After a successful thrift store trip, you’ve got a great thrift haul. You’re channeling your inner Macklemore, singing, “Coppin’ it, washin’ it, ’bout to go and get some compliments,” but maybe not just yet.
One of the typical thrift store stereotypes is that the clothes smell. I’ll agree with this. When I get home with my thrift haul, I have a fashion show in my living room. I do a twirl or two and a quick run down the catwalk (that’s disguised as my living room rug). The adrenaline from my fashion show wears off immediately and I smell the clothes I’ve worn. And the clothes don’t smell bad like sulfur or mold, they just smell… different. Not how I want my clothes regularly to smell. So, I have a simple routine of how to care for the clothes that I buy from thrift stores to refresh them and make them smell better! Here it is below.
1. Don’t, “pop some tags”, actually read them.
Pay close attention to the tags on articles of clothing. “Wash in cold water?” You should probably wash in cold water. “Delicate wash only” isn’t the same thing as a normal wash. “Wash with like colors,” means blues and greens, not dark-wash jeans with white shirts. You get the picture. Pay attention to the tags or else you’ll end up with clothing different than what you started with. Tags can be tricky and can play hide-and-go-seek with you. Either they’re inside the back of the shirt near the crew neck or inside the shirt on the side. Can’t find one? YOLO. Use your best judgment.
2. Stains?
Did you find a mystery stain you weren’t able to point out at the thrift store? That’s okay, Just use a regular stain remover. Unfortunately, I’ve had stains still stay in my clothes after using a stain remover. If you’re persistent with the stain remover and washing your clothes, your stains will eventually fade.
3. Wash with a good soap.
I recommend using Tide Free & Gentle for detergent and Downy Ultra Free & Sensitive for fabric softener. I have really sensitive skin and using these products help tremendously. They take the weird smell and itchiness away from my clothing. Although I miss the smell of flowers and fruits in my detergents and softeners, I’m happy to have found good products that make my skin feel better.
4. Dry or not dry?
Should you dry your clothes? Check the labels. Your clothes could shrink significantly if you don’t check the tags in between transitioning from the washing machine to the dryer.
5. Can’t get rid of the weird clothes smell?
I’ve heard other crazy techniques to get the smell out of stuff such as, using white vinegar in the washing machine or soaking your clothes in vodka. I, personally, have never reached out to these options because I’ve been thrilled with my results. But these are also good options. What’s your washing routine? Any successes/fails? Comment below with your experiences!