What Is Stripping Laundry—And How to Do It

Stripping laundry refers to the process of removing built-up residue, odors, and stains from fabrics by soaking them in a chemical solution. This intensive cleaning technique helps restore dingy clothes, linens, and other items to a like-new condition. Understanding what stripping entails and how to do it properly allows you to deep clean laundry that regular washing cannot tackle.

What Causes Laundry to Need Stripping?

Over time, layers of dirt, oil, and detergent can embed themselves in fabric fibers. This buildup causes dullness, discoloration, and musty smells that normal laundry routines fail to remove. Here are some common culprits that indicate stripping is needed:

Body Oils and Skin Cells – Natural skin secretions rub off on collars, cuffs, underarms, and other high-contact areas. Soil and pollution also accumulate on clothes worn close to the body.

Detergent and Fabric Softener Residues – Laundry products contain waxy or fatty ingredients that cling to textiles. These coatings attract more dirt over time.

Mineral Deposits – Hard water leaves behind calcium and magnesium that bind to fabric. This limescale causes stiffness and faded colors.

Mold and Mildew – Dampness in the laundry environment can foster growth of odor-causing microbes. Mustiness often persists even after standard washing.

Sunscreen and Cosmetics – Lotions, makeup, and hair products contain oils and pigments that transfer to clothing and resist normal cleaning.

Sweat and Body Oils – Physical activity and high temperatures cause excess perspiration that gets trapped in fabric pores. The results are yellowing, graying, and sour odors.

Dinginess – Soils from cooking, arts and crafts, auto repairs, gardening, and other activities work their way into the microscopic crevices of fabric over time.

Regular laundry detergent alone cannot adequately remove this type of buildup. The boost of a stripping agent is required to penetrate, dissolve, and release the stubborn substances clinging to each fiber.

How Does Laundry Stripping Work?

Laundry stripping employs a formulated cleaner that breaks down the molecular bonds between soils and fibers. This process uses chemistry to literally strip away the accumulated gunk.

The active ingredient in most stripping solutions is sodium percarbonate, a powdered hydrogen peroxide compound. When dissolved in water, it releases oxygen bubbles that lift out deeply embedded soils.

Additional boosting agents like surfactants, builders, and activators assist the percarbonate for enhanced cleaning action. They work together to:

Penetrate and detach stuck-on residues
Emulsify and dissolve oily stains
Suspend loosened soils to prevent re-depositing
Brighten colors and restore whiteness
Deodorize by killing bacteria and mold
Soften minerals and remove alkaline film

The synergistic effect of these ingredients provides a deep cleansing not possible with regular detergent. With the grime stripped away, fabrics emerge revitalized and return to a like-new state.

What Fabrics Can Be Stripped?

Nearly all washable textiles can undergo laundry stripping for rejuvenation. Here are some common candidates:

Towels
Sheets and pillowcases
Blankets and comforters
Baby clothes and cloth diapers
Gym and sports clothing
Undergarments
Socks and hosiery
Table linens
Bath mats and robes
Microfiber cloths
Stuffed animal toys

The exceptions are delicates like silks, wools, spandex blends, and specialty performance fabrics. These may weaken, felt, or otherwise become damaged by the harsh alkaline chemicals. Always check garment care labels before stripping specialty textiles.

Stripping vs. Bleaching vs. Sanitizing

Stripping is more intensive than bleach or sanitizing alone. Here’s how the cleaning methods differ:

Bleaching uses oxidizing agents like chlorine, peroxide, and optical brighteners to remove stains and discoloration. It helps restore whiteness and brightness but does not deep clean buildup on fibers.

Sanitizing kills germs and bacteria using hot water and/or sanitizing additives. It reduces odors by destroying microbes but does not remove embedded soils.

Stripping combines a powerful alkaline solution with agitation and extended soaking time to thoroughly remove accumulated residues. It lifts away dinginess that bleaching cannot address.

For best results on heavily soiled laundry, use a stripping agent combined with bleach alternated with periods of soaking and agitation. This multi-step process provides both deep cleaning and brightening.

How to Strip Laundry at Home

Stripping laundry takes more time and effort than regular washing. But the intensive process is well worth it to restore dingy, smelly laundry to a fresh, clean state. Follow these steps to strip laundry at home:

Supplies Needed

Stripping powder or liquid additive
Large basin, sink, or bathtub for soaking
Heavy-duty 1⁄2 cup measuring scoop
Stirring spoon
Laundry items to strip (towels, sheets, etc.)
Rubber household gloves
Clothesline and clothespins (for air drying)

