A former Goodwill employee has taken to Reddit to reveal the horrifying working conditions at the popular thrift store chain. In the post, the worker stated that nothing at the store is cleaned before it is sold, leaving customers at risk of exposure to germs and bacteria.
“At Goodwill, we don’t clean anything that we sell, and we get some really gross stuff that touches everything else,” the worker wrote. “So next time you buy something from Goodwill, wash it well.”
Another former employee confirmed the account, saying, “I used To work At Goodwill, you are 200% correct.”
This revelation has caused concern among shoppers who frequent the thrift store chain. Some have reported feeling gross and unclean after leaving the store, while others have shared their own horror stories about finding dirty and unsanitary items for sale.
One shopper wrote, “Even before COVID, I’d always feel so gross after leaving there, I’d wash my hands immediately.”
Another shopper recounted finding yoga pants with a crusty crotch, while another discovered that a pair of pants they had tried on had not been washed after the previous owner had gone without underwear.
Despite this insider account, another volunteer at a Goodwill location claimed to have seen a lot of cleaning being done.
“I have a friend who volunteered at a Goodwill for a year. She said that she had never seen so much cleaning being done ever. Thanks to the elderly ladies that also volunteered there. Everything was squeaky clean at all times.”
However, the majority of responses to the post expressed concern and disgust at the lack of cleanliness at Goodwill stores. Many shoppers suggested washing any clothing purchased from the store before wearing it, regardless of its condition.
“Goodwill? I wash any and all clothes that I buy before I ever wear them. Warehouses and people are nasty. Goodwill is just normal in this regard,” one commenter wrote.
Another person suggested going even further, saying, “Washing twice makes it nice. Most times, you have to anyway because the water from the first load… you’ll see when you try it.”
While the account of the Goodwill employee is certainly alarming, it raises important questions about the hygiene standards of thrift stores and the need for increased oversight to ensure that customers are not put at risk. It also highlights the importance of washing clothing thoroughly before wearing it, especially when purchasing secondhand items.
Source: AWM
Thomas Cooper