Columbus, OH

Think twice before you wiggle into that new pair of jeans. I have a confession: Despite my practically compulsive need to use hand sanitizer after pumping gas, I often wear new clothes without washing them—especially if I have a fun outing planned the day the new duds land on my doorstep. Of course, I have my limits (linens, activewear, and the like all take a spin through the laundry before use), but generally, I’m not too precious about the preliminary wash cycle. If you, too, are in my camp and would like to continue to dwell here, you should probably stop reading now. We asked experts to weigh in, and they unanimously agreed: Washing before wearing is the move. Here’s the good, bad, and ugly of why you should be launder new clothes before you wear them.

Should You Wash New Clothes Before Wearing Them?

We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing. Although half of my closet space is occupied by bedding, once the hot summer temps hit a couple of months ago I somehow found myself without a suitable covering for the season. I owned either very thick winter blankets and comforters or throws so thin and lightweight they’re practically see-through. I desperately needed something in between — heavy enough to prevent me from shivering in my bed at night, yet airy for breathability. Without thinking twice, I hit up Silk & Snow’s website to check out its offerings. This brand was top of mind because it makes my favorite linen sheets, which have barely left my bed all summer, so I figured I could find an equally cooling and stylish bed covering there. Lo and behold, I clicked on the muslin coverlet and determined that it was exactly what I’d been looking for. And, just like my linen sheets, it hasn’t left my bed since I got it in July.

The Cooling Bed Blanket That’s Helped Me Sleep Comfortably Throughout This Brutal Heatwave (It’s on Sale!)

Homes & Gardens

Could washing clothes inside out really make a difference? Experts say yes!

Should you wash clothes inside out? Experts suggest it makes a difference

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NewsNinja

A lady is cautioning others about purchasing budget earrings from Amazon, Shein, and H&M, after she experienced keloid formations on her earlobes due to wearing them. On a TikTok post that has garnered more than 334,000 likes, Sailor Rozema (@sailor.rozema), a content creator, shares a warning with her community of "dangly earring girls": the inexpensive jewelry found in fast fashion can have negative impacts on your well-being.

‘I’ll never be wearing earrings for the rest of my life’: Customer warns against buying from Shein

The carpets in your home experience a lot of foot traffic from day to day. Plus, depending on what room they're in, spills and stains aren't uncommon. Over time, these factors can lead to unpleasant odors taking root in the fibers of your rugs. But with just a few common household ingredients, like baking soda and vinegar, you can remove these odors and keep them from coming back. Ahead, experts share their favorite methods for deodorizing carpets.

5 Easy Ways to Deodorize Carpets So They Always Smell Fresh

Real Homes

Want to know how to remove urine smells and stains from your beloved garments? Cleaning pros explain everything you need to know

How to get pee smells and stains out of clothes, in just 4 simple steps

Herbie J Pilato

It's been eight years since former TV child star Sawyer Sweeten, best known from Everybody Loves Raymond, died tragically by suicide at only 19 years old. Sawyer Sweeten, his twin brother Sullivan Sweeten, and their older sister Madylin, played Ray Romano's TV children on Everybody Loves Raymond, the Emmy-winning sitcom that originally aired on CBS 1996 to 2005.

The Tragic Suicide of Former TV Child Star Sawyer Sweeten ('Everybody Loves Raymond'): 9 Years Later

Sometimes, an A-lister becomes synonymous with something because they’re seen in it all the time—like all the time. Katie Holmes wears her divisive fisherman sandals like it's nobody’s business; Jennifer Aniston is in her iconic flip-flops more often than not; and Queen Letizia of Spain wears her raffia espadrilles so often, I pretty much immediately associate the summer shoe with the royal. But, on a recent vacation, she switched it up and opted for a slightly more sensible footwear that deserves a spot in your closet, too. So, make room!

Queen Letizia Ditched Her Go-To Footwear for This Practical Summer Pair

Parade

Shoppers say this piece "fits a trendy vibe on a budget."

Wayfair Is Selling a 'Perfect' Storage Ottoman That Looks Very Similar to a Crate & Barrel Style That's Over 2x the Price

Lexington, KY

The former University of Kentucky student facing assault charges after repeatedly hurling a racial slur at a Black student on campus in 2022, on Monday in Fayette County Circuit Court pleaded guilty following mediation in court, according to her attorney Fred Peters.

Woman who hurled racist slur at a Black University of Kentucky student pleads guilty following mediation

When you don’t stick to a bathroom cleaning schedule, you’ll end up with a buildup of bacteria, mildew, and mold. Weekly bathroom cleanings are ideal, but some areas can be cleaned daily or monthly, whether it be frequently touched surfaces like toilets and countertops, or shower curtains that could use a deep clean once a month.

How to Clean an Entire Bathroom Like a Cleaning Pro, So It Actually Stays Spotless

Real Simple

More than 4,100 reviewers gave it five stars.

Shoppers Say This 'Breathable' Lounge Set Is Made With the 'Best Material Ever'—and It Starts at $15

Travel + Leisure

I packed them straight out of the box and didn’t need to break them in.

I Walked 100,000 Blister-free Steps in These Flight Attendant- and Nurse-approved Shoes — and They’re 30% Off

There's no greater luxury than the feel of brand-new towels. Whether you upgraded from shrunk, outdated towels or wanted an aesthetic change, new towels always come with cozy plushness, and unfortunately, a lot of germs. If you're like us, then we know you're likely bursting at the seams to go...

Are You Washing Your New Towels Before Using Them? Laundry Pros on Why You Should

In 2023, hotels worldwide experienced a full-blown bed bug epidemic, with Paris hit particularly hard. While the crisis has subsided since then, we have learned a valuable lesson: when you check into a hotel room, don’t put your luggage on the bed. Instead, place it in the bathtub, entryway, or any space away from the bed and carpet, which may harbor bed bugs. We will also leave a note for housekeeping to make sure our luggage stays put, preventing it from being moved to potentially infested areas like carpets and mattresses.

Here Is Why You Should Always Put Your Luggage in the Hotel Bathtub

Tom's Guide

Accidents happen, so here's everything you need to know about getting cat urine out of a mattress

How to get cat urine out of a mattress — banish stains and smells

A reusable water bottle is a must for anyone who wants to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste by ditching single-use water bottles. They’re easy to refill and sip throughout the day, but how often do you think of cleaning them? How dirty can a reusable bottle get if it’s only filled with water? Turns out, they can get pretty filthy.

How to Clean Your Dirty Water Bottle, So It's Ready to Use Next Time You Go Out

HuffPost

We asked an interior designer which materials make for the most comfortable night's sleep.

We Found Bedding That Feels Like Sleeping At A 5-Star Hotel

How do you define a good life? The director of one of the longest scientific studies on happiness says relationships matter more than you think.

At the end of the day, don’t we all want to be happy? Here are 5 ways to get there

Woman's World

Summer Clothes: Where to Shop and Which Pieces Women Over 50 Should Have in Their Closet

NewsBreak

This clever, odor-blocking laundry pouch is one of my gym bag essentials — here’s why

This $28 odor-locking and germ-blocking wash bag makes it easy to store, carry and launder your dirty clothes — and it’s available on...

This clever, odor-blocking laundry pouch is one of my gym bag essentials — here’s why

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