TikTok and cleaning forums have revived an old-school trick that’s leaving people shocked at the results: laundry stripping. Videos of tubs filled with murky, gray water have gone viral, and it’s no wonder—this method pulls out years of detergent buildup, body oils, and fabric softener residue that regular washes leave behind. If you’ve ever felt like your clothes or sheets don’t come out fully clean, this hack is worth a closer look. And if you’d rather leave the heavy-duty stuff to the pros, you can always count on the best laundry in London to keep fabrics fresh.
What Is Laundry Stripping?
Laundry stripping is a soaking method designed to deep-clean fabrics. Instead of relying on a normal wash cycle, items are soaked for several hours in a solution of hot water, borax, washing soda, and laundry detergent. The process breaks down built-up residue and restores fabrics to a fresher state.
Why Regular Washing Isn’t Enough
Over time, fabrics collect more than just dirt. Detergents, softeners, and hard water minerals cling to fibers, making them stiff or dull. Even when clothes look clean, residue can trap odors and irritate skin. Stripping gives fabrics a reset by flushing out what normal washes miss.
How to Strip Laundry at Home
Here’s the standard method that’s been circulating online:
- Fill a bathtub or large container with very hot water.
- Add ¼ cup borax, ¼ cup washing soda, and ½ cup powdered laundry detergent.
- Submerge clean (not freshly dirty) laundry.
- Stir occasionally over 4–6 hours.
- Rinse thoroughly and wash again in the machine without detergent.
- Dry as usual.
By the end, you’ll see cloudy or even brown water, proof of what’s been hiding in the fabric.
Best Items to Strip
Not everything belongs in a stripping session. The method works best for:
- Towels that have lost absorbency.
- Bedsheets that feel stiff.
- Gym clothes that hold onto odor.
- Heavily used cotton fabrics.
Avoid delicate fabrics like silk, wool, or anything labeled “dry clean only.”
Risks and Things to Keep in Mind
Laundry stripping is powerful, but it shouldn’t be a weekly routine. Over-stripping can damage fibers and fade colors. Experts recommend doing it only a few times a year, or when fabrics really need a reset. It also requires patience—six hours of soaking isn’t exactly quick.
Alternatives for Everyday Freshness
If stripping feels like too much work, you can still keep fabrics fresher with smaller changes:
- Use less detergent—most people use more than necessary.
- Skip fabric softener on towels, as it reduces absorbency.
- Add vinegar to rinse cycles to cut residue.
- Wash with hotter water when fabrics allow.
These adjustments prevent buildup in the first place.
Why People Love It
Part of the appeal is visual—watching dirty water drain away is oddly satisfying. But it’s also practical. Towels feel fluffier, sheets smell fresher, and clothes regain brightness. It’s one of those hacks that actually delivers results.
Final Thoughts
Laundry stripping isn’t for every load, but as an occasional deep-clean, it’s hard to beat. It’s especially helpful for households with hard water or anyone who uses heavy detergents and softeners. Done correctly, it can extend the life of fabrics and make them feel like new again. For more simple, everyday hacks and discussions, take a look at Hamlet Laundry’s Facebook community, where people share laundry tips that actually work.
