How to Clean Thrift Store Clothes
Shopping at thrift stores is a fun and budget-friendly way to update your wardrobe with unique and vintage pieces. What’s not fun are thrift store smells and dirty clothes. If you thrift shop regularly, you’ve probably encountered dirt, odors, and who knows what else on the clothes.
Whether you're concerned about hygiene, want to remove lingering odors, or just want to freshen up your new finds, these are a few things you can take to clean thrift store clothes so that they're in wearable condition.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. This means that I may receive compensation when you click on a product link or purchase an item linked on this site. Click here for details.
What to consider before purchasing an item
Cleaning clothes can be an arduous process, and you may not find it worth it to try to clean some items. When you come across something you're considering purchasing, it's best to find items in good condition, but that's not always the case, especially for vintage clothing. So consider how dirty the item is and if you're willing to do the work to clean it.
A normal sweatshirt that can go in the washing machine is no problem, but a vintage wedding dress with a large stain across the front or multiple items that need cleaning may not be worth your time and effort.
I once came across an item that looked like it had moth cocoons stuck to it. It didn't matter that the item was a nice dress. I wasn't going to clean it and passed on it like a hot potato.
Some items will have damage and require more extensive repair than just a wash. If you're unfazed by all of that or you like the challenge of restoring old clothes, then move on to the next step to get started cleaning.
Assess the item's condition
Before you start the cleaning process, take a look at the condition of the item to determine the best course of action.
Here are some things to look out for:
Stains: Check for any visible stains on the garment. Depending on the type of stain and the fabric of the garment, you may need to specially treat it, treat it before washing, or even take the item to a professional cleaner.
Odors: Thrifted clothing can sometimes have a musty or stale smell due to being stored for a long time. This is usually easy to fix but can take time and repeated washing.
Fabric: Different fabrics require different cleaning methods. Make sure you know what type of fabric you're dealing with before you start washing or dry cleaning the garment.
Damage: Check for any rips, tears, or other damage to the garment. How you clean the item may depend on the type of damage and whether you should repair the item prior to or after cleaning it.
For example, a tear may grow larger with agitation in the washing machine and need to be repaired first. On the other hand, you may want to carefully clean an item that is missing beads or sequins before you take the time to sew new ones on.
Care tags: Most clothes come with care tags, although vintage or handmade clothes may not. The tag usually gives information such as the fabric content and how to wash the item and dry the item.
Once you've assessed the item's condition, you can move on to cleaning.
Cleaning methods
There are a few different methods you can use to clean thrift store clothes, depending on the type of fabric and the condition of the garment.
These are some of the most effective methods:
Washing machine
The washing machine is the easiest and most convenient way to clean most thrift store clothes. Make sure to read the care label on the garment and follow the washing instructions carefully.
If the care label is missing, you can usually find washing instructions online by searching for the type of fabric.
For most items, a regular cycle with cold water and a mild detergent should be sufficient. I avoid using hot or warm water because I don't want to risk the item shrinking or colors bleeding.
If the garment has any visible stains, you may need to pre-treat the stains with a stain remover before washing it. You may have to let items soak for a few hours or overnight to let stain removers do their work.
It's best to wash items on their own or with similar colors. Nowadays many items are colorfast, but some items such as new denim jeans or clothes that have been dyed will run in the laundry.
If you're unsure about the colorfastness of the item, you can do a colorfastness test by wetting a small area of the fabric with water and rubbing it with a white cloth. If any color comes off, you should wash the garment separately or with other dark colors.
Hand washing
Although hand washing takes time and energy, it's a gentler alternative to the washing machine, which makes it a great option for delicate or fragile items.
Fill a sink, tub, or bucket with lukewarm water and a small amount of mild detergent. Gently agitate the garment in the water. Don't rub the fabric together
Rinse the item thoroughly with clean water, and gently squeeze out any excess water. Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric, as this can damage the item.
Air drying
Once you've washed or hand-washed a fragile item, it's important to let it air dry rather than putting it in the dryer. I sometimes roll up the item in a dry towel to remove the excess water. Be careful to gently lay and roll the item, not to stretch it or twist the towel, so that the item does not get damaged.
Depending on how fragile the item is, I will hang it on a hanger if it's lightweight and unlikely to stretch out or lay it across a drying rack to dry. Reshape items if necessary. For items that are prone to wrinkling, you can iron them on a low heat setting once done drying.
Dryer
Many of the clothes you find at the thrift store will be recently made and can withstand the high temperatures of the dryer. You may want to use the dryer not only to dry clothes, but also to rid of excess lint and any musty smells.
Read the label on the clothes and opt for low heat if you're concerned about shrinkage. If an article of clothing is older and doesn't come with care instructions, it's probably best to wash the item by hand and air dry it.
Dry cleaning
Some thrift store items may be labeled as "dry clean only." If this is the case, take the garment to a professional dry cleaner rather than attempting to clean it at home.
Dry cleaning uses special solvents that are effective at removing dirt and stains without damaging delicate fabrics. Choose a cleaner that has experience with different types of fabrics.
Some items that say dry clean only can be washed at home. I've done this several times with tops and pants that were everyday items, and they came out fine. If you place an item in the washing machine or hand wash an item, know that you take the risk of ruining it.
