How to clean thrifted finds

Shopping secondhand or thrifting online is always a good idea if you’re looking for a way to positively impact the planet and your wallet. Thrift stores offer a wide array of brands, styles and items, making them a great option to shop sustainably for anything you may need. When returning from your thrifting trip, it’s always a good idea to wash any items you come home with. Our team at Thrift World wants to help inform you on how to properly clean your thrifted items! 

How to clean thrifted items

Clothes

Checking your items’ labels for proper care instructions is a good first step in figuring out how best to clean different clothing. If a tag can’t be found, then determine your washing method based on the material and color. To ensure your item doesn’t get ruined in the cleaning process, it’s important to know if your item should be machine-washed or hand-washed. If you find your clothes still have a weird odor, try adding vinegar towards the end of the cycle to remove any undesired scents. After this, your clothes can be laid out under the sun to use the heat and UV rays to kill any leftover germs and dry the clothes. 

Accessories

Coming across a high-quality thrift store accessory can be thrilling, but they can sometimes have slight discoloration due to age or poor storage. Whether you’ve come home with a necklace, earrings, bracelet or anything else, it’s always a good idea to properly clean your thrifted accessories. If your jewelry is looking rusty, there is a fix! Baking soda, salt, lemon oil and warm water are all of the ingredients you need. Mix them together and let your jewelry soak for 15 minutes. After soaking, wipe off the solution. 

Leather

Whether you find a leather jacket, purse or an item of clothing, it may require some care to make sure your thrifted item stays in good condition while you wear it. Cleaning leather can seem like a daunting task, but it’s surprisingly easier than it sounds. The cleaning solution for leather consists of warm water and dish soap. Use this to wipe off dirt and debris. One part water and one part vinegar is also a good way to clean your jacket. 

Housewares

Finding housewares at a thrift store is always a thrilling experience. Whether it’s utensils, china, art or furniture, you can find great additions to your home for a fraction of the price when you shop secondhand. To clean thrifted dishes, soak them in warm water and use dish soap. For those bigger items, start by wiping them off with a cleaning product and using baking soda if a scent is present. 

Vintage vs Secondhand

It turns out that vintage and secondhand items aren’t the same. Vintage items are at least 20 years old, while secondhand items have not been around as long as vintage items, but they have still been owned or worn before. Sometimes vintage items cost more than secondhand items due to the demand for a specific item and the higher value. To find secondhand and vintage items, visit a thrift store in-person or try to thrift online!

Thrift online

Get the most out of your thrifted finds by cleaning them properly! Shop our Thrift World locations around the Omaha Metro, Council Bluffs, Carroll, St. Joseph and Kansas City! Can’t make it to a thrift store near you? Browse our inventory by thrifting online.