How to Wash Thrifted Clothes
So you’ve just returned from thrifting clothes, arms full of unique finds that tell a story and promise to add character to your wardrobe. While we consider these secondhand items as rare gems, it’s essential to wash thrifted clothes for several vital reasons, from eliminating bacteria and dust to getting rid of stains and odors to reviving fabric quality.
However, washing thrifted clothes is not as simple as throwing the used clothing in the washing machine with detergent and water. It requires following specific measures to ensure that your new secondhand favorites are in the best condition, regardless of the material they’re made with.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to wash thrifted clothes – transforming your finds from “hidden gems" to "polished treasures" with care and love. Whether you’re a regular at thrift stores or new to the joy of thrift shopping, there’s a way to master the art of cleaning thrifted clothing so you can rock those outfits confidently.
Pre-Wash Inspection
Before starting with the cleaning process, take a moment to assess each thrifted item closely. This initial step involves checking the garment's care labels for specific washing instructions and carefully examining for any stains or damage.
Check Labels for Washing Instructions
Thrift store clothes come with their backstory, and the care label is the prologue. Before you throw them in the washing machine or dab anything on them, take a moment to read the label and assess each item's unique needs. Is it a silk dress that only requires a hand wash or a sturdy cotton hoodie that can brave machine washing? This first step ensures your vintage clothes and other thrift store finds retain their charm and don't turn into a laundry disaster.
Identify Stains and Damage
Stains and wear are the marks of the previous owners’ adventures, but this shouldn’t stop you from wearing your new favorite item. Our mission is to give these items a fresh start and for you to have clean, thrifted clothes that are ready for anything! With a keen eye, try to spot any signs of these past escapades, like a coffee stain from a cafe or a worn seam from a dance-off at the club. Early detection is critical to finding the most suitable and effective treatment, ensuring that your secondhand clothing gets the revival it deserves.
Sort Your Thrifted Finds
After your pre-wash inspection, sort your thrifted clothes by color and fabric type. This separation is key to preventing color bleeding and ensures that items that have similar care requirements are washed together.
By Color
When thrift shopping, you may encounter a rainbow of possibilities, from the boldest reds to the calmest blues. But to prevent getting these colors mixed up, it’s crucial to sort your clothes by color. Keep the lights and darks separate and white items away from colored ones. This simple step also keeps your laundry detergent’s work focused on cleaning, not damage control, after a dye disaster.
By Fabric Type
Just as you wouldn’t mix your delicate porcelain ware with your everyday dinnerware in the dishwasher, treating your secondhand clothes with the same judgment is crucial. Divide your new clothes into groups based on fabric – the hardy wools and the robust denims from the delicate silks and laces. Not only does this maintain the quality of the fabric, but it also ensures a harmonious wash cycle.
Choose the Right Detergent
If you’re wondering how to disinfect secondhand clothes properly, make sure you choose the right detergent. Finding a suitable laundry detergent that’s tough on the thrift store smell but gentle on your clothes is essential. Opt for a gentle, eco-friendly detergent that respects the environment and preserves the delicate nature of your thrifted clothing. Remember, a little can still go a long way, especially when dealing with vintage clothing and other thrift store clothes that have been around the block a few times.
Washing Techniques for Delicate Items
Not sure how to clean thrifted clothes with delicate fabric? A gentle hand wash or a cautious cycle in the washing machine with mild soap and fabric softener can do wonders for delicate items. It’s the gentle embrace they need, especially for vintage clothes. To do this, fill a basin with lukewarm water, add a small amount of mild soap, and let your garments soak in the serenity. It’s a therapeutic ritual for both you and your clothes, ensuring they remain in your life for years to come.
Treating Stains on Thrifted Clothes
Stains are like the battle scars of thrifted clothing, each telling a story. But, in this case, not all tales need to live on. So, whether it’s a grass stain or a splash of coffee, knowing how to approach these stains can make a difference.
Natural vs. Chemical Stain Removers
So the question is, do we go natural, or do we call upon the help of chemicals? For our eco-friendly thrifters, a mix of distilled white vinegar and water can work wonders on most stains. It’s like giving your clothes a refreshing spa treatment that not only lifts blemishes but also banishes thrift store smells and all other odors without harming the planet.
But in the case of stubborn spots, you might need the help of a gentle chemical stain remover. Remember, it's all about balance. Use these trusted companions sparingly and with precision, ensuring your thrifted treasures emerge unscathed.
Drying and Ironing Tips
After washing, properly drying and ironing your thrifted clothes become the next crucial steps in maintaining their condition and appearance. Here are some tips you can follow:
Drying Delicate Fabrics
When it comes to drying, patience is a virtue. For your delicate items, drying them in cool fresh air is the most gentle approach. To do this, lay them flat on a clean towel or hang them, allowing the air to work its magic by gently drying them without the stress and strain of a machine dryer. It’s a peaceful process that preserves the integrity of each thread and stitch.
Ironing Without Damage
Ironing is the final step, smoothing out wrinkles and preparing your pieces for their official debut whether that’s in your wardrobe or for thrift flipping. But before you get excited, make sure to iron with caution. If it’s too hot, you’ll risk the disaster of ruining the fabric. What you should do is use a low heat setting and use a protective barrier like a thin cloth between your iron and the garment. This ensures that your clothes are pressed well and ready to wear!
Special Considerations
Some thrifted items, like vintage clothing and materials such as leather and suede, require special care. Learn how to maintain and preserve the quality of these special items with these care tips.
Vintage Clothing Care
Vintage finds take special care as they are vulnerable pieces of history. Often, these items prefer the gentle approach of dry cleaning, especially if they're made from fabrics that are already rare to find. Make sure to consult the expertise of a dry cleaner, and treat your vintage pieces with the care that they deserve – and they’ll continue to add timeless elegance to your wardrobe.
Leather and Suede Care
Leather and suede are in a league of their own—durable but still demanding respect and proper care. Thrifted items made from these materials often require specialized cleaning methods, specifically from professionals who understand their unique needs. If you’re caring for them at home, a soft brush and specific cleaning products made for leather and suede can keep these items looking their best. But before you go all out, always test a small area first to ensure that there’s no unwanted reaction.
Find Thrifted Clothes Online at ShopGoodwill.com
As we wrap up our guide on how to wash thrifted clothes, remember that the adventure doesn’t end here. The journey to unique, sustainable fashion is ongoing, and what better place to continue this movement than at an online thrift store like ShopGoodwill.com? Like your physical thrift shop, our online thrift store is also a treasure trove waiting to be explored, filled with pre-loved clothing that, with the proper care, can become a beloved part of your wardrobe.
Use our best tips for thrifting and dive into ShopGoodwill.com today to discover hidden gems.
Sources
Dreft. (2024, February 18). How to Wash Delicates: Step-By-Step Guide. Retrieved from https://www.dreft.com/en-us/washing-tips/detergent-tips/how-to-wash-delicate-clothes
Kelly's Dry Cleaners. (2024, January 30). 6 Ways to Clean Leather and Suede. Retrieved from
https://kellysdrycleaners.com/blog/6-ways-to-clean-leather-and-suede/