If you are on the hunt for some inexpensive furniture, the thrift store is an excellent place to find something that is good quality for a fraction of the price. However, you might be concerned about the condition of the furniture or even the germs and dirt that are on the surface of used items. Before bringing a used piece of furniture on your home, follow this guide for how to clean all different types of thrifted furniture!
How to clean furniture from the thrift store? When bringing home a used piece of furniture from the thrift store, it’s important to determine what kind of material it is made out of before cleaning and disinfecting it. Vacuum out any drawers in dresser and credenzas, remove all cushions and sprinkle baking soda to absorb smells in upholstered pieces. A simple mix of dish soap and water will clean many thrifted furniture items, but some things will require a little more care and patience.
Why Should You Clean and Disinfect Furniture From The Thrift Store
Whether you are purchasing a thrifted piece that is 50 years old or just a few years old, it’s a good rule of thumb to give it a cleaning when you get home. If you read my advice on Tips For Thrifting During COVID, I touched on the fact that items at a thrift store are not going to have the same level of cleanliness as picking something up from Target. Whether you are shopping during a pandemic or not, thrifted items are just dirtier because of the nature of a thrift store.
Without knowing where the item actually came from, how old it may or may not be or how long it sat in storage, it’s important to properly clean your thrifted furniture before using it. It could seem like a daunting task, but I will lay out all of the different types of furniture items you might buy and the proper way to clean and disinfect them.
What To Do First Before Beginning The Cleaning Process:
Identify what type of material it’s made out of
Before proceeding with cleaning your thrifted couch, check to see if there are any tags or labels from the manufacturer. This will help to determine how to clean your piece. A lot of vintage pieces won’t have this, but it’s always a good idea to check. If your piece does have a tag, here is what the different cleaning codes mean:
W= Water based cleaner
S= Solvents (dry clean only)
W/S= Combination of dry cleaning solvents and water-based cleaners
X= Vacuuming or light brushing only
Remove the cushions and vacuum the piece (if it’s upholstered)
There can be crumbs and dirt living under those cushions, so if it’s possible, remove all cushions and vacuum the entire piece of furniture. Make sure to get in all those crevices and use the upholstery attachment to vacuum the cushions as well.
How To Clean Furniture From The Thrift Store
There are many different types of furniture items that you can buy from the thrift store. Each one requires a different method of cleaning and disinfecting. The good news is that you can still buy a used couch or a vintage credenza from the thrift store and bring it home to enjoy as long as you take a little time to clean it first! We will discuss these different kinds of furniture items and how to clean them:
- Cotton upholstered sofas and chairs
- Leather sofas and chairs
- Microfiber sofas and chairs
- Slip covered furniture
- Wood furniture
- Metal furniture
- Wicker furniture
- Plastic furniture
Supplies Needed To Clean Furniture From The Thrift Store:
Here are some general supplies that you might need:
- Spray bottle
- Distilled, white vinegar
- Distilled water
- Rubbing alcohol
- Vacuum with an upholstery attachment
- Soft, white cloth
- Soft brush
- Dish soap
How To Clean Cotton Upholstered Sofas and Chairs
For furniture that is upholstered in natural fabric, follow these simple steps for how to best clean your used funiture. After removing the cushions, and vacuuming, follow these steps:
Sprinkle with baking soda
Sprinkle the cushions and fabric with a generous amount of baking soda. This will help to soak up any lingering odors. Allow the baking soda to sit for anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, then vacuum it up with your upholstery attachment.
If you are concerned about the baking soda damaging the fabric, test out a small section first before applying baking soda to the entire piece.
Spot Clean Any Stains
Look over the piece for any stains. To spot clean a cotton couch, check to see if there is a manufacturer’s label or tag. If there is not a tag, then ALWAYS test a conspicuous spot first before proceeding.
Use a mix of mild soap and water to treat stains. Dab the stain with a soft cloth, do not rub. Let the soap solution sit for 10 minutes, then wipe with plain water. Repeat the process until the stain is removed.
