Blog
What Is Laundry Stripping?
November 20, 2023
-
By
Sophia Grant
Ever peeled off a workout shirt, only to be hit with an all-too-familiar stench?
What’s worse is that the smell won’t quit, even after washing.
What if there was a laundry method powerful enough to tackle those stubborn odors and stains?
That’s where laundry stripping comes in. If anything, it’s like giving your clothes an intense spa day – releasing years of built-up body oils, soap scum, and leftover laundry detergent.
But what is it? How does it work? Can you do it with all washing machines?
For the answers, be sure to keep reading. We’ll be going over everything you need to know below.
What Is Laundry Stripping?
Laundry stripping is a deep-cleaning method that removes residue from fabrics.
This build-up can include leftover detergent, fabric softener, oils, and mineral deposits.
When you strip your laundry, it’s not just about removing stains – it’s also about revitalizing your fabrics by getting rid of what regular washing might leave behind.
Unraveling the Science Behind Laundry Stripping
Laundry stripping involves soaking your garments in hot water mixed with borax, sodium carbonate, and a good quality laundry detergent.
The warm environment will help to dissolve any residual matter stuck to the fibers of your clothes or sheets and towels.
The Role of Key Ingredients in Laundry Stripping
Each ingredient plays an important role. For example, washing soda acts as a descaler against minerals like magnesium and calcium, while Borax enhances cleaning power while controlling odor-causing agents.
And finally, detergents work on breaking down fats/oils which could be left behind due to body sweat or soap scum.
Choosing to Strip Laundry – Pros
It Will Remove Smells From Your Clothes
The first notable advantage of laundry stripping is its ability to remove stubborn smells from fabrics.
You know those workout clothes that never quite lose their sweaty odor even after multiple washes? Or bath towels that develop a musty scent over time?
A good strip session will tackle these issues head-on by breaking down residues left behind by body oils and soap scum in hot water – leaving your items smelling fresher for longer periods between washes.
It Will Make Your Clothes Feel New Again
Beyond tackling odors though, there are additional benefits associated with laundry stripping. Over time as we repeatedly wash our clothing using detergents and fabric softeners along with living in areas where hard water prevails can lead to the accumulation of unseen gunk within the fibers of our clothes.
Stripping them not only ensures a deeper clean but also restores their original softness and fluffiness – making them feel almost brand new again.
It Will Save You Time And Effort
Laundry stripping isn’t just about getting your clothes cleaner, it’s also about efficiency.
Once you’ve got the process down, it can save you time by removing the need for multiple washes or treatments to remove stubborn dirt and odors from fabrics.
A Comprehensive Guide on How to Strip Your Laundry
Laundry stripping is a popular deep-cleaning method that works wonders, especially when your regular wash just doesn’t cut it. It’s not complicated; you’ll just need a few items and some persistence.
Keep in mind that altering your routine by using less detergent or skipping fabric softener may help avoid strip washing altogether. Also consider wearing rubber gloves – safety first.
Step 1: Create a Borax Solution
Fill a large tub with very hot water and add one cup of baking soda, one cup of washing soda, and one cup of ACTIVE Enzyme Laundry Booster.
Step 2: Soak Your Clothes
Place your dirty clothes in the tub, ensuring they’re fully submerged, then leave them to stew for several hours while agitating the solution occasionally.
During this process, the water will turn a murky brown color – that’s normal.
Step 3: Rinse With Water
Rinse the items with clean water, then proceed to launder as normal.
Supply:
- Borax
- Washing soda
- ACTIVE Enzyme Laundry Booster
- Hot water
Certain items like memory foam pillows or delicate silks might not enjoy this vigorous process. Also, frequent stripping can prematurely age your clothes – so moderation is key.
ACTIVE Enzyme Laundry Booster
ACTIVE enzymes make laundry stripping easy.
Comparing Laundry Stripping with Other Cleaning Methods
Laundry stripping has become a hot topic among cleaning enthusiasts. But how does it compare to other methods like regular washing or vinegar soaking? Let’s find out.
Laundry Stripping vs Regular Laundry Routine
The key difference between laundry stripping and regular washing lies in their approach towards removing dirt and grime.
While regular washing focuses on surface stains, laundry stripping goes deeper, targeting detergent residue, fabric softener leftovers, minerals from hard water, and body oils that accumulate over time.
Borax is commonly used in the strip-washing mixture along with chemical washing soda which can be an irritant causing skin irritation or respiratory side effects if not handled properly.
Laundry Stripping vs Vinegar Soaking
Vinegar soaking is another method employed by many for deep-cleaning fabrics. It works well against soap scum but may fall short when dealing with stubborn residues left behind by detergents and fabric softeners.
Baking soda-based solutions, and plant-based detergents mixed in hot water are also popular alternatives that will give you clean laundry based on factors such as the hardness of your water or type of fabric being cleaned.
Tips and Precautions for Effective Laundry Stripping
Laundry stripping, when done right, can give clean laundry, but it’s crucial to do it correctly to avoid damaging your fabrics or hurting yourself.
Adjusting the Recipe for Different Needs
The standard laundry stripping recipe involves hot water, washing soda (also known as sodium carbonate), borax, and detergent. This mix works great on most items but be careful with delicate materials like silk and wool. These textiles may suffer if you strip them too often.
If you’re dealing with particularly stubborn stains or built-up residue from body oils and hard water minerals, consider adding more washing soda to boost its effectiveness.
Safety Precautions When Using Borax
Borax is an essential ingredient in our laundry stripping process because of its ability to break down mineral deposits in hard water that contribute to soap scum build up over time.
However, there are a few safety precautions that you want to take:
- Avoid direct skin contact by wearing protective clothing like rubber gloves
- Ensure proper ventilation during use since inhaling borax dust can cause respiratory issues
What is Laundry Stripping and Does it Work – FAQ
Does stripping laundry actually work?
Yes, it does. Laundry stripping is effective at removing deep-seated dirt and residues from fabrics that regular washing might miss.
What wash cycle should I use?
For the best results, choose a normal wash cycle on your washing machine.
What is the downside of laundry stripping?
The process can be harsh on delicate fabrics like silk or wool. Frequent use can also lead to fabric damage over time.
Is a strip wash worth the trouble?
If you’re dealing with stubborn stains or buildup in your linens and clothes, then yes. It’s a powerful way to refresh heavily used items.
Do I need laundry detergent for the process?
Yes, you will need a powdered laundry detergent like ACTIVE Enzyme Laundry Booster for the stripping process.
What are the benefits of stripping laundry?
This method eliminates hard-to-remove residue such as body oils, detergent build-up, and minerals from hard water leading to cleaner, fresher-smelling clothes and linens.
SAVE
15% off
Your Next ACTIVE
Purchase on Amazon
Limited Time Offer
Sophia Grant
Sophia Grant brings her extensive knowledge of laundry and clothing care to the masses with her intensive cleaning guides. Her thorough understanding of fabrics, detergents, and washing techniques helps readers master the art of maintaining their wardrobe. Sophia's advice ensures that anyone can achieve professional-level results at home, keeping their garments looking pristine and lasting longer.
Similar posts
