Did you know you can get infections from clothing purchased at a thrift store? You never know who wore the clothing previously, and things like staph infections - even lice! - can be transmitted through clothing. So when you purchase any used clothing from a thrift or consignment store, it makes health sense to clean it first.

The safest way to clean is to have it dry cleaned. Unfortunately, this does add extra expense when you are saving money from your thrift shop find. You can also wash it in the washing machine on the hottest setting available, and use a tablespoon of disinfectant in the wash - be sure to spot test your disinfectant first! Then followup with a normal wash on the heavy cycle with your regular detergent, preferably with bleach, and dry on the highest setting possible.

By following these tips, you will be certain you will not pick up any nasties when wearing your "new to you" clothing.