Katrina Rosales
Many people have noticed that clothes from Goodwill thrift stores have a particular scent, which has been described as musty, like detergent, or like vanilla. This smell is caused by a combination of factors, including the original odours of the donated clothes, the various detergents used by donors, and the use of air fresheners and deodorizers by Goodwill employees to mask unpleasant smells. Lab tests have shown that two-thirds of the smells on second-hand clothes come from body soils such as sweat, dead skin, and oils, while the remaining third comes from environmental residues such as car exhaust, factory air contaminants, cleaning products, perfume, or food. While Goodwill does not wash donated clothes before putting them on sale, they do spray them with generic deodorizers like Febreze to cover up any unpleasant odours.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Goodwill's scent | Vanilla |
| Source of scent | A combination of detergents used by donors, dust, and air fresheners |
| Source of scent | Body soils (sweat, dead skin, and oils) |
| Source of scent | Environmental residue from car exhaust, air contaminants from factories, cleaning products, perfume, or food |
| Goodwill's practice | Goodwill sprays their clothes with a generic deodorizer like Febreze to mask odors |
| Goodwill's practice | Goodwill does not wash donated clothes |
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What You'll Learn
Goodwill's clothes smell like vanilla
The distinct scent of Goodwill stores has been described as a combination of various laundry detergents, dust, mothballs, and air fresheners used to mask super smelly clothes. While it is unclear if Goodwill has a specific policy of spraying their clothes with perfume, some have speculated that they use products like Odo-Ban to make their clothes smell better. This could be the source of the vanilla scent you're detecting. However, it's important to note that the smell could also be a result of the unique combination of detergents used by donors, which creates a distinct scent when mixed together in large quantities.
To eliminate the strong vintage odor from second-hand clothes, machine-washing or hand-washing is ideal. Dry cleaning is not as effective at odor elimination as wet cleaning, especially for odors caused by perspiration and body soils. Soaking in vinegar or bleach can also help remove stubborn smells. For accessories that cannot be washed, burying them in kitty litter or using active charcoal can help absorb odors.
The "thrift store smell" is a well-known phenomenon, with many people describing it as a musty, funky, or sickly sweet old lady perfume smell. While some people enjoy this unique scent, others find it off-putting and prefer to remove it from their purchases. It's worth noting that the smell is not limited to Goodwill stores, but rather a common occurrence in vintage, consignment, and used clothing stores.
The scent of a store plays a crucial role in the shopping experience, and while Goodwill may not intentionally perfume their clothes, the unique blend of scents creates a memorable impression for customers. Whether you find it comforting or unpleasant, the Goodwill scent is certainly distinctive and contributes to the character of the store.
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Goodwill sprays its clothes with deodorizer
It is a well-known fact that second-hand clothes can smell a little funky. This is due to a variety of reasons, such as the musty smell of clothes that haven't been worn for a while, the odour of sweat, dead skin, and oils naturally excreted by the body, as well as environmental residues from car exhaust, air contaminants, cleaning products, perfume, or food. Goodwill, a popular thrift store chain, is no stranger to this phenomenon. In fact, many customers have noticed that the clothes in Goodwill stores have a distinct scent, leading to speculation about what measures the company takes to address this issue.
According to former employees, Goodwill sprays its clothes with a generic deodorizer, such as Febreze, to mask unpleasant odours. This practice is confirmed by lab tests performed on thrift store clothes, which revealed that various contaminants can get trapped in the fabric, contributing to the distinctive thrift store smell. By spraying the clothes with deodorizer, Goodwill can neutralize these odours and make the clothes more appealing to customers.
While Goodwill's use of deodorizer is a quick and efficient way to manage odours, some customers have expressed concerns about the potential for toxic treatment of the clothes. It is important to note that Goodwill does not wash the donated clothes, which can be a breeding ground for bacteria and contaminants. As a result, the deodorizer is only a temporary solution, and it may take multiple washes for the scent to completely wear off.
To remove the Goodwill smell from purchased clothes, customers have shared various tips and tricks online. Some recommend washing the clothes with laundry detergent and using disinfectants like Lysol to kill any bacteria. Hanging the clothes out in the sun is also suggested as a natural way to eliminate any remaining bacteria and odours. For more stubborn smells, specialist products like Doctor Bronners Pure-Castile Soap have been recommended.
In conclusion, Goodwill's practice of spraying its clothes with deodorizer is a practical solution to a common issue faced by thrift stores. While it may not completely eliminate the odours, it helps to create a more pleasant shopping experience for customers. For those who are sensitive to strong scents or prefer a more natural approach, washing and disinfecting the clothes before use is always recommended.
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Goodwill's clothes smell due to contaminants
Goodwill clothes often carry a particular scent, which is a combination of various factors. The smell is attributed to the unique blend of detergents used by donors, air fresheners, dust, and other contaminants. This aroma is so distinctive that it has even inspired a perfume called "Dusty stacks of vinyl records on an antique store floor." While the scent may be intriguing, the underlying causes are rooted in the contaminants that have accumulated on the clothes over time.
