Shopping second-hand is a fantastic way to save money, reduce waste, and find unique fashion pieces - however, most items find themselves being discarded not because they are unloved but because they have become unwearable or damaged.

For most of us, being able to look after our clothes is a privilege of passed down knowledge and isn't always easily accessible information.

This guide will show you how to clean, refresh, and restore pre-loved garments, so they look (and smell) as good as new!

1. Pre-Wash Inspection: What to Look For

Before washing, check for:
✔️ Stains – Identify fabric-safe stain removal techniques.
✔️ Fabric Care Labels – Follow recommended washing instructions.
✔️ Odors – Some vintage pieces may have a musty smell.
✔️ Delicate Fabrics – Hand-wash or dry-clean where necessary.

2. Best Ways to Remove Stains from Second-Hand Clothes

🔹 Grease & Oil: Apply dish soap before washing.
🔹 Yellowing or Sweat Stains: Use baking soda, and white vinegar to create a paste and scrub gently into the fabric after bathing in warm water.
🔹 Ink or Makeup Stains: Dab with rubbing alcohol or micellar water.
🔹 Mildew & Musty Smells: Soak in white vinegar and water for 30 minutes. For items that can't be washed, try vodka distilled in water and spray generously across the item. This will remove any bacteria. 

3. Washing & Drying Second-Hand Clothes Properly

For Everyday Clothing: Machine wash with mild detergent & white vinegar to remove lingering odors.
For Delicates & Vintage Pieces: Hand wash in cold water using a mild soap.

Leather: For stubborn marks, you can use warm water with a little bit of fairy liquid to gently remove grease. 

To maintain leather and avoid cracking or spew, follow these tips. 

Maintaining leather: Use a leather conditioner to help keep the leather moisturised, remove the excess with a soft horse brush.

To avoid spewing (looks like fading of colour in the leather - this is caused due to change in temperature where the fat of the leather comes to the surface). A leather polish in the same colour, applied with a soft horse brush.

Suede: For stubborn stains, use a rubber to remove dirt build up and or a soft bristle brush. 

Top tip: Don't use water to wash suede as it will cause the stain to become permanent and it will damage the fabric. Use a brush to clean the suede, following the direction of the grain.

Wool: Avoid washing pure wool as it will cause the wool to shrink. Wool naturally cleans itself, if you have stains or marks, spot clean instead of a full wash.

4. Restoring & Refreshing Old Clothes

✨ De-Pill Wool & Knits: Use a fabric shaver to remove fuzz.
✨ Fix Loose Threads & Buttons: Quick stitching can revive a garment.
✨ Steam Instead of Ironing: A steamer helps remove wrinkles without damaging fabrics.
✨ Remove Fabric Odors: Store with cedar wood or lavender sachets.

Cleaning second-hand clothes is simple when you know the right techniques. With a little effort, your thrifted finds will look fresh, stylish, and ready for their second life!