Did you know that even after a full machine wash your linens and clothing can have residue build up from detergent, softeners or products and oils right off of your skin? This DIY laundry stripping recipe will help you remove all of that build up. You can even strip items that are not machine washable like hats, certain shoes, baby bassinets or pack and plays or other types of furniture coverings and small rugs in the tub. Yes- you heard me right. Lets grab the necessities and get that gunk gone!
DIY Laundry Stripping Recipe – In the Washing Machine
A simple two step process that will not only give your items a deeper clean but also clean the tub of your washer of any build up. It is recommended to do at least once a month and this recipe is easy, really easy!
- Replace detergent with a cup of white vinegar and run the cycle on hot.
- Second hot cycle run you will replace the detergent with half a cup of baking soda.
Be sure you don’t add these two in together as they have a volcanic eruption like reaction.
Two separate washes, no detergent, and air dry if possible. Do not use any softeners or additives during the stripping process- your done!
DIY Laundry Stripping Recipe – In the Tub
- Fill the tub half way with hot water and add in borax, washing soda and powdered laundry detergent.
- 1/4 cup borax
- 1/4 cup washing soda
- 1/2 cup POWDERED laundry detergent
- Place your items into the tub and push down to submerge each section.
- Allow to soak for 5-6 hours, “stirring” the laundry about every hour.
- Drain the water and ring the water out as much as possible.
- Run in a water only cycle once, or twice, in the washing machine to remove any access dirty water.
It might be even shocking or gross how much will come out of your soaked items.
Some items that you clean regularly or barely use can easily have build up.
A good laundry strip will not only deep clean them but will remove odors and soften the fabrics.
What a great bit of information to take in right as Spring is approaching us.
Incorporate these recipes into your big Spring clean!
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Love, light and a little grace…
-Olivia

Olivia Whalen is mama to three young girls who is devoted to creative learning, exploration and free range imagination. Olivia enjoys thinking outside of the box when it comes to preparing homemade baby food or meals for her family. She most enjoys allowing the little minds in her life to flourish and with that you will see her write about creative kid crafts, recipes that fit a family budget and keep everyone asking for more, tips and tricks for a tiny babe, and beginner homesteader fun! Some of her hobbies include gardening, hiking, reading, cooking or just basking in motherhood.