If I considered buying something new and it looked grubby, I wouldn't buy it. I don't buy the top/front item if it's not wrapped, but then I don't wash it before using. It had never occurred to me. I wash cooking utensils, glass and china, that sort of thing, of course.

One of the Patchy Ladies said that she sterilises new out-of-the-packet toothbrushes before using - for just the same reason as I wash things that will be next to my skin - you have no idea where they were made, how, or what the hygiene standards are like in that place.

If it looks grubby

My dad was posted to Egypt for his national service just after the war. He said the American military only ever ate stuff that had been airlifted in for them, and they got every illness going. The Brits just ate the local stuff, drank the local water, and never got ill. A few germs are good for your immune system. The only reason I would wash linens (of whatever kind) is to get the "dressing" out of them.

All that well and good AQ, except that most goods are not now made in this country. Do people manning looms or sewing machines in the far east wash their hands when they have been to whatever their toilet facilities are? Do they even have the facility to wash their hands? It's often very hot out there. Where does the sweat go? You can bet that they don't have aircon.

I always wash new towels, bed linen, undies . Rinse new toothbrush heads before using

I wash any type of fabric before I use them. Rinse toothbrushes.

If it's made of fabric, I always wash it. I had a magnificent allergic reaction to brand new bedding as a child - I had a rash on every bit of me that wasn't covered by pyjamas, which the GP suggested might be linked to the brand new stuff. The reaction went away as soon as we washed the bedding, so I'm sure he was right. The bedding did smell a bit odd as I remember. Anyway, it definitely left me determined to wash pretty much everything before use.