>Hello Sohib EditorOnline, are you a fan of thrift shopping? If you are, then you must have come across some unique and affordable items at the thrift store. One of the most common thrift store finds are clothes, and it’s important to know how to properly wash them to ensure they last and look their best. In this article, we’ll be discussing 20 tips on how to wash thrifted clothes.
1. Sort Clothes by Color and Fabric
Before washing your thrifted clothes, it’s important to sort them out by color and fabric. This will prevent any color bleeding and damage to delicate fabrics. Sort them into piles of whites, lights, and darks. Also, pay attention to the fabric content of each piece and separate them accordingly.
Why is sorting important?
Sorting clothes by color and fabric will prevent color bleeding and damage to delicate fabrics. Some fabrics like silk, wool, and cashmere require special care when washing, so it’s important to separate them from other fabrics to prevent damage.
How do I sort clothes?
Start by separating your clothes into piles of whites, lights, and darks. Then, sort each pile by fabric content. For example, separate your cotton clothes from your silk clothes.
Should I wash clothes in hot or cold water?
It’s best to wash thrifted clothes in cold water to prevent any color bleeding or damage to delicate fabrics. Use warm or hot water only for whites or heavily soiled items.
What can happen if I don’t sort my clothes?
If you don’t sort your clothes properly, the colors can bleed onto other clothes and damage delicate fabrics. This can ruin your clothes and make them unwearable.
2. Check and Treat Stains
Thrifted clothes may have stains that you didn’t notice before purchasing them. It’s important to check for stains before washing and treat them accordingly to prevent any permanent damage.
How do I check for stains?
Inspect the clothes thoroughly for any stains or discolorations. Make sure to check the armpits, collars, and cuffs as these areas are prone to sweat stains.
How do I treat stains?
There are different methods to treat different types of stains. For example, you can use vinegar to remove sweat stains, baking soda to remove oil stains, and hydrogen peroxide to remove blood stains. Do some research to find the best method for the type of stain you’re dealing with.
Can I use bleach to remove stains?
Bleach is not recommended for removing stains from thrifted clothes as it can damage the fabric and cause discoloration. Instead, opt for natural stain removers or laundry detergent.
What if the stain doesn’t come out?
If the stain doesn’t come out after washing, don’t put it in the dryer. Instead, try treating the stain again with a different method or take it to a professional cleaner.
3. Use a Gentle Detergent
Thrifted clothes may be delicate, so it’s important to use a gentle detergent when washing them. Look for detergents that are free of harsh chemicals and fragrances to prevent any damage to the fabric.
What kind of detergent should I use?
Look for detergents that are specifically designed for delicate fabrics or baby clothes. These detergents are usually free of harsh chemicals and fragrances, making them safe for all fabrics.
Can I use regular detergent?
You can use regular detergent, but make sure to use a small amount and opt for a gentle or mild formula. Avoid using too much detergent as it can cause build-up and damage to the fabric.
Should I use fabric softener?
Fabric softener is not recommended for delicate fabrics as it can damage the fibers and cause discoloration. Instead, use a small amount of white vinegar as a natural fabric softener.
What if my clothes are heavily soiled?
If your thrifted clothes are heavily soiled, pre-treat them with a stain remover before washing. This will help to remove any dirt and grime before washing.
4. Wash in Cold Water
As previously mentioned, it’s best to wash thrifted clothes in cold water to prevent any color bleeding or damage to delicate fabrics. Cold water is also gentler on the fabrics and will help to preserve the color and shape of the clothes.
What temperature is considered cold water?
Water that is below 80°F or 27°C is considered cold water. You can also use the “cold” setting on your washing machine.
What if my clothes are really dirty?
If your thrifted clothes are heavily soiled, you can use a warm or hot water setting for whites or heavily soiled items. However, make sure to check the care label on the clothes before washing in warm or hot water as some fabrics can shrink or become damaged.
What if the care label says to wash in warm or hot water?
If the care label says to wash in warm or hot water, follow the instructions. However, make sure to check the fabric content and adjust the temperature accordingly to prevent any damage to delicate fabrics.
