52 He must burn the garment. Because of the persistent and contaminating fungus, the material must be burned. 53 But if when the priest examines it the spot has not spread in the garment, 54 the priest will command the owner to wash the material that has the spot, and he will confiscate it for another seven days. 55 He'll then make another examination after it has been washed; if the spot hasn't changed in appearance, even though it hasn't spread, it is still unclean. Burn it up, whether the fungus has affected the back or the front. 56 If, when the priest makes his examination, the spot has faded after it has been washed, he is to tear the spot from the garment. 57 But if it reappears, it is a fresh outbreak - throw whatever has the spot in the fire.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Leviticus 13:52-57
Commentary on Leviticus 13:47-59
(Read Leviticus 13:47-59)
The garment suspected to be tainted with leprosy was not to be burned immediately. If, upon search, it was found that there was a leprous spot, it must be burned, or at least that part of it. If it proved to be free, it must be washed, and then might be used. This also sets forth the great evil there is in sin. It not only defiles the sinner's conscience, but it brings a stain upon all he has and all that he does. And those who make their clothes servants to their pride and lust, may see them thereby tainted with leprosy. But the robes of righteousness never fret, nor are moth-eaten.