Laundry Detergent for Second-Hand Clothes: How to Remove Musty Storage Smells and Refresh Fabrics

2026-07-04 3 min. skaitymo

Laundry detergent for second-hand clothes: how to get rid of musty odours and refresh fabrics

Second-hand clothes can be a great buy, but they very often carry a distinctive smell of storage, damp, perfume or fabric that has been kept for a long time. A quick wash doesn't always help, as the smell may have soaked into the fibres. In that case, what matters is not only a good detergent, but also proper preparation before the first wear.

Why do second-hand clothes sometimes smell even after washing?

The smell may come from long-term storage, damp, smoke, residue from old washing products or fabric treatments. If the smell is deeply ingrained, a short programme and a small dose often won't remove it. But there's no need to overdose either — it's more important to choose the right cycle and give the product time to work.

If you suspect mould or damp marks, read our separate guide on mould stains on clothes.

The first wash: what to do

Check the care label and fabric composition.
If there are stains, treat them before washing.
If the smell is strong, soak the item as far as the fabric allows.
Wash separately from other clothes.
After washing, dry completely, ideally in a well-ventilated place.

If you're unsure about the care label symbols, use our guide to laundry symbols.

Which laundry detergent should you choose?

For second-hand clothes, a liquid laundry detergent is a convenient choice, as it's easy to dose and can be applied to a specific area before washing if needed. For odours and organic residue, it's important that the product doesn't just smell nice but actually helps remove dirt.

If the fabric is delicate, don't rush to use a high temperature. Sometimes it's better to use a longer but gentler cycle, and to wash very delicate fabrics by hand.

How to revive colours and the feel of the fabric

Second-hand clothes sometimes look tired not because they're dirty, but because of fabric wear, improper drying or product residue. Read more about this in the article How to Revive Colours in Old Clothes.

It's important not to overdo the fabric softener, as it may temporarily improve the feel but also leave extra residue. It's best to wash normally first, rinse well, and only then assess the condition of the fabric.