How To Get Rid of Thrift Store Smell From Clothes

Started thrift shopping, but can’t remove the smell from the clothes? Don’t worry; you’re not alone in facing this issue. There are effective methods to eliminate the persistent smell from thrifted clothes. This topic is widely discussed, and solutions are readily available.

The short answer is maybe, most smells that you find on your new thrift clothes can be removed. 

Why maybe? Well, it all depends on the type of fabric and the product used to infuse that scent into the clothes. Since we cannot know what product was used, it may be necessary to layer solutions to get the desired result. In some cases, the scent will not completely come out, but it may be reduced to a tolerable level.

How to Get Thrift Store Smell Out of Clothes?

When you buy second-hand clothes, you may encounter a variety of scents that can be unappealing or surprising. Common odors found in these garments include lingering body odor, a mix of sweat and skin oils, and the heavy fragrances from perfumes and fabric softeners.

Additionally, you might notice residues from cleaning detergents, the acrid scent of cigarette smoke, and musty odors that often stem from mildew or the passage of time.

These scents usually arise from a combination of the previous owner’s personal odors, the specific cleaning agents used, and the storage conditions where the clothing has been kept, often leading to an intriguing yet complex olfactory experience.

Typical Odors in Second-Hand Apparel

Body-Related Odors

A major element of the “thrift store smell” stems from human secretions such as sweat, skin oils, and other bodily residues that become embedded in the fabric.

Fragrances

Powerful scents from perfumes, scented laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and scent beads are common, leaving behind their residues on clothing. Fabric softeners’ smell is usually the most common scent in clothes, as they are chemically enhanced to cover any smell coming from clothes.

Environmental Scents

Clothing can also absorb odors from external sources, such as cigarette smoke or musty environments (like basements).

Storage Odors

Historically, mothballs were used to deter pests and often left a distinct chemical smell on clothes.

Why These Odors Become Entrapped

Absorption into Fibers: Materials, especially synthetic fabrics, can absorb and retain these odors effectively.

Bacterial Breakdown: Body odors come from bacteria decomposing sweat and body oils, which can then cling to the fibers of clothing.

Residues from Products: Scented laundry products often leave behind chemical residues that enhance their overall fragrance. While these scents can make your clothes smell fresh and inviting, it’s important to be aware that these residues may also contribute to skin irritation and allergies for some individuals. 

“Thrift store smell” comes from a mix of sources, including human body residues (sweat and skin oils), strong fragrances from perfumes and laundry products, environmental odors like smoke or musty spaces, and older storage chemicals such as mothballs.

These odors persist because fabrics, especially synthetics, absorb and trap smells, bacteria break down body oils and sweat within the fibers, and scented laundry products leave chemical residues that linger and can sometimes cause skin irritation or allergies.

Tips & Ways To Reduce And Eliminate Smells From Thrift Store Clothes

“To eliminate odors from thrift store garments, launder them with detergent and add baking soda or Borax for an enhanced deodorizing effect. For garments that cannot be laundered, consider soaking them in a white vinegar solution or placing them in a sealed bag in the freezer overnight to eliminate bacteria. Furthermore, allowing clothes to air in sunlight can naturally freshen them by eradicating bacteria.”

Laundry tip for beginners: Launder thrift store clothes with detergent and add baking soda or Borax to remove odors. For non-washable items, soak in white vinegar solution or freeze overnight in a sealed bag. Sunlight airing also naturally freshens by killing bacteria.

Thrift store finds can be a treasure trove of unique fashion, but they often come with lingering scents that can be off-putting. There are many ways to get rid of thrift store smells, like making your DIY sprays or buying eco-friendly laundry soaps.

When you buy clothes from a thrift store such as Goodwill, you get “thrift store smell,” whether it is a mothball smell or perfume. Sometimes, it gets so much that even after washing them once, they just don’t go away.

After experimenting with various methods to tackle the strong laundry soap scent on two recent purchases, I’ve compiled my experiences to help others facing similar challenges.

Basic Things You Need

• Detergent: A good quality laundry detergent [Chemical-free would be ideal!]
• White Vinegar: Effective for neutralizing odors.
• Baking Soda: A natural deodorizer.
• Essential Oils: For added fragrance.
• Dryer Sheets: To freshen up clothes in the dryer.
• Activated Charcoal Bags: For odor absorption.

