Can You Catch Anything From Second-Hand Clothes? (2026)
Many thrifters wonder if it is hygienic to wear second-hand clothes. Can you catch diseases, skin conditions, or pests from a garment that someone else has worn?
The answer is that the risk of catching anything from second-hand clothing is low. However, it’s not zero. The rule of op shopping is to wash everything before you wear it. This is an effective way to eliminate potential health risks.
What could be on second-hand clothes?
In rare instances, clothing can harbour bacteria, fungi, or pests. These could include common bacteria like Staphylococcus, which according to health authorities, can be managed with proper laundry practices.
However, these organisms typically don’t survive for long on dry fabric. The main reason to wash clothes is general hygiene, as items have been handled by multiple people during the donation and sorting process.
Why washing is the best solution
As we covered in our guide on whether op shops wash donated clothes, charities generally do not have the resources to launder items before sale. This makes the final wash your responsibility, and it’s the best solution.
A standard machine wash cycle with a good detergent is powerful enough to remove or inactivate most common germs and bacteria. The physical action of the wash, combined with the cleaning agents, is effective.
Your simple 3-step hygiene routine
Follow these steps with every op shop purchase to ensure your items are clean and safe to wear.
1. Wash in the right temperature
For durable items like cotton and denim, a warm or hot wash (around 60°C) is good for killing germs. For more delicate fabrics, a cold wash is fine, as the effectiveness of modern detergents does most of the work.
2. Dry thoroughly
Drying is as important as washing. Tumble drying on a high heat setting is another way to kill any lingering organisms. If you don’t have a dryer, drying items in direct sunlight is an alternative. The UV rays from the sun have natural disinfecting properties.
3. Steam or iron for peace of mind
For items you can’t easily wash, like a structured blazer you might find when hunting for designer brands, a garment steamer is helpful. The temperature of the steam will kill most germs and also helps to remove wrinkles and odours.
So, can you catch anything from second-hand clothes? The answer is, generally not. By following these hygiene practices, you can enjoy the benefits of shopping at the best op shops in your city. The risk is eliminated with a simple spin in the washing machine.