Cleanliness and Safety

   The worst possible outcome of my writing this post would be that people will get the impression that they can't get anything from a thrift store that isn't riddled in filth or infested with roach eggs. I am absolutely not saying that. Fact is, you wil find more things in ready-to-use condition than things you need to stress over cleaning.
   What I am trying to relay to you here is that you are buying used items, and as clean as the store and the items you are buying may seem, there are a few simple precautions that should be taken just to assure that you are doing your best to keep your home safe and clean.
   First of all, a smart shopper will always carefully inspect the the items they are considering buying. Not only should you look for stains or obvious signs of filth, but also rips, breaks, missing buttons, unfinished hems, non-functional zippers, knicks in furniture, chips in glassware, and faulty wiring in electronics.Some of these problems are fixable, but some are not, and if you're not sure whether you can fix it or not, you're probably better off not taking your chances on it.
   Everything you buy should be cleaned. Dishes should be washed, furniture should be polished, and everything else should be cleaned however appropriate.
   Obviously, if you see something that makes you question how clean or safe something is, pass on it. Nothing is worth comprimising the welfare of your family.
   Clothes should be washed immediately. I personally prefer to wash on hot when I can, unless the label warns against that. Some items even require dry cleaning, so follow whatever care the label recommends. The most important thing is that you clean it as soon as you can.
   When it comes to upholstered furniture, the cleaning is a bit more complex. Obviously, you can't throw it in the washer, so you need to use your own judgement when it comes to buying upholstery. If there are no stains, dirt, tears, rips, cobwebs, or other "danger signs," a simple Febreeze treatment may be all you need. But if you are worried about the material for any reason, reupholstering is the only real way to assure yourself that there is no more tainted fabric. Unless you are handy at this yourself, it could cost hundreds of dollars to have it done professionally. Just be sure you calculate how much it's worth to you to put the time and possible money into a project like that.
   The best thing that could come out of my writing this post would be that people would see how simple it can be to find something beautiful for very little money. Some people don't find thrifting worth the trouble of having to clean everything they buy, but for enthusiasts like me, it's half the fun. Putting your own personal touch on something and making it your own is just one of my absolute favorite things to do, and if you've never tried it, I think you should.
   Happy thrifting!