Use an Enzyme Cleaner If Necessary
If you suspect that the sofa has pet urine stains, then you will want to use an enzyme cleaner on the piece. You can purchase an enzyme cleaner or make your own out of vinegar and baking soda. Sprinkle the area with baking soda and then spray with a 50/50 mix of distilled vinegar and water. Blot the area with a clean cloth and repeat if necessary.
How To Clean Slip Covered Sofas and Chairs
If you purchasing a slip covered couch or chair, then you are in luck because it’s easy to just toss the slip cover in the washing machine.
Sprinkle with baking soda
After removing the cushions, sprinkle baking soda on the remaining parts of the couch. Allow the baking soda to sit for anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, then vacuum it up with your upholstery attachment.
If you are concerned about the baking soda damaging the fabric, test out a small section first before applying baking soda to the entire piece.
Before washing your slip cover, pretreat any stains.
Use a mixture of mild dish soap and water and let the soap solution sit for 10 minutes (as always, test on a small patch first if you are worried). Dab the area with a soft, clean cloth. You can also use a store bought stain remover.
Wash the slip cover on cold and then let it air dry.
Use a mild laundry detergent with no bleach added. Use cold water and allow it to air dray to prevent any shrinkage
While the slip cover is being washed, you can proceed with sprinkling the rest of the couch with baking soda and vacuuming it like we discussed earlier.
How To Clean Microfiber Sofas and Chairs
Microfiber furniture is popular because it is inexpensive yet can have the look of something made of more expensive material. However, it is a little tricky to clean because you can’t use soap and water. After vacuuming the entire couch or chair follow these guidelines:
Spot clean with rubbing alcohol
Test a small area first with rubbing alcohol. Spray the stains or dirty areas with rubbing alcohol. Next, lightly dab with a white cloth or natural sponge. Do not use a colored cloth or sponge because the dye might transfer to the microfiber, leaving a stain. Let the area sit for 20 minutes or so.
Use a brush to fluff up the fibers after cleaning
The rubbing alcohol might leave the area a little bit dry or crunchy. All you need to do is use a clean, soft brush to lightly rub the area to fluff up and loosen the fibers in the fabric.
Try distilled water for water stains
Another issue that you might come across with microfiber, is water stains. To combat this, spray the water stain with distilled water. Dab and blot with a soft, white cloth. Then after it has dried, fluff up the fibers with a clean, soft brush.
How To Clean Leather Sofas and Chairs
If you have managed to snag a nice leather or chair from a thrift store, good job! Since leather can be quite expensive, it’s always exciting to find a nice quality piece at the thrift store. Chance are, you will want to give your leather piece a good cleaning. Here are some general guidelines to follow:
Remove cushions (if possible) and vacuum up any dirt and crumbs
Like stated previously, before cleaning, remove any large cushions and vacuum up the loose dirt and crumbs
Disinfect the leather furniture with vinegar
To safely disinfect your leather, mix up a 50/50 solution of vinegar and distilled water. Test the solution on an inconspicuous spot. Then, wet a soft cloth with the vinegar solution and gently wipe the leather. Dry the leather with a soft, dry cloth.
Eliminate stains with rubbing alcohol
For smaller stains, such as ink stains, try rubbing alcohol. As usual, test a small area first. Dip a cotton swab in alcohol and apply it to the stain. Dry the area with a hairdryer set on the lowest setting.
Getting rid of grease stains
If you notice that your leather has grease stains, you will need to try to absorb the grease. Cover the area with cornstarch or talcum powder and allow it to sit overnight to draw out the grease. Brush off the cornstarch in the morning with a soft brush or cloth.
How To Clean Wood Furniture From The Thrift Store
Remove and vacuum out any drawers
Pull out any drawers and open doors. Vacuum out all interior spaces (if any) to remove dirt and debris.
Disinfect with soap and water
Test an inconspicuous area first with a mixture of dish soap and warm water. If the wood isn’t affected by the mixture, proceed. Add just a few drops of dish soap to water for a weak solution. Use a soft cloth, dampen with the soap solution and lightly wash the surfaces of the wood. Immediately dry the wood after cleaning it.
