The EASY Way to do Laundry Stripping | It's Not that Hard

Laundry stripping is all the rage, but it's honestly a pain to do. I have found a MUCH easier and safer way to do laundry stripping. You'll ask yourself "why does anybody ever do it the original way?" This is a brilliant way to remove the excess laundry detergents, sweat, oils and fabric softeners from your clothing and linens.
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Strip wash clothing with this easy laundry stripping solution. Get stripping laundry directions with the full recipe to use in this video.

[@soodles09]

1/8 cup borax 1/8 cup laundry booster 1/4 cup powder laundry detergent (hers is Tide) Fill with HOT water until it's cold (approximately 4-6 hrs) then press start as it already has detergent etc.)

[@anishawashington5643]

Great tip! Will definitely try. As a germaphobe myself, the only thing I would have changed in this method is once the clothes sat for 4 hours, I wouldn't have washed them with that water but would have next ran it through a drain and rinse cycle then ran it through my normal wash cycle.

[@FunnyMemo]

I do it that way too. Fresh hot water after the long soak

[@nobiazcustomsinc5030]

dont most washers drain once you restart the cycle?

[@keb990]

And add new detergent?

[@Bionicbabyy]

​@@nobiazcustomsinc5030 Yes.

[@guardmom315]

A tip for LG washer owners: I bought the cheapest LG washer with the agitator from Lowes, love the washer but there is no soak option. I tried EVERYTHING to stop the washer from draining. If you pause it will drain itself after about 5 minutes, even tried just turning the machine off, just automatically drained. The ONLY thing that worked for me was I started a wash cycle with the deep fill option. Once it was completely filled and I let it agitate a bit, I paused the machine then unplugged it. It did not drain. After letting it soak for however long you want, I plugged it back in, reset it to my original washer setting, pressed start and it just finished where I left off & did not drain out what was in there when I unplugged it. It sounds like a pain but it’s the only thing that worked for me 😉

[@ingrid2543]

I have the same issue, thanks for the tip!

[@fish8cat]

I bought a vintage nightgown set (it was synthetic) and it had a musty smell. I washed it several times in the washing machine and the smell was mildly there. I followed up by soaking the garment in borax only and the water turned black. There is no black in the fabric print. It was not dye leaching out of the garment, not at all! I repeated this soak several times. The musty smell was gone. The point is that washing in the washing machine several times did not remove what the borax took out, so it's pretty powerful\ stuff.

[@CleanFreakGermaphobe]

Wow. Great tip. Thanks for sharing😃

[@joannemcmillan9201]

I find that the new energy efficient washers do not allow in enough water to get the clothes clean. I’ve heard more complaints of smelly gym clothes lately. Also I notice the machine does not clean dark clothes in cold water well. Laundry stripping (especially dark clothes) seems to remedy the problem.

[@CleanFreakGermaphobe]

Interesting. I often wonder if the HE washers do as good of a job.

[@bridgetgidget72]

The energy efficient, sensor washer without the center agitator DO NOT get your clothes clean. Even with an hour presoak and a heavy duty wash. They need to stop making them until they can get it figured out. I miss my old normal washer...

[@tashainjena]

@@bridgetgidget72 We just got a new machine from Lowe's that is as close to the old ones as you can get. It has a sensor setting, but also a deep wash that just fills the tub... I would love to have a Speed Queen, though.

[@kerriparker5252]

I recommend using a cup of white vinegar in your rinse load. It's a natural softener and it brightens whites and helps colors keep their bright color. Since it is a natural disinfectant as well it will help to rid the clothes of that odor. Adding a 1/2 cup of baking soda directly to the wash (throw it in on top of the clothes if need be) helps your detergent do its job. Just as it will absorb those odors in your fridge it does the same in your wash load and is an excellent stain remover. And if you use both the vinegar ans baking soda in the wash it's even better!

[@tashainjena]

So, tried the stripping thing. Note to anyone fixing to try it... read your user's manual. Our washer doesn't have a specific SOAK cycle. You have to let it fill, hit the pause button, and leave the lid CLOSED. Yeah, wasted alot of hot water and had a whole lot of laundry to fold. I will try again another day, maybe.

[@crazy4disneypooh]

I cloth diapered my 4 kiddos. always stripped their diapers in the washing machine. it's HUGE in the cloth diapering community. there are about hundred different ways to do it depending on your water type.

[@E.P.7131]

Any suggestions for well water?

[@FirstOfHerName]

My grandma did it in her washer so I do it in my washer. She mainly did it after illness ran through the house and primarily with bedding and towels. When it became “a thing” I wondered why everyone was doing it in the bathtub.

