The demand for secondhand clothing has skyrocketed in recent years. Many consumers view pre-loved fashion as a more affordable and environmentally friendly way to expand their wardrobes.
However, before you get excited about wearing your latest find, it's crucial to disinfect it properly. That's because clothing can harbor a significant number of infectious diseases.
Our skin is naturally covered with millions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, collectively referred to as the skin microbiome. This means every piece of clothing we wear comes into close contact with these microbes.
Many of these microbes include bacteria that cause throat and skin infections, fungi like Candida, and even the human papillomavirus (HPV). The unique skin microbiome of each individual means that what is harmless for one person could cause illness in another.
Clothing is known to be a carrier of numerous disease-causing pathogens. This means that bacteria from the original owner's unique microbiome may still linger on secondhand clothes if they haven't been properly cleaned before resale. Additionally, any infection they had the last time they wore the garment might still be present.
The infection risk from secondhand clothing
Studies have found that clothing can harbor a variety of infectious pathogens, including bacteria that cause skin and blood infections. Skin microbes can survive on amino acids from sweat, oils secreted by hair follicles, and proteins from skin cells—all of which remain on clothes after they're worn.
Not only that, but research shows that many pathogenic bacteria can survive on clothing for months when stored at room temperature. Bacteria on cotton or blended fibers were found to remain alive for up to 90 days, while on polyester fabrics, they survived up to 200 days. Most bacteria thrived better on fabrics in environments with high humidity, suggesting that storing clothes in a dry setting is key to minimizing bacterial growth.
While it's difficult to determine the exact risk of illness from secondhand clothing, people with weakened immune systems are likely at the highest risk. If you have a compromised immune system, it's especially important to exercise caution before wearing secondhand purchases.
How to clean secondhand clothes
It's recommended to wash secondhand clothes with laundry detergent at a temperature of about 60°C (140°F).
Wash secondhand clothes separately from other items.
For extra assurance that all lingering bacteria are eliminated, use a dryer or steam iron on the clothing.
Even though sellers often promise that the clothes have been cleaned before sale, you can never be too careful. That's why it's a good idea to wash every secondhand garment you buy, regardless of the seller's claims. It's also advisable to wash any new clothing you purchase before wearing it for the first time.
