If you happen to score a great pair of jeans or a sleek cashmere coat at a thrift store, you’ll probably feel pretty proud of your find — and you should. Secondhand shopping is smart, sustainable, and honestly, kind of addictive.

But as exciting as it is to snag that perfect find, there’s often a little uncertainty about what to do next. Is that “dry-clean only” label a hard rule or merely a suggestion? Or will a quick spin in the washer get rid of that musty smell? Because remember: what you see on the thrift rack is just half the story.

Before you wear it, store it, or style it, it’s worth taking a closer look at how to clean it the right way. From everyday basics to high-end fabrics, each piece has its own requirements. Here’s your go-to checklist for caring for each type of secondhand item, the smart and safe way.

T-Shirts and Everyday Tops

T-shirts and casual tops are some of the most common secondhand purchases, and for good reason. They’re versatile, easy to style, and usually pretty affordable. But because they’re worn close to the skin, proper cleaning is essential before you wear them. Even if they look clean, used tops can carry sweat, deodorant residue, or fabric softener buildup that attracts bacteria. Here’s how to safely clean them without ruining their fit or fabric.

How to Clean Secondhand T-Shirts and Tops

1. Turn the garment inside out before washing. This protects the outer layer from fading and friction.
2. Use cold water and a mild detergent. Hot water can shrink cotton and set in old stains.
3. Avoid heavy spin cycles. Stick to a gentle or delicate setting on your machine.
4. Hang dry or use low heat. High heat can cause shrinkage and weaken the fibers.

Jeans and Denim

Secondhand jeans are a great find. Denim lasts long, and a worn-in fit can actually be a bonus. But they’re also known for holding on to odor and dye. Whether they’re designer jeans or basic denim, washing them correctly will keep them looking good and feeling fresh. Denim also tends to bleed color, especially in the first few washes, so it’s important to handle it with care.

How to Clean Thrifted Denim the Right Way

Before tossing them into your washing machine, keep these denim-specific tips in mind:

1. Wash jeans separately the first time. They might bleed colored dye and stain other clothes.
2. Use cold water and a gentle cycle. It helps preserve both the color and the fabric.
3. Turn them inside out before washing. This minimizes wear and helps retain color.
4. Air dry instead of tumble drying. Heat can shrink denim and ruin the fit.

Dresses and Blouses

Secondhand dresses and blouses often feature delicate fabrics, embroidery, or beading, especially if they’re vintage or formal. These items may look elegant, but they need to be cleaned thoughtfully to avoid damage. While some might be machine washable, others may require hand washing or dry cleaning depending on the fabric content.

Safe Ways to Wash Secondhand Dresses and Blouses

1. Spot check for hidden stains before washing. Especially near the underarms, collars, and cuffs.
2. Use mesh bags for delicate items. This protects the fabric from getting stretched or torn.
3. Use a gentle or hand wash cycle. For silk or rayon, hand washing is safest.
4. Hang to dry or lay flat. Avoid the dryer completely, as it can ruin the structure and finish.

Suits, Blazers, and Structured Jackets

These types of garments are investments, even when they’re secondhand. The problem is most of them can’t just be tossed into a washer or scrubbed at home. The interior lining, shoulder padding, and fabric require specific care. If you want your thrifted blazer or suit jacket to look sharp and last longer, dry cleaning is the safest route.

Cleaning Structured Outerwear and Business Wear

When dealing with structured or tailored secondhand pieces, here’s what you need to do:

1. Take it to a professional dry cleaner. Water can damage the shape and stitching.
2. Avoid home steaming on padded areas. Too much moisture warps padding and lining.
3. Inspect buttons and seams before cleaning. Fix loose threads or missing buttons first.

Knitwear and Sweaters

Secondhand sweaters and knits often come with hidden surprises — pilling, stretching, or even odors tucked into the fibers. The key to reviving them lies in gentle handling and the right cleaning method. You also want to prevent further pilling or shrinkage, especially with wool or cashmere blends.