[@donew1thita11]

Hello did you just same ingredients?

[@AlissaPaige91]

I'm currently doing this to my husband's work clothes as I type this. I also make sure to do it to all my toddlers clothes and bedding when I soak the towels. I have noticed a huge difference and my towels are fluffy and soft again

[@arevchick]

How did your husband’s clothes turn out?

[@traceylennon1204]

What a life...

[@kls8705]

My first thought of the entire laundry stripping thing was “Why wouldn’t you just do this in your washer?” Also, thank you for the short, informative video!

[@CleanFreakGermaphobe]

Agreed. Of course if you have a front loader, that's not an option. But for top loaders, I wouldn't do it any other way.

[@Jon-zr5om]

I'd be afraid the super high ph. and massive alkalinity with that combo would eat away the inside of the washer and the seals, especially the older machines with enamel tubs.

[@CleanFreakGermaphobe]

Thank you. I'd be very interested in how it goes

[@diannespalding6542]

I live it in an apartment. Can’t do it in the washing machines.

[@andrewf6625]

My washer doesn't have a soak option

[@rhyta5042]

I use old litter containers (TidyCat 35lb size) to soak the clothes in. They are portable, with a handle. I have used these for a couple of years and they work great. Can carry them to the washer and dump them in. Sometimes it takes a couple of them do the all the clothes but they are very useful.

[@tinker123541]

This is great ! I also thought there was steps that could be decreased and eliminated ! Subbed !

[@annaortiz8253]

I figured that out too. I put it in my washer, let soak for 4 hrs, run the load but then ran it through a second load to get out the borax and washing soda, the second load only added laundry detergent

[@kerriparker5252]

GREAT VIDEO! I use Carbona Color Catchers in each wash so colors don't bleed. The sheet catches it all including dirt! I've seen 2 brands here in AL . Shout and Carbona. I use the Carbona bc it's cheaper, you get more sheets per box, it works just the same and underneath the cardboard inside the box is a $1.00 coupon off your next box.

[@CleanFreakGermaphobe]

I'll have to check those two brands out

[@nancykocbeker9037]

Me too Kerri works great and also absorbs dirt. Luv the $1 off coupon never expires

[@JohnAReyna]

I was doing that years ago. Also have you ever washed your clothes the 2nd time only don't use soap... You'll see how much original soap doesn't really wash away! It's why people claiming they are sensitive to laundry soap! Try it... You'll see!👀

[@sharona8737]

Sometimes when I wash I don't even use soap, or I use a very small amount diluted with water for that very reason!

[@yuetc5116]

When I installed my current washer, the guy who came installing the machine, told me just need a teaspoonful detergent for a full load. Over use of detergent doesn't clean well but also would cause a deposit in the machine which would later cause problems.

[@shawncaselberry4282]

Thank you for sharing this information. Any suggestions for those of us with front loaders?

[@sydneyevan1333]

Fill to soak, drain, run new wash cycle 😊

[@kaerzesavoy4018]

I use a final rinse with apps a cup of white vinegar, but that hasn’t been enough for me. I’m allergic to Tide, we use Arm & Hammer detergent. I’m going to try it with my detergent & your other products, and will try to repost. Thanks! Love this channel!

[@FirstOfHerName]

My mother in law is allergic to Tide so she uses Foca.

[@patticakes8656]

My husband was allergic to Arm and Hammer detergent lol

[@joebenson528]

Vinegar (or any other king of fabric softener) defeats the purpose of stripping laundry.

[@kittenkorleone2918]

I use plain ammonia with half detergent in washer. Instructions are on ammonia labels. You'll love the fluffy towels again!

[@CleanFreakGermaphobe]

Thanks for the tip. I personally haven't tried ammonia on my laundry.

[@danamonet77]

Will try ammonia 👍🏽

[@sharona8737]

Wow; thanks!

[@darstar217]

Definitely going to have to try this. I work in a deli and my work clothes get horrible. So far I haven’t been able to get the smell out

[@Jennifer_Lewis_Beach_Living]

I agree about baking soda. Baking soda can actually fade the color in clothing, and it can ruin the fibers in some materials (a housekeeper ruined a silk blouse of mine because she put baking soda in the wash).

[@janetnelson4500]

I wondered if this would work. I definitely will try this when I buy everything. Thanks so much.....I can sure use help with this house so I'm looking forward to your videos

[@Youre-Welcome]

Im so glad we're talking about the "disgusting " looking water being mostly fabric dye...no one seems to understand this...and how you can do all this in a machine. Also, i absolutely cannot use powered detergent unless i want a rash...so guess ill not hop on this bandwagon that's had a resurgence.