5. Use a Delicate Cycle
When washing thrifted clothes, it’s best to use a delicate cycle to prevent any damage to the fabric. The delicate cycle uses less agitation and slower spin cycles to prevent stretching and damage to the fabric.
What is a delicate cycle?
A delicate cycle is a washing machine cycle that uses less agitation and slower spin cycles to prevent damage to delicate fabrics.
Do all washing machines have a delicate cycle?
Not all washing machines have a delicate cycle. If your washing machine doesn’t have a delicate cycle, you can use the gentle or low-speed cycle instead.
What if my clothes are heavily soiled?
If your thrifted clothes are heavily soiled, you can use a regular cycle for whites or heavily soiled items. However, make sure to check the care label on the clothes before washing to prevent any damage to delicate fabrics.
Can I wash all types of clothes on the delicate cycle?
No, not all types of clothes are suitable for the delicate cycle. Check the care label on the clothes before washing as some fabrics like denim or thick fabrics may require a regular cycle.
6. Avoid the Dryer
Thrifted clothes may be delicate, so it’s important to avoid the dryer to prevent any shrinkage, stretching, or damage to the fabric. Instead, air dry your clothes by hanging them on a clothes line or drying rack.
Why should I avoid the dryer?
The dryer can cause shrinkage, stretching, and damage to delicate fabrics. It can also cause clothes to fade or lose their shape.
How do I air dry my clothes?
Hang your clothes on a clothes line or drying rack to air dry. Make sure to hang them in a well-ventilated area and avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading.
How long does it take for clothes to air dry?
It depends on the fabric and humidity level. In general, clothes can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day to air dry.
What if my clothes are wrinkled after air drying?
If your clothes are wrinkled after air drying, you can iron them on a low heat setting or steam them to remove the wrinkles.
7. Store Clothes Properly
After washing and drying your thrifted clothes, it’s important to store them properly to keep them in good condition. Store them in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated area to prevent mold and mildew growth.
How should I store my clothes?
Hang clothes that need to maintain their shape, like jackets and dresses, on hangers. Fold clothes that don’t need to maintain their shape, like jeans and t-shirts, and store them in a drawer or on a shelf.
What if I don’t have enough closet space?
If you don’t have enough closet space, you can use vacuum-sealed bags to compress your clothes and store them under your bed or in a storage unit.
Should I use mothballs?
Mothballs are not recommended as they contain harmful chemicals that can cause health problems. Instead, use natural insect repellents like lavender or cedar chips to prevent moth infestations.
How often should I wash my thrifted clothes?
It’s recommended to wash your thrifted clothes before wearing them to remove any dirt, germs, or odors. After that, wash them as needed based on how often you wear them and how dirty they get.
8. Take Care of Vintage Clothes
Thrift stores may also have vintage clothes, which require special care when washing. Vintage clothes are often fragile and can easily become damaged, so it’s important to take extra care when washing them.
How do I know if a piece of clothing is vintage?
A piece of clothing is considered vintage if it’s at least 20 years old. Look for clothing that has unique features like buttons, zippers, or prints that are no longer used today.
How do I take care of vintage clothes?
Vintage clothes are often made from delicate fabrics like silk, lace, or chiffon, so it’s important to follow the care label instructions carefully. Use a gentle detergent and wash in cold water. Avoid using a dryer and instead, air dry your clothes.
What if my vintage clothes have stains?
When dealing with vintage clothes, it’s best to take them to a professional cleaner to remove any stains. Trying to remove stains yourself can cause damage to the fabric.
Can I alter vintage clothes?
Alteration is possible for vintage clothes, but it’s important to take them to a professional tailor who specializes in vintage clothing. Altering vintage clothes yourself can cause damage and decrease their value.
9. Wash Leather and Suede Carefully
Thrift store may also have leather or suede clothing, which requires special care when washing. Leather and suede are delicate materials that can easily become damaged if not washed properly.
How do I wash leather and suede?
Leather and suede should be cleaned by a professional cleaner. Do not attempt to clean them yourself as it can cause damage.
What if my leather or suede jacket has a small stain?
