Laundry Stripping Using a Washing Machine

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Laundry stripping is a comprehensive cleaning process that eliminates deeply embedded dirt, body oils, and fabric softener buildup from linens and clothing. The method, which has gained popularity in recent years, is an excellent way to revitalize tired, dull textiles. With this guide, you’ll learn how to execute this method using your washing machine, and get your laundry looking as good as new.

Traditional Laundry Stripping

The traditional method of laundry stripping is a powerful way to invigorate your fabrics and remove deep-seated grime. This version of the method goes a step further, detailing some extra steps you can take to maximize your results. This process might take a bit more time, but it can be particularly useful for items that haven’t been stripped in a while or that are heavily soiled.

Begin by sorting your laundry by color to prevent any color bleeding issues. Laundry stripping is a powerful process, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Fill your washing machine with hot water. The heat is a crucial factor in this process as it helps to dissolve and loosen the residue.
Add the following – 1/4 cup of laundry soda, 1/4 cup of Borax, and 1/2 cup of a laundry detergent of your choice to the washing machine.
Mix the ingredients until they are fully dissolved in the water.
Add your sorted laundry. Make sure each item is fully submerged in the stripping solution. Avoid overloading the machine to ensure that the water and stripping solution can circulate effectively.
Let the machine run its longest cycle at the highest water level and hottest temperature. This extended wash allows the stripping solution to thoroughly penetrate and cleanse the fabrics.
Once the cycle is complete, inspect your items. If they still seem overly grimy, you may want to repeat the stripping process.
After the stripping process, run an additional rinse cycle, or even two, to make sure all the stripping solution is thoroughly rinsed out from your laundry. Residual detergent or stripping solution can leave your fabrics stiff and cause skin irritation.
Finally, make sure to thoroughly dry your items. You can air dry or tumble dry according to the fabric recommendations. Drying in the sun can also provide additional whitening and sanitizing benefits.

Remember, laundry stripping is a powerful process. While it can be incredibly effective at reviving your fabrics, it’s also potent and should be used sparingly.

All these methods are showing instructions for top loading machines. If you have a front loader obviously you can’t prefill with water and the washing mixture should go in the dispenser.
Does It Wash Team

Laundry Stripping With Vinegar and Baking Soda

If you prefer not to use Borax, the extended vinegar and baking soda method offers a more natural yet effective alternative. This extended method includes extra steps to ensure a thorough cleaning, making it particularly useful for heavier soils or items that haven’t been stripped for a while.

Start by sorting your laundry by color. While vinegar and baking soda are gentle, the heat and intensity of the stripping process could potentially cause colors to bleed.
Fill your washing machine with hot water. The heat will aid in breaking down the dirt and grime in your fabrics.
Add 1 cup of baking soda and 2 cups of white vinegar to the hot water in your washing machine.
Stir the water until the baking soda is completely dissolved. The combination of baking soda and vinegar will cause a reaction that helps to lift stains and odors.
Add your sorted laundry items, ensuring each one is fully submerged in the water and has room to move.
Run the longest cycle with the highest water level and temperature. The extended time in the stripping solution allows for a more comprehensive clean.
Once the cycle has finished, inspect your items. If they still seem overly grimy, you might want to repeat the stripping process.
After stripping, run a rinse cycle, or two if necessary, to ensure all stripping solution and loosened grime is fully washed away.
Lastly, dry your laundry items thoroughly according to their care instructions. If possible, air drying in the sun can provide additional benefits, including natural whitening and sanitizing.

While this method uses gentler, natural ingredients, it is still an intensive process and should be used sparingly to prevent unnecessary wear and tear on your fabrics.

Laundry Stripping With Oxygen Bleach

For those who prefer an alternative to traditional laundry stripping ingredients or have sensitivities to components like Borax, the extended Oxygen Bleach Method is an excellent option. This version includes extra steps to ensure a deep and comprehensive clean.

Start by sorting your laundry according to color to prevent any color bleeding. Laundry stripping is an intensive process and it’s always better to be safe.
Fill your washing machine with hot water. The heat will help to dissolve the Oxygen Bleach and loosen the embedded grime in your fabrics.
Add 1 cup of Oxygen Bleach and your regular amount of laundry detergent to the water.
Stir until the Oxygen Bleach is fully dissolved in the water.
Add your sorted laundry, making sure each item is fully submerged in the stripping solution. Do not overload the machine to ensure that the water and stripping solution can circulate effectively.
Run the longest cycle with the highest water level and hottest temperature. The extended wash will allow the Oxygen Bleach and detergent to thoroughly penetrate the fabrics and lift away the grime.
Once the cycle is complete, inspect your items. If they still seem overly soiled, consider repeating the stripping process.
After stripping, run an additional rinse cycle or even two, to thoroughly wash away the stripping solution and the loosened grime.
Lastly, dry your items thoroughly according to their care instructions. If it’s feasible, air drying in the sun can provide additional benefits, including natural bleaching and sanitizing.

Remember that while the Oxygen Bleach Method uses milder ingredients, it’s still an intensive process. It’s highly effective at reviving your fabrics, but should be used sparingly to avoid unnecessary wear and tear.

FAQs

How do I laundry strip without borax?

You can certainly perform laundry stripping without Borax. Alternative methods include using a combination of baking soda and white vinegar, or utilizing Oxygen Bleach. These alternatives are detailed in the methods above. They work similarly to traditional Borax-based laundry stripping, effectively removing dirt, oils, and residue that regular washing might leave behind. Always remember to fully dissolve your chosen cleaning agents in hot water before adding your laundry for best results.

What items can be stripped using laundry stripping?

Laundry stripping is ideal for any washable items that have lost their freshness or have become dull over time. This includes bed linens, towels, workout clothes, cotton underwear, and even cloth diapers. It’s particularly effective for items that are in frequent contact with body oils and sweat. However, avoid stripping delicate fabrics like silk or wool, as the process can be too harsh. Also, always consider colorfastness and test colored items before stripping to avoid potential color bleeding.

Can laundry stripping be done with any type of washing machine?

Yes, you can perform laundry stripping with both top-loading and front-loading machines. The crucial aspect to keep in mind is your ability to use hot water and control the length and temperature of the wash cycle, as these factors are vital for effective stripping. If you’re using a front-loader, you might need to adjust the method slightly, adding your stripping agents to the detergent dispenser instead of directly into the drum.

What should I avoid when laundry stripping?

Avoid using laundry stripping on delicate fabrics like silk, wool, or items that are dry clean only. The process is quite intense and can potentially damage these materials. Also, avoid overloading your washing machine during laundry stripping. Items should have enough space to move freely, ensuring even exposure to the stripping solution. Finally, always ensure that colored items are colorfast to avoid color bleeding.

How often should I strip my laundry?

Laundry stripping is an intensive process and should be done sparingly. It’s not intended to replace your regular washing routine, but rather to complement it when required. Depending on the usage and the type of fabric, a general rule of thumb could be to strip your laundry every 3-6 months.

Items that are in regular contact with body oils, such as workout clothes or bed sheets, might benefit from more frequent stripping. However, always monitor your items’ condition and adjust accordingly to avoid unnecessary wear and tear.

Summary

Laundry stripping is a deep-cleaning process that can help revitalize your textiles, leaving them looking bright and fresh. The methods outlined, including Traditional Laundry Stripping, Vinegar and Baking Soda Method, and the Oxygen Bleach Method, offer varied options that should suit a range of needs and sensitivities. Remember, laundry stripping is a more infrequent addition to your routine cleaning, ensuring your linens and clothing are in their best possible condition.