The Benefits of Laundry Stripping & How to Deep Clean Laundry

These are some examples of my laundry when I stripped my bath and kitchen towels as well as bed sheets. The water gets very dark and smelly!

Laundry Stripping: What It Is and How to Strip Your Towels Naturally

If your towels are feeling less fluffy and smelling a bit off, despite regular washing, laundry stripping might be exactly what they need. Laundry stripping is a deep-cleaning method to remove buildup of detergents, fabric softeners, body oils, and minerals that can accumulate over time. This buildup prevents towels from absorbing water well, can leave them less soft, and lead to unpleasant odors.

Why Strip Towels and Bed Sheets?

• Restores softness and fluffiness

• Removes unpleasant odors

• Improves absorbency

• Extends the life of your towels

What You’ll Need for Laundry Stripping

• 1/4 cup washing soda (sodium carbonate)

• 1/4 cup borax (sodium borate)

• 1/2 cup natural laundry detergent (powder or liquid)

• 10 drops essential oils (lemon or orange)

• Hot water (enough to fill your bathtub or large container)

• Towels/sheets to be stripped

Note: All ingredients should be natural and free from harsh chemicals to keep your towels and skin happy.

Step-by-Step Laundry Strip Tutorial for Towels

1. Prepare the Washing Solution
   Fill your bathtub or large metal container with hot water, enough to fully submerge your towels.

2. Add the Ingredients
   Sprinkle 1/4 cup washing soda and 1/4 cup borax into the water. Add 1/2 cup of your natural laundry detergent. Stir well to dissolve all powders.

3. Submerge the Towels
   Place the towels completely into the solution, pressing them down so they soak thoroughly.

4. Soak and Stir Every 30 Minutes
   Let the towels soak for 4-6 hours. Every half hour, use your hands or a stick to stir the towels around. You’ll notice the water becoming cloudy and sometimes gritty—this is the buildup breaking free.

5. Rinse Thoroughly
   After soaking, drain the dirty water. Rinse the towels multiple times with clean water until the rinse water runs clear and is free of residue.

6. Wash As Usual
   Run the towels through a normal wash cycle on warm or hot water with your usual natural detergent (no fabric softener).

7. Dry Completely
   Dry your towels fully, preferably in the sun or a dryer. Sun drying also helps freshen and sanitize naturally.

Tips for Maintaining Soft Towels

• Avoid fabric softeners—they leave a residue that reduces absorbency.

• Use natural detergents with fewer additives.

• Wash towels separately to prevent lint transfer.

• Regularly strip your towels every 3-6 months depending on usage.

Laundry stripping is a gentle way to bring your towels back to life without harsh chemicals, helping your natural skincare routine by ensuring towels stay clean and healthy. Give this a try for softer, fluffier, and more absorbent towels that feel great against your skin!