Gentle Cleaning Tips for Thrifted Knitwear

1. Hand wash in cold water. Use wool-safe or gentle detergent.
2. Avoid wringing or twisting. Press out water gently with a towel.
3. Lay flat to dry. Hanging causes the sweater to stretch out.
4. Use a sweater comb or fabric shaver. Remove any fuzz or pilling after drying.

Athleticwear and Stretch Fabrics

Pre-owned athletic gear often holds on to body odor and bacteria even after one wash. Since most activewear is made with spandex, lycra, or polyester blends, it needs to be washed the right way to avoid breaking down the elastic. These fabrics are designed to wick moisture, so don’t undo their purpose with the wrong wash routine.

How to Sanitize Secondhand Athleticwear

To preserve stretch, color, and performance features, use this guide:

1. Wash in cold water only. Heat damages the stretch fibers permanently.
2. Skip fabric softener. It clogs the pores of performance fabric.
3. Completely air dry. It prevents mildew and maintains elasticity.
4. Wash immediately after use. Even secondhand items may still have embedded sweat or salt.

Linen and Cotton Button-downs

Cotton and linen shirts are durable and breathable, making them great secondhand finds. But they’re also prone to wrinkling and discoloration, especially around collars and underarms. A proper wash can remove stains and restore crispness, but some ironing or steaming may be needed after drying.

How to Freshen Up Secondhand Button-down Shirts

To restore your shirt to a wearable state, here are the best practices:

1. Use warm water (not hot) for washing. It helps remove sweat and dirt while being gentle.
2. Pretreat any yellowing or discoloration. Focus on underarms and collars.
3. Shake out the shirt before drying. This reduces wrinkles and makes ironing easier.
4. Iron or steam on medium heat. Linen needs higher heat and some moisture to smooth out.

Outerwear (Coats, Parkas, Rain Jackets)

These bulkier items are often neglected in secondhand stores and may harbor pet hair, smoke, or mildew odors. Materials vary: wool, down, synthetic, or waterproof coatings, all of which require specific attention. A good cleaning can bring them back to life and prepare them for the next cold or rainy season.

Best Practices for Cleaning Outerwear Finds

Here’s how to handle cleaning outerwear depending on what you find inside the coat:

1. Inspect inside pockets and seams. Shake out debris, tissues, or lint.
2. Spot clean before full washing. Especially on cuffs, hems, and zippers.
3. For wool or down, dry cleaning is safest. Avoid at-home washing unless the tag allows it.
4. Air out in sunlight after cleaning. Helps remove lingering odors and freshens the fabric naturally.

Formalwear and Delicates (Gowns, Lingerie, Silk)

This category requires the most caution. Vintage silk gowns or designer lingerie can be very fragile, and one wrong move could destroy them. These are items you should never risk washing in a home machine because even hand washing can be risky depending on the material.

How to Handle Secondhand Delicates

1. Always opt for professional dry cleaning. Especially for items with lace, silk, or beading.
2. Store in a garment bag after cleaning. This protects against dust, moisture, and pests.
3. Use acid-free tissue paper when folding. Prevents creases and maintains shape during storage.
4. Avoid heat exposure. Keep out of sunlight and don’t use heated drying methods.

Not Sure How to Wash That Amazing Find? Bring it to Omni Cleaners for Premium Care!

No matter how stunning your secondhand treasure is, it’s hard to enjoy it when it still smells like the donation bin or feels stiff with mystery residue. At Omni Cleaners, our laundry and dry cleaning professionals know exactly how to tackle delicate cashmere, vintage denim, and everything in between, removing deep-set odors and reviving fabrics so they come back soft, spotless, and neatly folded to perfection.

We’re a family-owned, fully certified garment care company proudly serving Houston for over 30 years. Backed by our certification from the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute (DLI), we offer dry cleaning, wash and fold laundry, household item care, and expert alterations, all with the personalized service and attention to detail you’d expect from local dry cleaners in Houston, Texas.

Let us take your pile of pre-loved clothing and return it sorted, fresh, and ready for the closet. Call Omni Cleaners today at 346-486-4011 or email us at info@omnicleaners.com to schedule your complimentary Pickup and Delivery Service.