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What is laundry stripping and how do you do it?
Do you toss your laundry in the machine and not give it a second thought? Us too — until the CleanTok trend of laundry stripping hit our screens. CleanTok, a term coined from the prolific and highly-influential cleaning community on TikTok with content from creators like Lyndsey Crombie aka Queen of Clean and Georgia from Cleaning Corner, who is known for her satisfying cleaning transformations.
CleanTok, a term coined from the prolific and highly-influential cleaning community on TikTok with content from creators like Lyndsey Crombie aka Queen of Clean and Georgia from Cleaning Corner, who is known for her satisfying cleaning transformations.
CleanTok viewers often see the cleaning videos as therapeutic and stress-relieving and themes run the gamut from decluttering and organisational content to deep-cleaning and the latest stain removal tips.
Cue laundry stripping, which is rated highly thanks to the satisfying nature of just how much dirt can be removed.
So, what exactly is laundry stripping?
Laundry stripping is a deep-cleaning method for your clothes and linens.
It’s a process designed to eradicate any excess build-up of grime that has not been removed through normal washing cycles.
It should remove body oils, smells and remnants of fabric softener that have accumulated over time.
It can be a useful method for things like, towels that are becoming less absorbent, linens that still smell musty after washing and whites are greying.
What items can go in a laundry stripping?
Start with towels, both bath and hand towels might accumulate more residue body oils and excess laundry soap than you might realise.
Then go for linens, again bedsheets, pillowcases and duvet covers, which can absorb excess body sweat.
Hard-wearing athletic wear is another category that can gain a large sweat build up and could do with a deep-clean. As it may not be fully-cleaned by a regular wash.
Light and white colours work best for laundry stripping, as the dye of dark or bright colours could be at risk of bleeding and fading.
Things to avoid are delicates, like silk, wool, lace or cashmere.
All of these fabrics can be ruined by water that is too hot and harsh cleaning products.
For delicates just pop the garments in a basin of lukewarm water, leave to soak for 15 minutes and work a gentle detergent through with your hands.
Afterwards, rinse with cold water until there is no detergent left.
Best detergents for hand washing
- Steamery Active laundry detergent citrus and cedar liquid
- Ecover wool and silk washing liquid
- The Lab Co laundry detergent for delicates
What ingredients will you need?
Laundry stripping requires three main ingredients, which you will need to stir well until everything is fully dissolved.
- Borax substitute (1/4 cup)
- Washing soda (1/4 cup)
- Laundry detergent (1/2 cup)
Some tips when it comes to choosing your ingredients. Powdered detergent can be better for laundry stripping as it dissolves quicker than liquid.
Non-bio liquids tend to be more gentle, and can help in the harsher process of laundry stripping. Also, make sure nothing you’re using has added softeners, as this can contribute to excess residue.
Note that you should wear elbow-length gloves if you can.
Only Borax substitutes are permitted in the UK, but it’s still a harsh chemical and can be a skin irritant, so take great care when you’re using it.
Also, make sure children and pets are well out of the way.
Where to buy your laundry stripping ingredients
Step-by-step guide to laundry stripping:
- First off, get collecting what needs stripping. Avoid anything delicate, as it might be damaged by the more intense process of laundry stripping.
- Fill your bathtub (or large basin) with as hot a water that you can stand, to remove as many stains as possible and stir in your pre-mixed ingredients well.
- Submerge all your items so nothing is left sticking out. Leave it all to soak and cool, this should take around four hours, making your sure you stir it occasionally. The water will likely look pretty grubby at this point.
- Once you’ve drained the water from the bath, take all the items out and run them through a full water-only wash cycle. Don’t add any detergent or softer to this cycle.
- Don’t forget to thoroughly clean your bath tub afterwards, it’ll probably be pretty mucky.
Common mistakes to avoid
Double check your care labels before stripping and be sure the pieces you are stripping are compatible with the process.
There’s no point in putting clean clothes through unnecessary cleaning that could wear out the fabric if there’s nothing to remove. Stick to laundry stripping approved products.
Don’t leave clothes for too long in the solution and when it comes to rinsing, don’t forget the final rinse, to fully get rid of all of the solution.
When you’re doing the final rinse don’t overload your machine, so the items can be fully rinsed.
Given that laundry stripping is intense, it’s not a practise that should be undertaken too often.
Is laundry stripping worth it?
Unless you have hours spare to dedicate to deep cleaning, which let’s face it. Who does? Laundry stripping could be too much of a faff.
However, if you live in a hard water area and there’s huge build up on your towels and linens, laundry stripping could bring your things back to life.
To avoid to need for laundry stripping in the first place, try the following smart washing techniques with your every regular wash.
- Don’t use too much washing detergent to avoid build up and residue on your clothes.
- Try not to overload your machine, as the cycle won’t fully be able to get rid of dirt and grime and residue will build quickly.
- While colder water cycles are more energy-efficient hot water does get rid of oils and build-up, so incorporate hot water cycles sparingly.
- If you live in a hard water area, make sure the washing powders and detergents you are using are designed for hard water specifically, to reduce residue.
- Clean your washing machine drum and drawer regularly. The more mould, mildew and grime in your washing machine, the more it can end up on your clothes.
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