Seamus Hammond
The distinct scent of Goodwill stores has been a topic of discussion among shoppers, with many noting the presence of a particular perfume smell. While the exact source of this scent may vary, some speculate that it is a combination of detergents, air fresheners, and deodorizers used to mask odors and create a pleasant shopping experience. Lab tests have revealed that the smell may also come from various contaminants trapped in the fabric, including body soils, environmental residues, and cleaning products. Employees have also shared insights, suggesting that the scent is a result of treating clothes with deodorizers or sanitizing sprays to address issues like bed bugs and lice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for the smell | A combination of dust, various laundry detergents, musty/moldy items, and air fresheners |
| Source of the smell | Goodwill sprays their clothes with a generic deodorizer, like Febreze, Lysol, or a similar product |
| Effectiveness of the deodorizer | The deodorizer masks odors rather than getting rid of them |
| Lab test results | Two-thirds of the smells came from body-related sources (sweat, dead skin, oils), and one-third came from environmental residues (car exhaust, factory air contaminants, cleaning products, perfume, food) |
| Recommended removal methods | Wash clothes, use charcoal briquettes, use Oxi Clean, use Febreze, or soak in laundry detergent and disinfectant and hang in the sun |
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What You'll Learn
- Goodwill uses generic deodorizers like Febreze to mask odours
- Body soils, sweat, dead skin, and oils are the source of two-thirds of odours
- Environmental residue, car exhaust, cleaning products, perfume, and food cause the rest
- Goodwill doesn't wash donated clothes, only spraying to mask super smelly items
- The smell of vanilla is used to treat clothes for bed bugs and lice
Goodwill uses generic deodorizers like Febreze to mask odours
The distinct scent of Goodwill stores has been a topic of discussion among shoppers and employees alike. While some attribute the smell to a combination of dust, laundry detergents, and unwashed donated clothes, others believe it is the result of Goodwill's efforts to mask odours.
According to former employees, Goodwill uses generic deodorizers like Febreze to mask odours and create a pleasant shopping experience. This practice is confirmed by lab tests performed on thrift store clothes, which revealed that the distinctive "thrift store smell" comes from various contaminants that get trapped in the fabric. Rather than thoroughly removing these odours, Febreze and similar products work by covering them up with a stronger, more appealing fragrance.
Goodwill's use of deodorizers is likely due to the challenge of processing large volumes of donated items. As a nonprofit organization, Goodwill may lack the resources to wash every donated garment, especially considering the additional costs of water, electricity, and labour that would entail. By using deodorizers, Goodwill can quickly prepare items for the sales floor without incurring the same expenses as thorough cleaning methods.
While some shoppers appreciate the masked scent, others seek to remove it from their purchases. Online forums offer various tips for eliminating the Goodwill smell, including the use of charcoal briquettes, Oxi Clean soaks, and specialist products like Doctor Bronners Pure-Castile Soap. These methods aim to neutralize or remove the odours rather than simply covering them up.
In addition to deodorizers, Goodwill's scent may also be influenced by the use of disinfectants like Lysol, which can kill bacteria and reduce odours. However, as noted by some shoppers, the smell of disinfectant or deodorizer may be indicative of underlying issues, such as bed bugs or lice, which Goodwill may be treating.
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Body soils, sweat, dead skin, and oils are the source of two-thirds of odours
The distinct scent of Goodwill stores has been a topic of discussion among customers and employees alike. Many speculate that the unique odour is a combination of various factors, including body soils, sweat, dead skin, oils, detergents, and air fresheners. Body soils, sweat, dead skin, and oils indeed play a significant role in creating this scent, contributing to about two-thirds of the odours present.
Body soils are a result of the daily shedding of dead skin cells, the secretion of body oils, and perspiration. On average, a person loses up to one billion dead skin cells and produces 10 grams of sebum or body oils daily. When combined with sweat, these substances create an environment conducive to bacterial growth, leading to the development of body odour.
Sweat itself is almost odourless, but when it comes into contact with the bacteria on the skin, it breaks down, producing odour molecules. This process is influenced by factors such as diet, hormones, medications, and underlying health conditions. For example, consuming certain foods like chilies, onions, and garlic can make sweat more pungent. Additionally, individuals with certain health conditions, such as diabetes or obesity, may be more prone to body odour due to changes in their sweat composition.
Dead skin cells also contribute to the odour profile. As dead skin accumulates on the surface of textiles, it can absorb and retain odours, especially if the items have not been properly cleaned or laundered. This is particularly relevant in the context of second-hand clothing and items donated to Goodwill stores, which may have been exposed to various body soils and odours from previous owners.
Body oils, another component of body soils, can also affect the scent of items. Oils secreted by the skin can transfer to clothing and other textiles, leaving a residue that can trap odour-causing bacteria. These oils can also go rancid over time, contributing to an unpleasant smell.
While body soils, sweat, dead skin, and oils are significant contributors to the Goodwill scent, it is important to note that other factors, such as detergents, air fresheners, and cleaning practices, also play a role in creating the unique olfactory experience associated with Goodwill stores.
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Environmental residue, car exhaust, cleaning products, perfume, and food cause the rest
The distinct scent of Goodwill stores has been a topic of discussion for many. While some attribute the smell to a combination of dust, detergent, and musty or mouldy items, others believe it is a result of the store's use of air fresheners and deodorizers. In fact, Goodwill employees have confirmed that they do use deodorizers on their clothes to mask unpleasant odours.
