Some enjoy rummaging the clothes around the thrift store, but there’s always a risk when buying second hand clothing. First off, you do not know if there are damages on the clothes as they have been worn before.
However, thrift store clothes are great alternatives from buying new clothes. It helps you save money and the environment. Although thrift clothes are often seen dirty and smelly, you can have them look new and fresh. Here are some of the tips on how to properly clean and care for secondhand clothing.
Inspect the Clothes Carefully
Before you purchase second hand garments, take a look for obvious flaws. It could be minimal or stubborn stains, loose or cut fabrics, or large holes or pinholes. Although some blemishes are unnoticeable, if you know the damages it will help you do the right method in cleaning and caring for the clothes. Use your sense of smell to check the clothes. The odor the clothes emit will tell you whether it has been properly washed or it has a permanent smell. Moreover, you should look for these on your thrifted clothes:
Do the clothes have stains? Are they treatable?
Are there tears or rips that need repair?
Are there worn out fabrics that need patch or replacement?
Is it made with delicate fabrics that need to be handled with care?
Although the vetting process is up to your judgment and the flaws are not a sign of proper care, they are an indication of which garments are still good to use. Thus, it is best to check the imperfections of second hand clothing.
Read the Care Instructions on the Wash Tag
Before you take action on cleaning your clothes, read the care instructions on the wash tags. These care tags will tell you how to properly clean and care for the clothing. You can locate the care tags on the back collar or side seams of the clothes, or on the waist of the pants.
Some of the things you have to identify on the care tags is the water temperature you need, instructions for drying, bleaching, and ironing the thrift clothes.
However, some boutique clothes do not have care tags. If you find yourself in this case, make your best judgment to determine the type of fabric and how you can care for it. But if you are still in doubt, you go to a laundry shop and have the item dry cleaned.
Treat the Identified Flaws
As the first step was to identify any flaws on the second hand clothing, it is important to treat these blemishes first before washing the clothes. If you do not treat the flaws first, it will be difficult to have them repaired or removed.
You can bleach stubborn stains on white fabrics or use reliable spot removers. But, if you are doubtful on what you are doing, consult a dry cleaning expert. Dry cleaners know the best method to treat stains.
Wash Clothes with Appropriate Water Temperature
You have to wash your clothes with the right water temperature. The temperature depends on the type of fabric and age of the clothes. If you wash them with the wrong water temperature, it might damage the material or shrink the clothes.
Washing cotton-based clothes in cold water will shrink them, while washing colored fabrics in hot water will make them run. Consider washing pre-shrunk or synthetic fabrics in warm water. Always check the wash label to determine if you are doing the right cleaning and caring method.
Properly Dry Clothes
After washing the thrifted clothes, you have to dry them. You have to dry the clothes appropriately to ensure that they will be cleaned and preserved well. If you do not dry your clothes properly, you will damage them.
You have to ensure that you are drying your clothes appropriately by following the care instructions on the clothes. Some thrited garments have some materials that should not be put in the dryer. If you are doubtful, hang dry the clothes or materials.
Remove the Unpleasant Smell
Do not be disappointed if your clothes still smell after you wash them. Some scents persist after a regular wash. You might need to take extra steps to remove the smells from your thrifted clothes. Here are a few of the methods you can do to remove the unpleasant smell from second hand clothes:
You can dab white vinegar on the clothes. However, you need to be careful in using white vinegar, if you do not dilute it with water it may be acidic. Although it may remove smells from second hand clothes, it may be abrasive for delicate dark clothes.
Activated charcoal is also helpful in removing smells from vintage or second hand clothes. You can place the clothes with activated charcoal. The activated charcoal will remove the smell from the clothes. Be careful not to have the charcoal and garments in direct contact.
Replace or Patch Parts
One of the most common flaws Remove buttons or ribbons that are torn or stained or patch those parts that are ripped. Check every seam or part of the cloth, there might be areas that need repairs. Patch, sew, or mend tears or torn parts on the seams.
Store Clothes Appropriately
The last but not least method in cleaning and caring your thrifted clothes is to store them properly. You have to keep them clean to avoid developing smells inside the closet. When you hang your clothes, make sure they have spaces between them to allow air and avoid moisture. You can place a deodorizer inside your closet to ensure it will not develop any unusual smells.
Moreover, ensure that your closet has low humidity to prevent growth of molds and mildew. Having a hot and high humidity closet can accelerate the clothes’ deterioration.
Final Thoughts
Shrug off the stigma around people who enjoy shopping second hand clothing. Thrifted clothes is a great option to keep garments from filling landfills and ending the cycle of mindless consumption. Get the thrill of shopping in thrift stores and learn how to properly clean and care for second hand clothing to have a solid thrift experience!
About the Author
Kay is an SEO content producer and web content writer of Liox Laundry. She has been writing content here and there. It is her passion to help readers ease their day-to-day dilemmas through her articles.
