When you walk into a thrift store, you’re mainly hoping to find hidden or forgotten treasures—vintage coats, quirky pottery, or great books. But what you don’t expect to find is a team of silverfish or bedbugs. Tucked away in the folds of wool sweaters or the fuzzy linings of secondhand slippers could be tiny hitchhikers: moth larvae, bed bugs, or mold spores invisible to the eye but more than ready to make themselves comfy in your home.
That’s why, for seasoned thrifters, the freezer isn’t just for pizza—it’s a first line of defense in making sure their finds are safe, clean, and ready for a second life. Here are the types of things you should pop in the freezer as soon as you bring them home.
Key Takeaways
- Even clean-looking secondhand items—like sweaters, shoes, and books—can harbor moth larvae, bed bugs, mold spores, and other unwanted critters.
- Freezing items for 48–72 hours is an effective, chemical-free way to eliminate these threats before they infest your home.
- From fuzzy slippers to vintage hats and stuffed animals, many soft or porous items benefit from a quick freeze. It helps neutralize odors, bacteria, and bugs without damaging delicate materials.
1. Clothing, Textiles, and Soft Toys
Sweaters, coats, and quilts, and soft toys like stuffed animals could harbor moth larvae, bed bugs, and dust mites, which are sometimes found in secondhand textiles, especially pieces made from animal fibers like wool or cashmere. Even items that look clean might be carrying invisible infestations, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
To freeze clothing and textiles, seal the item in a plastic bag to prevent moisture and pop it in the freezer for at least 48-72 hours. When you’re ready to take it out, let it return to room temperature before opening the bag to prevent condensation. For extra cleaning, follow up with a gentle wash or surface disinfecting.
2. Books, Art, and Paper Goods
Used books can contain unwelcome pests like booklice, silverfish, and beetle larvae, which feed on mold, glue, and paper. Freezing books for at least 48 hours in sealed plastic bags can effectively kill these insects and their eggs. In fact, museums and archival institutions sometimes use deep freezing techniques (often for a week or longer at very low temps) to disinfect historical documents and rare books without using harsh chemicals.
To freeze them, place the books in a zip-lock bag to prevent moisture from entering, and to keep everything (pages and pests) contained. Put the book in the freezer and keep it sealed for at least 48 hours, but preferably a week. When you’re ready to take it out, let it thaw slowly. Allow the book to come back to room temperature while still sealed to prevent condensation, which could cause mold or mildew.
3. Shoes, Slippers, and Accessories
Freezing shoes, slippers, and accessories is a surprisingly effective method for neutralizing unwanted pests and microbes without harsh chemicals or damage. Footwear and accessories that have been previously worn can easily carry fungal spores (like athlete’s foot), bacteria, or mold, and on top of that, they can be a little smelly. While freezing won’t eliminate odors entirely, it can reduce the bacteria that cause musty or sweaty smells, making deodorizing efforts (like baking soda or sprays) more effective afterward.
To freeze shoes, slippers, or accessories, first clean the surface with a cloth or dry brush. Place them in a sealed plastic bag and remove as much air as possible. Put them in the freezer for 2-3 days at minimum, and leave for up to a week. After removing, let come to room temperature in the bag to avoid condensation.
For delicate items, like patent leather shoes or belts, wrap them in a clean pillowcase or soft cloth before bagging to avoid direct pressure from other frozen goods.
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