It is always enjoyable to scan every inch of a thrift store to find something that you are looking for. But when you do find that perfect item, it is important that you know how to clean it properly to maximize its use and also for your safety.
Don’t know how and where to start? No worries! We’ve come up with a list of tips to help you clean your thrift store accessories, clothes, and other things. We do not recommend that you skip these very important steps!
How to Wash Your Thrift Store Clothes?
You can find almost anything in a thrift store. If you’re lucky, you can also score branded clothing pieces. Washing thrift store clothes may seem easy. However, you should always check the label. Different clothes sometimes require different washing methods.
The first thing you should do is sort your clothes according to color and materials used. Next is to check the label and see if it is appropriate for hand washing or machine washing, and if it can be spin-dried or tumble-dried. You may also consider using a vinegar solution at the end of the cycle to remove that “thrift store smell”.
After that, you can even put the clothes under the sun. The intense heat and UV rays from the sun can kill germs and dry your clothes at the same time. Once you know the dos and don’ts of washing thrift store clothes, it will not be complicated next time.
How to Clean Thrift Store Accessories?
Isn’t it satisfying when you find good quality thrift store accessories? However, some of these accessories already have discoloration because of age and improper storage. Some thrift store accessories you can find are necklaces, bracelets, anklets, and others.
You may recall a time when you chose not to buy a thrift store accessory because of what you thought was rust. What many don’t know is that you can restore these items’ former glory by making a homemade accessory cleaner. You will only need a few ingredients that are probably already in your cupboard. Just mix baking soda, salt, lemon oil, and warm water. Soak the accessories in the solution for 10-15 minutes. After that, wipe it with a clean cloth and be amazed by the new look of your thrift store accessory. If this cleaning method doesn’t work, you can always opt to go to a professional jewelry cleaner or buy over-the-counter accessory cleaners.
How to Clean Your Thrift Store Leather Finds?
There’s no limit to what you can find in thrift stores. If you have a good eye and patience, you can spot a good quality leather purse or a leather jacket. Even if it is in good condition, this also requires cleaning.
Learning how to clean leather jackets from the thrift store is not as hard as it seems. You can make a cleaning solution with warm water and dish soap. Use a clean cloth to wipe down the dirt from your thrift store find. You can also try a solution of one part water and one part vinegar. After that, dry it using a clean towel.
Spotting a good purse at the thrift store is a great thing. But there is a high chance that the previous owner used it for a long time. You should know how to clean leather purses from the thrift store. If you don’t like to make homemade solutions, you can purchase leather shampoos or leather creams to bring back the pristine look of your thrift store purse.
How to Clean Thrift Store Housewares
If you have been looking to redecorate your home but don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on brand-new home decor, you can find unique, quality decorations at your favorite thrift store. However, even if these items are for decoration only, cleaning them is still necessary.
Thrift store housewares include utensils, china, decorative art pieces, and furniture. These items are not that tricky to clean. You can soak dishes in warm water and clean them using dish soap. For bigger items, you can opt for wiping them with a cleaning agent. Don’t forget that baking soda is also your friend if there’s an off-putting smell.
How to Clean Thrift Store Wigs
Buying wigs from the thrift store is not common due to sanitary reasons, but if you find a wig that fits you, you can definitely use them. You just have to know how to clean wigs from the thrift store.
Make sure that you clean the wig thoroughly to get rid of any dirt. Brush the hair to separate the hair strands properly. You can use wig shampoos with baking soda to wash them and rinse them with water. If you are meticulous, you can also use a wig conditioner. After that, you can either allow it to air dry or use a blow-dryer.
How to Clean Stuffed Animals from the Thrift Store
When you find the cutest stuffed animal in the thrift store, you might have the urge to buy it. You can use it for decoration or put it in your kid’s room. However, you should know how to clean stuffed animals from the thrift store.
Cleaning stuffed animals may be a bit of a hassle, but it is a must. You can put them in a laundry sack and place it in the washing machine with a liquid cleaner. Turn it on a gentle cycle only. After that, you can use the spin-dryer or dry them under the sun.
You should know that it is not worth it to risk your health and safety when it comes to buying a thrift store item. Cleaning them may be difficult, especially if you don’t know how. It is essential to clean your thrift store finds to get rid of germs and bacteria.
If you are wondering where to find the finest thrift store in Lebanon, TN, you can drop by Haven House! Who knows? Maybe this is where you’ll find the next addition to your collection.
