Ordered on Vinted? Do this, otherwise there is a risk of scabies

Do you ever buy second-hand clothing? You are not alone, 1.5 million Dutch people buy vintage clothing online every year. Pre-loved clothing is great for several reasons, it’s good for your wallet and the environment, but there can be a hidden danger and you ain’t gonna like it. Scabies mites can be in the clothing and are super contagious. The little critters are ‘innocent’, but really not nice to have. Follow these three steps when your Vinted package arrives:

Scabies proof? this is where you start

Scabies is a mega annoying skin condition, very common in student houses. Tiny creatures (Scabiei) cause itchy bumps and inflammation. In principle, scabies is harmless - it’s not deadly, but it’s definitely something you really don’t want to have. The scabies mites spread through direct contact with the skin of someone who has scabies. The fabrics of clothing and bedding can transmit scabies to someone else. If someone with scabies, or someone who has just been in contact with someone with scabies, packs your Vinted package, there is a chance that you will get scabies. Scabies (sorry for writing this disgusting word so often, but I can’t think of a cheerful alternative) usually starts on the palms, between the fingers, and on the wrists. Before you open the package, you should therefore put on gloves. Just those simple plastic gloves that you can buy at Action.

Just wait for your Vinted gem

If the clothing item can be washed, it’s a good idea to put it in the washing machine and be careful: don’t touch anything with your bare hands. Make sure to wash it at a minimum of 60 degrees, and this for at least 10 minutes. The high temperature ensures that the scabies mite is killed. The clothing item will then be completely fresh and believe me; it’s waiting for you to be worn.

But what if your clothing item cannot be washed? In that case, you can treat the clothing item in another way. Just put the item in a garbage bag, tie the bag tightly and leave it for at least 3 days. The scabies mite will then die out due to lack of oxygen. After these three days, you can wear the clothing item without worrying.

Away with scabies

Throw the gloves away immediately, off to the trash can in. During unpacking, the intention is that you touch nothing else. How do you correctly take off those gloves? After you have taken off the right glove, use your right hand to remove the glove from the inside of your hand. Make sure not to touch the outside of the glove. Don’t forget to wash your hands after you have taken off the gloves.

There you go, your Vinted gem is now completely scabies-proof, you can enjoy your new clothing item and your scabies-free life.