How to Clean and Sanitize Thrifted Clothing

If you’ve been following along with my 75 Hard Style Challenge, you know that one of my biggest goals this year has been to break my shopping habit and get more intentional about my wardrobe. After realizing I’d spent over $24,000 on shopping in 2025 (yes, you read that right!), I knew something had to change. The challenge pushed me to rethink how I shop, what I wear, and how I can make the most of what I already have.

That’s where thrifting came back into my life. I used to love thrifting and consignment shopping as a kid, and rediscovering it as an adult has been a game changer. Not only can you find unique, high-quality pieces (sometimes even better than what’s in stores now!), but it’s also a more sustainable and budget-friendly way to refresh your closet.

Of course, one of the most common questions I get is: “How do you make sure thrifted clothes are actually clean?” I totally get it—bringing home pre-loved clothes can feel a little daunting if you’re not sure how to properly clean and sanitize them. Over the past few months, I’ve developed a routine that gives me peace of mind and keeps my thrifted finds looking (and smelling) fresh.

In this post, I’m sharing my step-by-step process for cleaning and sanitizing thrifted clothing—from the moment you bring it home to that first confident wear. Let’s dive into how to make your thrifted treasures feel brand new!

Why Cleaning Thrifted Clothing Matters

One of the things I love most about thrifting is the thrill of finding something unique—maybe it’s a vintage blazer, a perfectly worn-in pair of jeans, or a designer piece you’d never splurge on at full price. But as much as I love the hunt, I know that bringing home pre-loved clothes means taking a few extra steps to make them truly yours.

Cleaning thrifted clothing isn’t just about peace of mind (though that’s a big part of it!). It’s about making sure your new-to-you pieces are fresh, comfortable, and ready to wear. Thrifted items can sometimes carry lingering odors, dust, or allergens from their previous life, and while most thrift stores do a decent job of sorting and cleaning, it’s always best to give everything a thorough refresh at home.

For me, cleaning and sanitizing thrifted finds is also a way to extend the life of each piece. A little extra care can help vintage fabrics last longer, keep colors vibrant, and ensure that every item you bring home feels like it was made just for you. Plus, there’s something really satisfying about knowing you’ve given a garment a second (or third!) chance to shine.

If you’ve ever hesitated to thrift because you weren’t sure how to handle the cleaning part, I promise it’s easier than you think—and totally worth it for the treasures you’ll find.

Sorting Your Thrifted Finds

As soon as I get home from a thrifting trip, the first thing I do is sort everything I found and remove tags. This step makes the whole cleaning process so much easier and helps me make sure each piece gets the care it needs.

• Inspect each item – As soon as I get home, I look over every piece for stains, smells, or damage. This helps me decide what needs extra care or immediate attention.
• Check the garment label – I always read the care label for washing instructions and fabric details. Some pieces, especially wool, silk, or vintage, need special treatment.
• Sort by color and wash type – I separate items by color (lights, darks, brights) and by how they need to be cleaned: machine wash, hand wash, or steam/spot clean only.
• Set aside for repairs or alterations – If anything needs a new button, a quick stitch, or a little TLC, I put it in a separate pile to fix before washing.

Taking a few minutes to sort and inspect your thrifted finds right away not only helps you avoid laundry mishaps, but also gives you a chance to get excited about all the new possibilities in your wardrobe!

Pre-Treatment Tips

Before tossing anything in the wash, I always take a few minutes to pre-treat my thrifted finds. This step is especially important for older or vintage pieces, or anything with visible stains or lingering odors.

• Check the label – Always check the label or tag of your thrifted clothes for care instructions. The tag will typically provide you with details on how to care for your clothes, including wash instructions and/or dry cleaning.
• Do a sniff check – Give your thrifted clothing a good sniff for any peculiar odors like smoke, must, or sweat. The type of smell matters, as some will need a special type of cleaning to get rid of the scent.
• Spot and stain inspection – Look over each item for stains. Whether it’s coffee, makeup, or something mysterious, identifying stains early helps you choose the right pre-treatment. Most stains can be removed, but the sooner you treat them, the better.
• Type of fabric – Pay attention to the fabric type. Jeans and cottons can usually handle a regular wash, but vintage, wool, or silk pieces may need special care like hand washing or steaming.
• Pre-treat stains – Use a gentle stain remover or enzyme spray on any spots you find. Let it sit for a bit before washing. For tougher stains, soak the item in a solution of water and a little white vinegar or baking soda.
• Deodorize for strong smells – For items with strong thrift store odors, soak them in a mixture of water and white vinegar for a few hours or overnight. Baking soda can also be added to the soak or directly to the wash for extra deodorizing power.
• Steam delicate or vintage pieces – Use a garment steamer to kill germs and refresh fabrics like wool or silk before washing, especially if you’re worried about odors or can’t wash the item right away.