Remove water stains
If the furniture piece has any water stains or cup rings, you will want to remove them. There are a few different methods that can be used to eliminate water stains. As always, test first on an inconspicuous area.
Mayonnaise – cover the water stain with a layer of mayo, let it sit overnight and wipe it off in the morning.
Vinegar and oil – mix equal parts vinegar and oil, then apply it to the stain with a soft cloth. Wipe with a dry cloth.
White toothpaste – squeeze a small amount of white toothpaste onto the stain. Rub with a soft, damp cloth until you see the stain disappear.
Mineral Spirits
If your piece seems extremely dirty or there is a lot of buildup, you may want to try applying mineral spirits. It’s very important that you test it first to make sure the mineral spirits won’t damage the finish of the wood.
How To Clean Wicker Furniture From The Thrift Store
Dirt and debris can hide in all of the nooks and crannies of wicker furniture, so it’s important to give it a good cleaning when you bring it home from the thrift store! Like always, test everything on an inconspicuous spot before cleaning the entire piece.
Vacuum the piece
Use the brush attachment of your vacuum and thoroughly vacuum up any dirt and debris hiding in the wicker.
Wash with soap and water
Use a simple solution of warm water and few drops of dish soap. Using a soft brush, scrub the entire piece of wicker furniture. Make sure to thoroughly dry it afterwards with a hair dryer or in the sun.
Use vinegar and water for mold and mildew
If you suspect that there might be mold on the piece of furniture, mix up a one part vinegar to three parts water and dip a soft cloth in the mixture. Wash the wicker with the dampened cloth, then dry it completely.
For delicate wicker, work in small sections
If the wicker seems delicate or old, work in 6 inch sections when cleaning it, allowing it to dry before moving on to the next section.
How To Clean Used Plastic Furniture
Plastic furniture from the thrift store might be the easiest to clean since they aren’t as delicate as other furniture items. Here’s how to easily clean them:
Wash with dish soap and water
Add a some dish soap to water and use a generous amount to scrub your plastic furniture. Hose them off with a garden hose or rinse with clean water and a rag. For harder to clean area, use a small toothbrush along with the same soap and water solution.
Vinegar and water
Another method is to mix up equal parts vinegar and water. Spray the plastic with the vinegar mixture and wipe with a cloth. Rinse with plain water.
Baking soda paste
If your piece of furniture has buildup or residue, try cleaning it with a baking soda paste. Mix baking soda and water until it forms a paste. Apply to the area and scrub with a soft brush or old toothbrush. Rinse with water and dry with a soft cloth.
How To Clean Thrifted Metal Furniture
Cleaning metal furniture with soap
Use a brush to scrub off any debris or dirt. Then, clean the piece with a mixture of dish soap and water. Add a few squirts of soap to a gallon of water and clean with a soft sponge, brush or cloth. Rinse with plain water.
Eliminating rust
This method works for wrought iron, but not aluminum furniture. As always, test an area first. Make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the rusty areas and let it sit for about 20 minutes. After letting it sit, scrub with a brush and then rinse with plain water.
Types of Furniture That isn’t Worth Purchasing From The Thrift Store
Mattresses
It’s probably good rule of thumb to just steer clear of used mattresses. I tend to think that this is an area where it’s best just to buy new!
Damaged
If the furniture piece that you spot in the thrift store is damaged, it’s best to ask yourself if it’s worth purchasing. Sometimes fixing a broken piece is more of a hassle and costs more money than you are willing to spend on a thrifted item.
Too dirty
If a piece of furniture is just too dirty to handle yourself or it requires a professional to clean it, you may want to rethink buying it at a thrift store. The time and money needed to clean the piece just might not be worth it.
For more thrifting tips and ideas, check out these helpful posts!
Tips For Thrifting During COVID
How To Tell If Glassware From The Thrift Store Is Valuable
How To Turn A Thrifted Leather Jacket Into A Pillow