Stripping Procedure

Select a Soaking Container – Choose a large basin, clean bathtub, or sink big enough to hold the laundry and solution. For large loads, you may need multiple tubs.
Fill With Very Hot Water – Fill the tub with the hottest possible water from the tap. The high temperature helps the stripping agents work effectively.
Add Stripping Agent – Measure and add the stripping powder or liquid according to the package directions. Stir to dissolve thoroughly in the hot water.
Add Laundry – Place the fabrics to be stripped in the tub, ensuring they are fully submerged. Use a stick or spoon to push items down.
Let Soak – Allow the laundry to soak in the solution for a minimum of 3 hours up to 8 hours for heavily soiled items.
Agitate and Drain – After soaking, agitate, push, and squeeze the items to release more embedded soils. Then drain the water.
Rinse – Refill the tub with clean, hot water and rinse the laundry thoroughly to remove all stripping solution.
Repeat and Soak Again – Make a fresh batch of stripping solution. Submerge and soak the laundry again for 1-3 more hours. Agitating occasionally.
Rinse Twice – Drain the tub and rinse the laundry again. Repeat the rinse cycle a second time until water runs clear.
Air Dry – Hang items to dry completely in fresh air, either outside or in a well-ventilated room. Avoid using clothes dryer heat after stripping.
Maintain – To keep laundry fresh longer after stripping, wash with a clarifying detergent and use proper drying and storage methods.

The stripping process often needs repeating on heavily soiled loads. But taking the time for multiple soakings provides maximal soil removal and revitalization of dingy laundry.

Stripping Tips and Tricks

Check progress periodically by inspecting fabric up close and smelling for any lingering odors. Additional soaking time can be added for more intense stripping.
For heavy buildup, add bleach to the second round of stripping solution. Use 1⁄2 cup per gallon of water, then rinse thoroughly after.
Stripping works best when laundry can soak undisturbed for several hours. Try starting overnight for convenience.
For safety, use vinyl or nitrile gloves when handling stripping solution. Avoid direct skin contact, as the alkaline chemicals can cause irritation.
Stirring or agitating helps boost the cleaning action. Push, rotate, and squeeze fabrics together periodically when soaking.
Optimal water temperature is between 110-140°F. Higher heat accelerates stripping but risks damage to fabrics. Cooler water dilutes the cleaning effects.
For convenience, the old stripping solution can be reused for multiple loads if appearances look clean after final rinsing.
Use an old towel or rag to wipe away any residue left behind in the tub after stripping. Rinse tub before reusing to avoid chemical transfer.
Stripped laundry may need additional washing with detergent before wearing or using, to neutralize any alkaline residue and enhance softness.
Increase rinses and use fabric softener or vinegar for final rinse to prevent stripped laundry from feeling stiff or scratchy after drying.

With some soaking time and elbow grease, stripping laundry is an effective deep cleaning method to revive dingy clothes and household textiles. Proper stripping removes built-up grime that makes fabrics look old and dirty.

Why Strip Laundry?

Stripping laundry provides benefits beyond what regular washing can achieve. Here are key reasons to utilize this intensive cleaning technique:

Removes Odors and Bacteria – The alkaline chemicals destroy microbes that cause foul sock, pet, and mildew smells in fabric. Stripping eliminates these odors rather than just masking them.

Brightens Dingy Clothes – Soaking in oxygenating compounds helps restore the original vibrancy of faded or grayed clothes and linens. Whites regain their whiteness.

Softens Mineral Deposits – For laundry washed in hard water, stripping dissolves the calcium and magnesium that leave fabrics stiff and coarse.

Extends Life of Textiles – Removing accumulated soils and residues prevents permanent damage to the fibers over time. Stripping refreshes old linens to like-new condition.

Improves Absorbency – Getting rid of emulsified body oils and fabric coatings allows laundry to absorb moisture better. Stripped towels become fluffier and more effective.

Saves Money – Rather than having to replace dingy towels, sheets, and clothes, stripping restores them to a reusable state. The small cost of supplies avoids bigger replacement costs.

Reduces Wrinkles and Clumping – Removing sticky residues helps fabrics glide more smoothly from the washer to dryer. This decreases tangled masses of wrinkled laundry.

Rejuvenating laundry through periodic stripping restores freshness and extends usefulness. For tough cleaning jobs, stripping packs a punch that regular detergent cannot match.

What Items Can Be Stripped?

Virtually all machine-washable fabrics are suitable candidates for restorative stripping. Here are some of the laundry items that benefit most from this deep clean process:

Towels

Towels used daily accumulate layers of soap scum, body oils, and dead skin cells that leave them limp and smelly. Stripping removes the built-up gunk.

Sheets

The combination of night sweats, body oils, and microbes from skin contact causes yellowing and sour odors in sheets over time. Stripping helps them feel fresh and clean again.

Baby Clothes

Frequent messes and spit-up leave traces of milk and food in clothes. Plus the excess drool and dribbles contribute to a sour ammonia smell.

Gym & Sportswear

Exposure to sweat, grass, equipment, and outdoor elements makes athletic wear prone to odors. The funk of bacteria growth is difficult to combat without stripping.

Cloth Diapers

Stripping removes the residues that diminish absorbency in cloth diapers. It also eliminates odors and brightens stains from repeated messes.

Blankets & Comforters

These heavy bedding items can’t be washed as frequently as sheets. So body oils, pet dander, and dust mites accumulate, causing dullness and mustiness.

Undergarments

Stripping removes deodorant markings and the accumulated body grime that collects next to skin on underwear, bras, slips, etc.

Table Linens

Tablecloths and napkins picked up food and beverage spills that set into stains. Stripping restores their appearance for entertaining.

