How To Get Smell Out Of Thrifted Clothes Effective Sanitizing Tips

Thrift shopping is a sustainable, budget-friendly way to refresh your wardrobe with unique finds. But one common hurdle remains: the lingering smells. Whether it’s mustiness from storage, perfume residue, cigarette smoke, or body odor, secondhand garments often carry more than just history—they carry scent. The good news? With the right techniques, you can completely eliminate unwanted odors and sanitize your thrifted clothes so they’re not only fresh but also hygienic.

Unlike regular laundry, treating thrifted items requires more than a standard wash cycle. These garments may have been stored for months, exposed to mold spores, pests, or strong environmental odors. A proper cleaning process removes both visible and invisible contaminants. This guide walks through proven, practical steps—from immediate inspection to deep sanitization—ensuring your thrifted pieces are as clean and safe as new ones.

Why Thrifted Clothes Smell—and Why It Matters

Odors in secondhand clothing typically stem from three main sources: biological residue (sweat, skin cells), environmental exposure (smoke, dampness), and chemical traces (perfumes, mothballs). Microorganisms like bacteria and mold thrive in fabrics when moisture and organic matter are present, especially in poorly ventilated storage spaces. Over time, these microbes break down proteins and lipids in sweat, producing volatile organic compounds responsible for persistent smells.

According to Dr. Lena Patel, microbiologist at the Urban Textile Research Institute, “Fabrics act like sponges for microbes and allergens. Washing alone doesn’t always kill pathogens—especially in cold water cycles. Sanitization is essential for health and long-term fabric integrity.”

“Even if a garment looks clean, it may harbor allergens or microbes that trigger reactions. Proper deodorizing includes both microbial elimination and odor neutralization.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Microbiologist

Beyond hygiene, removing smells ensures longevity. Lingering odors can degrade fibers over time, especially natural materials like cotton and wool. Tackling them early preserves both comfort and quality.

Step-by-Step Guide to Deodorize and Sanitize Thrifted Clothes

A systematic approach delivers the best results. Follow this timeline-based method for thorough odor removal and sanitation:

1. Inspect & Sort Immediately: As soon as you bring home your haul, check each item for stains, damage, or signs of pests (like tiny holes or webbing). Separate by fabric type and care label instructions. Avoid mixing delicate silks with heavy denim.
2. Air Out Before Washing: Hang clothes outside or near an open window for 4–6 hours. Sunlight contains UV rays that naturally kill bacteria and mildew. This step reduces odor intensity before washing and prevents contaminating your washing machine.
3. Pretreat Stains and Odor Hotspots: Apply a paste of baking soda and water to underarms, collars, or stained areas. Let sit for 30 minutes. For smoke or strong perfumes, use a vinegar spray (1 part white vinegar to 3 parts water).
4. Choose the Right Wash Method:
   • Cotton, linen, denim: Machine wash in warm or hot water (if label allows) with oxygen bleach.
   • Synthetics, blends: Use cool water with a gentle detergent and odor-neutralizing additive.
   • Delicates (silk, lace): Hand wash or use a mesh bag on a delicate cycle.
5. Add Sanitizing Agents: Boost cleaning power with one or more of the following:
   • ½ cup white vinegar in the rinse cycle
   • ¾ cup baking soda in the wash cycle
   • Color-safe oxygen bleach (not chlorine) for whites and colors
6. Dry Thoroughly: Air-dry in direct sunlight when possible. UV light disinfects and eliminates remaining odor-causing microbes. If using a dryer, select high heat for at least 45 minutes to kill bacteria and mites.
7. Final Scent Check & Repeat if Needed: After drying, sniff key areas. If odor persists, repeat the wash with a different additive (e.g., switch from vinegar to baking soda) or try a steam treatment.

Tip: Never skip the air-out step—even a few hours of ventilation can reduce washing effort by half.

Best Natural and Chemical Solutions Compared

Not all odor removers work the same way. Some neutralize, others mask, and a few actually destroy odor molecules. Below is a comparison of common agents used for thrifted clothes:

Agent	Mechanism	Best For	Caution
White Vinegar	Acid breaks down alkaline residues (sweat); kills bacteria	All washable fabrics, especially cotton and synthetics	Strong smell during wash (dissipates after drying)
Baking Soda	Neutralizes acidic and basic odors; softens water	Heavy odors, underarm buildup	Can leave residue if not fully dissolved
Oxygen Bleach	Releases hydrogen peroxide to kill microbes and lift stains	Whites and colorfast fabrics	Not for silk, wool, or leather
Hydrogen Peroxide (3%)	Oxidizes organic matter and microbes	Stain + odor combo; safe for most fabrics	Test for colorfastness first
Essential Oils (Tea Tree, Lavender)	Antimicrobial properties; adds pleasant scent	As a supplement—not primary sanitizer	Can stain or irritate sensitive skin

Note: Avoid chlorine bleach unless absolutely necessary. It degrades fibers, yellows fabrics over time, and reacts poorly with vinegar (producing toxic fumes).

