How to Clean Your Thrift Store Finds in Under 5 Minutes

I love a thrift store and always see unique pieces that I can’t imagine why anyone would part with them. But, after carefully inspecting the clothing or household item for damage, I know it must be cleaned before I wear or use it.

Here are seven quick tips for cleaning thrifted items so you don’t bring unwanted pests or dirt into your home.

Use a Plastic Bag to Kill Hidden Pests

Soft goods like clothing, pillows, or linens, and paper goods like books or wrapping paper can harbor hidden insects.

To make sure you don’t introduce lice, bedbugs, or roaches into your home, place the item in a large, sealable plastic bag. Pop it into the freezer overnight or leave it out in the sun for 24 hours.

The extreme low or high temperatures will kill the pests, and then you can proceed with regular cleaning in the washing machine or by hand as needed.

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Place Items in the Dishwasher

Of course, there are things that can’t go in the dishwasher, but many items can. Plastic toys, kitchenware (except for vintage china and crystal), vases, ceramic accessories, pet toys and dishes, and gardening tools all can—and should—be cleaned in a dishwasher.

Dust Wooden and Metal Furniture

For a quick clean-up, use a damp microfiber cloth to remove dust, grime, and cobwebs from wooden and metal furniture surfaces. If the cloth becomes heavily soiled as you work, rinse it out and wring out the excessive water.

If the surfaces are coated with dirt, use a mild soap and warm water to dampen the microfiber cloth. Once the piece is cleaned, use a dry microfiber cloth to dry the surfaces well.

Use a Garden Hose

If you have purchased outdoor furniture or garden decor, clean it quickly with a spray bottle of all-purpose cleaner and the garden hose.

Rinse off loose dust and dirt with the hose (use a gentle setting of a spray nozzle) and then spritz the pieces with all-purpose cleaner. Wait at least five minutes for the cleaner to begin working, and then rinse away the dirt with the hose.

If there are crevices that are still dirty, use a soft-bristled nylon brush and a bit more all-purpose cleaner to get rid of the dirt and do a final garden hose rinse. Dry the pieces with a microfiber towel.

Read Clothing Care Labels to Sort Clothes

When you get your newfound treasures home, take a few minutes to sort the clothing.

Pretreat stains, turn the items inside out, use cold water to help reduce any color-bleeding, and add a laundry sanitizer to the rinse cycle.

For hand-wash only items, fill a sink with cool water and a gentle detergent. Add the items and let them soak for 15 to 30 minutes, and rinse well.

If the garment is vintage or labeled dry-clean only and you’re not sure how to clean it, visit your local dry cleaner and ask for advice.

Put Your Vacuum and Clothes Steamer to Use

If you found the perfect upholstered chair or sofa, start cleaning by vacuuming the upholstery to remove dust and loose soil. Don’t forget to clean under the cushions, the bottom, and the back and sides of the piece.

To help remove odors and kill insects like dust mites and bed bugs, use a steam cleaner. Hold the steamer head about 6 inches from the fabric and move slowly, steaming every surface.

To finish cleaning, dip a soft cloth in a solution of one part distilled white vinegar and three parts water and wipe down the piece. Allow the item to air dry.

Get Rid of Odors with Baking Soda

If books or non-washable fabric items like decorative pillows smell musty, open a box of baking soda and place it and the items in a sealable plastic tub. Leave them for a week or so and allow the baking soda to absorb the odors.