Deep Clean Towels and Sheets

How to Strip Sheets & Towels

Bring Your Linens Back to Life

Over time, towels and sheets can build up layers of detergent, fabric softener, body oils, and minerals from hard water. This buildup can make them feel stiff, smell musty, or lose absorbency—even after regular washing. Stripping your linens is the solution to getting them clean and fresh again!

Here’s how to strip your towels and sheets at home or at the laundromat for the best results:

What Is Laundry Stripping?

Laundry stripping is an intensive soaking method that removes residue, buildup, and trapped dirt from fabrics. It’s ideal for items that no longer feel soft or smell fresh despite routine washing.

What You Need

Detergent (preferably powder)
Borax
Washing Soda
Hot Water
Large-Capacity Washing Machine
Bathtub or Large Basin (optional)

Step 1: Pre-Wash

Option 1: Pre-Soak Your Linens

If possible, pre-soak your linens in a large bathtub with hot water and the following mix:

1/4 cup Borax
1/4 cup Washing Soda
1/2 cup Powdered Detergent

Let towels & linens soak for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally. You’ll see the water turn dark and cloudy as buildup releases from the fabric. Then wash and dry as normal in a large-capacity washing machine.

Option 2: Launder at the Laundromat

If pre-soaking isn’t an option, use the largest available machine at the laundromat. Add the same ingredients directly to the wash drum:

Detergent: 1/2 cup
Borax: 1/4 cup
Washing Soda: 1/4 cup
Hot Water Setting: Always choose the hottest wash setting to break down residues.

Step 2: Rinse Thoroughly

Run an extra rinse cycle in the washing machine to ensure all the stripping agents and loosened residues are completely removed. This prevents buildup from re-depositing on the fabric.

Step 3: Dry Completely

Dry linens on high heat to fluff up the fibers and kill any remaining bacteria. For towels, avoid dryer sheets, as they can cause more residue buildup.

Tips for Best Results

Frequency: Strip linens every 3-6 months or when they start to feel stiff or lose absorbency.
Avoid Fabric Softeners: These can coat fibers and counteract your efforts.
Use White Vinegar: Add a cup to the rinse cycle for extra freshness and softness.

Why Choose a Laundromat for Stripping

Laundromats like Ellie's Laundry offer large-capacity machines that handle bulky loads and deep cleaning effortlessly. Plus, you can get everything done at once—saving you time and effort!

Bring your linens back to life with a good strip wash. Visit Ellie's Laundry to experience powerful commercial machines that make the process quick and easy. You'll love the fresh, fluffy results!

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When it comes to washing clothes, the question of how often to clean them isn’t always straightforward. Over-washing can wear out your clothes more quickly and waste time and resources, while under-washing can lead to odors or stains that are harder to remove. Here’s a simple guide to help you decide how many times you can wear different types of clothing before tossing them in the laundry. 1. Everyday Basics Underwear, Socks, and Workout Clothes: Wash after every use. These items come into direct contact with sweat and bacteria, making them hygiene priorities. T-Shirts and Tank Tops: Generally, wash after one wear, especially if worn directly against your skin or in hot weather. 2. Outerwear and Layers Jeans: Can be worn 3-5 times before washing, unless they become visibly dirty or smelly. Spot clean minor stains to extend wear. Sweaters and Hoodies: Wash every 5-7 wears if worn over another shirt, as they don’t directly touch your skin. Jackets and Coats: These can often go weeks or even a full season without washing unless they’re exposed to dirt or odors. 3. Specialty Items Pajamas: Can be worn 3-4 times before washing if you shower before bed. Otherwise, wash after 1-2 wears. Dresses and Skirts: Depending on the material and level of activity, wash after 1-3 wears. 4. Bedding and Towels Bath Towels: Wash after 3-5 uses to prevent mildew buildup. Ensure they dry fully between uses. Sheets: Aim to wash weekly for hygiene and comfort. What About Stains? You might think that every accident, spill or grass stain requires a full wash cycle. However, stains are best treated immediately, before they've had time to dry and set into the fabric. So, spot treating a stain as close to it's occurrence is the best course of action. Depending on the severity of a stain and the overall cleanliness of the clothing article, you may be able to simply spot treat and hand-rinse the stain to restore it to wearable quality without the need to run your washing machine. Why It Matters Washing less often helps your clothes last longer and saves water, energy, and money. It also minimizes the environmental impact of your laundry routine. Use your judgment—if something looks or smells dirty, wash it, but don’t feel obligated to clean items after every wear if they’re still fresh. By finding a balance, you’ll save time, money, and resources while keeping your wardrobe in great shape. Happy Washing!

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