How to get smells out of second-hand clothes: musty, smoke and perfume

To get smells out of second-hand clothes, start by airing them outside or by an open window for a day or two, then wash them according to the care label. For stubborn musty, smoke or perfume smells, add white vinegar to the rinse for washable fabrics, or seal the piece in a bag with bicarbonate of soda for a few days. Steam helps delicate pieces. Always check the care label first and test anything new on a hidden area.

Second-hand clothes sometimes carry a smell from the last owner's home, wardrobe or storage. Most of the time it comes out easily. Here is how.

Start by airing

The simplest step is often enough, especially for light smells.

Hang the piece outside on a dry, breezy day, out of strong sun if it is a dark or delicate fabric.
Or hang it by an open window for a day or two.
Give it space. Do not crowd it in a wardrobe until the smell has gone.

Wool in particular is good at releasing smells with fresh air.

Wash according to the label

For washable fabrics, a normal wash often does the job. Follow the care label for temperature and cycle.

Turn the piece inside out, which helps on smells trapped in linings and seams.
Do not overload the drum, so water and detergent reach every part.
Dry it outside or in a well-ventilated room, not on a radiator in a closed room, which can make musty smells worse.

For wool and knitwear, use a wool detergent and a gentle or hand wash cycle. Our guide to washing and storing knitwear explains how.

White vinegar in the rinse

For washable cotton, polyester and denim, many people add a splash of white vinegar to the fabric softener drawer. The smell of the vinegar fades as the clothes dry.

Do not use vinegar on silk, and check the care label for any delicate fabric. Never mix vinegar with bleach.

Bicarbonate of soda

Bicarbonate of soda is a gentle way to absorb smells without washing, which helps with pieces you cannot easily wash.

Put the garment in a large bag or a box with a lid.
Put a small open dish or a cloth pouch of bicarbonate of soda in with it, not directly on the fabric.
Seal it and leave it for a few days.
Air the piece afterwards.

For a washable piece, some people also add a spoonful to the drum with the detergent.

Steam

Steaming refreshes fabrics that do not wash well, such as structured coats, tailoring and some occasion wear. A handheld steamer works, or hang the piece in the bathroom while you run a hot shower, then air it by an open window.

Specific smells

Musty or damp

This is the most common smell on clothes that have been stored. Air the piece well, wash it if the label allows, and dry it thoroughly in fresh air. If there are visible dark spots, it may be mould, which can stain and can be hard to remove from some fabrics.

Smoke

Smoke can cling to wool and coats. Air the piece outside for as long as you can, steam it, and use the bicarbonate of soda method. Washable pieces may need more than one wash.

Perfume

Perfume often fades with airing and a wash. For pieces you cannot wash, try steaming and the bicarbonate of soda method.

Leather and shoes

Wipe leather with a damp cloth and let it air dry naturally. For shoes and boots, put a sachet of bicarbonate of soda inside overnight, and replace removable insoles if the smell stays. Our guide to buying second-hand winter boots covers footwear checks.

When to ask a professional

For delicate, embellished or dry-clean-only pieces, and anything valuable, a dry cleaner is the safest choice. Tell them about the smell so they can treat it properly.

Ask before you buy

The easiest smell to deal with is the one you know about. Smell is impossible to judge from photos, so if it matters to you, tap Message the seller on the listing and ask: "Is it from a smoke-free home? Has it been stored anywhere damp?" A strong smell the seller did not mention, especially one that will not come out, may mean the piece is not as described. If that happens, do not confirm delivery: message the seller and open a problem report on the order. Our guide to buying second-hand safely explains how.

Selling? Freshen first

If you are selling, make sure every piece is clean, dry and fresh before you photograph and post it. Air pieces that have been in storage, and mention in the description if your home has pets or anyone smokes, so buyers can decide. Our guide to writing a listing description shows what else to include.

The short version

Air it first, wash it according to the label, and use white vinegar in the rinse for washable fabrics or bicarbonate of soda in a sealed bag for anything else. Steam delicate pieces, ask a dry cleaner about valuable ones, and ask the seller about smells before you buy.