On Reddit, employees have begun unveiling the dreadful conditions they are forced to withstand in their workplaces. While some of the experiences recounted by workers from Hobby Lobby and Chick-fil-A are undeniably distressing, one particular narrative from an individual employed at Goodwill has sparked widespread conversation. Originally posted in late August 2020, this story has steadily gained traction, accumulating over 81,000 upvotes on the social-sharing site.

At Goodwill, it seems, cleanliness takes a back seat. The employee shared, “We don’t sanitize any of the items we sell, and we encounter some truly repulsive donations that end up touching everything else.” The cautionary tale concluded with, “So next time you buy something from Goodwill, be sure to give it a thorough wash.”

Another former worker echoed this sentiment: “I used to work at Goodwill, and you’re absolutely right—200%.”

One concerned shopper expressed their unease, writing, “Even before COVID, I always felt grimy after leaving there. I would immediately wash my hands.”

Yet, this revelation failed to shock many readers.

“Sorry to darken your day, but the last time I went thrifting, I stumbled upon a pair of yoga pants… only to discover that the crotch was crusty,” one person shared, adding to the thread of grim anecdotes.

Another commenter recalled a similarly unsettling experience: “Oh god! Why did you have to remind me? I once tried on pants at a thrift store, only to realize afterward that the previous owner had clearly skipped wearing underwear. It was revolting—either they wore those pants for a week straight, or they seriously need to see a doctor.”

Others chimed in with their methods of handling second-hand purchases.

“Whenever I shop at Goodwill, I wash everything before it even comes near my closet. Warehouses and people can be disgusting, and Goodwill is no exception.”

One individual suggested taking extra precautions: “Double washing is the way to go. Often, you’ll see how dirty the first load of water is.”

A more stringent shopper declared, “I would never wear clothes without washing them first. Whether they’re from Goodwill or a high-end boutique, I always assume they’ve been in contact with something unsanitary, so I wash them no matter what.”

Despite these unsavory accounts, a Goodwill volunteer offered a counterpoint: “A friend of mine volunteered at Goodwill for a year and mentioned seeing an impressive amount of cleaning being done, mainly thanks to the elderly volunteers. Everything was spotless.”

What’s your take on these claims about Goodwill? Do you believe they thoroughly clean the donated clothes at their locations?