Dryer balls with essential oils are another technique that has worked effectively for me over the last few years. Drying your clothes in sunlight is by far the best way to get rid of the smell from clothes, but essential oils like Lavender are very effective in terms of giving you a calming smell after washing.

Is Borax Effective For Removing Odor?

Borax effectively eliminates odors due to its alkaline properties, which neutralize acidic odor compounds. Additionally, it possesses antibacterial characteristics that eliminate odor-producing germs and absorb excess moisture.

You can use it to freshen up laundry, carpets, and even smelly footwear by sprinkling the powder inside and letting it sit overnight before cleaning. It’s also useful for neutralizing odors in trash bins and dishwashers.

My Experience with Odor/Smell Removal Techniques

Recently, I bought two pieces of clothing with an overpowering scent from heavily fragranced laundry soap. Here’s a summary of the methods I tried and their effectiveness:

Sunshine Exposure (4 Days)

I hung the clothes outside in the sun for four days, hoping the fresh air and sunlight would naturally eliminate the odor. Unfortunately, this method did not yield the desired results.

Vinegar Soak with Baking Soda Paste (2 Days)

I soaked the clothing in a vinegar solution, then applied a baking soda paste. Despite the potential of these natural ingredients to neutralize odors, this method also failed to significantly reduce the scent.

Bleach Soak (2 Days)

Reluctantly, I resorted to soaking the clothing in bleach for two days. This was the only method that yielded a noticeable improvement. While it did not eliminate the laundry perfume scent, it made the items tolerable enough to wear. However, I prefer to avoid using bleach whenever possible, as we only keep a small bottle for emergencies.

While bleach provided some relief from the overpowering scent, it was not the solution I had hoped for. The experience has highlighted the challenges of removing strong fragrances typically caused by heavily scented laundry products, such as fabric softeners and dryer sheets.

If you, too, are struggling with similar issues when it comes to thrift store clothing, I encourage you to share your successful methods! Your insights could be invaluable to others who want to continue enjoying the benefits of second-hand shopping without the burden of unwanted odors.

How To Get the Perfume Smell Out of Thrift Clothes?

Laundry stripping is a method that involves soaking your fabrics in a mixture of hot water, laundry detergent, and other cleaning agents to lift away built-up residues, grime, and odors. While it can be effective for removing strong perfumes or detergent smells, this technique is quite intensive and may not be necessary for every situation.

Before resorting to laundry stripping, consider these simpler and less invasive steps:

Air Out the Laundry: Hang your clothes outside in a well-ventilated area to allow fresh air to circulate them. Sunlight can also help to break down odors.

Baking Soda or Vinegar: Adding half a cup of baking soda or white vinegar to your wash cycle can neutralize odors. These natural deodorizers work well with most fabrics.

Wash with Hot Water: If the fabric allows, wash the items in hot water to help break down detergent residues and odors. Always check the care label first.

Use a Scent-Free Detergent: Switch to a detergent that is fragrance-free for a few washes. This can help prevent any buildup of aromatic compounds in your laundry.

Double Rinse Cycle: Run an extra rinse cycle to ensure that all detergent and fragrance residues are washed away.

By trying these methods first, you can effectively tackle unpleasant smells while preserving the integrity of your fabrics. If these approaches do not yield satisfactory results, then you may consider laundry stripping as a last resort to refresh and restore your linens and garments.

Things You Need –

• Washing Machine
• Soaking basin or sink
• Clothesline (Optional)
• Sealable container (Optional)

Materials –

• Water
• Distilled white vinegar
• Baking soda
• Tangie laundry bar soap + stain remover stick [optional] 

The two easiest natural remedies to get the perfume smell out of your clothes are:

Lemon and Water Solution
One of the easiest ways to eliminate the odors from perfumes or other fragrances is to mix lemon juice with water. Simply combine lemon juice with a cup of water and apply it to the sections of the clothing that have absorbed the perfume.

After allowing it to sit for 15-30 minutes, rinse the fabric or launder it as usual.

Essential Oils and Vinegar Mix
A mix of essential oils and white vinegar serves as an effective deodorizer. The essential oils provide a pleasant aroma while vinegar eliminates unpleasant smells.

In a spray bottle, mix a cup of white vinegar with a few drops of lavender or eucalyptus oil. Spray this solution on the areas affected by the perfume and leave it for 20 minutes. Afterward, just rinse or wash the fabric.

