“Is thrift shopping clean?”

I’ve been a serious thrifter for years now and people tend to be amazed at the pieces I find {just check out some of my past Thrifty Threads posts} and I always offer to take them thrifting with me but occasionally I get a hesitant reaction. And then the person finally expresses their concern…

Is thrift shopping sanitary? Don’t you worry about bed bugs? Do the clothes smell?

These questions initially annoyed and kinda insulted me {do you really think I or any thrifter would wear dirty clothes no matter how cheap they are?}, but I realized this is a serious concern for some people.

To answer the question: yes, thrift shopping is sanitary. I know there’s the icky factor of wearing someone else’s clothing but think of it this way: When you go thrift shopping, you always wash the clothing before wearing them {here are my tips for cleaning thrift store clothes}. However, when you purchase new clothing, I bet you don’t wash them before wearing, do you? You remove the tags, put them in your closet with your clean clothes or just rip the tags off and wear them right away. You don’t know who or how many people tried on the clothes before you or if they were worn and returned to the store.

The way I see it, my thrifted clothes are clean and I know this because I’ve cleaned them thoroughly. I’ve never heard of anyone having issues with thrift stores clothes. However, there was a outbreak of bed bugs at clothing stores like Abercrombie, Hollister and Victoria’s Secret where the garments are new and “clean.”

So how do you guys feel, are you freaked out by wearing clothes that once belonged to someone else? Do people question how clean your thrifted clothes really are?

32 Comments
  • Niesha Okoh
    Posted at 14:15h, 06 July Reply

    ha! Also, keep in mind that Victoria Secret allows customers to return underwear….yea that’s nasty!

    • A
      Posted at 15:06h, 21 February Reply

      What? That’s disgusting beyond words! We don’t have VS in my country but absolutely no store, general clothing chain, specialty lingerie shop or big box store, will accept returned underwear and I’m glad they don’t.

  • BajanBeauty
    Posted at 15:39h, 06 July Reply

    Exactly, people always give me the side eye when they ask me about my thrifted clothes.  To each it’s own but I have no problems “werking” my thrifted finds, lol.  

  • Vi
    Posted at 16:09h, 06 July Reply

    I always throw newly thrifted clothes in the dryer on high for 40 mins- hr before i clean them. Bedbugs die at prolonged exposure to high heat. I dont believe theres bugs in my clothes but IF there is, giving them a thorough heating prior to cleaning would take care of it and give me peace of mind. Since the clothes are heated while dry instead of wet, i dont worry about stretching or special care instructions for clothing since fabric is stronger dry.
    Got the idea from a post by Cheap JAP.

    • Looking Fly on a Dime
      Posted at 18:36h, 06 July Reply

      That’s a great tip about drying the clothes before washing them. Thanks! 

      • Coupon4tosin
        Posted at 19:59h, 15 September Reply

        saw you on nate’s show today,i thrift too and its been wonderful especially in this economy we are today.keep the good work up.love ur blog.

        • Looking Fly on a Dime
          Posted at 22:24h, 16 September Reply

          Thanks so much. Thrifting has helped so many people out in this economy. It’s a great resource! 

    • Cyn
      Posted at 03:33h, 08 July Reply

      I heat mine in the dryer too.  It gives me some peace of mind, just in case there are a couple of unwanted hitchhikers.   I’ve also heard of people stashing things in their freezer, but that takes weeks to be effective.  I want my goodies now!
      I have to say, I’ve spent more on dry cleaning items than what I paid to thrift them, but it was well worth it. 

  • Stacy Lackey
    Posted at 19:39h, 06 July Reply

    I’m an avid thrifter and sometimes you will come across an icky piece of clothing here & there.  I just bypass it and on to the next.  I keep my hand sanitizer with me at all times so I’m always prepared.  Once I get my items home they stay separated from everything else, in the bag until they go in the wash.  I wash according to the directions, but I will chance a dry clean only item in the wash on gentle cycle as long as it’s not wool (scared it will shrink), so far I have never had a problem.  As for accessories/shoes, I’ll wipe them down with alcohol, and then give them a lysol spritz.  lol.  I have never had a problem with any of my thrift store finds.

  • Danielle
    Posted at 06:42h, 12 July Reply

    Ha! Love your rebuttal about “new” clothes being tried on and possibly worn and returned.

    • A
      Posted at 15:10h, 21 February Reply

      It’s true. Plus we don’t know if the salesgirls took the “brand new” clothes home, wore them to a date/party/whatever event then took them back to the shop like nothing happened. They don’t even need to be formally returned.