You could also try dry cleaning at a home with products like Dryel. This is a cheaper and more convenient alternative to dry cleaning.
Light cleaning
If you find something that seems clean and you're okay with not giving it a full and thorough washing, consider doing a light cleaning just to freshen it up. Spraying the clothes with Febreze can make them smell good so it lasts another wear or two before it needs to be washed.
Stain removal & cleaning products
The right cleaning products can make all the difference when it comes to cleaning thrift store clothes effectively. These are the products I like and use the most:
1) Stain Remover
If the thrifted item has any visible stains, you'll need a good stain remover to tackle them. Look for a product that's designed for the type of stain you're dealing with, whether it's oil, grease, or something else. Apply the stain remover directly to the affected area following the instructions on the packaging.
My favorite stain treatments:
If using distilled white vinegar, mix it with water in equal parts (e.g., 1 cup of each). You can place the mixture in a spray bottle to spray it on or lightly blot at the stain with the mixture. Let it sit for about 15 minutes before blotting the stain to see if it's lifting.
Resist the urge to rub the stain harshly or rub the fabric together as that may spread the stain and cause wear to the fabric.
Note that white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide can change the color of the fabric, so you'll want to test the products on a small unnoticeable spot first.
Hydrogen peroxide can cause color dye to bleed. I've seen it used well on items that were white or almost white with a stain needing to be removed.
Also leave it on only for a limited amount of time. I've seen white vinegar mixes and hydrogen peroxide do wonders to clothes and have not encountered any issue of fabric changing color.
2) Laundry detergent
For most items, a mild laundry detergent is all you need to get them clean. Look for a product that's gentle on fabrics and doesn't contain any harsh chemicals that could damage the garment. Avoid using too much detergent, as this can leave residue on the fabric.
OxiClean is a popular stain remover. Many detergents such as Tide and All have Oxi in them to assist stain removal.
I opt not to use fabric softener on my clothes because the items in softeners can lead to buildup like residue on clothes and in the washing machine. It might be useful for new clothes but not old second-hand finds.
Bugs & other things
I've been asked in the past about what to do to ensure you don't get bugs in your house. While it's unlikely you'll find bed bugs, spiders, and other insects in your thrift store clothing, it's possible, so you should be prepared for it.
You don't know where clothes have been, who wore them, or if they've been cleaned before you purchased them. Most (maybe all) thrift stores do not clean clothes before putting them out on the floor for sale.
They might evaluate the pieces while sorting and avoid putting overly dirty items out for sale. They might spray items with a light disinfectant, but it's up to you as a shopper to thoroughly clean thrift items.
1) Inspect items thoroughly
Inspect an item thoroughly by hanging it or holding it out and looking over it entirely with your eyes. While shopping at the store, shake the item a bit and see if anything catches your eye or falls off.
Look in the pockets. Inspect the seams. Unroll any cuffs. This will help you see any flaws, and if you're lucky, you might find some money hidden in a pocket.
2) Keep items contained for transport
Once you've purchased the items, keep them together while you transport them in your car. This might mean placing them in large shopping bags like those you find at IKEA, garbage bags, or large plastic bins. Don't let the items lay all over your trunk or car.
3) Inspect items once home
Once you get home, do another look through of the items before bringing them inside. You can inspect them in the garage, a separate storage or work area, or outside. Once you've finished this, bring them inside to their designated area. Don't leave items laying around the house.
4) Place items in the dryer
If items are not delicate, place them in the dryer on the highest heat setting for at least 30 minutes. This will kill bugs and germs and get rid of that thrift store smell.
Old second-hand clothes and vintage clothes may not survive the dryer. If that's the case and you want to be extra cautious, leave your items sealed in containers or garbage bags for at least a couple of days before handling them. If you live in a very hot climate, leave those containers or bags in the trunk of your car or someplace where they will get very hot.
You might ask why not place the items in the washer first using hot water. That washing machine is not enough strong enough or hot enough to kill some insects. Your best bet is to use a dryer if you have access to one.
Once you've done this and cleaned your items, your items need to be kept in good shape.
Tips for maintaining thrift store clothes
You'll want to take care of your thrifted clothing to ensure they last as long as possible.
Store them properly
Avoid placing fragile or delicate items on hangers. Fold them neatly and store them in a drawer or on a shelf.
Avoid over-washing
Washing thrifted clothes too often can cause them to wear out more quickly. Try to only wash them when they really need it. If you normally wash something after every wear, try washing it after 2-3 wears and use gentle cleaning methods to avoid damaging the fabric.
Rotate your wardrobe
Try to rotate your thrifted finds with other items in your wardrobe. Wear your best-loved items only when you are really set on them and not more often than necessary.
If you have a beaded top or pants that may stretch out, put them on just before leaving the house. Don't lounge around the house with them on. This will give them a break to air out between wearings and help prevent wear and tear.
Wrap up
Cleaning thrift store clothes doesn't have to be a daunting task. With a bit of care and attention, you can ensure that your thrifted items are clean, fresh, and ready to wear.
By choosing the right pieces and using the right cleaning methods and products, you can make your thrift store finds last for years to come. Not only will this save you money and reduce your environmental impact, but it will also give you a unique and stylish wardrobe that you will love.
Related posts:
