One of the big questions that arise when we buy used clothes is whether we should wash them to disinfect them or, in any case, what happens if we don’t. It is important that you know that you do have to sanitize these products before putting them on and, with these steps to disinfect second-hand clothes, you will make sure that none of its germs and/or bacteria can cause you problems.
In fact, the same recommendations that we are going to give you for old clothes should be considered for newer clothes.
Steps to disinfect second-hand clothes
Used garments, increasingly common
The fashion industry is constantly updated and although this allows us to get second-hand clothes at a good price, investing much less money to wear the latest trends, we cannot save at the cost of endangering our health.
With more and more services that allow you to find bargains, among them Ebay, Vinted, Micolet y WallapopThese tips for disinfecting used clothing are key. Only once you have cleaned the garments following the recommendations can you rest easy.
Why wash it?
“Disinfect before opening” is a motto that you should incorporate into your life, and the explanation lies in the aforementioned germs and bacteria. A report in the Al-Nahrain Journal of Science says that the Second-hand clothing may contain harmful microorganismsFor humans, such as those scientifically named Staphylococcus sp. and Enterobacteriace sp.
On the other hand, it is not strange that used clothing harbors mold as a consequence of the state of neglect to which it has been subjected. You might notice it quickly on light-colored clothes, but on dark-toned clothes it tends to go unnoticed. Do not forget.
How to do it?
Put the clothes in the washing machine and program a long wash cycle at high temperature, approximately 60 ° C. This is done only once. Start the wash without adding commercial fabric softeners. Instead, add a half cup of white vinegar to the washer drawer. Don’t worry about the smell of vinegar, because it will disappear when the clothes dry. If you can iron them, do so.
Exposure to high temperatures is the best way to eliminate hidden germs and bacteria in clothes whose history you don’t know. Once the clothes have completely dried, store them in your closet. Do not do it before or the mold will appear soon.
