Secondhand clothes can be swimming in germs – what vintage shoppers need to know

By Primrose Freestone, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Microbiology, University of Leicester

Demand for secondhand and vintage clothing has surged within the last few years. Pre-owned fashion is seen by many consumers as a cheaper, more environmentally friendly way to expand their wardrobe.

But as excited as you might be to wear your next secondhand purchase, it’s important you disinfect it properly first. This is because clothing can actually be an important reservoir for many infectious diseases.

The skin is naturally coated…

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