Remove any items like pens, money, hair ties, or anything else. Turn the pockets inside out so you know whether you’ve searched that article of clothing already.
Stains that should be treated. Rips or tears that need to be repaired. Worn out fabric that should be patched or replaced. Delicate fabric that needs to be handled with care. [1] X Research source
Care tags are often located on the back collar of shirts and blouses, or on the middle of the back waist on pants. Homemade and boutique clothes may not have care tags. In this case, use your best judgement to determine the fabric and how to care for it. If you’re not sure, you should probably just dry clean the item. When looking at care tags, identify instructions about the temperature of water you need to use when washing your clothes, instructions for drying your clothes, instructions for bleaching your thrift store clothes, and instructions about how to iron your clothes. [2] X Research source
Sort by colors. While thrift store clothes have probably been laundered and may not run, you should still sort by colors. This will make sure you preserve lighter colored fabrics. Sort by fabric. Different fabrics, like cottons, should be washed together. Make a pile for special needs fabrics like silk, wool, or velvet. These will very often need to be dry cleaned. Consult the care tag if you have any doubt. Create a pile for delicate or vintage fabrics. These fabrics may need to be dry cleaned, or at the very least washed by themselves. [3] X Research source
Use “Spot Shot” or another stain removing product on spots you think can be removed. Consult a dry cleaner. Dry cleaners may have an idea of whether you should treat a specific spot. Think about using bleach on soiled or dirty white fabrics. [4] X Research source
Wash cottons in cold, as hot water may shrink them. Wash colored fabrics in cold water, as hot water may make them run. Consider washing pre-shrunk or synthetic fabrics in warm water.
Always make sure to dry clothes appropriately and follow the care tag on your new clothes. There are a number of materials you should never put in the dryer, including: bathing suits, bras, and certain embellishments like sequins. Hang dry any clothes or materials you have a doubt about. [5] X Research source
Use activated charcoal or kitty litter. Place your cloths in a plastic bag and place the bag in air tight plasticware for a couple of days with activated charcoal or kitty litter. The charcoal or kitty litter will remove scents from your clothes. Remember, though, don’t let the kitty litter or charcoal come into direct contact with your clothing. Steam your thrift store clothes. Steaming your clothes might help remove old smells or bad scents. Dab your clothes with white vinegar. In many cases, acidic white vinegar will help remove smells from old clothes. This works best with newer white clothing, but may be too abrasive for delicate darks. [6] X Research source
Remove any buttons or ribbons that are stained or torn. Patch or sew shut any rips or tears in your new clothing. Mend torn seams and any other parts that need to be repaired.
Hang your clothes in your closet. By hanging your clothes, you’ll make sure that they can air out and don’t get musty in a drawer. Place a deodorizer in your closet. Make sure your closet is cool and has low humidity. Having a cool closet with low humidity will prevent the growth of mold and mildew, and slow the deterioration of your clothes. [7] X Research source
