Do Op Shops Wash Clothes Before Selling Them? (2026)

One of the most common questions for both new and experienced op shoppers is whether the clothes on the rack are clean. The answer is that, as a general rule, op shops do not wash clothes before selling them.

There are practical reasons for this policy. Knowing why this is the case is important for thrifters.

Why don’t op shops wash donations?

Charity op shops, including the top-rated chains in Australia, operate on budgets with the primary goal of raising funds. Washing every piece of donated clothing would be a massive logistical and financial challenge for several reasons:

• Sheer volume: Large charities receive thousands of kilograms of clothing donations every day. Washing and drying this volume would require industrial-laundry facilities.
• Prohibitive cost: The cost of water, electricity, and detergent would be enormous and take away from the funds available for the charity’s community programs.
• Volunteer time: Most op shops are run by a small staff and a large base of volunteers. According to Volunteering Australia, volunteers are a national resource, and their time in-store is best spent sorting and selling items.
• Damage risk: Washing a delicate item incorrectly could damage it. Op shops avoid this risk by leaving the washing to the final owner.

Because of this, charities rely on people to donate items that are already clean and in good condition.

The main rule for shoppers: wash everything before you wear

Since you cannot be sure where a garment has been, it is essential to wash every piece of second-hand clothing before you wear it. This is the main rule of thrift shopping.

Even if an item looks clean, it has been handled by multiple people. A wash will ensure it’s fresh and hygienic. While the health risks are low, this step is the best way to be safe, as explained in our guide on the hygiene of second-hand clothes.

Tips for washing your op shop finds

For advice on getting your garments clean, consumer groups like Choice Australia offer tips. Here are the basics:

• Check the care label: Always look for the care instructions on the tag first to avoid shrinking or damaging the fabric.
• Use a quality detergent: A good detergent will effectively remove odours or bacteria.
• Wash delicates carefully: For delicate items like silk or lace, a gentle hand wash is the safest option.
• Don’t forget other items: This rule applies to more than just clothes. It’s also wise to clean other second-hand goods, like those in our guide on how to clean used furniture.

A simple wash at home is all that’s needed to prepare your find for its second life. Now that you know the rules, you can explore the best op shops in your city.