Taking the time to pre-treat stains and odors makes a huge difference in how fresh and clean your thrifted clothes feel—and it helps ensure you don’t set any stains permanently during washing.

Washing Methods by Fabric

When I first got back into thrifting, I’ll admit I was a little nervous about how to properly clean all the different fabrics I was bringing home. Over time, I’ve developed a routine that works for me and gives me peace of mind—plus, it helps my thrifted treasures last longer and look their best.

I’ve learned that not all fabrics are created equal, and taking a few extra minutes to wash things the right way really pays off. For example, I used to toss everything in the machine, but after shrinking a favorite wool sweater (RIP), I now hand wash or steam anything delicate or vintage. It’s a little more effort, but it’s so worth it to keep those special finds in great shape.

Machine-washable items

• Read the label – Always double-check the care tag for temperature and cycle recommendations.
• Wash separately at first – Wash thrifted items alone the first time to prevent cross-contamination or color transfer.
• Use the right detergent – Choose a quality detergent and add a laundry booster (like vinegar or baking soda) for extra cleaning power.
• Select the right cycle – Use a gentle or delicate cycle for most items, and a regular cycle for sturdy fabrics like denim or cotton.
• Water temperature – Use the warmest water safe for the fabric to help sanitize and remove odors.

Hand-washing delicates

• Fill a basin with cool or lukewarm water – Add a gentle detergent or castile soap.
• Soak and gently agitate – Let the item soak, then gently swish it around. Avoid wringing or twisting.
• Rinse thoroughly – Rinse until the water runs clear, pressing out excess water gently.
• Lay flat or hang to dry – Air drying preserves the shape and integrity of delicate fabrics.

Special care for wool, silk, and vintage pieces

• Spot clean when possible – Use a gentle stain remover or a solution of water and vinegar for small stains.
• Hand wash with care – Use cool water and a wool- or silk-specific detergent. Avoid agitation.
• Steam or air out – For items that can’t be washed, use a garment steamer to sanitize and freshen, or hang outside in fresh air.
• Never use high heat – Avoid hot water or dryers, which can shrink or damage delicate fibers.

Extra tips

• Avoid fabric softeners and bleach – These can damage fibers and leave residues.
• Use an extra rinse – Especially for thrifted items, to ensure all detergent and odors are removed.
• Iron or steam after drying – This helps kill any lingering germs and gives your clothes a crisp, fresh feel.

I promise, once you get into the habit of matching your washing method to the fabric, it becomes second nature—and your thrifted finds will thank you for it! Taking a little extra care means you can enjoy those one-of-a-kind pieces for years to come.

Sanitizing Techniques

Making sure my thrifted clothes are truly clean and sanitized is a big part of my routine—especially since I want to feel confident wearing them right away. Over time, I’ve found a few tried-and-true methods that work for almost any fabric and help get rid of that “thrift store” smell for good.

• Hot water (when safe for fabric) – If the care label allows, washing clothes in hot water is one of the easiest ways to kill germs and bacteria. I always double-check the tag first, especially for delicate or vintage items.
• White vinegar or baking soda – Adding 1/2 to 1 cup of distilled white vinegar to the wash helps deodorize and sanitize. Baking soda is another favorite—it’s gentle, natural, and great for neutralizing odors. Sometimes I’ll use both for extra freshness.
• Laundry sanitizers – I’ve tried commercial laundry sanitizers like Tide Sanitizer, but honestly, I prefer natural methods most of the time. Still, these products can be a good option for extra peace of mind, especially for items that need a little more heavy-duty cleaning.
• Sun-drying – Whenever possible, I hang my clothes outside to dry in the sun. Sunlight is a natural disinfectant and helps eliminate lingering odors. Plus, there’s nothing like the smell of clothes dried in fresh air!
• Steaming – My Samsung AirDresser closet steamer is a game changer for sanitizing and freshening up thrifted finds, especially wool coats and delicate pieces. For smaller items, I use a handheld steamer. Steaming not only kills germs but also helps remove wrinkles and revive fabrics.
• Sanitizing spray – For items that can’t be washed (like some coats, shoes, or bags), I use a fabric-safe sanitizing spray and let them air out thoroughly. This step is especially helpful for getting rid of that thrift store smell.
• Vodka spray – It might sound odd, but a spray bottle filled with cheap vodka and water is amazing for neutralizing odors. Just spritz it on, let it dry, and the alcohol takes the smells with it!

