Laundry stripping is not a new process by any means, but it has shot up in popularity lately after the process was shared across social media platforms. Over time fabrics such as towels can become quite grimy and may become less absorbent. But you can extend the lifespan of these items by stripping them. Express.co.uk has compiled a guide to explain how laundry stripping works.
What is laundry stripping?
The method of laundry stripping, also known as strip washing, has become a hugely popular cleaning trend recently.
Normal laundering cleans your items, however, many people have noticed items are not as fresh or crisp as they once were.
Regular washing with laundry detergent can leave items less fresh than they were when they were first purchased.
Laundry stripping is a method of washing that aims to rejuvenate these items by removing detergent residue, especially from homemade laundry soap, fabric softener, minerals from hard water, and body oils which have collected on your laundry over time.
READ MORE: How to stop colours from running in the washing machine – 6 tips
Once the mixture has dissolved in the water, add your laundry and let it soak until the water has cooled.
This should take around four hours and stir it occasionally.
You will see the dirt and residue come off the items into the water as you stir.
You should follow-up by washing the items once more in the washing machine on a water-only cycle.
READ MORE: Apple cider vinegar cleaning hacks: 5 things you can clean with ACV
What to avoid when laundry stripping
Those stripping their clothing should know the process can cause dyes to run.
For that reason, you might prefer to only use this process on white towels and bedsheets.
If you are stripping colourful items, you should avoid mixing a red shirt with white socks or else you could end up with accidentally dyed clothing.
Avoid this technique on delicate or fragile items and be sure to check each item’s care label before starting.