Every thrift flip has stains. Some are dealbreakers, others are profit opportunities—if you know how to treat them. The difference between a pass and a profitable flip often comes down to stain removal skills.
This guide covers the stains resellers encounter most often and the treatments that actually work without damaging fabric.
Universal Stain Treatment Rules
Act fast (when possible): Fresh stains are easier than set stains. But thrifted clothes have old stains, so we work with what we get.
Test first: Apply treatment to a hidden area (inside seam, hem) before treating visible stains. Some fabrics react poorly to certain chemicals.
Work from outside in: Blot from the edges of the stain toward the center to prevent spreading.
Cold water first: Hot water sets protein-based stains (blood, sweat, food). Start cold.
Stain-by-Stain Guide
Yellow Pit Stains (Armpit Yellowing)
Cause: Aluminum in antiperspirant reacting with sweat proteins
Treatment: Make a paste of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and dish soap (2:1:1 ratio). Apply to stain, let sit 30 minutes to 2 hours. Scrub gently with soft brush, wash cold.
Alternative: OxiClean soak—dissolve 1-2 scoops in warm water, submerge garment for 1-6 hours.
Success rate: High on cotton, moderate on synthetics. Deep yellow may require multiple treatments.
Ink (Ballpoint Pen)
Treatment: Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl). Place stain face-down on paper towel. Apply alcohol to back of stain, letting ink transfer to towel. Replace towel as it absorbs ink. Repeat until no transfer.
Alternative: Hairspray (old-school method—alcohol content does the work)
Success rate: High on cotton and synthetics. Ink on silk or wool—proceed very carefully or skip.
Permanent Marker / Sharpie
Treatment: Rubbing alcohol for fabric. For rubber soles (price marks on shoes), use a Magic Eraser or acetone-free nail polish remover.
Note: "Permanent" doesn't mean impossible—it means resistant to water. Solvents break it down.
Success rate: High on hard surfaces, moderate on fabric (may leave shadow).
Thrift Store Price Sticker Residue
Treatment: Goo Gone or similar adhesive remover. Apply, let sit 5 minutes, wipe away. For paper collectible boxes, use minimal product and work carefully to avoid damage.
Alternative: Rubbing alcohol, vegetable oil (test on fabric first)
Success rate: Very high. Most residue comes off easily with proper solvent.
Mystery Stains (Unknown Origin)
Treatment: Start with dish soap and cold water. If that fails, try OxiClean soak. If still present, hydrogen peroxide on white fabrics (test on colors—can bleach).
Strategy: Work through treatments from gentlest to strongest. Unknown stains may need multiple approaches.
Success rate: Variable. Some mystery stains are set permanently.
Rust Spots
Treatment: Lemon juice and salt. Apply lemon juice to stain, cover with salt, let sit in sun for 1-2 hours. Rinse cold, repeat if needed.
Alternative: Commercial rust remover (Whink, Iron Out)
Success rate: Moderate. Old rust can be stubborn. May require professional treatment.
Grease / Oil
Treatment: Dish soap (Dawn) directly on stain. Work in with fingers or soft brush, let sit 15-30 minutes, wash warm.
Alternative: Cornstarch absorbs fresh grease. Apply, let sit overnight, brush off, then treat with dish soap.
Success rate: High if treated properly. Set grease is harder—may need multiple treatments.
Blood
Treatment: COLD water only (hot sets protein). Soak in cold water with salt or hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes. For dried blood, make paste of meat tenderizer and cold water (enzymes break down proteins).
Success rate: High for fresh, moderate for dried. Never use hot water.
When to Give Up
Not every stain is worth fighting. Consider the time vs. value equation:
If you've tried two different treatments and the stain remains, you're into diminishing returns. Either: sell as-is with clear disclosure in your description, price accordingly, or donate and move on.
For high-value pieces (BOLO brands, vintage collectibles), professional cleaning may be worth the investment. For common items, aggressive stain fighting eats profits.
Stain Disclosure
If a stain doesn't come out completely, disclose it. Photograph it. Mention it in your listing. Buyers who purchase knowing the flaw don't file "item not as described" cases. Buyers who discover it upon arrival do.
Honest disclosure protects your seller metrics and builds buyer trust.
Deodorizing Vintage Items
Tackle thrift store smell, smoke, mildew, and perfume.