  • Anonymous
    Posted at 12:01h, 14 July Reply

    I think the act of thrifting is a bit dirty.  The scent in some stores is just beyond.  There are times I wish I had worn gloves just to peruse the racks.  LOL. But like you said, cleaning thrifted clothes before wearing is the standard vs. new clothing.  I also throw thrifted pieces in the dryer as soon as I get home.  A guy from the Dr. Oz show said that will kill any germs/bugs.  It’s also great for shrinking items too.

    • Looking Fly on a Dime
      Posted at 18:14h, 14 July Reply

      True, some of the actual stores can be a bit grimy but I love the Salv on 46th St: no smell and pretty clean. When I shop at warehouse sales (Goodwill Outlet or Housing Works Buy the Bag sale), I tend to bring gloves with me. 

  • Fashion Me Chic
    Posted at 03:28h, 15 July Reply

    You are so right. When I buy my clothes, I always wash them before to wear them. Some people don’t. That is nasty. regardless of whether a garment is new or second hand , washing the clothes  before to wear them is a must. 
    Great post.

  • Recycle 2011
    Posted at 08:10h, 07 September Reply

    Thanks for your wardrobe suggestions. Something else that’s related to your post is this video I saw on YouTube. You should see it! http://youtu.be/oD8ZiathS9s

  • nelle
    Posted at 22:43h, 08 September Reply

    i’ve worked in retail, i always wash my new clothes cuz ppl are nasty @ what they return. i’ve had underwear return that had dookie stains in it, socks that were once white returned blk. 

  • Anonymous
    Posted at 10:32h, 10 September Reply

     I love Thrifted clothes. I am one who doesn’t wash them. I just rip the tag off and go. I do like the dryer tip.

  • Theresa
    Posted at 16:05h, 15 September Reply

    I am not the least bit freaked out about wearing thrift clothes.  I love thrifting and have been doing so for over 25 years!  I love your website and I am glad there is someone else out there who enjoys it as much as I do!  I saw you on the Nate Berkus show and I thought you were great!  I had to check out your website.

    • Looking Fly on a Dime
      Posted at 22:25h, 16 September Reply

      Thanks Theresa! Glad you loved the segment. I’ll be sure to keep up with the thrift tips and feel free to share some of your own. You’ve been doing it for 25 years, you’re a pro 🙂

  • asdsad
    Posted at 08:41h, 13 February Reply

    do you know macklemore

  • horse crazy
    Posted at 08:42h, 13 February Reply

    i love the song thrift shop

  • Jake
    Posted at 22:52h, 19 May Reply

    Hey, I’ve never seen any problem thrift shopping, but my mom despises it. She has brought to my attention that very possibly, people could have died in these clothes, and that’s why they have been donated, I don’t, nor does anyone else, know where this clothes came from and who has worn it and why they have donated it. I don’t know what to think anymore, HELP!!

    • Looking Fly on a Dime
      Posted at 22:55h, 19 May Reply

      Of course that could be a possibility, but living people obviously donate their clothes as well.

    • A
      Posted at 15:15h, 21 February Reply

      Well, that yould happen in theory, but I don’t think it’s the norm. My donation pile consists of pieces I don’t like anymore or they don’t fit me well and I’m obviously very much alive. My grandparents’ clothes were donated when they passed but they wore those things when they were alive.

  • rumble bumble
    Posted at 00:53h, 20 May Reply

    ugh my parents won’t let me thrift because they’re so set on that it’s unsafe and unsanitary and disgusting. we could use the savings anyway, but they won’t budge and i can’t convince them any other way. we don’t have the big bucks to spend on a ton of expensive clothes so thrifting is a pretty cool option, especially because it’s way more fun trying to find cute steals + it’s very environmentally friendly. it’s so stupidly annoying but they won’t let me smh

    • Madeleine
      Posted at 12:00h, 07 March Reply

      I am so sorry to hear that! Here are a few tips on trying to convince them:
      1- do research! try to find the best stores in your area online, read reviews, and try to find ways to keep things sanitary (like the things mentioned in this article, and keeping hand sanitizer with you while going, maybe even gloves). If you do a lot of research and know what you are talking about, they might be more lenient.
      2- Don’t wine when trying to talk to them about it. Don’t scream or get upset. I know it can be hard at points, but if you can keep yourself together, they will see that you are mature enough to consider your points.
      3- Calmly explain the benefits of thrifting, as you said in your original comment. The discounts on amazing peices, the environmental factor (Research this too! If you know a lot about it, they will consider it more!)
      4- understand where your parents are coming from, and don’t approach it as a fight. You need to take their points into consideration, just as you want them to do for you.
      5- Keep in mind that your parents might just not be comfortable with the idea, and stay firm in their decision. If that is the case, it’s okay to say you are disappointed, but (Once again:)) don’t fight them. If you make this into an argument, it won’t work in your favor. And keep in mind, that when you are an adult, they can’t control you. Thrift stores will still exist, probably thriving more then ever, and then you can scoop up the deals!

