I absolutely love thrift shopping. I truly believe there is nothing better than entering a secondhand treasure trove and leaving with a bag full of sustainably shopped goods.
However, professional cleaners are warning us that introducing these second-hand treasures into our homes could bring in unwanted guests too, and the last thing I want to welcome through my door is germs. That is why they always sanitize thrift store items before use.
Here, the pros reveal the seven thrift store items you should always sanitize before using, and share their cleaning tips to get the job done.
7 thrift store items you should always sanitize before using
These cleaning secrets will ensure your new 'old' items can enjoy a new lease of second, third, or even fourth life – without the worry of bacteria.
1. Cookware
Thrift stores are a great way to shop sustainably and a brilliant place to pick up secondhand cookware – I've even stumbled across some amazing finds from Le Creuset hidden amongst the shelves. But, cookware is one of the items you should always sanitize before using, advises Forrest Webber, cleaning expert and founder of Bear Brothers Cleaning.
He says, 'That cast iron skillet might look like it's ready for your next gourmet masterpiece, but just remember – it's got a backstory, and it involves a lot of old grease and probably some mystery crumbs.'
So, to clean your cookware, Webber recommends giving them a good scrub with hot, soapy water, using dish soap such as the bestselling Dawn Ultra Dish Soap Dishwashing Liquid available at Walmart. And, if it's oven-safe, Webber recommends baking it at 400°F for 20 minutes to kill off any remaining germs.
He adds, 'Consider it a "reset button" for all the meals that came before,' just be sure you're aware of any mistakes to avoid when cleaning kitchenware, like using abrasive pads or leaving wooden items to soak.
In fact, if you're unsure how to care for wooden cutting boards, I recently tried Stanley Tucci's unusual method for cleaning a chopping board, and it's an ingenious way to give any you find at the thrift store a second life.
2. Glassware
I've found some of my best glassware at the thrift store, but, much like cookware, anything involving eating or drinking needs sanitizing before use, warns Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless.
She says, 'These can harbor bacteria, especially around rims and in cracks. Wash in hot, soapy water or run through the dishwasher on the sanitize cycle.'
If you do opt to use your best dishwasher, we recommend the Cascade Platinum Dishwasher Detergent Pods available at Walmart to give glasses a virtually spot-free shine, but ensure you handwash all delicate or detailed glassware.
And, if you often find yourself wondering why are my glasses going cloudy in the dishwasher, don't worry. Knowing how to remove cloudiness from drinking glasses is as easy as grabbing the household supplies needed out your pantry.
3. Bedding & clothing
Cleaning expert Webber says that thrifted bedding is another item you should always sanitize before using, warning, 'Dust mites love a good thrifted duvet just as much as you do.'
To avoid frantically researching how to get rid of dust mites, as well as snuggling up in someones unsanitized sheets and bedding, Webber recommends washing everything on the hottest setting it can handle, and using white vinegar in laundry for added freshness. Then, tumble dry on a high heat, provided you're not washing any things to never put in a dryer.
The same goes for clothing, says Alessandro Gazzo, professional cleaner at Emily's Maids. He advises, 'Sanitize anything you will wear or be in direct contact with for more than ten minutes. Check the care tags to find out the highest water temperature you can use for that specific fabric first.'
If you're unsure of how to decipher care tags, our essential guide to laundry symbols offers expert guidance on understanding them once and for all.
4. Electronics
Picking up a second-hand electronic that's in working condition at the thrift store can really feel like striking gold – I've picked up three perfect cameras before. But, Rhonda Wilson, quality lead cleaner at FreshSpace Cleaning notes that these should always be carefully sanitized before use.
She says, 'Thrift store treasures have a history. They've been touched by various people, and while I'm all for the stories they carry, I don't want to bring home anyone else's germs or allergens.'
For electronics, Wilson recommends spraying a microfiber cloth, such as the bestselling Eyliden Microfiber Cleaning Cloths available at Walmart with Lysol Disinfectant Spray, which is available at Amazon.
She continues, 'Some spray it directly, but this method will make sure none of the cleaner gets into the crevices,' or use Lysol Disinfectant Wipes available at Amazon for a stress-free solution to clean a monitor or clean a laptop screen.
There are, however, cleaning methods to avoid damaging a TV, so it's important to be clued up on these if you don't want to cause lasting damage.
5. Upholstered furniture
If you've recently sourced some sustainable furniture, it's prudent to know how to clean upholstery.
Cleaning expert Webber says, 'That beautiful armchair? It's not just vintage; it's also home to decades of secrets. And by secrets, I mean crumbs, pet hair, and maybe even a weird smell or two.'
So, begin by using your best vacuum to eliminate any dust, and, if you've got one, your best steam cleaner, too. If you don't, Webber recommends using a fabric-safe disinfectant spray, such as the Tide Antibacterial Fabric Spray available at Walmart, which kills 99.9% of bacteria when used as directed.
The Black & Decker 7-in-1 steam mop was voted H&G's best steam cleaner when put to the test. With an adjustable steam setting and multiple attachments, it is the perfect powerhouse for cleaning and sanitizing everything from mattresses and furniture to flooring and tiles, and even curtains and clothes.
All prices correct at time of publication.
6. Stuffed toys
Wondering how to wash stuffed animals, or the best way to clean and disinfect baby toys?
Professional cleaner Gazzo says, 'You should definitely sanitize plush toys and toys for your pets. We all know kids and pets love biting anything they see, and toys are filled with bacteria. Fortunately, most of them are washing-machine safe.'
If they're not, hand wash using delicate detergent, such as Woolite, available at Walmart, or use baking soda, such as the ARM & HAMMER Pure Baking Soda available at Walmart to effectively deodorize them without water. This method will, however, still require a form of sanitization beforehand.
7. Shoes
Around the home, there are many things you can clean with baking soda, and cleaning expert Wilson recommends using it to sanitize secondhand shoes.
She suggests, 'For items with a bit of a smell, use baking soda. Sprinkle a generous amount, and let it sit for a few hours or overnight. Then, just vacuum it up or shake it off.'
It's seriously as easy as that! If your shoes need more serious sanitizing, you can wash shoes in a washing machine, or use disinfectant.
Additionally, cleaning expert Webber says, 'Thrifted shoes are great for the wallet, but let's not forget – they've been places. Literal places. And those places might include some questionable foot fungus.'
So, Webber recommends wiping down the outside with disinfectant wipes or spray, and, like Wilson, suggests using baking soda for the inside. He continues, 'This will make those shoes smell less like someone else's adventures, and more like yours.'
I'm all for shopping sustainably, but there are things you should never buy in a thrift store, according to feng shui experts.
Avoid mirrors, mattresses and anything damaged, chipped or cracked to bypass bringing any negative energy into your space.
