Thrift stores are a great way to decorate your home without spending a lot of money. Although something is “used,” it doesn’t mean it’s been abused — you’ll find just about anything that fits into the scheme of your home and clothes closet. Before you hit second-hand stores, here are a few ideas on the do’s and don’ts of thrifting.
Basic Do’s for Thrifting
When checking out the store, do ….
1. Take your time. Hidden treasures are often those that you don’t see right away.
2. Put things you like into your cart even if you don’t end up buying them. This way, if you change your mind and decide to purchase, the items haven’t been snatched up by someone else.
3. Check out clothes racks where other shoppers have laid their “unwanted” choices.
4. Try on items even if you’re apprehensive about the possible fit.
5. Bring reusable shopping bags or paper grocery bags with you to cut down on the use of plastic bags.
6. Inspect every item carefully. Cracked or chipped pieces may fit in well with your décor, but the damage could be deeper than it looks.
Basic Don’ts for Thrifting
It’s easy to get tired out when inspecting every single piece in the store. Do not go overboard by
1. Touch everything. Instead, walk down the aisles to find patterns, colors, and textures that strike your fancy.
2. Focus on brand names. Highly-desired brand names are tempting but unless it’s something you need or really want, you’ll end up buying something that will just hang in the closet — especially if it’s clothing that doesn’t fit right.
3. Buy something just because it’s a low price. For instance, an item that costs only 50 cents is great — if you need it. But if you don’t need or really want something, your money is wasted. (And just one more tchotchke collecting dust).
4. Write off the store as useless. Thrift stores get “new” items all the time. Not finding something you want one day may be a different story the next time you shop.
5. Shop for quantity. Instead, shop for quality by finding things that fit your body or style. Items that last a long time are worth paying a little more for. If you like (or love) it, the item is a good buy.
6. Buy fabrics without inspecting for stains, holes, smells, missing buttons, snags, or other damage. Same thing for all other items — make sure your new treasures are intact.
Buying Furniture? Avoid Bedbugs!
Many antique and thrift stores have furniture for sale, but you never know what may be hiding inside couches and mattresses, especially if they come from one of the dirtiest cities in America. Because you don’t want to bring home bed bugs and other creepy-crawly critters, it’s important to thoroughly treat used furniture and upholstery before bringing it into the house.
Here are a few tips — gather these items together before cleaning and sanitizing a used couch.
- Rubber or plastic gloves
- Dishwashing liquid
- Bristle brush
- Baking soda
- Vinegar (vodka works for this, too)
- Spray bottle
- Vacuum with nozzle attachment (or handheld vacuum)
STEP ONE: Vacuuming
Cleaning upholstery in bright sunshine helps kill bacteria, and you’ll breathe in fresh air instead of dust. Don the gloves before starting.
Vacuum the couch, pillows, cushions and all crevices to remove crumbs, hair, pet fur, and other debris. (Use the bristle brush to loosen any caked-on dirt). Remove the pillows and cushions — you’ll clean those separately.
- Couches containing a tag that says “W-S” are cleanable with water or water-free solvents. Remove covers, wash on high heat, and dry them in direct sunshine (to prevent shrinkage).
- Couch tags with code “S” stand for solvent — meaning it’s best to have professionally cleaned.
- Couch tags with code “X” mean you should not use foams or liquid cleaning agents that could stain the upholstery.
STEP TWO: Stain Removal
Blend one cup of warm water, ¼ cup of vinegar (or vodka), and one tablespoon of dishwashing soap into a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto stains — but do not over-saturate the fabric. Blot the stain with a damp cloth then let it dry. Repeat as necessary.
STEP THREE: Odors
Baking soda helps to absorb odors. With a dry brush, work the baking soda into the fabric, corners, and crevices. Let the baking soda sit there for a few hours to soak up the smells.
A watered solution of vinegar or vodka also eliminates odors. For heavily stained or smelly couches, you can rent a steam cleaner.
STEP FOUR: Vacuum (again)
Vacuum the couch and upholstery again after placing it in your living space.
Thrifting is a great way to save money and reuse things that still have a lot of life in them. The best part? Everything you buy from a thrift store is one less item made with resources from Mother Earth.
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