Cleaning Thrift Store Purchases
Today, I want to talk about how to clean items such as swimsuits and shoes I have found fabulous shoes and swimsuits at thrift stores, but had at one time was very hesitant at purchasing them. Even though I know stores like Goodwill do a great job of cleaning any incoming merchandise, it’s still nice to get that freshly cleaned feeling when you’re putting on new clothes! I found a good solution on how to make sure these gently used items are cleaned properly and to my personal standards. The three main ingredients are vinegar, water and sunshine. All very inexpensive components!
Instructions for cleaning a swimsuit:
1. Fill either a sink or a bucket with an equal amount of white distilled vinegar and clean cool water (tap water is OK).
2. Soak the swimsuit in the vinegar and water for one hour.
3. Remove the suit from the liquid.
4. Rinse and squeeze excess water out of the swimsuit after you’ve rinsed.
5. Let dry and dry off in the sun, as the sun bakes and inoculates any existing bacteria.
The vinegar will keep the color of the swimsuit fresh and bright.
For the shoes;
1. With an equal amount of the vinegar and water, take a rag and clean the shoes (I’ve also used 409, or leather cleaner, depending on the shoe.)
2. Let bake in the sun for 2-3 hours, making sure the shoes are nice and clean for you to wear.
Before I make the purchase of the shoes or swimsuit, I’ll do a thorough inspection and make sure they be in like-new or in great condition, so they won’t need serious cleaning. It is not worth it to have to put elbow grease into a pair of over-worn shoes, and as for swimsuits in less than new condition, I’ll wait and keep my eye out for a better option in the future. Usually Goodwill is good about taking items that are in good condition, but of course it pays to keep a close eye on any purchase you make, even if it is only $1.99!
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