Pre-loved problems – and how to solve them

It’s boom time for secondhand sales of clothing, kidswear and furniture – but some cast-offs need care to get the best from them. Jennifer Barton reveals how to treat, clean and upcycle so old is good as new

Secondhand is no longer second-best. Instead it’s the smart way to shop – whether you’re trying to do your bit for the planet, have your eye on a particular designer steal, or are looking for cost-of-living-friendly purchases. However, while pre-loved clothes, accessories and furniture might be more wallet and planet friendly, they can throw up issues.

But from stains to smells, we’ve got you covered. Here our experts share how to spring clean your secondhand finds so they feel fresh and new.

BANISH MOTHS

Snagging vintage Chanel at a steal is a lot less appealing if your beloved new suit is home to munching moths that feast on wool, silk, cashmere (and other fabrics high in keratin), so check over potential purchases.

“Where there are holes there could be moth eggs,” says Joanne Watkinson, stylist and owner of pre-loved brand By Elleven (byelleven.co.uk/vintage).

No visible holes? Phew – but now it’s time for prevention.

“Put clothes in a pillowcase and into the freezer to kill them off. Never put stained clothes away – moths find them delicious,” says Susie Nelson, vintage fashion expert and founder of Modes & More Vintage (modesandmore.com).

But be warned – moth larvae also like to nibble secondhand furniture, rugs and carpeting – and they can hitch a ride into other rooms on the soles of your shoes.

ODOURS BE GONE

Sometimes our pre-loved item has a funky smell. But even if your garment isn’t machine washable, don’t panic.

“Put cheap vodka in a spray bottle, spray the armpit area of the fabric and leave to air dry,” says Susie. “Hand wash anything delicate and wash the rest on a 30C cycle. A little spin won’t harm it,” adds Joanne.

THE STAIN GAME

Oxidation causes yellow and brown patches on secondhand garments that can be tricky to remove, even for a professional. Clean clothes once you’ve brought them home, and after each wear, advises Lynnette Hecker, owner of Lovely’s Vintage Emporium (lovelysvintageemporium.com). Perspiration stains can appear after a few months, so wash after wearing, especially if you’re not likely to wear it for a while,” she says. Dabbing white vinegar or diluted vodka onto the stain and rinsing will help.

“Or break two aspirins in a cup of water, rub into the area, and leave for 15-20 minutes, rinsing and repeating if needed,” says Susie.

To store, fold bias-cut pieces in tissue. Avoid wire hangers and give clothes air space. “Never store pieces in plastic bags. It will cause mould.”

HELPING HANDBAGS

Basic sewing and mending skills are handy for extending the life of your garments, but care and repair platforms like The Seam (theseam.uk) can put you in touch with a local expert to alter or restore pieces.

“Handbag and footwear restorations erase scuffs and restore colour to leather items,” says founder Layla Sargent.

SPARKLE & SHINE

What happens when you inherit your grandmother’s beloved jewellery pieces which don’t quite fit with your style? Jewellers like lab-grown diamond specialists, Kimaï (kimai.com/uk) offer cleaning, repair, resizing and redesigning services for all pieces. “Transforming old jewellery into a more contemporary style can be done simply by resetting any existing stones into a new design. “It’s driven by a desire for uniqueness, sustainability, and historical appeal,” says co-founder and gemologist, Sidney Neuhaus.

KIDS STUFF

Children’s clothing can set parents back hundreds of pounds each year, which is why secondhand finds ( from local Facebook groups, school swap events, charity shops and more) can be so useful.

“Loved clothes last,” says Eve Kekeh, founder of kids’ clothing rental site Bundlee (bundlee.co.uk). “Keep clothes looking tip-top by pre-treating any stains with a dab of detergent before putting them in the machine, washing on a low temperature and avoiding tumble drying where possible.

“When sunny days arrive, drying outside can act like a natural bleach, helping remove stains and keeping lighter clothes looking bright.”

CRAFT HAPPY

A new set of buttons, eye-catching patch or updated handbag strap can give an item a new lease of life. And the same goes for interiors.

Becci Coombes, owner of Scandi lifestyle website Hygge Style (hyggestyle.co.uk) and author of Sustainable Crafts, Gifts and Projects for All Seasons says: “Think outside the box – old wooden trays and bread boards can become chess boards.

“Jumpers with a lovely pattern can make wall art when stretched in an embroidery hoop.

“And an upside-down colander always makes a great start for hanging garden wind chimes.

“Even if a chest of drawers is too large for your space, the drawers themselves can be painted and mounted on the wall to make shelving units.”

Elsewhere, Becci says chalk paint makes for quick furniture updates, while odd socks work for silver polishing and applying furniture wax. “A 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water will rid furniture of unpleasant smells, and a DIY paste made from a couple of tablespoons of sodium bicarbonate and warm water will treat tannin stains and spruce up your dirty glassware.

“Mayo is your secret weapon for minimising scuff marks and scratches too. Leave overnight so the oils can soak into the wood before wiping off with a rag.”

HOLE-Y MOLY

‘Stooping’ is the trending practice of picking up furniture left out on the street – and it’s a great way of bagging something beautiful for free.

“There is plenty of street treasure to be found if you keep your eyes peeled,” says Becci.

“Just make sure that your preloved pieces aren’t housing bed bugs by checking any fabric meticulously.

“Also notice any tiny holes speckling the surface, as these could be a sign of ringworm.”

‘‘ Put vintage clothes into a pillow case and into the freezer to kill moths off