[@nancymetcalf3808]

Thanks to helpful comments that your viewers have given you..

[@FauxPunkkFatigue]

just what i was looking for! i really hope you gain more subscribers, i love your videos!

[@CleanFreakGermaphobe]

Thank you so much😃. Glad I could help

[@thecure3982]

me too this helped I got baking soda and did not know until she said something.

[@nightangel3578]

I just refused to soak the clothing/linen in a bathtub THEN transfer to the washing machine. That's just too much for me. Soaking in the washing machine sounds much easier.

[@CleanFreakGermaphobe]

I agree. Too many steps and wet clothes are so heavy.

[@lupitacaceres8648]

The original video from someone else, I saw, the loundry in the bathtub was "just to show you, how black the water came out, after adding these ingredients."

[@PotentialofHydrogenClean]

Stains are more likely to set with heat. Since some of the staining may come from dirt/color faded off from other items, I suggest using a color catcher sheet and cold water (instead of hot).

[@AllBrightColors]

I’ll be transferring the clothing to the washer in a large bucket in a few trips. I don’t see much of a difference yet, but the water was nasty looking. I’ll wash them now and see how they turn out. My washer doesn’t allow me to control the soaking time. It drains even with the lid open.

[@LE-kg5jv]

If you have a pause button, let the water reach desired level, then pause.

[@patticakes8656]

Mine does the same.I really miss being able to soak my clothes in the washer

[@patticakes8656]

No pause button on mine

[@TylerBergeronMusic]

Unplug the washing machine when it’s full..

[@TheNid08]

Thank you for the demonstration. Nifty idea to do it in the washing machine.

[@EricaLucasLoves]

Subbed! Loved this. I also wondered why people do it in tubs. So much extra work.

[@CleanFreakGermaphobe]

Yes. The worst was transferring wet heavy clothes from the tub to the washing machine🙄

[@shalomrobey6965]

I clicked on your video because you looked really familiar for some reason and I want whiter clothes too 😂 but I swear you are the doctor who’s channel I watch during my pregnancy week by week (In the Pink).

[@maverickcruise]

Coming from India, we soak the clothes in detergent everytime and then move the clothes to a washer. We use the top load so that's more convenient.

[@TeReeses01]

Tip* watch how to make ur own laundry detergent. I did it & my cost was $30 &IM still using my detergent after 8 months!! 👍😁

[@tiffany4714]

I agree, and I can admit I’m a laundry snob and I decided to make my own. I will never go back to regular detergent, even my husband can tell the difference. My daughter has really bad eczema and a lot of detergents will make her eczema flare. The other day I was making a batch of detergent and she came in the kitchen asked me if I’d make her a recipe book with all her favorite recipes when she has her own home, she said oh and I’m also going to need the recipe for your laundry detergent 😅😍

[@wap9137]

Could you say at the beginning what laundry stripping is so we will know what it is we are listening to for so long before we know if we're interested or not.

[@VeritasEtAequitas]

Carrying towels by hand and dripping all over sounds like those contrived commercials with cabinets full of loose lemons that fall everywhere. Have you never heard of a bucket? Lol

[@crystalortega9]

Can you do this with Roma or foca?

[@rak3151]

Soooo smaaat! Thank you very much.

[@annetteperez1779]

So when I learned about laundry stripping I right away new that I was not going to use my tub. When I strip I do it in the washing machine. I soak the clothes while Im at work. When I get home I run the machine and I make sure to run an extra rinse cycle.

[@mcb5241]

Thank you for sharing! I just discovered your channel. One of the best cleaning channels that I have come across.

[@CleanFreakGermaphobe]

Thank you so much and welcome!

[@darlenebradley6756]

You are lucky you can do that in your washer. The one I have siphons the water out if the cycle doesn't run, whether you turn it off or not!

[@magentatodd5226]

this is great information... thank you for sharing

[@jeandiehl5074]

want to do laundry stripping for 2 reasons: to get them cleaner and to remove B.O. I really don't want to wash them twice. Why is it that laundry stripping should be done on clean laundry?

[@nancyphillips6446]

Wait, how do you already have water in your washing machine? Do you boil the water and put it into the washing machine tub? Because mine won't allow that. You have to put the clothes in, add the soap to the dispenser, close the lid and set the wash cycle. There is a soak cycle but the water only enters after you shut the lid, set the cycle and the lid locks

[@melodyschlissio9096]

My washer does the same. Add the detergents and laundry items, start the washer. When the washer fills with water, stop the washer. ( Mine has a cancel button) Then come back at the end of soak time and restart the washer.

