[ad_1]
At one point or another, we all accept the never-ending cycle of cleaning. That being said, when people start talking about new ways to make our household chores easier and faster, we’re all ears. Enter laundry stripping, the latest cleaning method that the Internet can’t get enough of.
Laundry stripping isn’t new by any means: Long before it became a TikTok trend, many cleaning professionals, including Good Housekeeping Institute’s Cleaning Lab, used this soaking method to remove detergent residue, fabric softener, minerals from hard water and body oils from textiles. But it really took off after MrsLaurenElms posted a before-and-after TikTok in early 2020 — and since then, TikToks with #laundrystripping have racked up 134 million views.
This content is imported from TikTok. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Really, it’s understandable why this soaking method has gone viral— the TikToks show tubs filled with murky brown water after letting clean laundry soak for a few hours. Not only is the transformation incredibly satisfying to watch, but it has also made many people question just how clean their sheets and towels really are. For that reason, folks have a lot inquiries about this soaking technique — some are straight and to the point (Can I strip other items beside towels and sheets? What is the best laundry stripping recipe?), while others are far more complicated (Is laundry stripping a hoax or is it actually effective?).
Before you grab your borax and get to work, read this guide by Good Housekeeping Institute Cleaning Lab Director Carolyn Forte to learn the ins and outs of laundry stripping, including if its the most effective cleaning method for your sheets and towels.
What Is Laundry Stripping?
Essentially, laundry stripping is a thorough method of soaking that gets rid of any leftover detergent, fabric softener, minerals from hard water and natural body oils that have collected on textiles over a period of time. The process itself is rather lengthy: Towels and sheets sit in a tub of hot water, borax, washing soda (sodium carbonate) and laundry detergent until the water has cooled completely, about four to five hours in total.
Over time, the water’s heat causes the dyes to run, which explains why it turns brown or gray. That means, it works best on whites, lights and colorfast bath towels and bed sheets. You can still soak colored textiles — just don’t mixing bright colors with whites to avoid accidentally dyeing anything. While laundry stripping is suitable for any clothing or bedding items that can withstand high temperatures, you should avoid stripping delicate items — a standard wash and dry (or hand-wash for some delicates) should clean them completely.
How to Effectively Strip Sheets and Towels
Amazon
- Fill your bathtub, sink or a large bucket with hot water. Make the perfect laundry stripping recipe by adding borax, washing soda (sodium carbonate) and laundry detergent in a 1:1:2 ratio. For a bathtub, add 1/4 cup borax, 1/4 cup washing soda and 1/2 cup laundry detergent. Stir until it dissolves completely.
- Submerge your clean towels or sheets in the mixture and soak until the water has cooled, which usually takes at least four hours. Stir occasionally to release the buildup on the towels.
- Drain the murky water, then throw your towels or sheets through a rinse-only cycle in your washing machine. Tumble dry without dryer sheets.
Is Laundry Stripping Actually Effective?
In short, you shouldn’t have to strip towels and sheets on a regular basis if you’re washing them correctly.
There are some instances where laundry stripping may be necessary, especially if you notice buildup after washing with homemade detergent, frequently use dryer sheets or fabric softener or live in a hard water area and don’t have a water softener installed in your home.
Think of it this way: Too much of a good thing (laundry detergent and fabric softener) can sometimes be bad, causing whites to turn dark and dingy. Laundry stripping is an easy way to give towels and sheets new life — or at least, a refreshed look.
As a general rule, following smart laundry practices on a regular basis is the recommended cleaning method:
- Use deep-cleaning detergent like GH Seal star Tide.
- Don’t overload the washing machine.
- Don’t use too much detergent or fabric softener.
- Use proper laundry sorting techniques to avoid residue from building up.
- If you notice residue or want to prevent buildup, add borax or washing soda to a regular load in the washer.
The bottom line, according to Forte: “If you have a lot of towels or sheets that need help, this is a good way to tackle them quickly. Then make sure to follow good laundering habits afterward, so you don’t have to do it again!”
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io
[ad_2]
Source link
