Debunking the Myths: Does ThredUp Wash Clothes Before Selling?

Does ThredUp Wash Clothes? The Official Answer for Shoppers and Sellers

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When you score an amazing deal on a pre-loved J.Crew blazer or a designer handbag on ThredUp, a common question often comes to mind: “Is this clean?” It’s a natural curiosity for anyone diving into the wonderful world of secondhand fashion. As one of the largest online thrift stores, ThredUp processes an incredible volume of clothing, leading many to wonder about their procedures.

So, does thredup wash clothes before listing them for sale? This guide provides a definitive answer directly from ThredUp’s policies and explains their entire quality control process. We’ll cover what happens from the moment a seller sends in their Clean Out Kit to the moment a beautiful, pre-loved piece arrives at your door, so you can shop and sell with total confidence.

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The Short Answer: Does ThredUp Wash Clothes Before Selling?

Let’s get straight to the point. No, does thredup wash clothes before selling is not part of their standard process. According to ThredUp’s official information, while items are not washed before being sent to buyers, every single piece undergoes a rigorous inspection for quality and cleanliness.

The sheer scale of ThredUp’s operation makes washing every garment impractical. Their distribution centers can process over 100,000 unique items daily. Laundering this massive volume would require immense resources (water, energy, and time), which would conflict with the company’s core mission of promoting a sustainable, circular fashion future.

Instead, the platform relies on a multi-point inspection system and clear guidelines for sellers to ensure items are in great condition. ThredUp strongly encourages sellers to send in clean, ready-to-wear clothing, but as a buyer, it’s always recommended to wash your new-to-you treasures before wearing them for the first time.

ThredUp’s Quality and Cleanliness Inspection Process

Just because they don’t launder items doesn’t mean cleanliness isn’t a top priority. So, are thredup clothes clean? The company is committed to selling only high-quality secondhand items and has a team of authentication and quality experts who review everything. For an item to be accepted and listed, it must meet strict standards.

Here’s what ThredUp’s inspectors look for:

  • Condition: Items must be free of stains, holes, rips, tears, pilling, fading, or shrinkage.
  • Damage: Garments cannot have missing or broken parts, such as buttons or zippers.
  • Alterations: Homemade or altered items are not accepted.
  • Labels: Pieces must have their original brand and size labels intact.
  • Odors: Clothing with noticeable odors is rejected.

Furthermore, ThredUp has operating procedures to keep its facilities clean and pest-free, including regular inspections by pest control experts. This ensures that even though are clothes from thredup washed is a “no,” the items are handled in a clean and safe environment from the moment they arrive. This thorough vetting process is why millions of shoppers trust that do thredup clothes come clean and ready for their new home.

The Seller’s Role: Why You Should Wash Clothes Before Selling

The ThredUp model relies on a partnership between the platform and its sellers. A key part of that partnership is the seller’s responsibility to clean before selling as clothing. ThredUp’s selling guide explicitly asks that all items be “Clean and in Good Condition” upon arrival.

If you plan to thredup sell clothes, following this guideline is crucial for getting your items accepted. Wondering how to wash clothes before selling? Here are a few best practices:

  1. Wash and Dry Everything: Launder all clothing according to the care label instructions. Ensure items are completely dry before packing to prevent mildew.
  2. Inspect for Flaws: Check for any missed stains, pet hair, or deodorant marks. A quick spot treatment can make all the difference.
  3. Check Pockets: Empty all pockets to remove personal items like tissues, receipts, or lip balm.
  4. Button and Zip: Close all zippers, buttons, and clasps to help garments maintain their shape during shipping and processing.

Following these steps for every clean before selling session not only increases the likelihood of your items being accepted but also contributes to a better experience for the end buyer and helps maintain the high-quality inventory ThredUp is known for.

Understanding Thrift Store Smells and What to Do

One common question from secondhand shoppers is, “why do thrifted clothes smell?” You might occasionally notice that thredup clothes smell of storage, cardboard from the shipping box, or simply the scent of a previous owner’s detergent.

This is a normal aspect of pre-owned clothing and doesn’t necessarily mean the item is dirty. Fabrics can easily absorb ambient odors from closets or packaging. The solution is simple: give your items a wash as soon as you receive them. This is a good practice for any clothing—new or used—to remove any residual chemicals from manufacturing or scents from shipping and handling.

The Journey of an Item: What ThredUp Does with Unaccepted or Unsold Clothes

The lifecycle of clothing on ThredUp is a fascinating process designed to keep as many items out of landfills as possible.

First, how does thredup get their clothes? It’s all through sellers. Individuals order a “Clean Out Kit,” fill it with clothes they no longer wear, and send it in. This is the primary source of the vast inventory you see on the site.

But what happens to items that don’t make the cut? On average, ThredUp does not accept 40% of the items sent in Standard bags. What happens to thredup clothes not accepted depends on the type of kit used. For Standard bags, these items are passed on to ethical reuse and recycling partners. For sellers using a premium service, unaccepted items can be returned for a fee. This is what does thredup do with rejected clothes.

And for the items that are accepted but just don’t find a buyer? What does thredup do with clothes that don’t sell involves a few strategies. Items are progressively discounted to increase their chances of selling. If an item still doesn’t sell within its listing window, the seller has the option to “reclaim” it for a fee. Any remaining items are responsibly recycled or reused through ThredUp’s partners, ensuring that what happens to clothes that don’t sell on thredup is still focused on sustainability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does ThredUp not have men’s clothes?
ThredUp’s business model is focused exclusively on women’s and kids’ clothing, shoes, and accessories. While they accept over 55,000 brands within these categories, does thredup sell men’s clothes is a question with a clear answer: no. Their acceptance guidelines explicitly state they do not list men’s clothing, formal gowns, or uniforms. So if you’re looking for is there a thredup for guys, you’ll need to explore other resale platforms. This specialization allows them to be experts in the women’s and kids’ market.

Does thredup take shoes?
Yes, absolutely! Does thredup take shoes is a common question, and the answer is that shoes are one of their “in high demand” categories. They accept women’s and kids’ shoes, including boots and sneakers, as long as they are clean, in good condition, and free of significant scuff marks or wear.

Are ThredUp clothes used?
Yes, the vast majority of items on ThredUp are pre-owned. The entire premise of the platform is to be an online thrift and consignment store, giving secondhand clothes a new life. While is thredup used clothes is true for most of the inventory, you can occasionally find items that are “New With Tags,” meaning they were never worn by the previous owner. So, are thredup clothes used? Yes, and that’s what makes it a sustainable and affordable way to shop.

Is ThredUp legit?
Yes, is thredup legit is a question many first-time shoppers have, and the answer is a resounding yes. ThredUp is one of the world’s largest and most well-established online consignment and thrift stores. It’s a publicly-traded company (NASDAQ: TDUP) that has processed over 172 million items. They also partner with major retailers like Walmart, Madewell, and Reformation through their Resale-as-a-Service® (RaaS®) program, further cementing their credibility in the fashion industry.

What is the difference between ThredUp and Goodwill?
While both deal in secondhand goods, their models are different. Goodwill is a non-profit organization that accepts donations, and the items are sold in physical retail stores. The process of does goodwill wash clothes before selling can vary by location but is generally not standard practice. ThredUp, on the other hand, is a for-profit online consignment platform. Sellers send in clothes to earn cash or credit, and ThredUp manages the entire process of inspecting, photographing, listing, and shipping the items for the seller. This explains how thredup works as a managed marketplace rather than a donation center.