Have you ever noticed that your bath towels smell a little funky after washing them, and you can't figure out why? Do they look a little dingy, or not feel as soft? Believe it or not, your towels, bedsheets and other garments may not be quite as clean as you think! Over time, detergent/fabric softener residue, hard water minerals, and natural body oils build up on garments like towels, bedsheets and gym clothes... causing them to look and/or smell not so desirable. So, what can be done about it?
LAUNDRY STRIPPING TO THE RESCUE!
BEFORE (DIRTY TOWEL)
Laundry stripping is a thorough method of cleaning garments such as towels, bedsheets and more, and while it's a lengthy process, it actually doesn't require very much of your time. I must add that the results are satisfying!
Items Needed:
Borax
Washing Soda
Deep Cleaning Laundry Detergent
Large Wooden Spoon
Measuring Cups
Large Bucket, Sink or Basin
Dirty Garments
Optional: Rubber Gloves
Instructions:
Fill a container (such as a sink, basin or large bucket) with hot water
Add 1/4 cup Borax
Add 1/4 cup washing soda
Add 1/2 cup laundry detergent
Stir mixture until it dissolves completely
Add in dirty garments (such as towels, bedsheets or gym clothes)
Stir mixture
Let sit for 4 - 5 hours (or until the hot water cools), stirring occasionally
Remove garments and squeeze out all the excess water
Put garments on a cold water rinse cycle in a washing machine
Empty dirty water bucket/basin
Wash hands
Put garments in the dryer (without dryer sheets)
ENJOY your soft, fresh, vibrant garments!
CLEAN WATER BEFORE LAUNDRY STRIPPING
DIRTY WATER AFTER LAUNDRY STRIPPING
AFTER (CLEAN TOWEL)
* Do's and Don'ts of Laundry Stripping *
Do keep mixture away from children and pets
Do read the labels on your garments before laundry stripping
Don't soak whites and colors together unless you are sure the colors won't bleed
Don't strip delicate clothing or any garments that cannot be washed in hot water
Don't strip garments too often - I recommend once every few months, or less often as needed (laundry stripping too often can damage garments)
Don't use too much laundry detergent or fabric softener during normal washing (this can lead to increased residue build-up)
Don't overload your washing machine during normal washing