Tips for cleaning your items before consignment

Preparing your items for consignment is an important step to ensure it sells quickly and for the best price. Clean and well-maintained items can attract buyers and increase their perceived value.

 

Here are some practical tips to get your items consignment-ready:

Clothing and Fabric Items

Wash or Dry Clean: Wash all washable items using a mild detergent to remove stains, odors and dirt. For delicate or high-end clothing, consider dry cleaning for the best results.

Iron or Steam: Wrinkle-free clothing looks more appealing. Use an iron or a garment steamer to smooth out wrinkles and give your pieces a polished look.

Use a Lint Roller: Remove lint, pet hair, and dust from clothing. A clean, lint-free appearance makes a great first impression.

Spot Treat Stains: Inspect each item for stains and treat them with a fabric-appropriate stain remover. Test on a small area first to avoid damaging delicate fabrics. See how to remove the stains HERE

Freshen Up with Fabric Spray: If items have been in storage, use a fabric freshener spray to eliminate musty odors and leave a pleasant scent.

 

Shoes

Clean the Exterior: Use a damp cloth or shoe-cleaning wipes to remove dirt and scuff marks. For leather shoes, apply a leather cleaner and polish for a renewed shine. See how to clean each type of shoes HERE

Clean the Soles: Scrub the soles with soapy water and a brush to remove mud, dirt, and debris. Clean soles show attention to detail and make shoes more appealing.

Replace Laces if Necessary: If the laces are worn or discolored, replace them with fresh ones to give the shoes a like-new appearance.

Deodorize: Sprinkle baking soda inside the shoes or use shoe deodorizers to remove unpleasant odors.

Accessories

Polish Jewelry: Use a jewelry cleaning cloth or solution to restore shine to metal pieces. For gemstones, ensure they’re clean and free of smudges.

Clean Handbags: Wipe down the exterior of handbags with a damp cloth and use a vacuum or lint roller to clean the interior. For leather bags, condition the material to prevent cracking.

Inspect for Damage: Repair any loose clasps, broken zippers, or frayed straps to make accessories look complete and functional.

Home Goods

Dust and Polish: Wipe down furniture, decor, and other items with a dust cloth. Use a polish for wooden or metal surfaces to enhance their appearance.

Wash Dishes and Glassware: Run items through a dishwasher or hand-wash them to remove any residue. Sparkling clean kitchenware is more likely to sell.

Vacuum Soft Goods: For items like rugs or upholstered furniture, use a vacuum to remove dust and debris. Spot clean stains as needed.