If you’ve recently bought a bag from a thrift store, you may be wondering how to clean it effectively. In this article, we’ll show you how to clean bags from the thrift store step by step.
Things You’ll Need: How to Clean Bags from the Thrift Store
- Warm water
- Mild detergent or specialized bag cleaner
- A soft cloth or sponge
- A small brush
- Disinfectant wipes or spray
- A towel
How to Clean Bags from the Thrift Store Step by Step
Follow the steps below to clean bags from the thrift store…
Step 1: Empty the Bag
The first step in ensuring your thrift store bag is ready for a thorough cleaning is to empty it out entirely. This includes not just the main compartment, but all small pockets, zippered sections, and hidden corners.
Open All Zippers and Flaps: Open every single compartment and pocket, even those you don’t use regularly.
Remove All Contents: Take out any belongings or items you have inside the bag. This can include anything from loose change, papers, pens, to personal belongings like keys or a wallet.
Check Twice: After you think you’ve removed everything, it’s a good idea to double-check. Run your hand along the interior lining, corners, and pockets to make sure you haven’t missed any smaller items like coins or receipts.
Inspect For Leftover Items: Sometimes, thrift store bags come with forgotten items from the previous owner. Make sure to remove those as well.
By doing this, you ensure that nothing inside your bag could be damaged by water or cleaning agents, and you also make it easier to access all parts of the bag for a comprehensive cleaning.
Step 2: Dust Off Loose Debris
Before introducing any liquid cleaning agents, it’s important to remove loose dirt and debris. This helps make the cleaning process more efficient and avoids creating a muddy mess.
Shake the Bag: Hold the bag upside down over a trash bin and give it a good shake. This will help any loose dirt or crumbs to fall out.
Manual Removal: For larger debris or items that are caught in the corners or folds of the bag, you may need to use your hands to pull them out.
Use a Small Brush: For more stubborn dirt, or to clean intricate patterns or corners, use a small, soft-bristled brush. Gently brush away the dirt, working your way from one end of the bag to the other. Make sure you brush the dirt out of all pockets and compartments.
Vacuum for Finer Particles: If your bag has a lot of small, difficult-to-reach areas, you can also use a handheld vacuum to suck up finer particles. Use a nozzle attachment to reach into corners and pockets.
Step 3: Check for Care Instructions
It’s crucial to consult any available care instructions before you start cleaning, as different materials have different needs and limitations. These instructions are usually found on a label or tag inside the bag.
Locate the Label or Tag: Search in all the pockets and compartments. Sometimes the care label is tucked into a side pocket or sewn into the lining.
Read Carefully: Once you find the label, read it carefully to understand what each symbol or instruction means. If you’re unsure, a quick online search can help decipher laundry and care symbols.
Identify the Material: The label should indicate what material the bag is made of, such as leather, canvas, or synthetic materials. Knowing this will guide your choice of cleaning products and methods.
Note Special Requirements: Some bags might require specialized cleaning solutions, or advise against certain methods like machine washing. Take note of these instructions to avoid damaging your bag.
Step 4: Prepare a Cleaning Solution
Getting the right cleaning solution is critical for effective cleaning. The solution should be strong enough to clean, but gentle enough not to damage the bag.
Select a Detergent: For most fabrics, a mild detergent should suffice. If your bag is made of a special material like leather, consult care instructions or a trusted source for suitable cleaning products.
Prepare the Bucket: Take a large enough bucket so you can comfortably dip your cloth or sponge into it. Fill it with warm water. Avoid hot water as it may cause certain materials to shrink or colors to bleed.
Mix the Solution: Add the detergent to the warm water according to the package’s dilution instructions. Stir until fully dissolved.
Alternative Solutions: If you have a specialized bag cleaner, read its instructions for proper dilution and usage. It might require mixing with water, or it could be a ready-to-use solution.
Read more bag cleaning topics here – How to Clean Bags: Your Comprehensive Guide for Spotless Bags
Step 5: Spot Test
Before you commit to cleaning the entire bag, it’s prudent to conduct a spot test to make sure the cleaning solution won’t damage the material.
Choose an Inconspicuous Area: Pick a small, hidden section of the bag for the test, like the inside lining or a corner that isn’t easily visible.
Apply a Small Amount: Dampen a cloth with your prepared cleaning solution and lightly rub it onto the selected area.
