Does Goodwill Wash Clothes Before Putting Them on the Rack?
If you have ever purchased secondhand clothing, you may have wondered: does Goodwill wash clothes before selling them? The simple answer is no, Goodwill does not typically wash donated clothes before placing them on the sales floor.
Goodwill receives millions of clothing donations every year, and washing every item would require enormous amounts of time, labor, water, and resources. Instead of laundering each donation, Goodwill employees inspect, sort, and price items based on their condition before they are displayed for shoppers.
However, this does not mean donated clothes are unsafe or unusable. Buyers should take a few simple steps to clean secondhand clothing before wearing it.
Does Goodwill Clean Donated Clothes?
Goodwill does not operate like a professional laundry service. Most donated clothing goes through a sorting process rather than a washing process.
When donations arrive, employees usually check items for:
- Visible stains or heavy dirt
- Tears, holes, or damaged fabric
- Broken zippers or missing buttons
- Strong odors or signs of excessive wear
Clothing that is in good condition may be placed directly on the racks for customers to purchase. Items that are extremely dirty, damaged, or have unpleasant smells may be removed from sale and either recycled or discarded depending on the local Goodwill organization’s policies.
Why Doesn’t Goodwill Wash Every Item?
Many people ask why Goodwill does not simply wash all donated clothing before selling it. The main reason is the huge volume of donations they receive.
Washing every piece of clothing would:
- Require large commercial laundry facilities
- Increase operating costs significantly
- Delay the process of getting affordable clothing to shoppers
- Use massive amounts of water and energy
Goodwill’s goal is to collect, sort, and resell quality donated goods while keeping prices affordable and supporting community programs.
Should You Wash Goodwill Clothes Before Wearing Them?
Yes. Even though Goodwill checks donated items, it is always a good idea to wash secondhand clothing before wearing it.
Clothes may have been stored in:
- Closets or garages
- Donation bags or boxes
- Storage areas
- Retail racks where many people handle items
A normal wash can remove:
- Storage odors
- Dust and dirt
- Detergent or fragrance residue from previous owners
- Bacteria or allergens
For best results, follow the care label on the clothing and use the warmest water temperature the fabric can safely handle.
How to Remove Thrift Store Smell From Goodwill Clothes
Some secondhand clothing has a noticeable “thrift store smell” caused by storage conditions, detergents, perfumes, or fabrics holding onto odors.
Here are some helpful cleaning methods:
Use Vinegar During Washing
Adding a small amount of white vinegar to the wash cycle can help neutralize unpleasant smells without damaging most fabrics.
Try Baking Soda
Baking soda can help absorb odors and freshen clothing naturally.
Let Clothes Air Out
For items that cannot be washed immediately, placing them in fresh air or sunlight for a short period can help reduce unwanted smells.
Follow Fabric Care Instructions
Vintage, delicate, or specialty fabrics may require gentler cleaning methods. Always check the label before using hot water or strong cleaning products.
Are Goodwill Clothes Safe to Buy?
Yes, Goodwill clothes can be safe to buy when shoppers inspect and clean them properly.
Many people purchase secondhand clothing because it is:
- Affordable
- Environmentally friendly
- A way to find unique styles
- A method of reducing textile waste
Before buying, check the clothing carefully for stains, damage, odors, or signs of insects. After purchasing, washing the item before wearing it is the best practice.
Final Thoughts: Does Goodwill Wash Clothes?
So, does Goodwill wash clothes? Generally, no. Goodwill does not wash donated clothing before selling it. Instead, donated items are inspected and sorted to ensure they meet quality standards before reaching the sales floor.
If you buy clothing from Goodwill or any thrift store, simply washing it at home is an easy way to make sure it is fresh, clean, and ready to wear. With proper care, secondhand clothing can be a great way to save money while making a more sustainable choice.