Scoring an amazing vintage jacket or a thrifted designer dress is a thrill - until you realise it smells a little lived-in. But don’t worry! With the right care, you can remove any smells from thrifted clothes, restore secondhand clothing, and make vintage pieces feel like new in no time. Here’s how to wash, restore, and care for your thrifted fashion so it lasts for years to come.

1. Wash with Care

Before wearing your secondhand find, give it a deep clean to remove any lingering odors, dust, or bacteria. Different fabrics require different methods, so check the label before tossing anything in the wash.

Best ways to freshen up thrifted clothes:

• Machine Wash: Use a gentle cycle with cold water for most items, and add a splash of white vinegar to remove odors.
• Hand Wash: Delicate fabrics like silk, lace, or wool should be washed in cool water with mild detergent.
• Steam or Freeze: For dry-clean-only pieces, steaming can kill bacteria and freshen fabrics. Freezing overnight in a sealed bag can also help eliminate odors (yes, really!).

2. Remove Stubborn Smells & Stains

Some thrifted clothes might come with mystery stains or strong scents, but they don’t have to be dealbreakers.

Odor removal tips:

• Baking Soda Soak: Mix baking soda with water and soak your item overnight to lift deep-set smells.
• Sunlight: Hanging clothes in the sun naturally deodorizes and refreshes fabrics.
• Vodka Spray: A light mist of diluted vodka works wonders for neutralizing odors—no, it won’t make you smell like a cocktail!

Stain removal tips:

• For sweat stains: Apply a paste of baking soda and lemon juice, then rinse after 30 minutes.
• For grease stains: Sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder on the stain, let it sit, and brush it off.
• For ink stains: Dab with rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer before washing.

3. Restore & Repair

Breathe new life into pre-loved fashion with a little DIY restoration.

Fix minor wear and tear:

• Pilling: Use a fabric shaver or a simple razor to remove fuzz and make knits look fresh.
• Loose threads or buttons: A quick stitch or button replacement can instantly upgrade a piece.
• Faded black clothing: Refresh dark fabrics by soaking them in coffee or black tea before washing.

4. Upgrade & Personalise

Sometimes a secondhand piece just needs a little tweak to feel fresh.

Ways to make it your own:

• Tailoring: Hem, take in, or crop pieces for a better fit.
• Dyeing: Transform faded or stained clothes with fabric dye.
• Accessorizing: Swap buttons, add patches, or layer creatively to give thrifted finds a modern edge.

5. Store Your Secondhand Pieces Properly

Keeping your clothes in top condition means storing them the right way.

Storage tips:

• Use cedar blocks or lavender sachets to keep moths away from wool and knits.
• Fold heavy sweaters instead of hanging to prevent stretching.
• Store vintage and delicate fabrics in breathable garment bags to avoid damage.

Final Thoughts

Secondhand fashion isn’t just stylish - it’s sustainable. With the right care, thrifted pieces can feel as good as new (or even better). A little washing, restoring, and creativity can make your pre-loved wardrobe feel totally fresh and uniquely yours.

Ready to refresh your fashion? Start shopping secondhand and give clothes a new life!