Hey, thrift shoppers! You know the thrill of finding that perfect vintage jacket or those trendy jeans for a fraction of the price. But before you proudly strut your thrift store finds, it’s essential to clean and disinfect them properly.
After all, you never know what adventures these clothes have been through before they reached you.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through a comprehensive guide on how to clean and disinfect secondhand clothing so you can rock your pre-loved garments with confidence.
Step 1: Inspect and Prepare Your Clothes
The first thing you want to do is give your thrift store treasures a thorough visual inspection.
Check for any stains, rips, or missing buttons that need attention. Also, be sure to empty pockets and remove any tags or pins left by the thrift store.
You might find some surprises—hopefully, not the bad kind!
Step 2: Pre-Treat Stains
Pre-treating stains is a crucial step when dealing with secondhand clothing. Some items might have stubborn stains that need extra attention.
To do this, you can use a stain remover or even a mixture of baking soda and water. Apply the solution directly to the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before washing.
Check out our guide on how to get rid of armpit stains from white shirts for more stain-fighting tips.
Step 3: Choose the Right Washing Method
Not all clothes are created equal, and neither are their washing methods.
Here are some common methods to clean your secondhand clothing:
Machine wash: For most items, you can simply toss them in the washing machine. Use a gentle cycle and cold water to prevent shrinking and fading. Don’t forget to separate your clothes by color to avoid color bleeding.
Hand wash: For delicate items, like silk or lace, hand washing is the best option. Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a mild detergent. Gently agitate the garment, rinse, and then gently squeeze out the excess water.
Dry clean: If you scored a high-end garment or one with special care instructions, it’s best to take it to the dry cleaners. They have the expertise and equipment to properly clean and disinfect your find without causing damage.
Step 4: Disinfect Your Clothes
While washing your clothes will remove most germs, it’s always a good idea to disinfect them for extra peace of mind. You can do this by:
Adding a laundry sanitizer or white vinegar to your wash cycle.
For items that can tolerate high heat, use the hottest water setting on your washing machine or dryer, as this will help kill germs.
If you’re hand washing delicate items, you can add a few drops of tea tree oil or lavender essential oil to the water to help disinfect.
Step 5: Dry and Air Out Your Clothes
After washing and disinfecting, it’s time to dry your clothes. You can either air dry them on a drying rack or use your dryer on the appropriate setting. Remember that some clothes might shrink in the dryer, so it’s best to air dry when in doubt.
Once your clothes are dry, let them air out for a bit to ensure any lingering odors are gone.
Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget About Shoes and Accessories
Thrift shopping isn’t just about clothes; you might also find some fantastic shoes and accessories. Just like with clothing, it’s essential to clean and disinfect these items before use.
Check out our guides on how to wash and clean work boots and how to deodorize shoes and eliminate odors for some helpful tips on keeping your thrifted footwear fresh and clean.
For accessories like bags, hats, and scarves, here’s what you can do:
Wipe down non-porous materials like leather, vinyl, or plastic with a disinfectant wipe or a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol.
Machine wash fabric items like scarves and hats on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent, then air dry.
For delicate or intricate accessories, spot clean with a mild soap and water solution, or consult a professional cleaner for specialized care.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to clean and disinfect secondhand clothing from thrift stores, you can wear your fabulous finds with confidence, knowing they’re as clean and fresh as can be. Happy thrifting!