Urgent warning for vintage shoppers as scientists reveal second-hand clothing ‘swimming in germs’ – including bugs that cause diarrhoea, athlete’s foot and ringworm

By William On Nov 8, 2024

From Brick Lane in London to Brooklyn Flea in New York, vintage markets have become go-to destinations for savvy shoppers in recent years.

But a new report might make you rethink your next visit to a flea market.

Dr. Primrose Freestone, senior lecturer in clinical microbiology at the University of Leicester, has warned that second-hand clothes are ‘swimming in germs’.

Disgustingly, this includes bacteria, fungi and viruses that can cause everything from athlete’s foot to diarrhea.

“The demand for second-hand and vintage clothing has increased enormously in recent years,” she explains in an article for The conversation.

‘Consumer fashion is seen by many consumers as a cheaper, more environmentally friendly way to expand their wardrobe.

“But no matter how excited you are to wear your next second-hand purchase, it’s important that you disinfect it properly first.

‘Clothes can be an important reservoir for many infectious diseases.’

Dr. Primrose Freestone, senior lecturer in clinical microbiology at the University of Leicester, has warned that second-hand clothes are ‘swimming in germs’ (stock image)

Disgustingly, this includes bacteria, fungi and viruses that can cause everything from athlete’s foot (pictured) to diarrhea

Our skin is naturally covered with millions of germs that are then transferred to the clothes we wear.

However, germs that are normal for one person’s skin can be disease-causing to others.

‘Clothes are known carriers of many disease-causing pathogens,’ explains Dr Freestone.

‘This means that germs from the unique skin microbiome of the original clothing owner can still be found on second-hand clothing if the garments are not cleaned before being sold.

‘It also means that any infections or pathogens they had when they last wore the clothes can still be found there.’

Previous studies have shown that clothing can harbor several infectious pathogens.

This includes some (Salmonella, E. coli, norovirus and rotavirus) that cause fever, vomiting and diarrhea, as well as fungi that can cause athlete’s foot and ringworm.

Dr. Freestone highlights a recent study that found second-hand clothing sold at a market in Pakistan contained Bacillus subtilus and Staphylococcus aureus.

From Brick Lane in London to Brooklyn Flea in New York, vintage markets have become go-to destinations for savvy shoppers in recent years. But a new report might make you reconsider your next visit to a flea market (stock image)

Previous studies have shown that clothing can contain many infectious pathogens. This includes several (Salmonella, E. coli, norovirus and rotavirus) that can cause fever, vomiting and diarrhea, as well as fungi that can cause athlete’s foot and ringworm (pictured)

“These bacteria can cause skin and blood infections,” she said.

‘Parasites that can cause skin infections (such as dermatitis and scabies) have also been found on second-hand clothing.’

If you simply store your second-hand purchases at room temperature, any pathogens lurking on them can survive for months.

For example, germs on cotton or blended fiber clothing can survive for up to 90 days, while those on polyester fabrics can survive for up to 200 days.

Luckily, Dr. Freestone says there’s a simple way to avoid these nasty germs: wash your clothes on a high heat.

“It is advisable to wash newly purchased second-hand clothes with detergent at a temperature of about 60°C,” she says.

‘This not only removes the dirt from the clothing, but also removes germs and inactivates pathogens.

‘Cold water will not work as well at removing pathogens from clothing.

‘So if high temperature washing is not possible, use a laundry disinfectant to kill any germs present.’

Instead of simply tossing your used clothes with the rest of your laundry, Dr. Freestone that it is best to keep the two separate.

“You should try to wash second-hand clothes separately from regular laundry initially to avoid cross-contamination of clothes,” she added.

‘Soaking the second-hand clothing in a separate bowl of hand-hot (not boiling) water with antibacterial detergent for two to three hours should eliminate any pathogens present. Then follow with a regular machine wash.’

TIPS TO AVOID FOOD POISONING

1. Ensure a clean work area

Germs can survive on all the different surfaces in the kitchen, so it’s essential to keep the cooking area and your hands clean.

2. Avoid cross-contamination

Raw meat, poultry, seafood and eggs can spread germs to ready-to-eat foods if not kept separate.

The CDC recommends using separate cutting boards and plates when handling these ingredients.

They should also be stored separately in the refrigerator.

3. Use a thermometer

To cook food safely, the internal temperature must become high enough to kill the germs that can cause food poisoning.

The proper internal temperature varies by ingredient, and the only way to know for sure if food has been cooked safely is to use a food thermometer.

4. Store food properly

Storing food properly is essential to combat harmful bacteria.

Perishable foods should be refrigerated within two hours of purchase and the refrigerator should be set at a temperature below 40°F.

5. Don’t rely solely on expiration dates

Expiration dates are not the only indication of when a food item should be thrown away.

If something seems to have a strange smell or color, it’s probably better to be safe and put it on.

6. Do not thaw frozen food on the counter

Thawing frozen food on the counter allows bacteria to multiply quickly in the outer parts when they reach room temperature.

Frozen food should be thawed in the refrigerator, in cold water or in the microwave.