Faced with fast fashion, second-hand stores are opening one after the other, responding to a constantly increasing demand. In Île-de-France, the number of second-hand stores would have increased from 312 in 2021 to 437 in 2023an increase of 40%. Second-hand fashion is considered less expensive and more eco-friendly, especially in the midst of the climate crisis.
Although it is difficult not to wear your new pink jeans with fringes and sequins as soon as you buy them, it is necessary to wash them before your first fashion show to avoid contracting any infectious diseases. Indeed, according to an article published in The Conversationsecond-hand clothing can provide a breeding ground for many infectious diseases.
Each human has an individual skin microbiota which is characterized by plural microorganisms: bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites (from the mite family). The microbiota being unique, what is normal and harmless for one person can be a source of disease for another. However, when you wear clothing purchased second hand and which has not been washed, the germs of the microbiota of the previous owner are still potentially present in the fabric.
Research has shown that clothing can harbor many infectious agents. We find in particular germs of Staphylococcus aureus (the cause of skin and blood infections), bacteria such as salmonella or norovirus (main virus responsible for winter gastroenteritis epidemics), as well as fungi that can cause athlete’s foot disease (mycotic infection of the skin of the feet). If clothing is stored at room temperature, some infectious agents are able to survive for months. A humid environment can also encourage the growth of germs on clothing.
A good round of laundry to get rid of everything
With good washing, second-hand clothes are less dangerous. A study on second-hand clothing contaminated with the scabies parasite showed that washing eliminated all the parasites present.
It is recommended to wash newly purchased second-hand clothes with (naturally) detergent, at a temperature of around 60°C. This will not only clean dirt from clothes, but also eliminate germs to prevent possible infections. If high temperature washing is not possible, avoid cold water, as it is not effective in removing infectious agents. Instead, opt for lukewarm water with a good laundry disinfectant.
If you want to be sure to eliminate all risks, you can leave your second-hand clothes to soak for two to three hours before running a washing machine: in a basin of hot water, independently of the non-second-hand clothes, let -rest them with a disinfectant detergent. For even greater safety, a quick spin in the dryer after washing is very effective in killing bacteria, viruses and parasite eggs. That said, whether used clothes or new clothes, it is strongly recommended that you wash all the clothes you have just purchased. Even your pink jeans with fringe and sequins.
Source: www.slate.fr