If your leather or suede jacket has a small stain, take it to a professional cleaner to remove the stain. Do not attempt to remove the stain yourself as it can cause damage.
How do I store leather and suede?
Store leather and suede in a cool, dry place to prevent mold and mildew growth. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or heat as it can cause discoloration and damage.
What if my leather or suede jacket gets wet?
If your leather or suede jacket gets wet, let it air dry naturally. Do not use a hair dryer or heat source to dry it as it can cause damage.
10. Wash Denim Separately
Denim is a thick and heavy fabric that can cause damage to other clothes in the wash. It’s important to wash denim separately to prevent any damage to delicate fabrics.
Why should I wash denim separately?
Denim is a thick and heavy fabric that can cause damage to delicate fabrics in the wash. It’s best to wash denim separately to prevent any damage.
Can I wash denim with other clothes?
It’s not recommended to wash denim with other clothes as it can cause damage. Wash denim separately to prevent any damage to your other clothes.
How do I care for denim?
Denim can be washed in cold water and hung to dry. Avoid using the dryer as it can cause shrinkage and damage to the fabric.
What if my denim jeans are too long?
If your denim jeans are too long, take them to a professional tailor to get them hemmed. Cutting them yourself can cause damage and decrease their value.
11. Use Natural Stain Removers
When dealing with stains on thrifted clothes, it’s best to use natural stain removers to prevent any damage to the fabric. Natural stain removers are usually free of harsh chemicals and are safe for all fabrics.
What are some natural stain removers?
Vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice are all natural stain removers that are safe for all fabrics. Do some research to find the best method for the type of stain you’re dealing with.
Why should I use natural stain removers?
Natural stain removers are free of harsh chemicals and are safe for all fabrics. They’re also more environmentally friendly than chemical stain removers.
What if the stain doesn’t come out?
If the stain doesn’t come out after using a natural stain remover, take the clothes to a professional cleaner.
Can I use bleach as a stain remover?
Bleach is not recommended as a stain remover for thrifted clothes as it can damage the fabric and cause discoloration. Instead, opt for natural stain removers or laundry detergent.
12. Avoid Using Too Much Detergent
When washing thrifted clothes, it’s important to avoid using too much detergent as it can cause build-up and damage to the fabric. Use a small amount of detergent and opt for a gentle or mild formula instead of a heavy-duty one.
How much detergent should I use?
Use a small amount of detergent, about half of what you would normally use. This will prevent build-up and damage to the fabric.
What happens if I use too much detergent?
Using too much detergent can cause build-up and damage to the fabric. It can also cause the clothes to become stiff and uncomfortable to wear.
Do I need to use fabric softener?
Fabric softener is not necessary when washing thrifted clothes. Instead, use a small amount of white vinegar as a natural fabric softener.
Can I use regular detergent?
You can use regular detergent, but make sure to use a small amount and opt for a gentle or mild formula. Avoid using too much detergent as it can cause build-up and damage to the fabric.
13. Clean Your Washing Machine
It’s important to clean your washing machine regularly to prevent any mold, mildew, or bacteria growth. Thrifted clothes may contain germs or bacteria, so it’s important to keep your washing machine clean to prevent cross-contamination.
How do I clean my washing machine?
Run your washing machine on the hottest water setting with a cup of white vinegar or bleach. This will kill any bacteria or mold that may be growing in your washing machine.
How often should I clean my washing machine?
You should clean your washing machine at least once a month to prevent any mold or bacteria growth. If you use your washing machine frequently, you may need to clean it more often.
What if my washing machine doesn’t have a cleaning cycle?
If your washing machine doesn’t have a cleaning cycle, you can run it on the hottest water setting with a cup of white vinegar or bleach. Make sure to rinse the washing machine thoroughly afterwards.
Can I use natural cleaners to clean my washing machine?
Yes, you can use natural cleaners like baking soda or lemon juice to clean your washing machine. Check the manufacturer’s instructions before using any cleaners to prevent damage to the machine.
14. Don’t Overload the Washing Machine
When washing thrifted clothes, it’s important to avoid overloading the washing machine. Overloading the washing machine can cause uneven washing and damage to the fabric.