How to Clean Thrifted Furniture: A Step-by-Step Guide

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In this guide, I’ll share all the steps you need on how to clean thrifted furniture, along with the supplies required and handy tips to make the process a breeze.

If you’re a thrifter like me, you know the thrill of finding a gem at your local thrift shop. Whether it’s a vintage coffee table or a charming set of chairs, secondhand furniture can transform your space with character and charm.

So, you’ve just scored an amazing piece of furniture from your favorite local thrift shop or an online marketplace, and you can’t wait to bring it into your home.

But before you settle that beautiful vintage chair or antique table into your living room, it’s important to give it a good clean. Knowing how to clean thrifted furniture properly ensures it’s safe, fresh, and ready to shine in your home.

Cleaning thrifted furniture doesn’t just freshen it up; it’s also a great way to make sure it’s safe, sanitary, and ready for its new life with you.

Supplies You’ll Need

Before starting, gather the following cleaning supplies:

Tools:

• Protective gear: Gloves and a mask
• Vacuum cleaner (with attachments)
• Soft-bristled brush or an Old Toothbrush
• Microfiber cloths
• Sandpaper (optional for refinishing)
• Paint or stain (if needed for touch-ups)

Cleaning:

• Bucket of warm water
• Mild dish soap
• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Wood cleaner or furniture polish (if applicable)
• Disinfectant spray
• Mild dish soap
• Leather cleaner/conditioner (for leather items)

Step 1: Inspect Your Furniture

When you first bring secondhand furniture home, give it a thorough inspection. Check for any signs of damage, such as loose joints, cracks, or pests like bedbugs or termites. Look for labels or tags that indicate care instructions or materials to avoid damaging the piece.

Step 2: Dust and Vacuum

Begin by removing loose dirt and dust. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to clean crevices, upholstery, and hard-to-reach areas. A soft-bristled brush works wonders for intricate carvings or details. This step is especially important for items from a local thrift shop, as they may have been in storage for a while.

Step 3: Clean According to Material

Wood Furniture

• Mix warm water with a small amount of mild dish soap.
• Dampen a microfiber cloth (not soaking wet) and gently wipe down the surfaces.
• For tough spots, add a splash of white vinegar to the mixture.
• Dry immediately with a clean cloth to avoid water damage.
• Apply wood cleaner or polish for a shiny finish.

Upholstered Furniture

• Sprinkle baking soda over the fabric and let it sit for 15–20 minutes to absorb odors.
• Vacuum thoroughly to remove the baking soda.
• Spot clean stains with a solution of water and dish soap. Use a damp cloth to blot (not rub) the area.

Metal Furniture

• Wipe it down with a mixture of water and vinegar.
• Use a brush for rust spots and a rust remover if necessary.
• Dry thoroughly to prevent further rusting.

Polish: If the metal is tarnished, a small amount of metal polish or even a paste made from baking soda and water can help bring back its luster.

Apply the polish with a soft brush or cloth, then buff it out with a clean cloth. Be gentle to avoid scratching.

Treat Leather Furniture

If you’ve found a beautiful leather piece, it deserves some extra TLC. Wipe Down: Use a damp cloth to wipe down the leather, removing any surface dirt.

Condition: Apply a leather conditioner to keep the material supple and prevent it from cracking. Rub it with a soft cloth and let it absorb fully before buffing it with a clean, dry cloth.

Step 5: Address the Stains and Odors

Thrifted furniture can sometimes come with stubborn stains or lingering odors. Here’s how to tackle them:

Wood Stains

A mixture of baking soda and water can work wonders for light stains on wood furniture. Apply a paste to the stain and gently rub it in with a soft cloth. For tougher stains, try using a little white vinegar or a commercial wood cleaner.

Upholstery Stains

If your thrifted piece has fabric upholstery, spot-clean any stains with a solution of water and mild detergent. Consider using an upholstery cleaner for tougher stains, but always test a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it won’t damage the fabric.

Odor Removal

If the furniture has an unpleasant odor, sprinkle baking soda over the surface (especially for upholstered items) and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming it up. For wood furniture, a wipe-down with a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water can help neutralize odors.

Step 6: Disinfect and Deodorize

Spray disinfectant on non-porous surfaces and let it sit for the recommended time. Use a fabric-safe spray to eliminate bacteria and odors for upholstered or fabric pieces. Open windows or place the furniture outside for fresh air to help it air out completely.

Step 7: Make Repairs or Touch-Ups

For damaged pieces, use wood glue for loose joints or sandpaper for scratches. If your furniture needs a new look, consider painting or staining it. Thrifting is all about creativity, so don’t hesitate to give your secondhand furniture a fresh makeover!

Step 8: Final Touches

Once your thrifted furniture is clean, polished, and dry, place it in its new home! Add your favorite throw pillows, table runners, or decorative accents to complete the look.

How to clean painted or varnished wood without damaging it

Avoid abrasive cleaners or tools that can scratch the finish for painted or varnished surfaces. Use a damp microfiber cloth with a mild dish soap solution, wiping gently. Dry immediately to prevent water damage and follow up with a furniture polish or wax to maintain the finish.

Thrifted furniture has a musty smell

Musty smells are common in secondhand furniture, especially older pieces. To remove them, leave the item in a well-ventilated area or outside in the sun for a day or two.

You can also wipe down surfaces with a mixture of water and vinegar or place bowls of baking soda or dryer sheets inside drawers and cabinets to absorb the odor.

Furniture with intricate details or carvings?

Use a soft-bristled brush or an old toothbrush to get into nooks and crannies for detailed areas. A vacuum with a crevice attachment can also help.

