Vintage markets, from London’s Brick Lane to New York’s Brooklyn Flea, attract fashion-forward, eco-conscious shoppers hunting for unusual items. A new report may make you reconsider your next vintage market trip. Vintage shoppers should heed scientists’ warning.Dr. Primrose Freestone, a senior lecturer in Clinical Microbiology at Leicester, said secondhand garments are’swimming in germs’.
It’s alarming that secondhand clothing may contain bacteria, fungus, and viruses that can cause minor to serious health problems. Remaining fungi can cause athlete’s foot, while dangerous germs on unwashed clothing can cause diarrhea. Health experts warn that bacteria can persist on fabric for long years depending on substance and conditions. If not thoroughly cleaned, secondhand clothes from your favorite flea market or vintage store may still contain the previous owner’s skin cells, sweat, or even infections.
The survey concludes that second-hand shopping is a terrific way to acquire unique items and lessen environmental impact, but sanitation is essential. Scientists say vintage shoppers buy a “reservoir of bacteria”.Doctor Primrose Freestone said, “Demand for secondhand and vintage clothing has surged within the last few years.” She continued, “Many shoppers view pre-owned apparel as a cheaper, greener wardrobe expansion option. You should sanitize your next used buy before wearing it, no matter how excited you are. Because clothing can harbor numerous infectious infections.”
Our skin naturally contains millions of bacteria, which transfer to our clothes. However, typical skin microorganisms can cause disease in others. Dr. Primrose: “Many pathogens are carried via clothing. This indicates that secondhand clothes that weren’t cleansed before sale could still have the former owner’s skin microbiota.” “It also means that any infections or pathogens they might have had when they last wore the clothes could still be found there,” she said.
Vintage clothes have very viable bacteria that are hard to remove.Primrose said, “Many of the microbes that regularly call the skin microbiome home include the bacteria Staphylococcus (which causes staph infections), Streptococcus (the bacteria behind strep A), fungi such as Candida (the species of yeast that most commonly causes thrush) and viruses such as the Human papillomavirus (which causes HPV).”
This is why microbiologists recommend washing used items to reduce germ proliferation and infection. Dr. Primrose said, “Wash fresh secondhand garments at 60°C with detergent. This cleans cloths and kills bacteria and diseases. Cold water is less effective at removing germs from garments.” “To avoid cross-contamination, wash secondhand garments separately from regular laundry. Soaking used clothes in a bowl of hand-hot (not boiling) water with antibacterial laundry detergent for two to three hours should kill any microorganisms. Do a usual machine wash.”
The doctor said, “A strong tumble dryer or steam iron (about 60°C if your cloth allows it) kills bacteria, viruses, and parasite eggs to eradicate any leftover germs. Many secondhand clothing merchants say they wash before selling, but you can never be sure. So wash any used clothes you buy regardless. I also recommend washing new garments before wearing them.” Another helpful piece that will make you hate getting out of bed in the morning. Learn why carefully making your bed after waking up may be hazardous.