How To Clean and Deodorize Second-Hand and Vintage Clothing

Gentle Yet Effective Methods to Remove Odors, Stains, and Storage Smells From Pre-Loved Fashion

Thrift stores, estate sales, and online resale platforms like Etsy, Poshmark, and Depop have made second-hand shopping more popular than ever. Whether you’re hunting for vintage Levi’s, a designer coat at a steal, or a quirky graphic tee from the ‘80s, pre-loved fashion comes with its own history — and sometimes, its own scent.

From musty storage odors to lingering perfume, getting vintage and second-hand clothing truly fresh requires more than just tossing it in the wash. Here’s how to do it right, preserving fabric quality while removing every trace of “second-hand smell.”

Why Second-Hand Clothing Smells the Way It Does

According to the American Cleaning Institute, odors in used clothing come from a mix of:

• Body oils absorbed into fabric fibers over time

• Perfumes and colognes that cling for years

• Mildew or musty smells from long-term storage in damp areas

• Cigarette smoke residues that bond to fibers

• Old detergent or fabric softener buildup

Vintage fabrics — especially wool, silk, and rayon — may also retain scents longer because their fibers are more porous than modern synthetics.

Step One: Read the Care Label (If There Is One)

Some vintage items won’t have care tags, especially if they predate labeling standards. In that case:

• Cotton and linen usually handle gentle machine washing.

• Wool, silk, and acetate are often dry-clean-only.

• Delicate vintage lace, beading, or embroidery may require hand washing or professional care.

If unsure, test a small hidden area before cleaning the entire garment.

Step Two: Remove Loose Dust and Debris

Before washing, shake garments outdoors or vacuum gently with a garment brush attachment to remove surface dust and lint.

Step Three: Deodorize Before Washing

For heavy odors, pre-treatment is key:

• Baking Soda Soak: Dissolve 1 cup baking soda in a bathtub or large basin of cool water. Submerge the garment for 4–6 hours, then drain and rinse.

• Vinegar Rinse: Add 1 cup white vinegar to a basin of cool water and soak for 30 minutes to neutralize musty or smoke smells.

The Good Housekeeping Institute notes that vinegar is especially effective at breaking down odor-causing bacteria without damaging most fabrics.

Step Four: Wash Gently

• Use a mild detergent (wool-safe for animal fibers).

• For machine washing, place delicate items in a mesh laundry bag.

• Choose a gentle cycle with cold water to preserve fibers and colors.

• For hand washing, agitate gently — never wring.

Step Five: Dry Properly

• Air-dry flat for knits to prevent stretching.

• Hang lightweight items indoors away from direct sunlight to avoid fading.

• Avoid tumble dryers for vintage fabrics, as heat can weaken fibers.

Step Six: Post-Wash Odor Boosters

If a faint scent lingers:

• Place the garment in a breathable cotton bag with baking soda for 48 hours.

• Store with cedar blocks or lavender sachets to maintain freshness.

When to Seek Professional Help

For heavily beaded gowns, leather jackets, or garments with structural elements (like tailored suits), take them to a dry cleaner experienced in vintage textiles.

The Bottom Line

Second-hand and vintage clothing is a sustainable, stylish way to shop — but it deserves careful cleaning to make it truly your own. With the right combination of baking soda, vinegar soaks, and gentle washing, you can remove even stubborn storage odors while keeping those one-of-a-kind fabrics looking their best.

Your new-to-you fashion will smell as fresh as it looks, ready for its next chapter in your wardrobe.