[@michellem915]

Tide has way too many toxic fragrances and I absolutely can’t use it because it makes my washing machine smell for weeks and it is impossible to get out of any clothes I wash in there. Is there an acceptable effective substitute that is fragrance free?

[@elizabethw.454]

Tide makes unscented have you tried it? Persil does as well. I currently use All unscented but want to try something else.

[@MegDesignsCA]

Perfect, I was thinking you could do this in a washing machine, thank for the tutorial! New subscriber here :)

[@CleanFreakGermaphobe]

Welcome and thanks for subscribing!

[@tazzytess]

Using Tide is part of the problem. Your supposed to strip the laundry of detergent, not add to it.

[@dessislavagnann3328]

Interesting. So no detergent ?

[@deannaballentine4846]

Can you use any kind of powdered laundry detergent or does it have to be Tide ? I'm allergic to something that's in Tide

[@jessa5388]

I use only washing soda and it works great!

[@juliustanzen618]

Very honest and very informative. Love the honesty. Ty

[@CleanFreakGermaphobe]

Thank you so much.

[@lilmisslegal3018]

New subbie here.. I definitely have found my community here.

[@jeannet7443]

Why do you have to use powdered Tide? Can you use another powdered detergent? My husband is sensitive to whatever is in Tide, even the fragrance free.

[@BrightStar717]

You don't need to use powdered tide. It has surfactants and enzymes. You could use any laundry detergent that has enzymes in it.

[@ChixenLil]

First timer. Came here for the video but had to rewatch due to being distracted by your belly 😊 Super adorable. Ok well I will rewind and pay attention this time.

[@thickwithit314]

Omg my mom been doing this for decades!!!!

[@nichelleharris9487]

Did you add the hot water to the washing machine or did the washing machine fill up with hot water

[@CleanFreakGermaphobe]

I just added the hot water from the washing machine

[@thenerdymillennial]

How do you fill the washer before hand...is there a certain cycle button I hit or like a like a fill button or something?

[@CleanFreakGermaphobe]

I fill the water tank depending on how many articles I want to strip. Make sure there is enough water to cover all the clothing. I use the regular cycle to wash afterwards, and make sure to use the extra rinse

[@myXmasOldies]

Can I use something different than tide. I'm severely allergic to it.

[@geenahale1437]

Ha! I have that same washer! But mine only runs correctly on 9 minute cycle. Still not bad for a free washer.

[@katebutt]

fav channel and i’m like 45 seconds in lol

[@randigord1532]

Will this soften scratchy sheets?

[@MichelleMartinez-mq5ls]

GENIUS THANK YOU FOR THIS

[@EAZ36588]

Does this work in a side loading washer? Do adjustments need to be made?

[@pearlgarden9797]

Would this help to get dried slime out of toddler clothing? If not, does anyone have any tips?

[@denicepickens2325]

Not do able in a front load washer. The powdered soaps don't go well with HE washers.

[@STFAB-rd1qz]

Do you wash it in the same water that you stripped the laundry with?

[@OhWanya]

You’ll have to drain first before doing a cycle

[@wallysworld3435]

Going to try this, but use the laundry tub right next to the washer. Does it have to be Tide?

[@timayawilliams5684]

Could I use Glad instead of Tide?

[@karenrich9092]

Can laundry stripping set the colors on dark items? I have some towels that need HELP.

[@chanelle4286]

I was thinking the same thing...why do this in the tub when I can do it in my washer without all of the hassle.

[@jenniferhobbs7959]

Could I use my soak and rinse cycle on my washer for this? I have a newer LG washer and dryer so it senses what's in there and adds the water automatically so it doesn't fill. Would the soak and rinse cycle work and maybe pause it while it soaks? I don't know I wanna try this but not in the bathtub

[@loriel345]

Did you fill the machine with hot water from another source or was it from turning on your washer?

[@CleanFreakGermaphobe]

Just from the washer.

[@heatherwickers1978]

Yes I do the same thing with my washing machine and I only use the tide to soak the clothes and then after an hour I use my wash cycle as normal

[@donew1thita11]

Just tide ? I plan to use tide and washing soda. I don't want to use borax

[@redheadlibrarian]

Is there any way this will work with a front load washing machine?

[@teaganleah88]

I have a front loader that has a 95degree temp. Would this still work?

