Are old clothes safe to use?
Ok something non-Lemmy, non-Reddit related for a change.
I'm visiting a family member and I forgot to bring my swim trunks. There's a closet with my old clothes in here (15-30 yrs), including a pair of trunks that I had literally used just once 15 years ago.
There's no visible damage, insects, critters anywhere in this closet... Is this stuff safe to use? I also want to donate what looks good, so that's another reason for asking.
9 replies
I've had old clothes fall apart on first use after being put back into circulation. So I'd definitely recommend washing them before wearing, to help avoid any potential incidents.
Yup, no issue with it at all. Throw it in the wash if it smells or if it will make you feel better.
Nah no smell either.
You should wash the clothes regardless but they should be fine to use
I can't see why not. As far as I'm aware, clothes don't get more dangerous over time. But then again, I'm not a clothesologist, so no idea.
Maybe if they were stored with mothballs or something they could become poisonous? Apart from that, I'm pretty sure the lifeblood of Op Shops are 15 year old clothes, so I really doubt that they would be a problem.
People pay extra for some vintage (old) clothes. Yours are fine.
If they've been siting that long wash before wearing.
What are you worrying would be unsafe about the clothes?
One time I was climbing out of a pool and my old swimsuit tore into pieces and fell off into the water because the fabric had disintegrated. But I think that's a pretty unique situation related to the chlorine in the pool. And the only thing that got hurt was my pride!
Idk, I was thinking maybe there's risk of invisible mold or bacteria or whatever. Sometimes we can be oblivious to risks until someone tells us, and well, I wasn't sure because it's not a typical situation to get into clothes after 15 years. Not for me at least.
It's fine. They might smell a bit musty, so I'd wash them. Especially if your are going to donate.