All products made in America
Save $$ every time you buy Tangie bar
How To Make DIY Sprays For Thrift Store Clothes
If you’re looking to rejuvenate your thrift store clothing, blankets, or pillows, consider creating your own DIY Laundry Freshening Spray. This homemade solution is a fantastic alternative to the commercial fabric sprays you’ve been accustomed to, and it may quickly become a staple in your laundry routine.
Buying clothes from thrift stores is an excellent zero waste choice, but most often these clothes come with a smell, that is either from commercial laundry detergents or from artificial fragrances used by the previous owner.
It is essential to learn how to make DIY homemade sprays at home, as they not only help you save money but also contribute to your health and the environment. Once you understand that making these sprays is easy, you will never buy commercial ones ever again, saving the world from plastic waste.
The main ingredients in this homemade spray are essential oils and vodka. These essential oils not only give your fabrics a lovely, subtle scent but also bring along some great benefits based on the type you select.
DIY Laundry Freshening Spray
Laundry freshening spray is a subtle-scented mist you spray on your clothes and it works exceptionally well, even to get the smell of thrift store clothes, right after the wash or even just before you wear them to absorb odors and disguise a mild clean smell without a full load of laundry.
Commercial sprays often contain phthalates, dyes, propellants, or synthetic fragrances that can irritate sensitive skin or trigger allergies. A homemade spray typically costs under $1 total, versus $5–$10 for boutique linen sprays.
Homemade sprays let you control every ingredient, opting for plant-based, non-toxic components that refresh fabrics without harmful artifical fragrances.
Plus, crafting your mist means endless scent customizations: from calming peppermint to uplifting citrus blends, you can create a signature aroma that complements your wardrobe and home décor.
DIY Spray: Key Ingredients & Their Benefits
Each base ingredient in a DIY linen spray serves a distinct purpose—whether it’s extending shelf-life, fixing scent molecules, or ensuring safety for fabrics and skin.
Distilled Water
Using distilled water (rather than tap) prevents bacterial growth, mineral spotting on fabrics, and sediment buildup in your spray bottle.
It significantly helps in preventing bacterial growth. This is because distilled water has been purified to remove impurities and contaminants, including bacteria and pathogens that can thrive in tap water. By using distilled water, you can maintain a cleaner and safer environment, especially when the water is used in spray bottles for cleaning fabrics and surfaces.
Secondly, distilled water is also beneficial for preventing mineral spotting on fabrics. Tap water often contains minerals like calcium and magnesium, which, when dried, can leave unsightly spots and stains on fabrics. By opting for distilled water, you significantly reduce the risk of these mineral deposits, ensuring that your fabrics remain pristine and free of marks.
| Benefits of Distilled Water For DIY Spray Distilled water offers several benefits for DIY sprays. Firstly, it is free from impurities, minerals, and chemicals, ensuring a cleaner solution that won’t leave residue. This purity enhances the effectiveness of added ingredients, such as essential oils or botanical extracts. Additionally, distilled water helps prevent bacterial growth, extending the shelf life of your spray. It also ensures consistent results, as the absence of contaminants means predictable performance. Using distilled water in DIY sprays is ideal for skincare, cleaning, and air freshening, providing a safe and effective base for various applications. |
Vodka or Rubbing Alcohol
High-proof vodka (or 70% rubbing alcohol) acts as both a preservative, stopping mold and bacteria, and a dispersant, helping essential oils mix evenly into water.
When creating such mixtures, ensure the ratio of alcohol to water is balanced to maintain effectiveness.
