Clothing and Hygiene

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

Hi friend. A hot shower, clean socks and a fresh shirt can change your whole day. I know how much it matters to feel like yourself, especially when you're headed to a job interview, an appointment or a new start.

Here is the easy first step: dial 211 and ask, "Where can I get a shower, laundry or no cost clothes near me?" Then use this guide for ideas, places to call and a few tips that stretch every dollar.

A few things to know

• You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
• Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise items or a spot in any program.
• Clothing closets and shower days change week to week. Call ahead when you can.
• In danger right now? Call 911. Thinking about suicide or in crisis? Call or text 988.

Where can I get no cost clothes?

No cost clothes usually come from clothing closets at churches, missions, shelters and day centers. Some open on set days, and some give out a voucher you can use at a thrift store.

The best way to find what's open this week is a quick call.

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Ask about vouchers

Some shelters and churches hand out vouchers for thrift stores. It never hurts to ask, "Do you have a clothing voucher?" Easy peasy!

Where can I take a shower?

Showers are often at day centers, missions and some shelters. Here are two Florida examples from the Miami Dade Homeless Trust.

Times can change, so call first.

• Camillus House, Miami. Showers Monday to Friday, starting at 6:30 am.
• Miami Rescue Mission. Showers Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 2 pm to 5 pm.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.homelesstrust.org/homeless-trust/homeless-about/home.page

In other counties, ask 211 for "showers" or "day center." In Jacksonville, City Rescue Mission says meals, a place to sleep and clean clothes are available for people in need. Call 904.421.5161.

How do I keep my clothes clean on a budget?

• Ask about no cost laundry. Some day centers, churches and shelters offer laundry days. Ask 211.
• Wash a few things often. Socks and underwear by hand in a sink, with a little soap, then hang to dry.
• Use less soap. A small scoop gets clothes clean and saves money.
• Air dry. Hanging clothes saves dryer money and helps them last.
• Keep one clean outfit set aside for appointments and interviews.

Feeling fresh isn't a luxury. It's part of taking care of you, and you deserve that.

From the Bunklow team

How do I get hygiene items like soap, diapers and pads?

Here's something a lot of folks don't know: the USDA says SNAP can't buy nonfood items like hygiene products, cleaning supplies and paper goods. So these items usually come from other places.

• Food pantries. Many pantries keep some hygiene items, diapers or pads. Ask when you visit.
• Shelters and day centers. Many hand out basic kits.
• 211. Ask for "hygiene items," "diapers" or "period products" near you.
• Community drives. Churches and groups often collect these items. Ask what's coming up.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligible-food-items

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Keep a little kit with you

A zip bag with a toothbrush, a few wipes, deodorant and a spare pair of socks fits in any backpack. It's a small thing that helps a lot.

How do I take care of myself in the Florida heat?

These are simple, common sense ideas, not medical advice.

• Drink water often, even before you feel thirsty.
• Wear light colored, loose clothes and a hat when you can.
• Change into dry socks to keep your feet healthy.
• Rest in shade or cool places like libraries during the hottest hours.
• If you feel dizzy, confused or very sick in the heat, call 911.

What should I wear to a job interview?

You don't need anything fancy. Clean, neat and comfortable is what matters most.

• A clean shirt with a collar or a simple top.
• Pants or a skirt without holes.
• Clean, closed toe shoes if you have them.
• Ask clothing closets for "interview clothes." Some keep them set aside.
• CareerSource Florida's local career centers help with job searches and resumes. Find yours at https://www.careersourceflorida.com/

How can I save on clothes, diapers and baby items in Florida?

Florida doesn't charge sales tax on some of the things families need most. That means a little more stays in your pocket.

• Diapers, every day. The Florida Department of Revenue lists diapers for all ages, plus incontinence underwear, pads and liners, as tax no cost all year.
• Baby and toddler items, every day. Since July 1, 2023, baby wipes, baby and toddler clothes and shoes (size 5T and 13T and smaller), cribs, strollers, baby bottles, pacifiers and safety gates are tax no cost all year.
• Back to school, every summer. During Florida's Back to School Sales Tax Holiday, clothes, shoes, backpacks and bags of $100 or less per item are tax at no cost. School supplies of $50 or less are tax no cost too. In 2026, it ran July 20 to August 20.
• The holiday counts each item on its own. Two shirts at $55 each are both tax at no cost. But a $120 pair of pants is taxed on the whole price.

This is general information, not tax advice. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://floridarevenue.com/taxes/tips/Documents/TIP_23A01-09.pdf and https://floridarevenue.com/rules/pdf/DR-46NT_0725.pdf and https://www.floridarevenue.com/backtoschool/Pages/default.aspx

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Check your receipt

If a store charged tax on diapers or wipes, it's OK to kindly ask the cashier or manager to check it. Keep your receipt either way.

Questions people ask a lot

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You deserve to feel good

Taking care of yourself is never selfish. I'm happy you're here, and I hope today brings you something fresh and good!

Who can I call in my county?

Here are places that can point you to clothes, showers and hygiene help near you. If your county isn't listed, dial 211.

Florida

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Miami Dade County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Broward County (Fort Lauderdale)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Palm Beach County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Hillsborough County (Tampa)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Orange County (Orlando)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Duval County (Jacksonville)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Pinellas County (St. Petersburg and Clearwater)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Lee County (Fort Myers)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Polk County (Lakeland)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Osceola and Seminole counties

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

My plan for this week

Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!

Key numbers to keep

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Please let me know if you have any questions

If something here is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Make it a great day, friend!

About this guide

Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Sources were first checked on October 16, 2026. New sources were added, and every link was checked again on October 18, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

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Last updated October 18, 2026