Real Example: Reviving a Musty Wool Coat

Jamie purchased a vintage wool coat from a local thrift store. It had great structure and lining but carried a strong damp, basement-like smell. She didn’t want to ruin the fabric with harsh chemicals.

Her process:

• First, she hung the coat outdoors for two full days, brushing it daily with a clothes brush to dislodge dust.
• She then placed bowls of activated charcoal inside the pockets and sealed the coat in a large cotton pillowcase overnight.
• After airing, she hand-washed it in cool water with a wool-safe detergent and ¼ cup baking soda.
• Rinsed thoroughly, then laid flat to dry away from direct heat.
• Once dry, she lightly steamed the exterior with a garment steamer, adding a few drops of tea tree oil to the water reservoir.

The result? No trace of odor remained. The coat looked and smelled like new—without shrinkage or damage.

Tip: For non-washable items, combine charcoal absorption with sunlight exposure and steaming for deep deodorization.

Checklist: Your Post-Thrift Cleaning Routine

Use this checklist every time you bring home secondhand clothes to ensure consistent results:

• ☐ Inspect each item for stains, pests, or damage
• ☐ Sort by fabric type and care instructions
• ☐ Hang items outside or near a window for 4+ hours
• ☐ Pretreat odor-prone zones (collars, underarms) with baking soda or vinegar
• ☐ Wash with appropriate detergent and odor-fighting additive
• ☐ Use oxygen bleach or vinegar based on fabric safety
• ☐ Dry in sunlight or high-heat dryer cycle
• ☐ Sniff test after drying—if odor remains, rewash with alternate method
• ☐ Store cleaned items separately from unwashed ones

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Febreze on thrifted clothes before washing?

Febreze masks odors but doesn’t sanitize. Using it pre-wash may interfere with detergent performance. Better to use post-wash if a light fragrance is desired—or skip it entirely in favor of natural options like lavender-infused wool dryer balls.

What if the clothes still smell after washing?

Persistent odors often mean microbes survived the wash. Try rewashing with oxygen bleach in hot water (if fabric allows), or soak in a vinegar-water solution (1:4 ratio) for 1–2 hours before rewashing. For delicate items, consider professional cleaning or extended charcoal/sunlight treatment.

Is it safe to wear thrifted clothes without washing them?

No. Even seemingly clean garments can carry bacteria, fungi, or allergens. Dermatologists recommend washing all secondhand clothing before wearing. This is especially important for intimate apparel, baby clothes, and items with close skin contact.

Advanced Tips for Stubborn and Non-Washable Items

Some garments—like structured blazers, vintage hats, or beaded dresses—can’t withstand a machine wash. For these, alternative methods are essential:

• Freezing: Place small items in a sealed plastic bag and freeze for 48 hours. This kills bed bugs and mites but doesn’t remove odors. Best paired with airing.
• Steam Cleaning: Use a handheld garment steamer to penetrate fibers with heat. Add a few drops of antimicrobial essential oil (like eucalyptus) to the water. Effective for killing germs and refreshing linings.
• Activated Charcoal Bags: Place 2–3 charcoal pouches inside folded garments and seal in a cotton storage bag for 3–7 days. Charcoal absorbs volatile organic compounds responsible for musty and smoky smells.
• Baking Soda Storage: For drawers or closets storing cleaned thrifts, place an open box of baking soda nearby to prevent odor recurrence.

For heavily contaminated items—such as those smelling strongly of smoke or mildew—consider donating them instead of attempting rescue. Some odors are too deeply embedded, and repeated treatments may degrade the fabric beyond repair.

Conclusion: Wear Your Finds with Confidence

Removing smells from thrifted clothes isn’t just about freshness—it’s about reclaiming garments safely and sustainably. With the right combination of airing, targeted washing, and smart additives, even the stinkiest finds can become wardrobe favorites. The process takes a little extra time, but the payoff is significant: clean, sanitized clothing that looks great, smells clean, and aligns with eco-conscious values.

Every thrifted piece has a story. With proper care, you can rewrite its next chapter—one free of mustiness, microbes, and hesitation. Start applying these methods today, and turn your secondhand scores into first-choice staples.

💬 Have a thrift transformation success story? Share your favorite tip or before-and-after experience in the comments—your insight could help another shopper breathe easy.