How to get rid of the ‘thrift store smell’ for good – according to professional cleaners

Thrifting is a great way to save some money, find unique pieces, and prevent waste. However, you don’t really know where they have been, or how long they have been sitting on the thrift store rails and shelves.

One thing we do know is most thrifted items have that musty odor that can make them feel a little less 'ours'. Luckily, our professional cleaners have some savvy tricks to get rid of the thrift store smell for good, including using natural deodorizers, heat cleaning and specialized upholstery cleaners.

Here, they share their top five cleaning tips to freshen up thrifted items, from furniture to clothes, to make these old items smell like new.

How to get rid of the ‘thrift store smell’ for good

There are many thrift store items you should always sanitize when you bring them home, but that doesn't always treat the smell. Here’s how to freshen up clothing and add a personalized scent to upholstery on thrifted items.

1. Start with baking soda and soap

Before you bust out the harsh cleaning products and excessive elbow grease, start by cleaning with baking soda and soap (such as cleaning with Dawn Powerwash) to remove grease or grime that might be causing lingering odors.

Salvador Villarreal, dry cleaning professional and owner of VIP Cleaners Delivery says, ‘For furniture and storage pieces, I've used a DIY solution made from either baking soda or cornstarch and mild soap.

'Dust the affected area with soda or cornstarch to absorb the odor, let it sit for at least 20 minutes, then wipe it down with a damp cloth using mild soap. This combination has restored freshness without harming the material.'

All prices correct at time of publication.

2. Heat treat fabric items where possible

One of the best ways to remove tough odors is to use heat, be it with the best steam cleaner or washing items in hot water, Brett Bennett, director of operations at PURCOR Pest Solutions suggests.

He says, ‘I recommend heat-treating thrifted items where possible. Oftentimes, you will find that kind of musty odor, especially in fabric items such as soft toys, furniture, rugs, and clothing. Heat treating can come in the form of a sanitizing cycle on your washing machine, or even just through steam cleaning, or some other method where you're using heat as a primary element.

‘This not only helps sanitize and remove potential odors, it can also be a great way to get rid of any bacteria or pests that might be living in the fabric.'

3. Use an upholstery cleaner

Axel Avery, a professional cleaner at Oakville Maids says, ‘If you have fabric furniture, or items like pillows, cushions, or plush toys, you can use an upholstery or carpet cleaner, which really sucks all the gunk from inside the fibers. Your items are going to look and smell brand new. I think the Bissell Little Green portable carpet and upholstery cleaner, at Amazon, is perfect for this,’ he adds.

When deciding between a steam cleaner vs a carpet cleaner, consider what you want to achieve when cleaning. A steam cleaner will help to sanitize the item and kill bacteria, while a carpet cleaner will push hot water and shampoo into the item before drawing it out again, helping to strip the item of odor-causing grease and grime.

Very dirty or old thrifted items may see more benefit from a carpet and upholstery cleaner than just a steamer.

4. Mist with essential oils

Using essential oils in laundry is an old trick to help remove musty odors and make items smell new. Salvador Villarreal, dry cleaning professional says, ‘I've also found that using essential oils like lavender, at Walmart, diluted with water can help make laundry smell better. Lightly mist the item and allow it to air dry. This natural method not only removes musty odors but adds a pleasant scent.’

You can also use this approach to clean thrifted furniture or make a homemade room spray to help dispel any lingering smells from thrifted items that may have permeated your home or closet.

5. Deep clean with vinegar

If nothing else works to get rid of the thrifted smell, it is time to try cleaning with vinegar.

White vinegar, such as the Great Value Distilled White Vinegar, from Amazon, is one of the best essential cleaning supplies for tackling tough odors. It works as the acetic acid molecules bond with volatile compounds in the air (the ones that cause bad smells), neutralizing them for a fresher fragrance. It's one of nature's best deodorizers.

Rocky Vuong, founder and owner of Calibre Cleaning recommends, ‘For laundry, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a basin. Soak the garment for 30 minutes, then launder as usual. For furniture, wipe down hard surfaces with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water.’

Knowing how to sanitize and get rid of the thrift store smell is essential if you are hunting for the things interior designers say you should always try to thrift.

Even with these tips in hand, however, you should be aware of the mistakes to avoid when shopping for thrifted furniture. If an item has a particularly bad odor in the store, for example, it might be worth finding an alternative rather than spending hours cleaning and scrubbing.