Can You Catch Anything From Second-Hand Clothes? (2026)
The risk of catching disease from second-hand clothes is low if you wash items before wearing them. Op shops do not launder stock. Germs and odours from sorting, storage, and handling are removed by a normal machine wash with detergent. Skip items with visible mould or pest damage.
For why stores do not wash donations, see do op shops wash clothes.
What could be on second-hand clothes?
In rare cases, clothing can harbour bacteria, fungi, or pests. Common bacteria on fabric are usually managed with proper laundry, as NSW Health laundry guidance notes for household washing.
Organisms typically do not survive long on dry fabric. The main reason to wash is general hygiene: items pass through donation bins, sorting rooms, and shop floors before you buy them.
Real risks vs myths
| Concern | Actual risk | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday bacteria | Low after washing | Machine wash with detergent |
| Body lice | Very rare on clean-looking clothes | Wash hot if concerned; skip heavily soiled items |
| Fungal skin infections | Low; needs warm moist conditions | Wash and dry thoroughly |
| Bed bugs on clothing | Uncommon vs furniture | Inspect seams; tumble dry on high heat |
| COVID-19 on fabric | Short surface survival | Standard wash sufficient per health advice |
Why washing is the best solution
Charities lack resources to launder every donation before sale. That makes the final wash your responsibility.
A standard machine cycle with detergent removes or inactivates most common germs. Warm or hot water helps on durable cotton and denim. Delicates need cold wash plus thorough drying.
Your simple hygiene routine
1. Wash at the right temperature
Cotton and denim: warm or hot wash (around 60°C) where the care label allows. Delicates: cold wash; detergent does most of the work.
2. Dry thoroughly
Tumble drying on high heat adds another kill step. No dryer? Dry in direct sunlight. UV helps disinfect fabric surfaces.
3. Steam or iron when needed
Structured blazers or dry-clean-only pieces benefit from a garment steamer. Useful for designer finds you cannot machine wash.
4. When to leave an item on the rack
Skip clothes with mould spots, strong permanent odour, or visible pest damage. No wash fixes those reliably.
Hygiene in shared laundry households
Housemates and family laundry: run op shop finds in a dedicated load first if anyone has skin sensitivities. Hypoallergenic detergent helps for baby clothes.
Dry Queensland summer sun dries cotton quickly after washing; humid coastal cities may need extra dryer time to prevent mildew smell in thick knits.
Australian climate and op shop laundry tips
Humid summers in Brisbane and northern NSW mean thick op shop knits need full dryer cycles or sun drying to avoid musty smell. Melbourne winter coats may arrive with mothball scent; air outside then wash according to the care label.
Public laundromats charge $4–$8 per load in most capitals. One hot wash for a week’s op shop haul still beats retail price on the clothes themselves. Skip items with visible mould regardless of bargain price; no wash reliably fixes embedded spores.
Children’s op shop clothes are safe after a standard wash. Check snap buttons on bodysuits and remove drawstrings on older kids’ hoodies to meet current product safety expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you catch STIs from second-hand clothes?
Extremely unlikely. STIs do not survive on dry clothing in conditions that allow op shop resale. Standard washing is sufficient for normal thrifted garments.
Should I wash op shop clothes separately?
Not required for health reasons if you use detergent. Some people wash first loads alone for peace of mind; that is optional.
Are kids’ op shop clothes safe?
Yes after washing. Check for loose buttons, drawstrings, and damage. Wash before first wear, same as adult clothing.
Do I need to disinfect with extra products?
Normal laundry detergent is enough for most items. Disinfectant additives are optional, not required, for standard second-hand clothing.
