Are you a fan of thrift shopping? While it's a great way to save money and find unique pieces, it is also sustainable to shop second-hand and keep clothes from the landfills. It is important to remember that thrifted clothes may have been previously worn and could contain bacteria, germs, and other contaminants. To ensure you're wearing clean and safe clothing, it's a good idea to wash thrifted clothes before wearing them. Check out this step-by-step guide on how to properly wash thrifted clothes, including tips on sorting, pre-soaking, and avoiding the dryer. Plus, if you want to get to know about sustainable laundry, check Sustainable Laundry.
Step 1: Pre-Soak Your Clothes
Pre-soaking your thrifted clothes before washing them can help remove dirt, stains, and odors. You can use a laundry booster or baking soda to soak your clothes. Mix one dose of the laundry booster with one gallon of water and soak your clothes for up to six hours. After soaking, wash your clothes as usual.
Step 2: Sort Your Clothes and Check the Washing Instructions
Before deciding on how to wash clothes, sort them according to the materials. Clothes made from natural fibers such as cotton, linen, and wool can be washed in a washing machine. But, clothes made from delicate materials such as silk and rayon require hand washing.
Step 3: Add Vinegar for Better Cleaning
Adding half a cup of white vinegar to your washing machine can help remove odors, stains, and bacteria from thrifted clothes. Vinegar is a natural and environmentally friendly disinfectant that can also help preserve the colors of your clothes. Plus, if you are looking for a natural laundry softener, vinegar is a great switch.
Step 4: Avoid Using the Dryer
The heat from the dryer can damage the fibers and cause shrinkage. Instead, hang your clothes to air and lay them flat on a towel or use a drying rack.
Washing thrifted clothes is essential to remove dirt, stains, and bacteria. Remember, sort your clothes, check the washing instructions, and avoid using the dryer. Happy washing!
