Expert reveals three-hour rule you need to follow when buying secondhand clothes

Expert Reveals Three-Hour Rule You Need to Follow When Buying Secondhand Clothes

The allure of secondhand and vintage clothing is gaining popularity as a budget-friendly and eco-conscious option to refresh one’s wardrobe. However, Primrose Freestone, a Senior Lecturer in Clinical Microbiology at the University of Leicester, emphasizes the importance of properly disinfecting these items before wearing them. In a piece for The Conversation, Primrose highlighted the potential risks involved with secondhand clothes, stating that the skin microbiome harbors numerous bacteria, fungi, and viruses that can transfer to clothing. Among the infectious agents commonly found on pre-owned clothes are Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, E. coli, norovirus, and fungi causing athlete’s foot and ringworm. Parasites capable of causing skin conditions like dermatitis and scabies have also been detected on secondhand clothing.

Research indicates that harmful germs can survive on clothing for extended periods, with pathogens lingering on cotton or mixed-fibre garments for up to 90 days and thriving on polyester materials for up to 200 days. Primrose advises washing newly purchased secondhand clothes with detergent at a temperature of around 60°C to effectively clean and disinfect the items. If a high-temperature wash is not feasible, using a laundry disinfectant is recommended to kill any germs present. She suggests washing secondhand clothes separately from regular laundry to prevent cross-contamination and soaking them in hand-hot water with antibacterial laundry detergent for two to three hours before a machine wash. To further eliminate germs, using a hot tumble dryer or a steam iron treatment at around 60°C can be highly effective in killing bacteria, viruses, and parasite eggs.

Despite assurances from secondhand clothes sellers that items are washed before sale, Primrose advises washing any purchased secondhand clothes as a precautionary measure. Similarly, she recommends washing new clothes before wearing them to ensure they are free from any potentially harmful germs.

Insights and Summary:

While shopping for secondhand clothes can be a fun and sustainable way to update your wardrobe, it’s crucial to be mindful of the potential health risks associated with pre-owned garments. Taking the time to properly disinfect and wash secondhand clothes can help protect against various infectious agents and ensure that your clothing is safe to wear. By following Primrose Freestone’s expert advice on the three-hour rule for sanitising secondhand clothes, you can enjoy the benefits of thrifting while prioritising hygiene and wellbeing.