Wait and Observe: Let the solution sit for a few minutes and then check for any signs of discoloration, texture change, or other damage.
Proceed or Reconsider: If the spot test is successful and there’s no damage, you can proceed with cleaning the rest of the bag. If you notice adverse effects, you’ll need to adjust your cleaning method or solution.
Step 6: Clean the Exterior
The exterior of the bag is often what catches the eye first, so giving it a thorough cleaning is essential. Here’s how to go about it meticulously.
Select the Right Tool: Choose a soft cloth or sponge for this task. The texture should be gentle enough not to scratch or damage the bag’s material, but effective enough to remove dirt.
Dip into Solution: Submerge the cloth or sponge into the bucket containing the cleaning solution you prepared earlier. Wring it out so it’s damp but not dripping wet.
Start Cleaning: Gently rub the damp cloth or sponge in a circular motion over the bag’s surface. Start from one end and work your way across to the other, ensuring you cover all areas.
Focus on Problem Areas: Pay special attention to spots that are heavily soiled or stained. These may require a little extra elbow grease or a second pass with the cleaning solution.
Check as You Go: Periodically inspect the cloth or sponge. If it becomes too dirty, rinse it out in clean water and re-dip it into the cleaning solution before continuing.
Rinse Off: If the care instructions for your bag permit it, use a second cloth dampened with clean water to wipe off any soap residue.
Step 7: Clean the Interior
The interior of the bag can also accumulate dirt, stains, and odors over time, so don’t neglect it. Here’s the step-by-step process:
Preparation: Turn the bag inside out if possible. This makes it easier to access all the corners and pockets.
Select Your Cleaning Tool: A cloth or sponge works best for broad surfaces, but for tight spots or stubborn stains, a small brush can be more effective.
Dampen the Tool: Just like with the exterior, dip your chosen cleaning tool into the cleaning solution. Make sure to wring out excess water.
Begin Cleaning: Wipe down the interior lining and surfaces using the damp cloth or sponge. Use gentle back-and-forth motions.
Tackle Stubborn Stains: For more persistent issues, like ink stains or sticky residues, switch to your small brush. Dip it into the cleaning solution and gently scrub the affected area.
Final Wipe-down: Once you’ve cleaned the entire interior, you can use a clean cloth dampened with water to wipe away any remaining cleaning solution if the care instructions permit it.
Step 8: Disinfect
Disinfecting your thrift store bag is a critical step, especially since you can’t be certain of its history. This adds an extra layer of cleanliness and safety.
Choose the Right Disinfectant: Opt for disinfectant wipes or sprays that are safe for the material of your bag. Alcohol-based solutions are generally effective, but if your bag is made of a material like leather, you may want to opt for a specialized leather-safe disinfectant.
Read the Instructions: Before using any disinfectant product, read the instructions on the label carefully. Make sure you understand the recommended application methods and any safety precautions.
Apply the Disinfectant: If you’re using wipes, gently wipe down all exterior and interior surfaces. For sprays, hold the bottle a few inches from the bag’s surface and spray evenly, covering all areas.
Focus on High-Touch Areas: Pay special attention to areas that are frequently touched, such as handles, straps, and zippers. These areas are hotspots for germs.
Allow Time to Sanitize: Let the disinfectant sit on the bag for the amount of time specified in the product instructions. This ensures that the disinfecting agents have enough time to work effectively.
Step 9: Rinse and Dry
After all the cleaning and disinfecting, the final steps are to rinse and dry the bag. This removes any lingering cleaning agents and prepares the bag for use.
Prepare for Rinsing: Fill a bucket or basin with clean, cool water. If your bag’s care instructions advise against full submersion, have a clean, damp cloth ready instead.
Rinse the Bag: If possible, gently submerge the bag in the bucket of clean water, agitating it to remove any soap or disinfectant residue. If submersion is not advised, use the damp cloth to wipe down the bag.
Pat Dry: Take a clean towel and gently pat the bag dry. Try to remove as much moisture as possible to speed up the air-drying process.
Air Dry: Finally, place your bag in a well-ventilated area to air dry. Make sure it’s completely dry before you start using it to prevent mold or mildew. If your bag has multiple compartments, open all zippers and pockets to ensure thorough drying.
Conclusion: How to Clean Bags from the Thrift Store
Cleaning a bag from a thrift store is not a complicated task if you know the right steps. With this guide, you are well on your way to enjoying a clean, hygienic, and refreshed bag.