Best Essential Oils To Use For Thrift Clothes

For thrifted clothes, opt for essential oils that possess strong antimicrobial and deodorizing qualities, such as Lemon, Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, Peppermint, or Rosemary.

Refrain from using highly pigmented or concentrated oils like cinnamon, clove, or pine, as they may cause staining on fabrics. To apply, simply add a few drops to your washing machine along with your detergent, or for items that cannot be washed, place drops on a cotton pad and tuck it in a drawer with the clothing.

“Add a few drops of your chosen essential oil to the washing machine along with your regular detergent. “

Lemon or Lemongrass

These oils have a fresh citrus scent and serve as effective natural deodorizers and stain removers.

Eucalyptus

Known for its invigorating aroma and strong antimicrobial and antibacterial benefits.

Tea Tree Oil

An effective natural disinfectant, perfect for sanitizing fabrics and removing odors.

Lavender

Features a soothing scent and has natural antibacterial properties, ensuring clothes smell fresh and clean.

Peppermint

Offers a refreshing, minty aroma and possesses antimicrobial characteristics.

Rosemary

A potent essential oil that aids in eliminating fabric odors.

Essential Oils to Avoid

Cinnamon, Clove, Cedar, or Pine: These oils are overly concentrated and may stain fabrics. Darker Colored Oils (e.g., Orange): Avoid any oil that is not completely clear, as it poses a risk of staining your clothing.

Darker colored oils, such as orange or similar hues, should be avoided if they are not completely clear, as they carry a higher risk of leaving stains on your clothing. Always test the oil on a small, inconspicuous area of fabric before use to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration or damage.

How To Remove Heavy Laundry Detergent Scents From Secondhand Clothes?

If you’ve ever purchased thrifted clothing only to find it infused with an unreasonably heavy laundry soap scent, likely from scent beads like “Mountain Rain” or “Spring Flower”, you know how frustrating it can be.

Despite hoping that the smell would fade with a few washes, it often lingers. Recently, after washing my husband’s workout clothes with these new items, he experienced the same strong perfume scent. Ugh!

To help others facing this challenge, I’ve compiled a list of the top 10 solutions for removing detergent smells from clothes. Many of these tips come from followers of Tangie, while others are strategies I found online and plan to try. These methods are also effective for odors caused by smoke, food, mildew, and body odor.

Best Home Remedies & Solutions For Removing Detergent Smell

My preferred treatment –

“To eliminate strong detergent odors from thrifted clothes or secondhand clothes, first wash them with white vinegar to neutralize the smell, then wash again using an unscented detergent. For more persistent odors, soak the clothes in a mixture of white vinegar and water before washing, and add baking soda during the wash cycle or sprinkle it directly on the clothes to help absorb odors.

Try the following techniques if white vinegar isn’t really working for you –

Booze Treatment

Fill a spray bottle with cheap vodka or plain grain alcohol.

Spray the fabric well on both sides and allow it to air dry completely. For those wondering how to get the perfume smell out of clothes, isopropyl alcohol has also been successful for some. However, be cautious, as certain fabrics like wool, silk, acetate, rayon, and acrylic may be damaged by harsh alcohol.

Sun Treatment

Hang the item(s) in direct sunlight for a couple of days. The sun’s UV rays can help break down the odors.

Classic Vinegar Soak

Soak the clothes in a mixture of vinegar and water, then wash them with added baking soda. This classic method helps neutralize odors.

Baking Soda Bath

Cover the perfumed clothes with baking soda and place them in a sealed container for a few days before washing. Leave the sealed container in a cool, dry place for a few days.

This waiting period allows the baking soda to fully absorb the unwanted fragrances embedded in the fabric. Typically, 2 to 3 days is sufficient for the baking soda to do its job effectively.

Baking Soda Soak

Dissolve 1 cup of baking soda in water and soak your clothes for several hours or overnight. Wash with white vinegar in the fabric softener compartment. If possible, pause the wash cycle for an hour before letting it finish. Repeat as necessary.

Washing Soda

Use 1 cup of washing soda (not baking soda) for a full load of laundry in hot water. This can effectively break down stubborn scents.

Coffee Refresher

Place the smelly clothes in a zip-lock bag with a parcel of unused coffee grounds in a filter. This method can help absorb unwanted odors without staining the clothes.

20 Mule Team Borax

Soak the items in a Borax solution before washing them as usual. Borax can help with dissolving stains, deodorizing, and boosting the effectiveness of your regular laundry detergent. To prepare the solution, typically, you would mix a half cup of Borax with about 3 to 4 gallons of warm water, ensuring that the Borax is fully dissolved.

