Airing Out Your Vintage Finds

Secondhand furniture and clothing can be absolutely AMAZING finds. In fact, my most favorite pieces in my home came from estate sales (are you even surprised?), but sometimes, it takes a little work to freshen up these finds.

I am talking about getting rid of the vintage funk. Can you smell it right now? It’s a mustiness mixed with perfume and perhaps even smoke, and the good news is, you can eliminate it. I’ve scoured the interwebs looking for all of the ways and the internet has spoken: baking soda, vinegar/vodka, enzymatic cleaners (for upholstered items) and time.

Multiple sources suggest placing your new clothing and/or blankets in a bag and dusting them with a healthy dose of baking soda. Seal the bag and let it sit for 24 hours. After 24 hours, shake off the baking soda and wash according to directions. If you need an extra boost, you can put white vinegar in the fabric softener compartment in your washing machine.

If the items are not washing machine friendly, you can also put vodka in a spray bottle and give the item a thorough spritz. The vodka will help kill the bacteria that is likely causing the odor, thereby removing the smell.

With upholstered furniture, treat any stains with enzymatic cleaner and dust with baking soda. Leave outside if possible, to allow the furniture to air out. Vacuum up the baking soda after 24 hours.

For wooden furniture, many of the refurbishers

Can you smell it?

I follow on Instagram use a furniture salve, like Wise Owl to rejuvenate the wood whilst removing the odor from the previous space. It comes in so many delicious scents! I have yet to try it, but it is on my list - bourbon vanilla or bergamot lime sound so dreamy- which one should I choose?