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🧼 How to Clean and Care for Thrifted Items: Clothes, Dishes, Books and More
You found something great at the thrift store. Now what? A little cleaning turns a good find into one you will love using. Here is how to care for the most common things you bring home.
Clothing
- Wash everything before wearing. Use the warmest water the care label allows.
- Soak stained pieces in an oxygen-based cleaner.
- For odors, try white vinegar in the rinse or an extra cycle.
- Dry-clean or hand-wash delicate vintage items.
Dishes and glassware
Wash by hand with warm soapy water. Skip the dishwasher for vintage china with gold trim and for anything with painted decoration. Do not use very old painted dishes for daily food use.
Cast iron
Scrub off rust with steel wool, wash, dry and rub with a thin layer of oil. Bake upside down at a high temperature to re-season.
Books
To freshen musty books, place them in a box with baking soda or cat litter for a few days. Wipe covers with a barely damp cloth.
Furniture
Wipe with a mild soap solution and let it dry. Check inside drawers and under cushions. Wood polish and a little sanding can revive a tired piece.
Smells and pests
Air everything out. If you see signs of bugs, leave the item outside and treat it before bringing it in.
Test before you commit
Try cleaning a small hidden area first. If the color or finish changes, shop and choose a gentler method.
Quick answers
Do I have to wash everything?
Wash or wipe everything that touches skin or food.
What about stubborn smells?
Air items outside, then use baking soda or vinegar. Some smells never fully leave, so skip those pieces.
Thrift tip: Clean thrifted items in the garage or laundry room first, before they go anywhere near your bedroom.
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