How To Get Smell Out Of Thrifted Clothes Simple Hacks That Work

Thrift shopping is a sustainable, stylish, and affordable way to refresh your wardrobe. But one common hurdle keeps many from fully embracing secondhand fashion: the lingering odor. Whether it’s mustiness from storage, cigarette smoke, or old perfume, unwanted scents can make even the most perfect find feel unwearable. The good news? You don’t need expensive products or industrial equipment to fix it. With a few household items and smart techniques, you can eliminate odors safely and effectively—preserving fabric quality while making your thrifted pieces feel brand new.

Why Thrifted Clothes Smell—and How Odors Stick

Odors in secondhand clothing come from a variety of sources: body oils, sweat, mold spores, perfumes, cigarette smoke, or long-term storage in damp basements or attics. Unlike surface dirt, these smells often embed themselves in fabric fibers at a molecular level. Regular washing may not be enough because detergents are designed to lift grease and stains, not neutralize volatile organic compounds (VOCs) responsible for persistent smells.

Fabrics like cotton, wool, and linen are especially absorbent, acting like sponges for environmental odors. Synthetic blends may trap smells in their polymer structures, particularly if they’ve been exposed to smoke or cooking fumes. Understanding this helps explain why some garments still stink after a wash cycle—and why targeted deodorizing strategies are essential.

“Odor molecules bind tightly to textile fibers, especially in humid conditions. To remove them, you need more than soap—you need pH balance, airflow, and time.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Textile Chemist & Sustainable Fashion Researcher

Step-by-Step Guide to Deodorizing Thrifted Clothes

Cleaning thrifted clothes properly involves more than tossing them in the washer. A systematic approach ensures maximum odor removal while protecting delicate materials. Follow this timeline-based method for best results:

1. Inspect and Sort (Day 1): Check labels for care instructions. Separate by fabric type (cotton, wool, synthetics) and color. Remove loose debris with a lint roller or soft brush.
2. Air Out (Day 1–2): Hang clothes outside or near an open window for 24–48 hours. Sunlight naturally kills odor-causing bacteria and breaks down VOCs through UV exposure.
3. Pre-Treat Stubborn Areas (Day 3): Apply a paste of baking soda and water to underarms, collars, or any stained zones. Let sit for 1–2 hours before proceeding.
4. Wash with Odor-Fighting Additives (Day 3): Use cold or warm water (depending on fabric), add detergent, and include one of the odor-neutralizing boosters listed below.
5. Dry Thoroughly (Day 3–4): Air dry when possible. If using a dryer, choose low heat with wool dryer balls to reduce static and improve airflow.
6. Final Scent Check (Day 4): Sniff test each item. If odor remains, repeat treatment using a different method before storing or wearing.

Tip: Never store thrifted clothes immediately after purchase. Always clean and air them first—even if they look pristine.

Top 5 Natural Odor Removal Hacks That Work

You likely already have everything you need in your pantry. These proven methods avoid synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals, making them ideal for sensitive skin and eco-conscious routines.

1. Baking Soda Soak

Mix ½ cup of baking soda into a basin of cold water. Submerge clothes for 2–4 hours (or overnight for strong odors). Baking soda neutralizes acidic and basic odor molecules, balancing pH and lifting stale scents without abrasion.

2. White Vinegar Wash

Add 1 cup of distilled white vinegar to your washing machine’s rinse cycle. Vinegar dissolves residue, removes mildew, and eliminates alkaline odors like sweat. Despite its sharp initial smell, vinegar rinses out completely, leaving fabrics fresh—not vinegary.

3. Sunlight + Fresh Air

Hanging clothes outdoors leverages two powerful natural deodorizers: UV radiation and oxygen circulation. UV light disrupts microbial growth, while moving air carries away trapped scent particles. This works especially well for wool coats, denim jackets, and linens.

4. Freezing Method (For Delicates)

Place non-washable items (like vintage hats or beaded garments) in a sealed plastic bag and freeze for 24–48 hours. Cold temperatures kill odor-causing bacteria and loosen bonded molecules. After thawing, shake vigorously and air out.

5. Essential Oil Refresh Spray

Create a DIY spray with ¾ cup water, ¼ cup witch hazel, and 10–15 drops of tea tree or lavender oil. Lightly mist clothes before storage. Tea tree oil has antimicrobial properties, while lavender masks residual smells naturally.