Goodwill, as a nonprofit organization, does not typically wash the donated clothes due to logistical constraints. This results in the persistence of odors from the previous owners, including body-related sources such as skin, sweat, and natural oils. The combination of these bodily elements contributes to the vintage odor often associated with second-hand clothes. However, it is important to clarify that these bodily odors are not the sole culprits.
Environmental contaminants play a significant role in the distinctive smell of Goodwill clothes. These garments have been exposed to various pollutants over time, including vehicle exhaust, gasoline, food, and perfumes. The combination of these contaminants creates an unpleasant aroma that clings to the fabric. While not harmful, these odors can be challenging to remove and may require multiple washings or specialized detergents designed to combat malodors.
In addition to the aforementioned factors, another contributor to the Goodwill clothes smell is the presence of certain chemicals used in the textile industry. For example, PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances), commonly found in waterproof and stain-resistant materials, are difficult to remove and persist in clothing even after several washes. Similarly, azo dyes, which are widely used in blue denim, release amines that are known to be carcinogenic. These chemicals, along with others like phthalates and hexavalent chromium, can have adverse effects on both human health and the environment.
To effectively address the smell of Goodwill clothes, a combination of cleaning methods and natural products is recommended. While machine-washing or hand-washing is ideal for most garments, certain accessories like beaded clutches, leather jackets, and shoes require alternative approaches, such as burying them in kitty litter (active charcoal) to absorb odors. For heavily soiled items, detergents like Tide Sport Odor Defense or Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap are recommended for their effectiveness in eliminating strong odors.
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Goodwill's clothes are donated dirty
Goodwill is a nonprofit organization that accepts donations of new and gently used clothing, household items, electronics, and furniture. While Goodwill does not wash the donated clothes, they inspect them to ensure they are usable and non-toxic—not wet or full of mildew. Only about half of the donated clothes are suitable for traditional brick-and-mortar stores, and the rest are sent to outlet stores, where they are sold at extremely low prices.
Goodwill's unique scent is a combination of various laundry detergents used on donated clothes and air fresheners used to mask strong odours. They also use sprays and air fresheners to make the items smell better.
Goodwill's mission is to empower individuals in need and support communities by providing affordable options and generating revenue for employment training and job placement services. The revenue from donated items is used to fund these initiatives, and the organization ensures that items stay in circulation, reducing waste.
While Goodwill does not encourage donating wet or moldy clothes, they do provide resources for proper disposal through city sanitation departments. They also offer resources for donors to value their donations for tax deduction purposes.
Although Goodwill aims to keep clothes out of landfills, they acknowledge that a small percentage of donated clothes, about 5%, may end up as textile waste. This is often due to salvage buyers who purchase clothes in bulk from outlet stores and may not resell or recycle them.
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Washing Goodwill's clothes
Goodwill is a nonprofit organisation that sells donated clothing. While the stores do not wash the clothes, they do use air fresheners and other products to mask strong odours. As a result, some customers have complained about the strong fragrance lingering on the clothes, which has caused allergic reactions in some people.
If you are planning to purchase clothes from Goodwill, it is advisable to wash them before wearing them. Here are some steps you can take to wash and care for your Goodwill clothing:
- Soaking: If the clothes have a strong odour, you can start by soaking them in a separate tub with some washing detergent. You can also use a pre-soak setting on your washing machine if it has one. For front loaders, you can start a "bulky/large" load and add "water plus." Stop the cycle when it reaches the “wash” setting and is mostly full, then turn off the machine. Soaking in vinegar water can also help remove odours, especially those caused by mildew.
- Spin Cycle: After soaking, perform a spin cycle to get rid of the excess water. This step is especially useful for front loaders, as it eliminates the need to wring out the clothes by hand.
- Wash Cycle: Proceed with a regular wash cycle using your preferred laundry detergent. For sensitive skin, consider using a detergent specifically designed for sensitive skin, such as a "free and clear" option.
- Airing: If the odour persists, consider hanging the clothes outside in the fresh air for an extended period. This natural approach can help dissipate any remaining fragrance.
- Alternative Products: If you are unable to remove the odour with regular detergent, you can try using alternative products like white vinegar or oxy wash additive. These products can help neutralise strong fragrances and odours.
By following these steps, you can effectively wash and care for your Goodwill clothing, ensuring they are clean and safe to wear.
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Frequently asked questions
Goodwill clothes are often donated without being washed, and the smell is a combination of the detergents used by donors, dust, and environmental residue from car exhaust, air contaminants, cleaning products, perfume, or food. Goodwill also sprays their clothes with a generic deodorizer, like Febreze, to mask the odours.
The smell of Goodwill stores is attributed to the deodorizers they use to mask odours, as well as the mixing of various laundry detergents and contaminants from donated clothes.
To remove the Goodwill smell from clothes, it is recommended to wash them with laundry detergent and a disinfectant. Hanging the clothes in the sun can also help kill any remaining bacteria. For stubborn odours, specialist products like Doctor Bronners Pure-Castile Soap can be used.
