One important rule applies no matter where you buy clothing — always wash it before wearing it. Whether it comes from Goodwill or the most expensive boutique, you should assume it has been in contact with something unpleasant and clean it thoroughly before it touches your skin.
According to one former Goodwill employee, donated clothing is not routinely washed before being placed on the sales floor. The advice was simple and blunt: never assume secondhand clothes are clean just because they’re neatly displayed. Washing them yourself is essential.
However, not everyone agrees with this claim. Another individual shared a very different experience, saying a friend who volunteered at a Goodwill store for an entire year witnessed constant cleaning. According to her, the store was kept spotless, largely thanks to dedicated elderly volunteers who took pride in maintaining cleanliness. She described the environment as consistently tidy and well cared for.
So which version is true? Do donated clothes get washed before being sold, or is the responsibility entirely on the buyer? Opinions clearly differ, and the truth may vary by location.
What do you think — should shoppers assume Goodwill washes donated clothing, or is washing at home the safest approach?
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