      I hope this helps, and best of luck!
      Madeleine

  • Adel
    Posted at 21:35h, 22 October Reply

    I’m a lifelong thrift store junkie. I find the shopping experience to be more exciting plus I can afford to go on a shopping spree. I found three pairs of designer business slacks, two still with tags for $18 total and retail for all three is $280. After alterations still great deal. However was tempted not to wash, but I do all the time in past and sometimes garments fade but rather safe than sorry. Love he dryer idea and will probably do a gentle wash.

  • Nancy cook
    Posted at 15:34h, 06 December Reply

    I thrift all the time. Besides washing some items or using the dryer for others I use a dry cleaning product called Dryel on the more high end clothing. You can spot clean with product in the kit if necessary. Just put your items in the big dryer bag with the dry cleaning sheets and put the bag in the dryer for about a half hour..,similar to what the dry cleaners do. Clothes smell and look fresh. I sometimes just steam clothes I buy with my steam iron to freshen them a bit..

  • Janice Wagoner
    Posted at 14:30h, 14 September Reply

    I just got back from Goodwill, looking for a few deals, for special event coming up… I have been doing the “Thrift Store”, thing for well over 20+ years, but I was impressed with the dryer way of killing unwanted germs/other things. When my children were young, I always would make a day of it; they were not too keen, because, it can be very time consuming, buying/ for 3 different sizes & ages… & sometimes I would like to look for things for Mom as well. I was impressed with this site, and would love 2 join. You all are probably younger than me, but there is a plus side to that… I may be of some help to you too. Good to know that there are lots of us “Thrifters” out there; as long as you try 2 B safe during these trying times, we all can have win-win happy thrifting! Look forward to learning more from you all! My big deal coming up, is my 50th High Scool Reunion, in a few weeks. I cannot wait to see, what is left of the Class of ’72; and would look as good as I can. Thanks for the invite… looking forward to hearing about your tips & stories of saving. Take good (🎂 ) care. Jan

  • Lee
    Posted at 14:14h, 20 August Reply

    This is a funny story a must read for a laugh. Ok I have an Aunt who thinks her sh.. don’t stink “we all know the type “ she was so disgusted by the thought of thrift stores. This lady shops at very, high end stores. When I was younger I worked at one of these high end stores management wanted all employees to look great so when we came to work we would immediately change into a gorgeous outfit from the floor after our shift was over we’’d steam the clothes if needed & return them back to the sales floor. The only time they went out for cleaning was if we spilled something on them which was rare. This is a true story ! Well, my mom told my aunt she was wearing second hand clothes after all 😂 she got extremely mad & said this wasn’t true these stores would never allow that so I had to step in and set her straight she doesn’t like me to this day ( oh well ) My thoughts are the store shouldn’t do this but hey they do so you have to ask yourself are your clothes really, new or second hand after paying high dollar for them so all clothing should be washed before wearing in my opinion 🤷🏼‍♀️

  • Barbarelli Frances
    Posted at 12:47h, 19 December Reply

    please always wash and dry in a tumble dryer if you buy second hand clothes from anywhere or anyone .
    no t only has someone already worn them but many people may have handled them so you dont know what germs are lurking you couls use a tumble dryer sheet to make them smell fresh as well
    thrifting is good for the purse and the planet and may charities benefit as well
    I have purchased beautiful and quality things that I will pass on to charity shops when i am finished therefore recycling and they can make more monies
    I always wash new items as well especially bed linen

  • BJHewitt
    Posted at 11:19h, 02 February Reply

    My my my! What a great site. I t-shopped with my girlies for 30-40 yrs at Sal’s and Goody’s and find our young sisters’ stories just delightful. We refused to buy retail except for undies at “back to school” shopping. Been at it so long that we mostly bid on Ebay so we don’t have to leave home. My best to all of you. Now I get what “woke” is, though it’s probably something new for that by now. I’ll just say I’m glad y’all are hip to the jive.

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