Can I Wear Second-Hand Clothes Without Washing Them?
Can I wear second-hand clothes without washing them first? It’s a tempting shortcut but one you’ll want to avoid. At Love2Laundry, we offer more than just laundry services for hotels and Airbnbs. We take pride in our sustainability and can help you get your pre-loved clothes smelling brand-new if you don’t feel up to the task.
In this article, we’ll cover exactly why washing pre-loved clothing is essential, what risks you’re avoiding, and some handy tips for your first load of pre-loved laundry.
Quick Answer: No, you should not wear second-hand clothes without washing them first. Pre-loved garments can carry bacteria, fungi, allergens, and even skin infections from previous owners. A thorough wash before wearing protects your skin and health and keeps your pre-loved finds smelling fresh.
Why We Love Second-Hand Clothes at Love2Laundry
The fashion industry is estimated to be responsible for 10% of global carbon emissions, more than international flights and maritime shipping combined. EU Parliament research also says that textile purchases in the EU generated about 355 kg of CO2 emissions per person as of 2022. Of that, only 1% of clothing items are recycled into new clothes.
However, it is not just the CO2 emissions issue in the fashion world. Textile production also uses a lot of water and energy, and synthetic clothes can release microplastics and microfibres into the environment. Microplastics that are now present in our blood are becoming more and more common. When considering fashion production scandals and the poor conditions of foreign workers for many years now, it becomes clear that fast fashion is a global issue, and the majority of these clothes are used for a couple of months because of their low-quality production.
Nevertheless, there have been some polls that revealed that more than half of adults over 45 years old refuse to wear second-hand clothes. They are considered to be ‘poor quality’, ‘unhygienic’, and ‘tend to be faded’.
When it comes to younger age groups (18-34 years old), 60% of people are willing to wear second-hand clothes. If you’re in that group and picking up preloved pieces, knowing how to wash second-hand clothes properly is essential before you wear them.
Put all of these different factors together, and you can understand why we at Love2Laundry love it when people choose second-hand. As a laundry service, we see firsthand how preloved clothes can be restored to their best. We know how to clean second-hand clothes properly and give them a second life worth wearing. Doing this makes you and us both contributors towards a greener Earth.
The Benefits of Washing Second-Hand Clothes First
Washing your clothes will not only help to deal with the collection of odd and unpleasant smells that are stuck in the fabric of your new garments, but it will help to sanitise them, too.
You see, second-hand clothes have had a life of their own already, and this means that there could be all kinds of things between those frills and seams, from something as simple as dust and dandruff to the less pleasant insect eggs or even mildew.
Not washing your second-hand clothes before wearing them puts you at risk of coming into contact with dangerous fungi, bacteria, parasites, and even chemicals. Things like scabies can be hugely problematic with second-hand clothes, but don’t worry! There are plenty of things that you can do to protect yourself and your household while still getting to enjoy the benefits of thrifting.
Before Washing, Do This
Whenever we discuss second-hand clothes, we never fail to mention the fact that freezing them (yes, you read that right) is a good start before washing. Freezing is applicable to all types of clothing, including shoes. Second-hand shoes specifically should be frozen since feet and shoes can carry some really foul odours.
Take your second-hand clothing and place it in a sealed plastic bag. Leave it in the freezer for three to four days. Doing so might kill some bacteria and pests, along with neutralising some odours. However, freezing is not a definite solution since the efficiency depends on what type of bacteria or pest is present. Therefore, you should always combine freezing with washing. Unfortunately, this does mean that this method won’t work very well for other kinds of smells (e.g. food or oil). You will need to try one of the other methods for that.
Freezing should be considered as a supplementary step and not a replacement for washing; once the clothes are left in the freezer for a few days, take them out and wash them.
Can I Wear Second-Hand Clothes Without Washing Them?
You could wear second-hand clothes without washing them, but we will never recommend this course of action for a number of reasons, many of which we’ve already talked about. From bacteria and fungi to chemicals and parasites, not being hygienic with your clothes can come at a price.
Even if you aren’t worried about the dangers for yourself, take into consideration anyone else who lives in your home and how these could impact them. Whether you have children or pets, or a partner, you should do everything you can to keep your home safe and sanitary. That means knowing how to clean and sanitise second-hand clothes before you put them on.
What About Brand-New Clothes?
You might think that wearing brand-new clothes from the shop without washing them is fine and you might be half right. While there are fewer risks of throwing on your new jeans from Next, we would still recommend washing them first.
The first reason is that others might have tried those jeans on before you bought them, but this isn’t the only reason. The second reason that you will want to do this is to actually get rid of the stiffness of the fabric!
Do this, and you will notice that your new jeans fit a lot better.
How to Wash Second-Hand Clothes the Right Way
Before wearing any thrifted or preloved piece, giving it a proper wash is non-negotiable. Here’s how to do it right:
- Check the care label first: It tells you the correct water temperature, wash cycle, and whether the item needs special treatment.
- Wash at the highest temperature the fabric allows: This helps kill bacteria and remove any lingering germs from previous wear.
- Use a good detergent and consider adding a laundry sanitiser: Especially for items that smell musty or have been stored for a long time.
- Deal with odours specifically: Second-hand clothes often carry stubborn smells. Learn how to remove smell from second-hand clothes to tackle this effectively before or during the wash.
- Follow a structured laundry process: If you’re unsure about the steps involved, our guide on the 5 steps to doing laundry walks you through everything from sorting to drying.
Let Love2Laundry Help You
Wearing second-hand clothes without washing them is not recommended. Preloved garments can carry bacteria, odours, and residues from previous owners that you don’t want next to your skin.
If washing your thrifted haul feels like too much of a task, Love2Laundry is here to help. Simply book a service with us. We will collect your items, wash and care for them professionally, and return them fresh and ready to wear within 24 hours. No dropping off, no hassle.
Give us a call or visit our website to find your nearest Love2Laundry and get started today.
Phone
0203 600 0296
FAQs
Is it safe to wear second-hand clothes without washing them first?
No. Wearing second-hand clothes without washing them first carries real risks. Preloved garments can harbour bacteria, fungus, and allergy-causing substances that may lead to skin infections or irritation. Always wash second-hand clothes before wearing them.
Can freezing second-hand clothes remove bacteria?
No, freezing does not fully eliminate bacteria. While it may reduce certain pests, bacterial spores, fungal spores, and allergens can still survive. Always follow freezing with a thorough wash to properly sanitise the garment.
Should you wash brand-new clothes before wearing them?
Yes, fresh off-the-rack clothing may still have traces of chemicals, dye, and dust. It is easy enough to wash the new clothing before wearing it for the first time.
What is the best method for getting smells out of second-hand clothes?
Freezing may be used to eliminate some smells, but when it comes to difficult odours such as those of food and oil, washing is required. Love2Laundry laundry services will prove helpful in this regard.
