5 Easy Ways to Restore Thrift Store Clothing

Does a little mending or stain removal keep you from scoring big at the thrift store? Don’t let that stop you anymore! These 5 Easy Ways to Restore Thrift Store Clothing will give you the confidence to grab those deals and refresh them with just a little effort—and a lot of satisfaction!

Finding cute, inexpensive clothes at the thrift store is one of my favorite ways to save money (and still look put-together on a budget). If you’re new to thrift shopping or need a few pointers, be sure to check out my Ultimate Thrift Store Guide to Successful Clothes Shopping.

Why Restoring Thrift Store Clothes is Totally Worth It

I’ve been surprised by how overwhelmed some of my friends feel about simple clothing fixes like stain removal or hemming. A few have even offered to pay me to hem a skirt (even though I offered to do it for free!).

Truth is—these little DIY tricks are easier than you think, and they’ll help you score stylish, affordable outfits without spending a fortune.

We’re big on thrifted fashion in our house—especially my teens. When we spot a trendy item for cheap, we’re all in. And if it has a small stain, a faint odor, or a tiny tear? That’s no problem when you know these simple fixes.

These 5 little DIY clothing secrets will help you Restore almost any Thrift Store Clothing piece!

Remove Stains & Spots Easily

Some thrift store stains can seem intimidating—but most can be removed with everyday household items. Here’s what I use:

Baking Soda Paste (for light colors):

Make a paste with baking soda and water. Gently scrub it onto the stain and let it sit in the sun or for a few hours. If it’s being stubborn, add a few drops of vinegar to activate a little bubbling action—it helps lift stains better!

Baking Soda + Hydrogen Peroxide (for blood or tougher stains):

Hydrogen peroxide works wonders on blood stains. Mix it with baking soda for extra strength. (No, I don’t knowingly buy bloody clothes—but life happens, especially with kids!)

Oxi-Detergents:

Laundry detergent with Oxi Clean is another go-to. I just scrub the stain in and let it soak before washing.

Dish Detergent (for whites):

Dawn is great for brightening—but test first! It can be a little strong.

Good Ol’ Sunshine:

The sun naturally brightens whites and helps with stubborn yellowing. Just air-dry outside and let nature do its thing.

How to Get Rid of That “Thrift Store Smell”

You know that smell—musty, dusty, or just plain weird. Thankfully, it’s usually easy to fix:

Wash It – Almost everything can be thrown in the washer with a good detergent. You can boost your laundry detergent with these couple of things:

• 1 cup of white vinegar. This can really boost your brightness AND gets rid of smells.
• Essential Oils. A couple of drops in your wash can really refresh thrift store clothes.

For items you can’t wash (like leather, fur, or suede): Try activated charcoal! You can buy it in the fish supply section of pet stores or online. Seal the item in a large bag with the charcoal for a day or two—it absorbs the odors.

You can also use:

• Bamboo charcoal freshener packs (ready-to-use and mess-free)

5 Pack – Bamboo Activated Charcoal Air Freshener, Deodorizer and Purifier

Repair Suede and Leather Items

So many amazing leather pieces show up at thrift stores—and a lot of them need just a tiny bit of TLC.

• Use a suede eraser (found with shoe supplies) for light scuffs or stains.
• For leather, saddle soap or a leather restorer can bring back softness and shine.
• If the leather is cracked or heavily worn, it might not be salvageable—but many jackets and bags just need a good polish!

Dealing with “Dry Clean Only” Clothes

If you find a “Dry Clean Only” gem for $2.99, don’t walk away just yet!

• Try a home dry cleaning kit—they’re affordable and surprisingly work very well.
• I’ve also (carefully) washed many of these items on a gentle cycle and air-dried them. Most come out just fine—but this is definitely a “know your fabrics” situation. When in doubt, test!

Don’t Be Afraid to Mend

If you find something you love with a small hole or loose seam—buy it anyway. A quick mend can bring it right back to life. I’ve got a whole post on how to Mend and Starch Thrift Store Finds to make them look brand new again.

Even if you’re not super crafty, learning a couple of basic sewing tricks (like hemming, stitching a tear, or sewing on a button) can save you a ton of money.

Real Life Win: $18 VANS Shoes!

The other day, my son found a brand new pair of Vans at the thrift store for just $18! The only problem? A yellow stain. He looked at me with total confidence and said, “We can get that out, right, Mom?” Yes. Yes, we can. 💪🏼

Some stains might take a couple of tries, but most can be tackled with just a little effort and patience.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Toss That New Item Either!

These tricks aren’t just for thrifted clothes. If you spill something on a new shirt, don’t panic—treat the stain and give it a second chance. And hey, if you ever decide to donate it, make sure it’s in good shape… because I might be the one to grab it and bring it back to life.

Happy Thrifting, Friend!
Don’t be afraid to grab that cute $2.99 top with a stain or tiny hole. With a few DIY tricks, you’ll be saving money, dressing cute, and teaching your kids how to be savvy shoppers too.

If you’re serious about saving more this year, you’ll love my post: How to Save Thousands This Year With These Creative Money Tips!

Let’s thrift smart and stretch those dollars together! You’ve got this friend.

For More Tips on Thrifting:

Use the Ultimate Guide to Successful Clothes Shopping at the Thrift Store!