Unlike scented rubbing alcohol, vodka is virtually odorless, allowing your chosen essential-oil bouquet to shine through.
| ⭐️ Just a heads up! While high-proof vodka and 70% rubbing alcohol can help preserve things and mix essential oils nicely, it’s important to use them wisely. High-proof alcohol can be flammable, and drinking it without knowing what you’re doing can be risky. Plus, how well these substances work can depend on what you’re using them for. Always do your homework or chat with a professional before diving in! |
Witch Hazel
Witch hazel provides mild astringent and fixative properties, helping scent molecules bind to fabric fibers so the fragrance lingers longer.
| Is Witch Hazel Vegan? Yes, witch hazel is generally considered vegan. It is derived from the bark and leaves of the witch hazel plant (Hamamelis virginiana) and does not involve any animal products or by-products in its production. However, it’s always a good idea to check specific brands for any additional ingredients or processing methods that may not align with vegan standards. |
Essential Oils
Essential oils are volatile, plant-derived extracts that impart both fragrance and functional benefits (antibacterial, anti-odor, mood-boosting).
For instance, many essential oils possess antibacterial properties, making them valuable for natural cleaning solutions or promoting a hygienic environment. Others help combat unpleasant odors, providing a fresh, pleasant scent that can uplift any room.
| Are Essential Oils Safe? Yes, essential oils are safe for humans when used properly, but they must be diluted and used with caution. Some oils may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Pregnant women, children, and individuals with certain health conditions should consult a healthcare professional before use. For animals, essential oils can be toxic, especially to cats and dogs, as they have different metabolic processes. Always ensure proper ventilation and avoid direct contact with pets. While essential oils can be beneficial, safety depends on proper usage and individual circumstances. |
Additionally, certain essential oils are known for their mood-boosting effects, potentially helping to alleviate stress and anxiety, improving overall emotional well-being. Whether used in aromatherapy, skincare, or household applications, the unique qualities of essential oils make them a popular choice for those seeking both aesthetic and therapeutic advantages.
The essential oils you can use for your DIY Spray:
| Lavender Oil | Lavender oil is excellent to give your DIY spray that calming scent that you need. It offers a relaxing sensation that allows you elevate your mood. |
| Tea Tree | Tea tree oil offers strong antiseptic and antifungal activity, making it ideal for neutralizing musty or moldy odors in secondhand clothes |
| Eucalyptus | Eucalyptus oil delivers a minty-fresh scent and has natural de-odorizing qualities, thanks to compounds that hinder bacterial growth |
| Optional Extras | Oils such as citrus oil, or peppermint oil can be valuable additions to the spray. Both of them provide a gentle odor & offer calming effects. |
Solubilizers or Emulsifiers
A drop of unscented castile soap or a pinch of polysorbate 20 ensures essential oils remain evenly dispersed rather than floating on top of the water. This helps maximize the therapeutic benefits of the oils, allowing them to be absorbed more effectively by the skin.
3 Simple DIY Spray Recipes To Get Rid Of Thrift Store Smell
While commercial fabric fresheners can mask smells with synthetic fragrances, they often contain phthalates, dyes, and petroleum-derived propellants that may irritate sensitive skin or pollute indoor air. It is essential to make homemade sprays to protect yourself from chemical-based sprays. Here are some DIY sprays I utilize to get the thrift smell out of my clothes:
Vinegar & Lavender Spray
Ingredients
- 1 cup distilled water
- ½ cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon rubbing alcohol
- 15 drops of lavender essential oil
Instructions
- In a clean spray bottle, combine the vinegar and alcohol.
- Add the lavender essential oil, then top up with distilled water.
- Shake well before each use and mist fabrics from about 10 inches away.
This powerful combination harnesses the odor-neutralizing strength of vinegar along with the calming and antibacterial benefits of lavender, ensuring your clothes and bedding stay refreshingly clean between washes.
Baking Soda & Citrus Spray
Ingredients
- 1 cup distilled water
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- 10 drops lemon essential oil
- 5 drops sweet orange essential oil
Instructions
- Add baking soda to your bottle first (it may fizz slightly).
- Pour in the distilled water, then add citrus oils.
- Shake until the baking soda is fully suspended, then mist on fabric.
Baking soda buffers acid- and alkali-based odors, while lemon and orange oils cut through mustiness with a bright, fresh scent.
