Femme faisant du shopping dans une friperie ou boutique de vêtements, explorant des tenues variées sur un portant.

How to disinfect second-hand clothes?

Buying second-hand clothes is not only friendly on the wallet, it's also environmentally friendly. However, it's essential to take a few precautions to make sure that your wardrobe stays clean and healthy. Proper disinfection is the key to ensuring that your new purchases are not only stylish but also perfectly clean and hygienic. Follow these simple steps to make sure your second-hand clothes are as clean as new!

1. Inspect your finds carefully

Before you start the disinfection process, take the time to inspect each item carefully. Look for stains, signs of excessive wear or loose seams. This inspection will allow you to deal with each garment’s specific problems before getting down to disinfection.

2. Machine or hand wash?

The first step in the disinfection process is to wash the clothes. Remember to always check the care labels to make sure you follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Use a disinfectant for clothes for the best possible level of cleanliness, especially if the clothes require special attention.

3. The power of steam

Investing in a steamer is an effective solution for eliminating germs while preserving the quality of delicate fabrics. Take your steamer and run it over each item of clothing, paying particular attention to creases, cuffs and collars. With their proven effectiveness, SteamOne steamers are particularly suited to this task.

4. Sun exposure

After washing your clothes, leave them to air dry. Exposing clothes to sunlight is a natural way to disinfect them by making the most of the antibacterial properties of UV rays.

5. Specific treatment for footwear

If you've bought second-hand shoes, use a specific disinfectant solution for shoes. Spray the inside of the shoes with the solution, then leave them to dry out completely.

6. Repeat if necessary

If you have any doubts about how clean a garment is, don't think twice about repeating the disinfection process! It's better to be too careful than too careless.

See also: Clothing care and “slow-fashion”, an eco-responsible trend!

FAQ

Disinfecting second-hand clothing is crucial to eliminate
germs, bacteria and other contaminants that could be
present. This ensures that the garments are hygienic and safe to
to carry.

Use the steamer by passing it slowly over the clothes,
emphasizing hard-to-reach areas like seams and
creases. Hot steam kills germs and bacteria effectively.

Most garments, including those made of delicate fabrics, can
be disinfected with a steam iron (wool, linen, silk,
cashmere...). However, avoid water-sensitive materials, such as
leather or suede. It usually only takes a few minutes to
each garment. Make sure to steam evenly over
the entire surface of the garment.

Yes, you can complete steam disinfection with a wash.
machine wash with clothes disinfectant and sun dry
to maximize efficiency.

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