The increasing demand for secondhand and vintage clothing in recent years reflects a growing trend among consumers who view pre-owned fashion as a cost-effective and sustainable way to enhance their wardrobe. However, before diving into your latest thrift store finds, it is essential to thoroughly disinfect them. This precaution is necessary because clothing can serve as a significant reservoir for various infectious diseases.
The human skin harbors millions of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, collectively known as the skin microbiome. Consequently, every garment we wear inevitably comes into contact with these microorganisms. Among the common microbes found on the skin are Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Candida, and Human papillomavirus, which can lead to staph infections, strep A, thrush, and HPV, respectively.
Research has revealed that clothing can harbor a wide array of infectious pathogens, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, E. coli, norovirus, rotavirus, and fungi causing athlete’s foot and ringworm. A survey conducted on secondhand clothing sold in a market in Pakistan detected the presence of Bacillus subtilus, Staphyylococcus aureus, and parasites that can cause skin infections.
It is crucial to wash newly purchased secondhand clothing with detergent at temperatures around 60°C to eliminate dirt, germs, and pathogens effectively. Cold water may not be as efficient in eradicating pathogens, so using laundry disinfectants as an alternative is advisable. Additionally, it is recommended to wash secondhand clothes separately from regular laundry and employ additional measures such as soaking the clothes in hot water with antibacterial detergent and using a hot tumble dryer or steam iron treatment to ensure thorough disinfection.
While sellers often claim to wash clothing before selling, it is still recommended to wash any secondhand garments to minimize infection risks effectively. Advanced precautions, such as washing new clothes before wearing them, can further reduce potential health hazards associated with secondhand clothing.
Vocabulary List:
- Infectious /ɪnˈfɛkʃəs/ (adjective): Capable of causing infection.
- Reservoir /ˈrɛzərˌvwɑr/ (noun): A place where something is stored or collected often referring to a source of disease or infection.
- Microbiome /ˌmaɪkroʊˈbaɪoʊm/ (noun): The community of microorganisms living in a particular environment.
- Pathogens /ˈpæθəˌdʒɛn/ (noun): Microorganisms that can cause disease.
- Detergent /dɪˈtɜrdʒənt/ (noun): A substance used for cleaning especially in laundry.
- Disinfect /ˌdɪsɪnˈfɛkt/ (verb): To clean something to destroy or remove harmful microorganisms.
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