Peppermint & Tea Tree Alcohol Spray
Ingredients
- ½ cup vodka (or 70% rubbing alcohol)
- ½ cup distilled water
- 8 drops of tea tree essential oil
- 8 drops of peppermint essential oil
Instructions
- Combine alcohol and essential oils first to help the oils dissolve.
- Add distilled water, cap the bottle, and shake vigorously.
- Mist fabrics lightly and allow to air-dry completely.
Tea tree oil’s antimicrobial action and peppermint’s invigorating fragrance make this ideal for workout gear or musty jackets.
Tangie’s Laundry Bar Soap: The Perfect Pre-Wash Companion
Doing laundry shouldn’t feel like a chore or create more plastic waste. Tangie Co’s solid Laundry Bar turns a simple water-and-soap ritual into a zero-waste win: one compact bar dissolves into a full gallon of gentle, plant-powered detergent, so you can say goodbye to bulky jugs and leftover chemicals.
It’s crafted from coconut and olive oils, soap nuts and baking soda, with no synthetic fragrances or harsh additives—yet it still tackles grass stains, grease, and everyday grime with ease. Even better, it’s cruelty-free, EWG-approved “A,” and costs less than 20 cents per load!
Zero-waste, waterless format
One solid bar dissolves into up to a gallon of washing liquid—no more bulky plastic jugs, less weight in shipping, and a smaller carbon footprint.
100% plant-based & skin-friendly
Crafted from coconut and olive oils, soap nut liquid, yucca powder, baking soda, and sodium carbonate—completely free of phosphates, parabens, synthetic dyes, and fragrances.
Cruelty-free & EWG “A” rated
Certified cruelty-free and top-rated by the Environmental Working Group, so it’s gentle on sensitive skin and kind to the planet.
Powerful stain-fighting action
Tackles grass, grease, and everyday grime without any harsh chemicals—just natural cleaning power.
Ultra cost-effective
Works out to under $0.20 per load: simply slice off a piece, dissolve, and you’re good to go.
Easy prep & storage
Dissolve ¼ of the bar in 32 oz of water, use 1 oz of the mix per load, then stash the rest of the bar dry for up to two years.
Softness boost
Pre-washing with this bar leaves towels and linens feeling noticeably softer and fluffier.
By combining Tangie Co’s zero-waste laundry bar soap with custom DIY fabric sprays, you’ll transform thrifted finds into fresh, fragrant wardrobe staples—without harmful chemicals or plastic waste.
Experiment with different oil ratios to craft your signature scent, and share your favorite blends on social media with #TangieFresh. For more upcycling and self-care inspiration, check out our posts on stain removal, natural fabric softeners, and sustainable wardrobe care.
Happy spritzing!
Frequently Asked Questions About DIY Sprays
The smell of a thrift store is often a unique blend of various scents. It can include a musty odor from older fabrics and items, combined with the faint aroma of dust and storage. Additionally, you might detect hints of cleaning products or fabric fresheners used to refresh the merchandise. Sometimes, the scent of vintage clothing, which may carry traces of previous owners’ perfumes or colognes, adds to the character.
Overall, this distinct combination creates an environment that feels nostalgic and eclectic, reflecting the diverse range of items available.
Creating a DIY spray for clothes typically costs between $5 to $15, depending on the ingredients you choose. Basic recipes often include water, vodka, and essential oils. A bottle of vodka can range from $5 to $10, while essential oils like lavender or tea tree oil may cost around $5 to $15 each, depending on quality and brand, making any spray at home is always cost effective.
Additionally, reusable spray bottles can be found for about $1 to $5, further enhancing the value of your DIY project.
One of the best homemade odor eliminators for clothes is a mixture of water, white vinegar, and essential oils.
Combine 1 cup of water with 1 cup of white vinegar in a spray bottle, then add 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oil, such as lavender or tea tree oil. Shake well before use. Spray lightly on clothes, allowing them to air dry. The vinegar neutralizes odors, while the essential oils provide a pleasant scent.
This natural solution is safe for most fabrics and effectively refreshes your clothing without harsh chemicals.
