff. And the managers of these stores dont throw stuff out just because it has mouse droppings on it. They would go find a new plastic to stick the stuff in. Ive seen them spray roach eggs out of the plastic that a sheet set came in and then put it back in.

I wash EVERYTHING, usually with disinfectent, when I buy it. And I mean everything, clothes, toys, dishes, everything. Its disgusting the things that end up in with this stuff when its shipped.

[Teacherbear]

I wash sheets and towels before using them. I usually wash clothes (outer clothing). I ALWAYS wash underware and bras before wearing them.

[feisty redhead]

I'm like OhioSky - I wash EVERYTHING before using it. Things that can't be washed in a sink full of hot soapy water (like an electronic toy for example... like something with lights/music for a baby) get a good spray with disinfectant. You just never know what may have been on your things before you bought them...

[kimberlily]

I completely agree. I wash everything before wearing/using it. With clothing, you never know who tried it on before you did... and like OhioSky said, other items like dishes, etc., are not necessarily clean when you buy them.

[Carolyn]

LOL I'm still a believer in "if I can't see it, it ain't there". No washing for me

[justgreen]

I go by 'smell'.

[Carolyn]

Originally Posted by justgreen

I go by 'smell'.

Yeah if it smells that bad I'd leave it in the store.