We don’t talk enough about thrift store smell. But boy do we sure smell it enough. We joke about it, we try to ignore it, we hold our breath and hope the washer will handle it. But the truth is, some clothes hang onto “the smell” like it’s part of their DNA. If you’ve ever thrifted something incredible only to discover it has “the smell” even after a thorough washing then congrats, you’re one of us! Let’s get into it.

Sooooo… what even is the “thrift store smell”?

There’s a veeeery scientific reason thrifted clothes have a smell. The thrift store smell is not just one thing. It’s the holy cocktail of many, many, many, MANY things. It tells the story of the object’s past.
We’re talking:

• Old detergent residue
• Synthetic fragrance fixatives
• Cigarette smoke
• Human body stuff (sweat, skin oils, deodorant)
• Pet stuff (dander and hair)
• Mothballs and pest deterrents
• Scented drawer liners and sachets
• Cooking smells (grease, spice, smoke)
• Basement dampness or mildew
• Storage odours from plastic bins or musty attics
• If you’re lucky: incense, patchouli, or a long-dead bottle of cologne
• Commercial deodorizers like OdoBan sprayed over EVERYTHING to try and mask the above smells (with an arguably worse smell)

It’s the layers of whatever has soaked into the fabric over time (plus whatever the store added to mask it).

Washing isn’t always enough (but here’s what might help)

If you’ve already washed it a few times and it still stinks, here are some *actual methods* thrifters use that work with varying degrees of success. Some of these methods are conventional and some are kind of…chaotic.

For machine-washables:

• Add 1/2 to 1 cup of white vinegar to the fabric softener dispenser during the rinse cycle. It helps neutralize lingering scents and softens fabric.
• Soak clothes overnight in warm water mixed with 1/2 cup of baking soda. Ideal for musty, stale smells that don’t wash out.
• Try “laundry stripping”: fill a bathtub with hot water and mix in 1/4 cup Borax, 1/4 cup washing soda, and 1/2 cup powdered detergent like Tide. Soak clothes for 4–6 hours, stirring occasionally. Rinse well.
• Use enzyme-based cleaners like Biz, OxiClean, or Nellie’s Oxygen Brightener to break down organic odours and detergent buildup. Follow label instructions.
• Use Listerine (the original brown kind) diluted 3:1 with water. Spray or soak smelly areas before washing. Surprisingly effective on sweat odour.
• Hang clothing in direct sunlight for several hours. UV rays neutralize odour-causing bacteria. Breezy days work best.
• Or maybe Febreze? If you’re okay with trading thrift store smell for artificial fragrance, go for it. Not ideal, but it’ll mask things temporarily.

How to get thrift store smell out of clothes without the washing machine

Not everything can go straight into the laundry, and sometimes washing doesn’t even work. Here’s what to try when you need to avoid the machine:

• Vodka spray: Mix cheap, unflavoured vodka 1:1 with water in a spray bottle. Lightly mist the inside of the garment (especially armpits or lining), then hang it outdoors or near an open window. Repeat a few times if needed.
• Freezer method: Place the item in a sealable bag and leave it in the freezer for 48–72 hours. This can help kill odour-causing bacteria, but works best when combined with another method like vodka or baking soda.
• Baking soda: Pour a shallow layer of baking soda into a bin or large bag. Lay the garment on top, seal it up, and leave it for a week. Flip halfway through for better coverage. Shake or vacuum off the residue.
• Activated charcoal: Use charcoal deodorizer pouches (sold as “odour absorbers” or “shoe deodorizers”) and place them in a bin with the item for a few days
• The sun: Hang clothing in direct sunlight for several hours. UV rays neutralize odour-causing bacteria. Breezy days work best.
• Ozone machine: Rent or buy a machine designed to remove odours from clothing and textiles. Place the item in a small room or bin and follow all safety precautions closely. Don’t use this while pets or people are in the space.

How to get thrift store smell out of leather

Leather can’t be soaked, and harsh sprays can ruin it. Here’s what works best:

• Vodka or isopropyl alcohol spray, lightly misted and dried thoroughly
• Activated charcoal in a sealed container for a few days
• Baking soda, carefully applied inside a bag or jacket and vacuumed out after sitting
• Professional leather cleaner or dry cleaner that works with vintage

How to get detergent smell out of second hand clothes

Sometimes it’s not thrift funk, it’s just someone else’s Tide pod nightmare. Here’s how to cut through synthetic fragrance:

• Vinegar rinse in the final cycle
• Baking soda soak overnight
• Ozone treatment for embedded fixatives
• Strip the fabric with hot water, Borax, and washing soda
• Sun and time: repeat outdoor airing until it finally fades

Final thoughts (and when to let go)

Some smells will come out. Some won’t. If you’ve tried everything and it still reeks, it might be time to accept that not all thrifted clothes are meant to survive another day (and that’s okay). But most thrifted pieces just need a little extra time or the right combo of methods. Start with the least intense, and go from there. Good luck!