[@keb990]

When u added the ingredients at the start I can’t see your washer.. is it already filled with hot water or you fill it after putting the ingredients and clothes in?

[@maryduff8831]

If a person is allergic to tide will other laundry soaps work?

[@WillowQ328]

Do you have to use Tide?

[@bnjennings]

Does the powdered detergents ever stay on your clothes after they’ve finished washing? How do you prevent that?

[@CleanFreakGermaphobe]

I haven't yet. Are you doing an extra rinse? I recommend you do

[@hotjanuary]

It means you’re using too much powder if you have residue. You should be using around 2 tablespoons per regular load (1 regular load = 6 pounds of clothes), less if you have neutral or soft water.

[@runthenumbers9698]

Ladies, for the weight of the clothes, I suggest you rack the clothes somehow. You can bring a coat rack in and put your towels on it to drip dry, or you can just get a broomstick and perch your laundry against the wall. Even just setting your laundry in a big pile on top of a milk crate helps a lot. It really doesn't take much for your laundry to drip dry. Note: I'm not saying it's going to actually dry in a heap on top of a milk crate... it won't... but it will drip dry enough that after like an hour, you are able to lift a pile, take it into the laundry room, and not worry about the weight or leaving a giant trail of muk water behind you.

[@teaganleah88]

Doesn't washing things in hot shrink items?

[@meman6964]

What about front loader washers? Tub is only full along the bottom.

[@mayarao6747]

Won’t help those of us that have front loading machines!

[@karenmccoy8114]

I have a washer that uses liquid only. What is suggested?

[@maripusin1]

My washer won’t pu lots of water as to be able to soak them. 😢

[@elizabethsmyth7769]

My concern is will these 'chemicals' damage my European front loading machine... sitting there for hours....

[@dorisposch3027]

Can you do this with front load washing machines?

[@CleanFreakGermaphobe]

Yes

[@devchonka18]

I have a big sink in my laundry room right next to my washing machine. Will keep doing it there. I thought I found an easier way... nope 😆

[@chanelle4286]

Use woolite detergent if you're worried about colors bleeding onto other fabrics.

[@CleanFreakGermaphobe]

Nice tip

[@life_with_sunshine]

I miss my top loader. My front loader only puts in enough water to get the clothes wet, so opting for the sink next to the washer.

[@angelikakopek]

We are currently renting a condo while we build our house and our washing machine does not have a soak cycle :(. I tried filling it up and pausing it but after 5 minutes it drained😳

[@jcfsaiyan]

Washing soda is literally just baking soda that has been heated for a time. Take a couple baking sheets and pour the soda on and level it. Bake at 225 for 1 hour. Boom washing soda! Baking soda is sodium BI carbonate and washing soda is sodium carbonate. Baking soda had an extra hydrogen atom and by baking it you are removing it. Making whats left over washing soda

[@4gates4]

How would you do this in a side loading washer?

[@darlenelocklear9641]

I thought about the same thing!!!!

[@tinkabell39]

New subscriber 😀

[@lindsaytruempy2812]

I have a front loading washer. When I put it on a setting I have to stick with that setting. So any ideas?

[@neverbored10]

Same

[@MyName-sk8wl]

Only us germophobes understand the satisfaction at 4:45

[@priyanarayan8682]

Can we do it in a front loading machine?

[@JenShaw22]

Great video, new sub!

[@CleanFreakGermaphobe]

Hey 😊 thanks. Hope to see you back soon😄

[@tashainjena]

Aaaaand... I'm off to start the process.

[@juliustanzen618]

Is regular baking soda ok if we can't get the laundry soda or will our clothes catch on fire and blow up? Haha but serious question. Thank you for the tutorial.

[@CleanFreakGermaphobe]

You can certainly use regular baking soda as far as fire safety. 😁 It will probably help but may not be quite as good. Baking soda and the laundry soda are similar but not exactly the same. If you try it, let us know how it goes.😀

[@juliustanzen618]

@@CleanFreakGermaphobe Thank you. Just needed to know if it was a significant difference. Don't want to ruin my clothes. Thank you for the help.

[@bridgetgidget72]

It’s just soda ash, like from the pool supply store. Sodium carbonate.

[@allgoodoutdoorsllc2020]

I'm not sure i could get my washer to fill without clothes?

[@laurentamraz7496]

Does it have to be specifically powdered Tide? Or can it be any powdered laundry soap??

[@dessislavagnann3328]

I was wondering the same

[@lauriephillips8054]

Cant yo add ammonia to keep colors from leeching?

[@corridor42]

Why “powder” vs liquid Tide?