How Do You Strip Dirt From Clothes?
Deep clean your clothes by using a process called laundry stripping. This method removes built-up dirt, grime, detergent residue, and hard water minerals. It's a powerful way to revive dingy fabrics and restore their brightness.
Laundry stripping involves soaking clothes in a solution of hot water, Borax, washing soda, and laundry detergent. The combination works to lift away embedded dirt and restore the fabric's original vibrancy.
Ingredients and Instructions:
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Gather your supplies: You'll need a large container (bathtub, large bucket), hot water, Borax, washing soda, and powdered laundry detergent. Several sources suggest a ratio of 1 part Borax, 1 part washing soda, and 2 parts powdered detergent. For example, you could use:
- 1/4 cup Borax
- 1/4 cup washing soda
- 1/2 cup powdered laundry detergent
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Prepare the solution: Fill your container with very hot water. Add the Borax, washing soda, and laundry detergent. Stir well to dissolve completely.
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Soak the clothes: Submerge your clothes in the solution, ensuring they are fully saturated. Stir occasionally. Let them soak for several hours or overnight.
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Rinse and wash: Drain the solution and thoroughly rinse the clothes with cold water. Finally, wash the clothes in your washing machine using your regular detergent. Avoid fabric softener.
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Dry: Dry your clothes as usual.
Note on Variations:
Some sources recommend different ratios of the ingredients. For instance, some suggest using a full cup of detergent instead of 1/2 a cup. Experiment to find the ratio that works best for you and your laundry. Remember to adjust ingredient amounts based on the size of your container and the amount of laundry you're stripping. Always check garment care labels before stripping.
What Laundry Stripping Removes:
- Hard water minerals: These build up on clothes over time and can cause dullness.
- Detergent and fabric softener residue: These can leave clothes feeling stiff or coated.
- Body oils and other grime: These contribute to dullness and odors.
While laundry stripping can help to remove some stains, it's not a replacement for stain treatment. For tougher stains, pre-treat them before stripping or with a different method as appropriate.
[Laundry Cleaning]
