THE LAUNDRY STRIP

STRIP IT. STRIP IT GOOD.

A while back I posted a meme on Instagram of a woman stirring laundry in a cauldron with the title “when stirring up some s%#t do you go clockwise or counter clockwise” and today as I was stirring my bed linens in the sink….. I couldn’t help but laugh as my direction was clockwise.

LAUNDRY STRIPPING
It is a VERY hot topic right now but there are some rules to follow so let’s break it down.

WHY TO STRIP
Oils from your body, buildup from detergents and more can accumulate on fabrics and leave your whites looking less than desirable. When whites start looking dingy, and when towels loose their absorbency, stripping maybe a good option.

WHAT TO STRIP
Laundry stripping can break down fabric fibers and dissolve dye. Avoid this process for fine linens, laces, heirloom pieces, silk, wool, delicates or anything from Grandma or anything labeled dry clean only. This process is great for cotton. Cotton is sturdy, and it can withstand the heat, and products used. I suggest white, or light colored fabrics and opt for using this process on bed linens, towels, and blankets. Basically, the sturdy stuff that can withstand the process.

HOW TO STRIP

• Select your vessel: a large utility sink, bathtub, tote or basin will do

• Fill with HOT HOT HOT water (emphasis on HOT. Like 1,000 fiery suns hot)

• Add the following

  • 2 oz Thieves Dish Soap (do not use castile soap, it will yellow your fabric)

  • 1/2 cup Super Washing Soda (yes, this is a thing)

  • 4 capfuls of Thieves Household Cleaner

  • 25 drops Mrs Stewart’s Liquid Bluing

  • 10 drops Di-Gize essential oil blend

  • mix water well

• Add articles of clothing / linens (soak only similar colors together!)

• Stir with large wooden spoon to make sure everything is submerged well. Agitate / flip every hour if you can

• Soak for 3 hours, drain water, remove items and repeat the steps above and soak for another 3 hours in fresh solution (6 hours total)

• Drain, and wash as you would normally