Laundry Stripping - The grossly satisfying method for extra clean linens!

Over time, linens can developed a build up of grit and grime such as laundry detergent, fabric softener, minerals from hard water and skin oils making clean bed sheets feel not so crisp and bath towels not so fresh. With a little boy, two dogs and husband in this house, I figured it was time for a strip before I washed sheets this week.

RJ’s pack around blanket was in this load. He drags it around everywhere and shares it with the dogs so I expected this to look extra dirty but you can still expect the water to look pretty gross even if they appear to be clean before you soak them. This was at the beginning of the process and you can’t even imagine what it looked like at the end.

I don‘t use fabric softener or dryer sheets which both cause build up. I switched to wool balls that I store in a cookie jar on my dryer. They are reusable and they do a great job!

If you make your own laundry detergent you can also expect some build up with time. While you’re opting out of harsh chemicals with homemade, the formula doesn’t rinse out quite as well leaving a little bit of residue. In general, people tend to use too much detergent. You only really need a couple tablespoons to achieve clean clothes without creating buildup from excess detergent unable to fully rinse out of clothes.

A few things to avoid strip washing or strip washing together… This process requires HOT water so things that should not be laundered in HOT water, colorful or dyed clothing, colorful or dyed clothing and light colors like whites and grays at the same time, delicate or dry clean items.

Laundry Stripping or Strip Washing

Detergent Mixture

1/4 cup Borax

1/4 cup Washing Soda

1/2 cup powder detergent

Fill bathtub with hot water. Add detergent mixture and mix to dissolve. Add laundry and let soak for about 4 hour using a broom handle or even your hands to mix periodically.

Once the water has cooled, drain and rinse laundry well with cool or cold water. Wring out as much as possibly then add to washing in washing machine as you normally would.

Enjoy your ✨extra✨ clean linens!