I’ve found that combining a few of these techniques—like washing with vinegar, sun-drying, and a quick steam—makes even the most “loved” thrifted pieces feel fresh, clean, and ready to wear.

Drying and Finishing Touches

Once your thrifted clothes are clean and sanitized, how you dry and finish them can make a big difference in how they look, feel, and last. Here’s what works for me:

• Air drying is best – Whenever possible, I hang my clothes to dry—either outside in the sun or on a drying rack indoors. Air drying helps preserve the shape and color of vintage and delicate items, and sunlight naturally deodorizes and sanitizes.
• Machine drying on low – For sturdier items (like jeans or cotton tees), I’ll sometimes use the dryer on a low heat setting. I always check the care label first and avoid high heat, which can shrink or damage fabrics.
• Wool dryer balls – I love using wool dryer balls instead of dryer sheets. They help clothes dry faster, reduce static, and can even absorb lingering odors. Sometimes I’ll add a drop of essential oil for a fresh scent.
• Ironing or steaming – After drying, I like to give my clothes a quick steam or iron. This not only smooths out wrinkles but also adds an extra layer of sanitization. My closet steamer is perfect for this, but a handheld steamer or regular iron works great too.
• Finishing touches – If an item still has a faint thrift store smell, I’ll hang it up to air out for another day or give it a light spritz with vodka or a fabric refresher spray. For extra freshness, I sometimes tuck a sachet of lavender or cedar into my closet or drawers.

I’ve found that taking a little extra time with drying and finishing touches makes my thrifted finds feel truly “mine”—fresh, clean, and ready to wear with confidence.

Caring for Shoes, Bags, and Accessories

Thrifting isn’t just about clothes—some of my favorite finds have been shoes, bags, and accessories! These pieces need a little extra attention to make sure they’re clean, fresh, and ready to use. Here’s how I handle them:

• Vacuum and wipe down – As soon as I bring shoes or bags home, I give them a good vacuum inside and out to remove dust and debris. Then I wipe down all surfaces with a damp cloth.
• Sanitizing spray – I use a fabric-safe sanitizing spray on the inside and outside of shoes and bags, then let them air out thoroughly. This helps get rid of any lingering thrift store smell.
• Leather care – For leather items, I clean them with a gentle leather cleaner and then moisturize with a leather conditioner. This keeps the leather soft, supple, and looking its best.
• Non-leather items – For canvas, faux leather, or fabric bags and shoes, I stick to sanitizing spray and a gentle wipe-down. If possible, I’ll remove and wash any fabric liners or insoles.
• Air out and dry – I always let shoes and bags dry completely before storing or wearing them. If the weather’s nice, I’ll set them outside for a few hours for a natural refresh.
• Extra freshness – For shoes, I sometimes sprinkle a little baking soda inside and let it sit overnight to absorb odors. For bags, I’ll tuck in a sachet of lavender or cedar to keep things smelling fresh.

Taking these steps means I can enjoy my thrifted shoes, bags, and accessories with confidence—knowing they’re clean, fresh, and ready for their next adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you really sanitize thrifted clothes at home? Absolutely! With the right methods—like washing with vinegar or baking soda, using hot water when safe, steaming, and air drying—thrifted clothes can be just as clean and fresh as anything new.

How do you handle persistent smells? If an item still smells after washing, I soak it in a vinegar solution or give it a spritz with vodka and let it air out. Sun-drying also works wonders. Sometimes, it takes a couple of rounds, but most odors will eventually disappear.

What’s the biggest myth about thrifted clothing? That it’s “gross” or can’t be cleaned! Most thrifted items are already pretty clean, but a good wash and a little extra care can make them feel brand new.

Do you need special products to clean thrifted clothes? Not really! My go-tos are vinegar, baking soda, a gentle detergent, and sometimes vodka for odors. I do have a closet steamer and a handheld steamer, but you can get great results with just the basics.

Any advice for someone new to thrifting who’s worried about cleanliness? Inspect garments for stains and damage before buying, and don’t be afraid to pass on anything that feels questionable. Most items just need a good wash and a little fresh air. Focus on sanitizing for your own peace of mind, and you’ll be able to enjoy your thrifted finds with confidence.

Conclusion

Thrifting has completely changed the way I approach my wardrobe, and learning how to properly clean and sanitize my finds has made the experience even more rewarding. With a little extra care and the right techniques, you can turn any secondhand treasure into a fresh, ready-to-wear favorite.

Whether you’re a seasoned thrifter or just starting out, don’t let worries about cleanliness hold you back. Most thrifted clothes just need a good wash, some fresh air, and maybe a little TLC to feel brand new. Plus, the process of caring for your finds makes them feel even more special and personal.

Happy thrifting—and happy cleaning!