Buzz
Photo: Carson Downing, Props: Joseph WanekI absolutely adore thrift stores, yard sales, garage sales, and vintage junk shops. Shopping secondhand offers the excitement of discovering unique treasures while saving money and reducing waste. In our household, we take pride in how little we spend rather than how much something costs. (I even joked about naming my kids Clearance and Sale.)
After celebrating our amazing secondhand finds, we always ensure everything is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized before using it in our home. Here are my top tips for safely cleaning secondhand items so you can enjoy them for years to come.
1. Clothing
The secret to cleaning secondhand clothes lies in carefully checking the care labels while shopping. While items like coats, tailored jackets, and decorated pieces may require professional dry cleaning, washable garments can be sanitized and cleaned at home.
After bringing the item home, double-check the care label to confirm if it’s machine or hand-washable. Washing each piece separately by hand or on a gentle cycle can prevent color bleeding. Use cool water with regular detergent and add a laundry sanitizer or half a cup of distilled white vinegar during the final rinse to eliminate lingering bacteria.
2. Shoes
When you discover the ideal pair of shoes at a thrift store, focus on cleaning the inside more than the exterior. Replace the insoles if possible, then use a disinfectant spray to eliminate bacteria and fungi. Alternatively, mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and water, dip a cloth into the solution, and thoroughly wipe the interior surfaces.
Select appropriate cleaning methods for the outer surfaces. Use a soft brush to remove dirt, treat stains on canvas shoes with a gentle detergent, and apply conditioner to leather shoes to maintain their texture. Let the shoes air dry completely before wearing.
3. Bedding
Sheets, blankets, and comforters should be cleaned according to the care label instructions. For machine-washable items, use regular detergent and add a laundry sanitizer or one cup of distilled white vinegar during the final rinse. For vintage quilts, handwash them in a bathtub using a gentle laundry detergent and cool water.
4. Table Linens, Pillows, and Drapes
Most table linens can be sanitized by machine or hand washing. To restore yellowed linens, soak them overnight in a solution of oxygen-based bleach and lukewarm water. Repeat the process if needed.
For pillows, drapes, and similar fabric items, treat stains with a damp cloth and fabric stain remover. Then, use a clothes steamer to sanitize the fabric. The steam will kill bacteria and dust mites while eliminating odors. Let the items air-dry completely before use.
5. Upholstered Furniture
Begin by thoroughly vacuuming the upholstery to eliminate dust and loose dirt. Take your time, ensuring you clean under the cushions, the bottom, and the back of the furniture. Spot clean stains with an upholstery stain remover and a microfiber cloth. To sanitize and deodorize, use a steam cleaner, which also kills dust mites. If a steam cleaner isn’t available, lightly spray with disinfectant and let the upholstery air dry before use.
6. Wood and Metal Furniture
To clean wooden furniture and decorative items, mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap in a bucket. Dip a microfiber cloth into the solution, wring it out, and wipe all surfaces. Apply gentle pressure to heavily soiled areas. Rinse with a clean, damp cloth to remove soap residue, then dry thoroughly. Use a conditioning oil or polish to restore shine and highlight the wood’s natural grain.
For metal furniture, use the same warm water and dish soap solution. Wipe all surfaces with a soft cloth. To remove hard water stains and tarnish from chrome, apply a 50-50 mix of distilled white vinegar and water, then dry immediately to maintain a shiny, streak-free finish.
7. Glasses and Dinnerware
Sturdy drinking glasses, flatware, and dinnerware can be cleaned and sanitized by running them through the dishwasher. For delicate items like crystal wine glasses, hand-painted pieces, hollow-handled knives, or dishes with metallic accents, hand wash them in warm, soapy water.
To sanitize non-metallic items after handwashing, soak them for 10 minutes in a solution of two tablespoons of chlorine bleach per gallon of water. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean cloth.
8. Decorative Items
- Glass, Pottery, and Porcelain Items: If submersible, wash in warm, soapy water, rinse with hot water, and dry with a microfiber cloth. Alternatively, wipe with a damp, soapy cloth, rinse with a clean damp cloth, and dry thoroughly.
- Metal Pieces: If submersible, clean in warm, soapy water to remove surface dust and dirt, rinse well, and polish with a suitable metal cleaner. For non-submersible items, wipe with a soapy cloth and then a clean, damp cloth to remove residue.
- Baskets and Rattan Items: Use an upholstery attachment to vacuum away dust and dirt. Mix one part distilled white vinegar with three parts water, dip a soft cloth into the solution, and wipe down the surface. Allow to air dry.
- Books and Paper Goods: Gently remove dust and dirt with a microfiber cloth. For musty-smelling books, sprinkle baking soda between the pages and place the book in a paper bag for several days to absorb odors. After removing it, wipe it down again with a soft cloth.
