All those beautifully unique thrift store finds have one thing in common—they’re dirty! This guide will help you clean and refresh ANYTHING you bring home from the thrift store, ensuring it’s safe, fresh, and ready for use.

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Cleaning Glass, Metal, and Ceramics

Good old soap and water is your best friend for removing dust and debris from most thrifted items. If it fits in your sink and isn’t damaged by water, use mild dish soap and warm water.

If the item is too large for the sink, wipe it down with a wet soapy rag and rinse outside.

Problem Solving Common Cleaning Issues

Foggy Glass

Soak in water and denture tablets to remove buildup and restore clarity.

Hard Water Build Up

Vintage ceramic planters often have brown stains from hard water. Soak them in CLR to dissolve the deposits.

Patina

Clean silver and brass thoroughly. If you’d like to remove the patina, polish with:

• Silver: My favorite silver cleaner HERE
• Brass: Bar Keeper’s Friend

Soft Goods

Clothing, linens, bedding, pillows, and stuffed animals can all be machine washed on a delicate cycle with a scoop of OxiClean.

For stubborn stains:

• Pre-treat with your favorite stain remover.
• Soak in warm water with OxiClean before washing.

For Extra Delicate Finds

Older items like quilts should be hand-washed in the bathtub:

1. Fill the tub with warm water and laundry detergent.
2. Let items soak.
3. Drain, rinse, and repeat until the water runs clear.
4. Hang outside in the sun to dry.

Cleaning Cutting Boards and Wooden Pieces

Thrifted cutting boards add so much character to a kitchen, but they harbor bacteria! Here’s how to clean them safely:

Lemon and Salt Method

1. Cut a lemon in half.
2. Sprinkle kosher salt on the board.
3. Use the lemon (cut side down) to scrub.
4. Rinse with soap and water and let air dry completely.

Baking Soda and Vinegar Method

1. Mix baking soda and vinegar into a paste.
2. Scrub the cutting board.
3. Rinse thoroughly and repeat if needed.

Cutting Board Aftercare

Once dry, condition with food-safe mineral oil.
Rub along the wood grain with a soft rag.
Let it absorb for 5-10 minutes, then wipe away excess.
Note: DO NOT soak your cutting board!

Reviving Picture Frames

1. Remove the art and glass if possible.
2. Wash the glass in warm soapy water.
3. Wipe down the frame and allow everything to dry completely before reassembling.

Looking to give your thrifted frame a new life? Don’t miss my tips for a thrift store frame makeover!

Cleaning Books and Paper Items

You can’t wash books, but you can kill bacteria and dust mites:

• Wrap books in plastic and place them in the freezer for 24 hours.
• Wipe covers with a damp rag.

Cleaning Thrifted Baskets

Baskets trap a lot of dirt, but they’re easy to clean:

1. Soak in warm water and mild dish soap for up to 30 minutes.
2. Scrub with a soft-bristled brush if needed.
3. Rinse thoroughly and dry in the sun.

Missed Any of My Past Secondhand School Lessons?

See them all HERE!

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xoxo, L

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