To effectively remove excess soap from towels, use a method called laundry stripping. This process helps eliminate built-up residues from detergent, hard water, fabric softener, and body oils, leaving your towels truly clean.
Laundry Stripping Method
Laundry stripping involves soaking your towels in a solution that helps to break down and remove stubborn residues. Here’s how to do it:
- Gather Your Supplies: You will need:
- Sodium borate (Borax)
- Sodium carbonate (Washing soda)
- Powdered laundry detergent
- Hot water
- A bathtub or large container
- Prepare the Solution:
- Fill your bathtub or large container with hot water.
- Add the sodium borate, sodium carbonate, and powdered laundry detergent to the hot water. The amounts can vary, but a common ratio is 1:1:2 for sodium borate, sodium carbonate, and detergent, respectively. For example, use a quarter cup of borax, a quarter cup of washing soda, and half a cup of detergent for a standard tub of water. Adjust as needed based on the number of towels.
- Stir the solution until the powders are dissolved.
- Soak the Towels:
- Submerge your clean towels completely in the solution.
- Ensure the towels are fully immersed so all surfaces can be treated.
- Let It Soak:
- Allow the towels to soak for several hours (at least 4 hours), or even overnight.
- You may notice the water turning cloudy or murky as residue is released.
- Rinse Thoroughly:
- Remove the towels from the solution and drain the tub.
- Rinse the towels under cold, running water until the water runs clear.
- Squeeze out as much water as possible.
- Wash and Dry:
- Wash the towels in your washing machine using a normal cycle with no additional detergent.
- Dry your towels in the dryer.
Why Laundry Stripping Works
Laundry stripping is a deep-cleaning method that goes beyond a typical wash cycle. It effectively targets the buildup that causes towels to feel less absorbent and smell stale:
- Removes Detergent Buildup: Over time, detergent can accumulate in towel fibers, especially when used in excess or with hard water.
- Neutralizes Hard Water Deposits: Hard water minerals can leave deposits on fabrics, reducing their softness and absorbency.
- Eliminates Fabric Softener Residue: While fabric softener may seem like it adds softness, it often leaves a waxy buildup that can attract more residue.
- Breaks Down Body Oils: Body oils and sweat can become trapped in towels, leading to unpleasant odors and reducing their cleaning effectiveness.
Benefits of Laundry Stripping
- Restores Absorbency: By removing buildup, towels regain their original absorbency.
- Eliminates Odors: The deep cleaning process removes trapped odors, leaving towels smelling fresh.
- Extends Towel Life: By keeping towels clean of residue buildup, you can potentially extend their lifespan.
By following these steps, you can effectively remove excess soap and residue from your towels, restoring their freshness and functionality.
