How to Banish the Goodwill Smell from Clothes: Expert Tips and Tricks:Are you tired of bringing home that distinct “Goodwill smell” on your thrifted clothes? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this blog post, we’ll unravel the mystery behind this phenomenon and share some clever tricks to get rid of that unwanted odor. From immediate washing to DIY deodorizers and even freezing out the funk, we’ve got an arsenal of tips to ensure your clothes smell fresh and fabulous. So say goodbye to that lingering thrift store scent and hello to a happy, odor-free wardrobe!
Understanding the Goodwill Smell Phenomenon
It’s an experience familiar to many thrift shoppers: you find a great piece of clothing at Goodwill, only to discover that it carries a distinct smell. This aroma is not due to a single cause but rather the melding of various scents that have accumulated over time. The clothing at Goodwill often absorbs a medley of household scents, perfumes, fabric softeners, and occasionally mothballs, resulting from the aggregation of donations from numerous sources. As Goodwill sorts through clothing based on their sell-ability, ensuring items are free from stains, fading, tears, or holes, sometimes the smell goes unchecked.
Tackling Odors Head-On: Immediate Washing
When bringing home your thrift finds, it’s advisable to wash them right away. This not only assures personal hygiene but also helps in eliminating that characteristic thrift store smell. If you’re unsure about the care instructions for a particular garment, opt for hand-washing or the gentlest machine cycle using cold or warm water, which is gentler on fabrics than hot water.
Using Vinegar to Neutralize Odors
Vinegar is a powerhouse when it comes to deodorizing clothes. Adding 1 cup of white distilled vinegar to your normal wash cycle can work wonders in freshening up and deodorizing your newly acquired thrift store garments. The acidic properties of vinegar help to break down the odor molecules, effectively neutralizing unpleasant smells.
Steam Cleaning for a Scent-Free and Crisp Finish
Steam cleaning is another effective method to rid your thrifted garments of unwanted odors while also removing wrinkles and reviving napped fabrics. The high temperature of the steam works to kill bacteria and dust mites that may be contributing to the smell.
Vodka and Vinegar Sprays: DIY Deodorizers
For a quick fix, a homemade spray of equal parts water and vinegar or vodka can be used to combat odors. Simply spray the mixture lightly onto the garment and allow it to air dry. The alcohol in vodka helps to dissolve the odor-causing oils and bacteria, leaving your clothes smelling fresher.
Bagging and Air: Simple Yet Effective
Bagging clothes and then airing them out is a surprisingly effective method to eliminate odors. The containment helps to concentrate the deodorizing process, while airing them out afterwards allows the smells to disperse.
Odor Absorbers: From Newspaper to Charcoal Sachets
Materials like newspaper, bamboo charcoal sachets, and even kitty litter can be utilized to absorb odors. These can be placed in a bag with the offending garment to help draw out the smell. Bamboo charcoal, in particular, is known for its superior absorption properties.
Dealing with Persistent Odors in Cheap Clothes
For stubborn smells, a combination of vinegar, baking soda, or commercial sanitizers and sports detergents can be used. These products are designed to tackle tough odors and can be particularly effective on cheaper fabrics that tend to retain smells more readily.
Embracing the Power of Fresh Air
Never underestimate the effectiveness of simply airing out clothes. Hanging clothes outside where they can bask in the sun and breeze can greatly help in reducing odors. The ultraviolet rays from the sun can also act as a natural disinfectant.
Freezing Out the Funk from Jeans
Jeans can be a bit trickier to deodorize without affecting their fit and color. A handy trick is to place your jeans in the freezer overnight. The cold temperature helps to kill bacteria that cause odors without the wear and tear of a wash cycle.
Out-of-the-Box Odor Solutions
When traditional methods fall short, it’s time to get creative. Placing garments in a sealed container with kitty litter containing activated charcoal can help in absorbing odors. Although it might sound strange, it’s a method that can offer a solution for particularly stubborn smells.
Avoiding the Dryer
After washing, it’s best to skip the dryer when possible. High temperatures can set in odors making them harder to remove. Instead, opt for air-drying to ensure that any lingering smells have the chance to dissipate fully.
Conclusion: Fresh Garments, Happy Wardrobe
By employing these tips and techniques, you can enjoy your thrift finds without the accompanying odors. Remember that persistence and a combination of methods are often key to completely removing the Goodwill smell. With a little effort, your second-hand clothes can smell and feel as good as new.
FAQ & Common Questions about How To Get Goodwill Smell Out Of Clothes
Q: How do you get Goodwill smell out of jeans?
A: One effective method is to put the garment in the freezer before bed. This helps eliminate the odor, especially for denim items. Other tips include hanging the item in direct sunlight or burying it in kitty litter that contains activated charcoal.
Q: Why do Goodwill clothes smell so strong?
A: The strong smell of Goodwill clothes is usually a combination of household scents, perfume, fragranced fabric softener, and even moth balls.
Q: How do you wash clothes from Goodwill?
A: If you’re unsure about a piece, it’s best to hand-wash it or use the gentlest cycle with cold or warm water instead of hot. To fully disinfect thrift store clothes, you can add some vinegar to your washing process along with a natural and safe laundry detergent. After washing, avoid using the dryer.
Q: How do you get goodwill smell out of jeans?
A: One effective method is to put the garment in the freezer before bed. This helps eliminate the odor, especially for denim items. Other tips include hanging the item in direct sunlight or burying it in kitty litter that contains activated charcoal.
