5 Tips for Cleaning Used Clothing!

How to clean thrift store clothes, remove stains, deodorize odors, and sanitize secondhand clothing from consignment or resale shops.

Do you shop thrift stores, consignment sales, or resale shops? I used to be grossed out by the idea of wearing secondhand clothing until I learned the best ways to wash and sanitize thrifted clothes.

Now that my kids are older, I have started occasionally buying clothes for my kiddos from my favorite local thrift shop. It’s funny, I walk in and usually see several of my own personal household items that I donated and then walk out buying even more stuff that I possibly don’t even need…but oh well!

With school getting ready to start back up, I decided to see if I could score some deals on fall and winter clothing. Unfortunately, I didn’t find a single thing for either of those seasons, instead, I spent a small fortune on fancy dresses for my daughter —> things that happen when you go shopping with your daughter, lol!

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You can watch my top tips for cleaning used clothing that I shared over on my Heathy Natural Living facebook group.

This post contains affiliate links. See my disclosure here.

General Cleaning for Used Clothing

The first step in learning how to wash thrift store clothes safely is choosing the right detergent. This is especially helpful if you have sensitive skin and want a non-toxic, hypoallergenic laundry routine for secondhand clothing.

All of my laundry, regardless of what it is, gets washed in my all-time favorite laundry detergent. It is:

Removing Stains from Used Clothing

Sometimes you fall in love with a piece at the thrift store, but it has a stain. Don’t skip it! With the right products, you can remove stains from thrift store clothes and make them look brand new.

Typically, I don’t even worry about this. I have sort of become a stain remover master 3 kids (and 1 husband, lol) later. My go-to stain remover has worked on removing red clay from white shorts, removing stains from my toilet bowls, and removing stains on my carpet. It’s the bomb! It uses natural enzymes and active oxygen to re-brighten laundry, de-stain upholstery, and more. If the stains are grease based, the absolute easiest way to remove them is to use the platinum Dawn dish soap and an old toothbrush.

Want a little more proof that it works…check out this video I did!

Removing Smells or Other Detergents from Used Clothing

Does your thrifted clothing smell musty, smoky, or strongly of detergent? Here’s how to remove odors from secondhand clothes naturally. Vinegar and baking soda are classic options for anyone searching how to deodorize thrift store clothes naturally, however, I find it easier and more effective to use a few brands I fell in love with years ago!

Ever since I was in college, I have been using green, non-toxic laundry detergent. So…that’s been a lot of years off the smelly stuff. So now when I purchase clothing that has obviously been washed in regular store brand cleaner I oddly enough have a difficult time breathing. Removing the smell is a must! I’m usually able to remove all cleaner smells from clothing when I use my favorite deodorizer called Basic G+. This product is amazing and has so many purposes besides deodorizing!

Disinfecting Used Clothing

I have to say, I’m grossed out about wearing clothes worn by others. I’m literally paranoid of the germs. However, I’m perfectly fine wearing used clothes (and so is my wallet) when I use Basic G to disinfect and deodorize my clothes. (p.s. I use this when washing my dog’s bedding as well!)

If you’re wondering how to sanitize thrift store clothes and make sure they’re germ-free, here’s my go-to solution. This method works if you’re looking to disinfect used clothing without bleach while keeping fabrics safe.

My go-to germicide called Basic G+ by Shaklee, it is safe for laundry and will not stain, bleach or remove color. It is effective against the following pathogens, but for a complete listing refer here: 

• Staphylococcus aureus
• Salmonella enteritidis
• Legionella pneumophila
• Staphylococcus aureus – Methicillinresistant (MRSA)
• Hepititis B (HBV) and Hepitis C (HCV)
• SARS Associated Coronavirus

Drying Used Clothing

Drying is just as important as washing when you’re learning how to clean thrift store clothes at home. Some fabrics need air drying, but you can still keep them fresh with a DIY laundry deodorizer spray for secondhand clothing.

I love these soft fabric dryer sheets because they help prevent wrinkles without the fragrances and dyes. They are vegetable based (say what?!?!?) and are biodegradable! You can recycle the dryer sheets after using them! They even split in two in the dryer for fair and square distribution of soft, static-free goodness! Woot woot!

However, not every article of clothing can be put into the dryer. In that case, I make up a small amber spray bottle of lavender oil or lemon oil (depending on my mood) laundry spray and freshen up the clothes. I fill a 4oz bottle with water and add 3-5 drops of my favorite essential oils. Spritz on the clothing and let dry!

Love non-toxic cleaning like me? Download my FREE homemade cleaners e-Book to start making your very own safe, non-toxic cleaners!

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Stephanie Bruce

Stephanie—home cook, DIY addict, seasonal decor fanatic, and proud chicken wrangler living in a Victorian house that’s always a project. Whether I’m cooking with garden-fresh ingredients, herding mischievous chickens, or tackling another DIY, I’m here to share the fun (and chaos).