how to get thrift store smell out of clothes

3 min read 11-12-2024

how to get thrift store smell out of clothes

Finding unique, affordable clothing at thrift stores is a treasure hunt. But sometimes, that treasure comes with a less-than-desirable scent. That characteristic "thrift store smell" can be persistent, but don't despair! This guide will walk you through effective methods to banish that odor and leave your thrifted finds smelling fresh and clean. Getting rid of that thrift store smell is easier than you think!

Understanding the Source of the Smell

Before we dive into solutions, let's understand why thrift store clothes smell. The smell isn't just dust; it's a combination of factors:

Stored Items: Clothes have been sitting in storage for a while, sometimes in less-than-ideal conditions. This leads to musty odors from dampness and mildew.
Previous Owners: The previous owner's perfumes, body odor, smoke, or other scents can linger in the fabric.
Fabric Type: Certain fabrics (like wool or linen) are more prone to absorbing and retaining odors.
Lack of Proper Cleaning: Not all thrift stores meticulously clean every item before it hits the shelves.

Effective Methods to Eliminate Thrift Store Smell

Now, let's get to the heart of the matter: removing that unpleasant smell. Here's a multi-pronged approach combining various techniques:

1. Pre-Treatment: The Initial Assessment

Before washing, inspect each garment closely. Check for stains or heavily soiled areas. Pretreat these spots with a stain remover appropriate for the fabric type.

2. Washing: The Power of the Machine

Ventilation: Air out clothes for a few hours before washing. This removes surface odors.
Washing Machine: Wash your thrifted items in the hottest water safe for the fabric. Use a good quality detergent, and consider adding a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle – this helps neutralize odors.
Borax Boost: For particularly stubborn smells, add 1/2 cup of borax to your wash. Borax is a natural deodorizer.
Baking Soda Power: Another natural option is to add 1/2 cup baking soda to the wash. It helps absorb odors.
Drying: After washing, air dry the clothes if possible. This is gentler on the fabrics and helps prevent the setting of odors. If using a dryer, add dryer sheets for extra freshness.

3. Advanced Techniques for Stubborn Smells

If the smell persists after washing, try these advanced techniques:

Soaking: Soak clothes in a mixture of cold water, detergent, and white vinegar for several hours, or even overnight. This allows the solution to penetrate the fabric and neutralize the odor.
Freezing: Yes, freezing! Place the garment in a sealed plastic bag and freeze it for 24 hours. This can help kill odor-causing bacteria and mildew.
Fabric Fresheners: Use fabric refresher sprays or even essential oils (like lavender or tea tree oil) to add a pleasant scent. Apply sparingly and allow to air dry.
Professional Cleaning: For delicate or valuable items, professional dry cleaning is the safest bet. They have specialized equipment to remove stubborn odors.

4. Addressing Specific Odor Types

Certain smells require specialized treatment:

Smoke Smell: Wash as directed above, then consider airing the clothes outside for several days. A smoke odor remover can also be helpful.

Musty Smell: Address mildew stains immediately. Then, wash as directed above, paying extra attention to ventilation and air drying.

Body Odor: Thoroughly pre-treat armpits and other areas prone to body odor before washing.

5. Prevention is Key

Inspect Carefully: Before purchasing, take the time to sniff each item carefully.
Air Out Immediately: Once you bring your thrift store finds home, immediately air them out in a well-ventilated area.

Conclusion: Sweet-Smelling Success!

With a little patience and these helpful techniques, you can easily conquer that thrift store smell and enjoy your thrifted treasures. Remember, a combination of methods often works best. Don't be afraid to experiment to find what works best for your specific items and the type of smell you're dealing with. Happy thrifting!