Once the solution is ready, you can submerge the items you wish to clean. It is advisable to allow them to soak for at least 30 minutes, although tougher stains may benefit from a longer soak time.

After soaking, you can wash the items as you normally would, using your regular laundry detergent. This process is particularly effective for items that are heavily soiled or have odors that need to be eliminated.

However, it’s important to consider the type of fabric or material you are treating, as Borax may not be suitable for all materials.

Essential Oils

Some essential oils like cedar, rosemary, peppermint, lemon, clove, and cinnamon may be strong enough to overpower the smell of the clothes.

It won’t get rid of the existence of the chemical smell, but it may be able to mask it, while allowing you to wear the clothes so you can work on getting the embedded scent molecules out through multiple washes between wears. Just be mindful not to put the oils directly ON the clothes, as they can leave an oil mark.

Try putting the oils on a cloth or cotton ball and putting it with the clothes in a closed container for a few days.

Freezer

For bacterial smells like body odor, you can reduce or eliminate the bacteria by putting the garment in the freezer for a few days, which should kill quite a bit of the bacterial colony. Then, wash the item to get the dead bacteria out of the fabric.

Boil

Oppositely, you can boil clothes that are safe in hot water (ie, NOT synthetic, plastic fabrics like polyester) to kill bacteria. Use a large soup pot and boil enough water to cover the clothes (it’s best to do one garment at a time, for safety!).

Boil and stir for at least 5 minutes. Let the water cool down so you can safely remove the wet item. Then, either let it air dry or pop it in the washing machine.

This method could help reduce the scent of laundry soap by destroying the scent molecules with high heat.

Simply Wait

Allow the clothes to air out outside of your drawers for a while. Keeping them in a well-ventilated area can help dissipate the scent over time.

For very strong odors, soak the garments in a basin of water and white vinegar for about 30 minutes before a regular wash. 

Avoid Musty Environments

Store your clothes in a clean, dry place where they won’t pick up new undesirable smells, such as a musty attic.

How To Get Febreeze Smell Out of Your Clothes?

The Febreze family of products usually has multiple ingredients to both eliminate smells and release fresh scents; most smells are chemically amplified. Cyclodextrins (and similar molecules) encapsulate odour molecules, which are normally found among us, but some might have allergies to these.

“To remove the Febreze scent from your clothes, begin by hanging them outside in the sun to let the odor dissipate. Next, soak the garments in a mixture of white vinegar and water, then wash them in a standard wash cycle using an unscented detergent.

For more stubborn smells, consider adding baking soda or a sports detergent during the wash, and let the clothes air dry rather than using the dryer, as it can lock in the scent.”

Method	Description	Steps
Air Out Clothes	Fresh air can help dissipate odors.	Hang clothes outside in a well-ventilated area. Leave them for a few hours.
Wash with Vinegar	Vinegar neutralizes odors effectively.	Add 1 cup of white vinegar to the wash. Wash clothes as usual.
Baking Soda	Baking soda absorbs odors.	Sprinkle baking soda on clothes. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes, then wash.
Use Odor Eliminating Spray	Opt for a natural odor eliminator spray (like lemon or essential oils).	Lightly spray clothes. Allow to air dry.
Rewash with Detergent	Sometimes a second wash can help remove lingering smells.	Rewash clothes using a strong detergent. Consider adding a cup of baking soda.
Dryer Sheets	Dryer sheets can mask or absorb odors.	Toss a dryer sheet in the dryer with the clothes. Dry on a low heat setting.
Activated Charcoal	Charcoal is excellent for absorbing odors.	Place activated charcoal in a breathable bag. Store with clothes for a few days.

When it comes to thrift store clothing, one of my biggest concerns is the heavy, lingering scent that often accompanies these items. This odor can be a result of remaining chemical residues from heavily scented laundry products. Over time, these chemicals can leach out, especially as we sweat in our clothes.

Thrift store clothes can hold overwhelming odors, particularly when the previous owner used laundry products laden with artificial fragrances. The combination of these products can drive scents deep into the fabric, making them difficult to remove.

The chemicals used to create these long-lasting scents are engineered to adhere permanently to fibers, requiring significant effort to eliminate.

How Much Can You Save Through Thrift Shopping?