Avoid soaking intricate details with water, as this can damage the material. Instead, use a damp cloth to wipe them and dry them immediately.

Using bleach to clean thrifted furniture

Bleach is generally not recommended for most materials as it can strip finishes, weaken fabrics, or cause discoloration.

If you need to sanitize a non-porous surface, dilute bleach with water (1 part bleach to 10 parts water), apply sparingly with a cloth and rinse thoroughly. Always test in an inconspicuous area first.

Cleaning secondhand furniture made of wicker or rattan

Wicker and rattan furniture should be cleaned carefully to avoid breaking the fibers. Use a soft brush or vacuum to remove dust, then wipe with a damp cloth in a warm water solution and mild dish soap.

For stubborn dirt, use a toothbrush to gently scrub between the weaves. Allow the piece to air dry completely.

Sealing or protecting thrifted furniture after cleaning it?

Wood furniture: applying a sealant or wax can protect the finish and prolong the life of the piece.

Fabric upholstery: consider using a fabric protector spray to guard against stains. Sealing or protecting your furniture adds an extra layer of durability.

Bonus Tips for Cleaning Thrifted Furniture

1. Start Cleaning Outside: If possible, clean your thrifted furniture outdoors or in a garage. This minimizes the spread of dust, odors, or potential pests in your home.
2. Use Natural Cleaners First: Start with gentle, natural cleaners like vinegar, baking soda, or mild soap before trying harsher chemicals. This helps protect delicate finishes and materials.
3. Test Cleaning Solutions on a Small Area: Always test any cleaner on a hidden spot to ensure it doesn’t damage or discolor the material.
4. Work in Sections: When cleaning large pieces of furniture, focus on one section at a time to ensure thorough cleaning and avoid missing spots.
5. Be Patient with Odors: Odors can take time to dissipate, especially in older furniture. Letting items air out for several days or using odor absorbers like baking soda or activated charcoal can help.
6. Inspect for Lead Paint: If the furniture is very old and has chipped or peeling paint, test for lead paint before sanding or refinishing. Lead test kits are available at most hardware stores.
7. Use the Right Tools for the Job: Have the appropriate tools on hand, such as a toothbrush for intricate details, microfiber cloths for polishing, and a vacuum with attachments for upholstery and crevices.
8. Protect Yourself: Wear gloves and a mask, especially when dealing with unknown stains, dust, or strong cleaning agents.
9. Don’t Forget the Hardware: Remove knobs, handles, and other hardware before cleaning. Soak them in warm soapy water, or use a metal cleaner if needed, and reattach once everything is clean.
10. Embrace Imperfections: Part of the charm of thrifted furniture is its character! Minor scratches, dents, or faded finishes add to its vintage appeal. Focus on cleaning and preserving rather than making it look brand-new.
11. Protect Floors When Cleaning: Place furniture on a tarp or old sheet to protect your floors from dirt, cleaning solutions, or dripping water.
12. Set Up a Regular Maintenance Routine: After the initial cleaning, dust and polish your thrifted pieces regularly to keep them looking their best.

Commonly Asked Questions

How do I ensure thrifted furniture is pest-free?

Start by inspecting the furniture thoroughly for signs of pests, such as small holes, droppings, or live insects. Use a vacuum with a crevice tool to remove debris from upholstered pieces.

If pests are a concern, consider sealing the item in a plastic bag and leaving it in extreme temperatures (cold or hot) for a few days to kill any bugs.

Treat wooden furniture with a non-toxic insect spray or diatomaceous earth.

Can I clean thrifted furniture with just vinegar and water?

Vinegar and water are excellent for cleaning most surfaces, especially wood, metal, and plastic. Mix equal parts vinegar and water for a natural and effective cleaning solution.

However, avoid using vinegar on marble or stone surfaces, as it can cause etching.

How do I remove odors from thrifted furniture?

Baking soda is your best friend for tackling odors. Sprinkle it generously over upholstery or inside drawers and let it sit for several hours (or overnight) before vacuuming.

For persistent smells, try placing bowls of activated charcoal or coffee grounds nearby to absorb odors over time.

Is it safe to clean upholstered thrifted furniture?

Yes, but be cautious. First, test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area to ensure it won’t damage the fabric. Use a fabric-safe disinfectant spray and baking soda for odors.

For deep cleaning, consider renting a steam cleaner or hiring a professional. Always allow the fabric to dry completely to avoid mold or mildew.

Can I refinish thrifted wooden furniture myself?

Absolutely! Start by cleaning the piece thoroughly, then sand it down to remove the old finish. Apply the wood stain or paint you choose and finish with a protective topcoat.

Refinishing can give secondhand furniture a fresh, customized look while preserving its charm.

What’s the best way to disinfect secondhand furniture?

Use a disinfectant spray designed for the material (wood, metal, or fabric).

• For wood and non-porous surfaces, wipe them with a mixture of vinegar and water or a store-bought disinfectant.
• Fabric: Choose a fabric-safe spray and follow the instructions carefully. Always let the piece air dry completely before use.

Final thoughts…

As a thrifter, nothing beats the satisfaction of turning a secondhand find into a cherished piece. Cleaning thrifted furniture might feel like a daunting task and take a little time, but with these tips, you’ll feel confident bringing your secondhand furniture to life.

Furthermore, the results are well worth it. The next time you visit your local thrift shop, you’ll feel confident bringing home treasures that are clean, safe, and ready to enjoy.

If you want to follow along on our home restoration/renovation plans and all of our exciting antique & thrift finds, be sure to check out Linen and Wildflowers on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest! And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to receive updates.

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