How to Remove Thrift Store Smell From Clothes
Complete Thrift Store Odor Removal Process
- Pre-treat visible stains with stain remover and let sit 10 minutes
- First wash: Add 1 cup white vinegar to fabric softener compartment with regular detergent
- Second wash: Add 1/2 cup baking soda directly to drum with detergent
- Air dry in sunlight for natural deodorizing (avoid high heat that sets odors)
- Check for remaining odors before storing
Targeting Specific Odor Types
- Soak clothes in basin with 1 part vinegar + 3 parts water for 30 minutes
- Add 1 cup Borax to wash cycle for enhanced deodorizing power
- Use unscented detergent to avoid layering more fragrances
- Double rinse cycle to remove all residues
- Pre-soak in oxygen bleach solution for 60 minutes (whites/colorfast items)
- Wash with enzyme detergent to break down smoke particles
- Add 1/2 cup activated charcoal in mesh bag during rinse cycle
- Hang dry outdoors for UV ray deodorizing
- Spray clothes with equal parts water and white vinegar
- Let air dry completely, then wash with hot water (if fabric allows)
- Add 1 cup baking soda to wash cycle for moisture absorption
- Ensure complete drying to prevent mold return
Chemical-Free Odor Removal Methods
- Hang clothes outside in direct sunlight and fresh air
- UV rays naturally kill odor-causing bacteria
- Leave for 4-8 hours, turning once halfway through
- Best for mild odors and as pre-treatment step
- Fill spray bottle with cheap vodka (40% alcohol minimum)
- Spray garment thoroughly on both sides
- Hang to air dry completely - alcohol evaporates with odors
- Repeat if necessary before washing
- Stuff pockets and sleeves with crumpled newspaper
- Place garment in sealed plastic bag for 24-48 hours
- Newspaper absorbs moisture and odor molecules
- Remove newspaper and air out before wearing
Fast Odor Removal Solutions
- Sprinkle clothes liberally with baking soda
- Place in plastic bag and shake to distribute evenly
- Let sit for 30 minutes minimum
- Shake out or vacuum excess baking soda before washing
- Place clothes in sealed plastic bag
- Put in freezer overnight (kills bacteria that cause odors)
- Remove and let return to room temperature
- Air out or wash as normal
- Use handheld steamer or hang in steamy bathroom
- Steam penetrates fibers and lifts odor molecules
- Add few drops essential oil to steamer water for fresh scent
- Air dry completely after steaming
Special Care for Delicate and Vintage Items
- Test colorfastness on hidden area first
- Hand wash in cool water with delicate detergent
- Add 1/4 cup white vinegar to rinse water
- Lay flat to dry away from direct sunlight
- Never wring or twist delicate fabrics
- Use Restoration Fabric Cleaner (oxygen bleach + baking soda only)
- Dissolve in hot water first, then add to cool water basin
- Soak for 6+ hours for vintage stains and odors
- Rinse thoroughly and air dry flat
- Use pH-neutral detergent designed for museum textiles
- Soak in distilled water to avoid mineral deposits
- Support wet fabric with mesh screen during rinsing
- Block or shape while damp, then air dry flat
Vinegar + baking soda method shows 94% effectiveness across fabric types
Based on NY Times Wirecutter, The Spruce, and textile care specialists
Most methods: 2-3 hours including wash and dry time
Under $5 in common household supplies for most methods
Found the perfect vintage blazer but it smells like it’s been sitting in someone’s basement for decades? We’ve all been there. That weird thrift store smell – part musty, part cleaning product, part mystery – can turn an amazing find into something you’re embarrassed to wear. The good news? You don’t have to live with it or throw away great pieces. I’ve tried every trick in the book (some disasters included), and these methods actually work. Whether you need to freshen something up for tomorrow or you’ve got time for a deep clean, here’s what really gets rid of that stubborn odor.
Don’t let funky smells scare you away from thrift shopping – some of my favorite pieces started out pretty rough. The vinegar-and-baking-soda combo handles most odor problems, but those quick fixes can be lifesavers when you find something perfect but need to wear it soon. Fair warning: really stubborn smells might need a second round, especially if something’s been stored in a damp basement for years. But once you get the hang of this, you’ll be grabbing pieces other people pass by, knowing you can make them fresh again. Happy thrifting.
Helpful Tools On Blufashion
Ready to put your new odor-removal skills to work? Check out our complete guide to buying thrift vintage fashion online, including mystery boxes, quality tips, and how to spot the best deals.
→ Read: Thrift Vintage Fashion – How It Works & How to Buy Smarter
Before you start any of these odor-removal methods, make sure you’re not accidentally damaging your thrift finds. Check the care label first – those mysterious symbols actually tell you exactly what’s safe.
→ Decode Any Care Label in Under a Minute
- About the Author
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I’m Iskra Banović, editor of Blufashion and the voice behind its fashion, beauty, and lifestyle stories. Fashion, beauty, and lifestyle are my playground, but I’m just as likely to share the messy side of it all, like the time I tested a “must-have” skincare gadget and ended up with glitter stuck in my hair. I love turning trends and everyday finds into something useful (and fun) for real people.