Do you buy thrift clothes? While there’s a lot of discussion about how purchasing thrifted items helps reduce landfill waste, and I appreciate the eco-friendly aspect, my primary motivation for thrifting is saving money.

Did you know?
On average, thrift store shoppers save nearly $150 per month. This monthly saving amounts to about $1,700–$1,760 annually, according to CNBC & several industry reports and articles.

Yes, the eco-conscious part of me loves extending the life of clothing and keeping more items out of our overflowing landfills. However, the financial savings I gain from buying secondhand clothes are what truly drive my passion for thrifting. Brand-new clothing can be prohibitively expensive, making thrift stores an attractive alternative.

I thrifted these TWO new gym outfits for a total of $11.00 !💪

Why would I spend $40+ on an outfit to wear to the gym when I can get one just as cute from my local thrift store?

No matter your reason for purchasing second-hand clothes, whether it’s the savings, the eco-angle, or supporting your local community, you will inevitably come across a stinky garment at some point, so it’s important to know how to get the thrift store smell out of clothes.

Many thrift stores are nonprofit organizations that reinvest their profits back into the community. By shopping at these stores, consumers are not only saving money but also supporting local initiatives and charities.

Started thrift shopping, but can’t remove the smell from the clothes? Don’t worry; you’re not alone in facing this issue.

Average Savings Breakdown For Thrift Shoppers

Retail Prices New clothing items can range widely, but on average, a basic shirt might cost around $20-$30, while a pair of jeans can be priced at $40-$70.

Thrift Store Prices In contrast, thrift stores often sell similar items for about $3-$10 for shirts and $10-$25 for jeans.

Monthly Savings Many thrift shoppers report spending around $50-$100 per month on clothing. Given the substantial discounts, this can translate to savings of 50-80% compared to buying new.

Annual Savings If a shopper spends $75 monthly on thrifted clothes, that totals $900 annually. If they had spent $2,000 on new clothing, the savings would be around $1,100. Thrift shopping for clothes is not only budget-friendly but also a fun way to express your style! With savings of 50-80%, you can enjoy a fabulous wardrobe without breaking the bank.

Additional Tips for Smelly Clothes

While the above methods are excellent for tackling heavy laundry soap scents, here are some other solutions for odors caused by smoke, food, and body odor. However, these may not be as effective for synthetic fragrances:

Essential Oil Sprays: Create your own DIY natural spray using essential oils diluted in water to refresh clothes.

Activated Charcoal: Use activated charcoal bags in your wardrobe to absorb odors over time.

Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda on clothing or add it to your wash cycle to neutralize lingering odors naturally.

White Vinegar: Soak clothes in a mixture of water and white vinegar before washing to help break down stubborn smells.

Freezing: Place garments in a sealed bag and freeze them overnight to kill odor-causing bacteria.

Lemon Juice: Mix lemon juice with water and lightly spray on clothes to combat odors while leaving a fresh citrus scent.

If you’re having trouble getting results with these methods, try adding in some good old-fashioned elbow grease. For example, after letting your item soak in vinegar, try scrubbing the cloth with baking soda either with a scrubbing brush or by rubbing the fabric against itself (just be sure your scrubbing method won’t damage the fabric).

Tips For Stain Removal From Thrift Store Clothes

Stains on clothing can be frustrating, but with the right techniques, you can effectively remove them and restore your garments. Here are some tried-and-true methods for tackling various types of stains:

The sooner you treat a stain, the better your chances of removing it. Blot the stain gently with a clean cloth to absorb excess liquid without rubbing it in.

☑ Submerge the clothes in an “Oxygen Bath.” Use warm water and a scoop of sodium percarbonate (oxygen bleach).

☑ Add one full cup of 5% white vinegar directly to the drum. Run a “Sanitize” cycle if the fabric can handle the heat. The acetic acid dissolves the residual detergents and perfumes left by the previous owner, effectively “resetting” the fabric to a neutral state.

☑ Scrub with baking soda paste into the stain with a stiff brush. Let it dwell for 3–6 hours. The baking soda provides the abrasion needed to break the surface tension, while the soap emulsifies the aged oils.

For white linens or cottons, dry the garment in direct sunlight. UV rays act as a natural bleach booster to finish what the soak started.

These methods can help you tackle a variety of stains, keeping your clothes looking fresh and clean.

By manually forcing the vinegar and baking soda through the fabric, the friction might help remove more of the scent molecules than soaking and swishing alone.

Let us know if any of these ideas work for you!