Thrifters Laugh at Germ Warnings—Here’s Why You Should Too
Articles warning about germs on thrifted clothes might sound scary, but they’re overblown. As a seasoned thrifter, I see these claims for what they are—overhyped. Here's the deal: germs are everywhere, not just on thrifted items. Knowing how to properly clean your finds is enough to stay safe and stylish.
Key Takeaways and Myths Busted:
The "Scary" Germs
Clothes carry bacteria, fungi, and viruses, like Staphylococcus (staph infections), Streptococcus (strep), or Candida (yeast). But here’s the catch—most germs can’t survive long outside their host or past a proper wash.
Germs like E. coli and staph can linger on polyester longer, but unless you’re eating off your thrifted jacket, it’s not an issue.
Effective Cleaning is Everything
Washing at 60°C (140°F) with detergent kills almost all germs. Add a laundry disinfectant or a hot tumble dry for extra assurance. Even scabies parasites are eliminated with proper cleaning.
Pro tip: Wash thrifted clothes separately the first time, especially items like jackets or anything worn close to the skin.
Perspective is Key
Your immune system encounters microbes every day. The real risk of infection from thrifted clothes is low, especially for healthy individuals. Those with compromised immune systems should exercise caution, but the majority of us can thrift safely.
Why This Narrative Feels Off
Most sellers wash items before listing them. Yes, there’s no guarantee, but this fear-mongering assumes every thrift store rack is crawling with danger. It’s just not true for the majority of finds.
The Thrifter’s Philosophy
Why let fear stop you from embracing sustainable fashion and saving cash? Every thrift find is unique, tells a story, and contributes to a greener planet. Seasoned thrifters know that germs are manageable with common sense and a washer.
For more details about the science behind thrift shop germs, check out the original article on ScienceAlert.