How to strip laundry to get the deepest clean

Laundry stripping is a simple way to clean second-hand clothing that can’t go in the washing machine. Suits, coats, purses, even shoes are all some good examples. It is also an amazing way to get the oils and grime out of your linens that linger even after a run through the washing machine.

All you need is Borax, baking soda and laundry detergent!

- 1/3 cup Borax

- 1/3 cup baking soda

- 1 cup laundry detergent (liquid or powder)

Steps

You can watch all steps here

1. Fill a bathtub with the hottest water acceptable for the type of fabric you are trying to clean. Natural fibres like wool and cotton don't do well with really hot water, check the tags to make sure the water isn't too hot. Bright reds, yellows and oranges can bleed if the water is too hot, they may bleed even if the water isn't piping hot. Be careful to wash these bright colours by themselves if you are going to strip them. 

2. Add 1/3 cup Borax, 1/3 cup baking soda and 1 cup of laundry detergent to the tub and mix really well with a wooden spoon. I usually wear gloves when I do this to avoid sucking the life out of my hands.

3. Submerge your garments or linens in the water and make sure to soak them. Stir them in, and agitate slightly. Let everything sit for 6-9 hours.

4. Rinse well with cool water and leave to hang dry in the tub.