I never wash anything before I wear/use it--might have to return it if something is wrong, and if it's sheets, then don't really feel the need to wash them... I tried switching from flannel to regular this year because I got this cool pattern, and had to switch back a week later to my flannels... gotta be soft!
Don't worry Stan, I was washing my stuff in the dorm washers (very small) and they started to shake, AND my red and white shirt dyed everything pink, and I separated them!