Lab tests performed by the New York Times provide some insight into the science behind the scent. The tests revealed that two-thirds of the smells in second-hand clothes come from "body soils" - sweat, dead skin, and oils excreted by the body. Over time, bacteria feed on these substances and release gases, resulting in an unpleasant odour.
The remaining one-third of the odour's composition is more diverse, including environmental residue, car exhaust, air contaminants from factories, cleaning products, perfume, and food. These external factors contribute to the unique scent profile of Goodwill stores.
While the smell of Goodwill may be off-putting to some, it is a testament to the variety of sources that contribute to it. From the natural bodily excretions of previous wearers to the environmental factors that seep into the clothing fibres, the scent is a complex blend of human and industrial influences.
Additionally, the scent of Goodwill stores may also be influenced by the use of certain cleaning products and detergents. While Goodwill asks customers to wash or dry clean their donations, this guideline is not always followed, leading to a mix of different detergents and cleaning agents on the donated items. This variety of cleaning products, combined with the other factors mentioned, contributes to the unique olfactory experience of shopping at Goodwill.
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Goodwill doesn't wash donated clothes, only spraying to mask super smelly items
It is a common misconception that the distinct scent of a Goodwill store is due to the use of perfume or air freshener. In reality, the smell is a combination of various factors, including detergents used by donors, musty or moldy items, and the use of deodorizers or sanitizing sprays by the store to mask unpleasant odours.
While Goodwill does not wash donated clothes, they do take measures to address strong odours. According to former employees, Goodwill uses generic deodorizers, such as Febreze, to mask rather than eliminate odours. This practice is confirmed by lab tests, which revealed that the distinct thrift store smell is a combination of various contaminants trapped in the fabric and the products used to disguise them.
The unique scent of Goodwill stores has sparked curiosity among shoppers, with some speculating about the use of air fresheners or specific perfumes like vanilla. However, the smell is more complex and multifaceted. Lab tests performed by the New York Times uncovered intriguing results. They found that two-thirds of the odours in second-hand clothes were related to the human body, including sweat, dead skin, and natural oils. The remaining one-third came from environmental factors such as car exhaust, factory air contaminants, cleaning products, perfume, and food.
Goodwill's decision to spray their items instead of washing them is influenced by practical considerations. Washing the vast volume of donated clothing would require a significant increase in resources, including employees, space, water, and electricity. As a nonprofit organization, Goodwill needs to carefully manage these resources. Therefore, they rely on deodorizers and sanitizing sprays as a more feasible solution to manage odours.
To address the scent of purchased Goodwill items, several odour removal techniques can be employed. One method involves using laundry detergent and disinfectants like Lysol, followed by sun exposure to kill bacteria. For more persistent odours, specialist products like Doctor Bronners Pure-Castile Soap are recommended. Additionally, charcoal briquettes placed in a sealed bag with the clothes can absorb aromas, leaving them smelling fresh.
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The smell of vanilla is used to treat clothes for bed bugs and lice
The distinct smell of a Goodwill store has been a topic of discussion for many. While some attribute it to a combination of dust, laundry detergents used on donated clothes, and air fresheners, others claim it's a mix of body odour, bleach, and mothballs. Goodwill employees have confirmed that they do not wash donated clothes, but they do use air fresheners to mask unpleasant odours.
Now, regarding the use of vanilla to treat clothes for bed bugs and lice, it's important to clarify that there is limited evidence supporting its effectiveness. While vanilla extract is commonly suggested as a natural bug repellent, its success against bed bugs is questionable. Bed bugs are resilient pests attracted to carbon dioxide and body heat, and while they dislike certain smells, vanilla may not always be effective.
Vanilla extract is known to repel mosquitoes and gnats due to its strong scent, which humans generally find pleasant. It can be mixed with water and applied to the skin or used as a household air freshener. However, its effectiveness against bed bugs is uncertain, and some individuals may find it less repulsive.
To treat clothes for bed bugs and lice, other natural scents are recommended. Peppermint, for example, is a well-researched solution that leaves a fresh minty fragrance. Lemon, cinnamon, lavender, tea tree oil, and neem oil are also effective in repelling bed bugs. It's important to note that while these scents can help deter pests, they may not eliminate severe infestations, and professional pest control services may be necessary.
In summary, while vanilla may be used as a temporary bug repellent, its effectiveness against bed bugs is uncertain. For treating clothes infested with bed bugs or lice, it is advisable to explore other natural scents or seek professional pest control solutions.
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Frequently asked questions
The smell at Goodwill is a combination of various laundry detergents used on donated clothes, dust, and a deodorizer or air freshener used to mask the smell of unwashed clothes.
Goodwill sprays their clothes with a generic deodorizer, like Febreze, to mask unpleasant odors. Lab tests have shown that these odors come from various contaminants that get trapped in the fabric, such as sweat, dead skin, oils, and environmental residue.
To remove odors from second-hand clothes, you can wash them with laundry detergent and use a disinfectant such as Lysol to kill bacteria. You can then hang them in the sun to kill any remaining bacteria. If there are still odors, you can try specialist products such as Doctor Bronners Pure-Castile Soap.
The distinct smell of Goodwill stores is likely due to a combination of factors, including the use of similar deodorizing products, the musty smell of clothes that haven't been worn in a while, and the mix of various laundry detergents used by donors.
Not every Goodwill store carries perfume, but if they do, it's often sold in the same area. It could be near the jewelry, candles, and bath items, or in a locked case for valuable items. You can also try shopping online at www.shopgoodwill.com to expand your search.