Hack	Best For	Time Required	Caution
Baking Soda Soak	Cotton, linen, towels	2–24 hours	Avoid on silk or raw denim (can stiffen fabric)
White Vinegar Rinse	Synthetics, workout gear, baby clothes	One wash cycle	Do not mix with bleach (creates toxic gas)
Sun Drying	Denim, outerwear, bedding	4–8 hours	Limited sun exposure for dark colors to prevent fading
Freezing	Non-washables, stuffed animals, hats	24–48 hours	Not effective for deep fabric absorption
Essential Oil Spray	Storage refresh, light airing	Immediate	Test on small area; some oils stain light fabrics

Common Mistakes That Make Smells Worse

Even with good intentions, certain habits can lock in odors instead of removing them. Avoid these pitfalls:

• Overloading the washer: Crowded machines reduce water flow and friction, limiting cleaning power.
• Using hot water on protein-based stains: Sweat and food residues contain proteins that set permanently when heated.
• Skipping the pre-soak: Immediate washing traps odors deeper into fibers.
• Storing damp clothes: Moisture breeds mildew, which creates a sour, musty smell that’s hard to reverse.
• Relying solely on fabric softener: It coats fibers with chemicals that trap odors over time.

Tip: Replace fabric softener with wool dryer balls—they soften clothes naturally and reduce drying time.

Real Example: Reviving a Musty Wool Coat

Sophie found a beautiful camel-colored wool coat at her local thrift store. The cut was impeccable, but it carried a heavy basement odor. Instead of walking away, she took it home and followed a multi-stage process:

First, she brushed the exterior with a clothes brush to remove dust. She then hung it on her balcony for two full days, rotating it every 12 hours to expose all sides to sunlight and breeze. Next, she mixed a solution of ½ cup baking soda and 2 gallons of cool water, submerging the coat for six hours. After a gentle machine wash with vinegar in the rinse cycle, she laid it flat to dry, reshaping the collar and sleeves. On day four, the coat smelled clean and earthy—like fresh air. Sophie wore it that weekend without hesitation.

This case shows how patience and layered treatments yield better results than a single aggressive wash.

Checklist: Your Post-Thrifting Odor Elimination Routine

Use this checklist every time you bring home secondhand clothes:

• ✅ Inspect for stains, holes, and odors
• ✅ Sort by fabric type and care label
• ✅ Brush off surface dust and debris
• ✅ Hang outside or near a window for 24+ hours
• ✅ Pre-treat stained or smelly areas with baking soda paste
• ✅ Wash with odor-fighting additive (vinegar, baking soda, or enzyme cleaner)
• ✅ Air dry when possible; avoid high heat
• ✅ Perform final sniff test before folding or hanging
• ✅ Store in breathable cotton bags or open shelves—not plastic bins

FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered

Can I use Febreze on thrifted clothes?

Febreze masks odors rather than removing them. While it can help between wears, it shouldn’t replace deep cleaning. Overuse can leave a chemical buildup that attracts more dirt and smells over time. For true odor elimination, stick to natural deodorizers like vinegar and baking soda.

What if the smell comes back after washing?

If the odor returns, it means the source wasn’t fully neutralized. Try a longer soak (up to 24 hours) in a vinegar-water solution (1 part vinegar to 4 parts water). For smoke-damaged items, consider an enzyme-based laundry booster, which breaks down organic odor compounds biologically.

Is it safe to wash dry-clean-only items at home?

Proceed with caution. Some delicate fabrics like rayon or acetate can shrink or lose shape. If you must wash, use a mesh bag, cold water, and a gentle cycle with a mild detergent. However, for heavily soiled or valuable pieces, professional cleaning may be worth the cost.

Conclusion: Wear Your Thrifts with Confidence

Smelly thrifted clothes don’t have to stay that way. With the right knowledge and everyday ingredients, you can transform musty finds into wearable treasures. The key is understanding that odor removal isn’t just about washing—it’s about neutralizing, ventilating, and treating fabrics with care. These simple hacks save money, reduce waste, and empower you to shop secondhand fearlessly.

💬 Ready to rescue more thrifted gems? Start with one smelly item this week and apply these techniques. Share your success story or favorite tip in the comments—your experience could inspire someone else to give pre-loved fashion a try.