Microfiber Cloths

The dirt and grease they pick up from cleaning causes these cloths to lose their absorbency over time. Stripping recharges their cleaning power.

Stuffed Animals

Kids’ plush toys tend to attract dirt, food, drool, and odors. A soak in stripping solution sanitizes and deodorizes them.

White Socks & Shoes

Walking around causes dirt and grass stains that diminish the bright whiteness of ankle socks and canvas sneakers.

By targeting the hidden grimy buildup in fabrics, stripping deep cleans laundry better than detergent alone ever could. It pays to routinely strip your family’s heavily used textiles.

How Often Should You Strip Laundry?

For most households, stripping laundry every few months is ideal. But laundry stripping frequency depends on factors such as:

Use level – Items used multiple times between washings need stripping more often. This includes sheets, towels, gym clothes, cloth diapers, etc. Conversely, items worn or used sparingly may only need stripping 1-2 times per year.
Water hardness – In areas with high mineral deposits in the tap water, laundry may need stripping as often as monthly. Use test strips to determine your local water hardness level.
Odors – If you notice musty or sour smells, it’s a sign that stripping is overdue. Don’t allow odors to become too strong before stripping.
Appearance – Look for dullness, yellowing, greying, and stains as visual cues that residues have built up on your laundry. Strip immediately when dinginess becomes noticeable.
Time between washes – Laundry that sits unwashed for prolonged periods before cleaning allows more opportunity for soils to bind to fabric and require stripping.
Household size – Larger families generate more laundry more frequently. The heavy reuse also requires more routine stripping to combat buildup.

Test by smelling and examining some hidden areas of pillows and sheets. If yellowing or sourness is detected, err on the side of more frequent stripping. For most households, every 2-3 months works well. Adjust according to your use levels and water hardness.

Stripping Laundry by Fabric Type

Use these tips when stripping different fabric varieties:

Cotton

Soak cottons like T-shirts, sheets, and towels for 3-4 hours to penetrate fibers. Agitate often.
Add 1⁄2 cup lemon juice or vinegar to the tub for extra whitening.
Use hot 130°F water temp for heavy stains.
Repeat stripping process 2-3 times for dingy cottons.

Linen

Limit linen soaking time to 2-3 hours avoid damage to delicate flax fibers.
Skip the bleach to prevent yellowing on linen fabrics.
Use cooler water around 110°F to prevent linen shrinkage.
Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to refresh musty-smelling linen.

Polyester

Use warm 120°F water for polyester and blends. Hot water can damage synthetics.
Soak 1 hour only to avoid pilling of delicate poly-knit fabrics.
Skip repeat cycles to avoid snags and pulls in synthetic weaves.
Use half the recommended amount of stripping agents.

Wool

Check garment labels, as wool may shrink. Soak only 20-30 minutes.
Use only mild alkaline-based stripping agents, avoid bleach.
Skip extended soaking and agitation to prevent felting.
Lay flat to dry; avoid hanging to prevent stretching wool fibers.

Silk

Never soak pure silk! Instead, spot treat stains only with a mild detergent and cool water.
For silk blends, soak only 1 hour max in cool water with a gentle stripping agent.
Do not agitate silk to avoid damaging delicate fibers. Handle gently when wet.

Tailor stripping time, water temperature, and steps based on each fabric’s properties. Test all specialty fabrics in a hidden spot first before overall stripping.

Potential Stripping Risks

While generally safe when used according to package directions, laundry stripping does carry some potential risks:

Fabric damage – Aggressive agitation, oversoaking, or hot water can damage delicate fibers and lead to holes, tears, and fraying seams.
Allergic reactions – Skin or respiratory sensitivities to chemicals in stripping agents can cause rashes, itchy skin, or asthma flares in those susceptible. Wear gloves and work in a ventilated area.
Color fading – Hot water, extended soaking, and bleach can strip out dyes, especially in brightly colored clothing and linens. Use with caution.
Shrinkage – Heat and agitation may cause cotton, wool, and other fabrics to shrink, especially if already worn or frayed.
Residue transfer – Insufficient rinsing can leave alkaline chemicals that transfer to skin on contact. Double rinse to avoid.
Damage to surfaces – Spillover stripping solutions will etch and corrode porcelain sinks, tubs, and other surfaces. Work carefully and clean up drips promptly.

Safety Gear – Wear household rubber gloves, eye protection, and avoid skin contact. Have proper ventilation during stripping. Keep pets and children away from chemicals.

Avoid potential risks by following all manufacturer instructions, testing small hidden areas first, and taking steps to protect surfaces, skin, and lungs during the stripping process.

Troubleshooting Stripping Problems

If your stripped laundry comes out with issues, try these troubleshooting tips:

Dinginess remains – Soak longer, use hotter water, agitate more. Double the stripping agents for heavy buildup.

Greying residues – Rinse in distilled white vinegar, then re-wash with detergent. Avoid overloading the tub.

Mildew smell persists – Treat with lemon juice and set wet items in sunlight. Repeat strip with more soaking time.

Fabric damage – May be too