Give Laundry Stripping a Try | Your Clothes & Towels are Dirtier Than You Think!

Hip2Save may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you via trusted partners and affiliate links in this post. Prices and availability are accurate as of time posted. Read our full disclosure policy here.

More Home Deals & Tips

This easy 3 ingredient laundry stripping solution and washing method is more powerful than bleach.

laundry stripping in the tub

Ever heard of laundry stripping?

I really hadn’t either until I started seeing murky water videos and pics trending on TikTok and Instagram back in 2020.

People were soaking their towels in bathtubs filled with hot water and a laundry stripping solution, and then showing how the water would turn dark. It’s sort of gross yet satisfying at the same time!  😂

holding detergent for laundry stripping

The more I researched laundry stripping, I actually started to see lots of savvy cleaning sites have content surrounding the concept. So it isn’t a new topic, but I had never tried it myself and wanted to give it a shot!

Honestly, laundry is NOT one of my favorite chores. In fact, it may just be my least favorite household activity, but seeing intriguing videos of laundry stripping suddenly perked my interest and motivated me to try it!

Are you a visual learner? I was so excited to give this a try that I even created a video showing the laundry stripping process:


laundry stripping towels

What is laundry stripping? 

It’s all about getting the stink and funk out of fabric! The idea is to soak and deep-clean workout clothes, sheets, and/or towels in water for a long time using a powerful mix of Borax, washing soda, and powdered laundry detergent. Bacteria, body oils, dirt, and fabric softener build-up, get released along with the hard-to-remove stinky smells.

It’s crazy how even CLEAN white sheets and towels can have such a build-up and create dark water when soaked! 

Below is a photo of my clean towels after 5 hours of soaking! Eww! 🙈

murkey water from stripping towels

How do you strip laundry? 

The process involves filling a bathtub or a top-loading washer with hot water and then adding in the Borax, washing soda, and powdered detergent mixture. Then you can add in your sheets, towels, or workout clothing and let everything soak for 4-6 hours. Lastly, wash and dry like normal.

According to DailyMail.com, this 3 ingredient soaking system is more powerful than using bleach!

3 ingredient laundry stripping method

For laundry stripping, you’ll need 1/4 cup Borax + 1/4 cup washing soda + 1/2 cup powdered detergent:

  • Borax is a popular laundry booster for lifting acidic stains, making fabrics whiter, and dissolves great for this soaking technique.
  • Washing soda or sodium carbonate is also great for soaking hard-to-remove stains due to its high alkalinity and helps to remove hard water build-up in the laundry. In case you have a hard time finding it, I found my Arm & Hammer washing soda at Walmart, and it seems readily available there.
  • It’s recommended to pick a powdered laundry detergent as it will dissolve easier than a concentrated liquid one. I am using powdered Tide, and if you need an allergy-friendly option then consider Tide Free & Gentle (or your favorite brand) instead.

Hip Tip: Mixing hot water and a small amount of powdered laundry detergent is actually another popular hack for cleaning up carpet and upholstery stains. As always, you’ll want to test a small area first. 

woman holding white towels

filling a bathtub with water

stripping towels in the bathtub

mixing laundry with end of broom

putting towels in the washer


Laundry Stripping Solution

Print

Directions

1

Place towels or clothing in a bathtub or top-loader washer and cover with HOT water.

2

Mix Borax, washing soda, and powdered detergent together. Sprinkle the mixture over the contents in the water.

3

Mix the apparel, bedding, and/or towels around in the solution and let soak for 4-6 hours, making sure to mix once every hour for as long as they soak. I actually used the end of a broomstick because my water was too hot to touch!

4

Drain the water and transfer the contents to the washer. Wash and dry laundry like normal, except now you don’t have to add more detergent.

5

Enjoy your soft and clean laundry!


laundry stripping

Here are a few tips to consider when laundry stripping:

  • This is a pretty powerful deep-cleaning method that shouldn’t be used on delicates or anything needed to be washed gently. Reserve this for ultra-stinky gym clothes, sports shirts, towels, and sheets. Also, if you do this on colored items, keep like colors together to avoid bleeding. That said, depending on your tub, this solution could stain the surface. This treat is better reserved for whites and light colors.
  • Reserve this method of stripping laundry every few months so it won’t damage your fabrics. This isn’t meant as an everyday laundry routine. Also keep in mind that I have affordable white towels from Costco, so if you have some expensive fancy ones, proceed at your own risk.
  • I did use this method to strip my husband’s often stinky white undershirts with success. They aren’t perfectly white, but do smell and feel clean now!
  • You don’t have to use a bathtub! I used mine because I don’t have a top-loading washing machine. You could also use a large bucket or do this in a sink using the same ratio but smaller amounts of the recommended cleaning powders.

clean towels on the dryer

Now I’m searching for more things to wash with this laundry stripping method!

This is going to be helpful as I’d like to tackle some of my son’s funky-smelling football and baseball clothes next. My sister-in-law recently told me she used this same method in the sink to soak some of her husband’s hats that had a funky smell, which I think sounds smart, too!

sports apparel for laundry stripping

Share with us in the comments if you’ve tried laundry stripping! 


Here’s another way to wash sheets without bleach.


About the writer:

Lina has a Bachelor's Degree from Northern Arizona University with 11 years of blogging and photography experience having work featured in Today.com, Martha Stewart, Country Living, Fox News, Buzzfeed, and HGTV.


Join The Discussion

Comments 254

  1. Eka

    I saw this method a few months ago and have successfully used it in my comforters and bed sheets. It removes those yellowish stains and they come out like new!

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      Yay that’s awesome -thanks for sharing!

    • Chris

      The one time my crappy top loading washer in my so called luxury apartment is a plus 😂. If only it didn’t have the thing in the middle that loves to rip my stuff.

      • Gigi

        You should buy laundry wash bags for delicates not the netted but proper material ones, my mam swears by them, usually found in household section in department stores, I think

  2. Teasha

    Sounds like a great idea, but how to get the dripping wet items from the tub to the washer.

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      I used a plastic laundry basket.

    • Mandy

      I use a big plastic storage tub, like a sterilite container. They have handles and no holes 🙂

    • Sandie

      I just use my washer instead of my tu b

  3. TiffMeow

    I’m going to have to give it a shot! Thank you!

  4. Angie M.

    Does this take the yellow stains off the white shirts?

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      It does help with the yellow stains. – the ones that had dark stains and were too far gone it didn’t. But they all came out super soft and clean smelling.

      • Angie M.

        Great! Thank you Lina 🙂 Can I use this mix for colored towels? Do any of these ingredients/soaps contain bleach?

        • C

          You can you it on color items, but the mixture can cause the dye to “bleed” so don’t mix them with whites and probably keep it similar colors (eg blues)… to my knowledge there’s no bleach in these products… and IMHO a lot of the cleaning comes from soaking it in the hot water (which can cause colors to bleed as well) the laundry booster and other ingredients help to boost the lifting power

  5. Blue

    I’ve read about this before but have never tried it. They had used it to strip the clothes after using home made laundry detergent. You make it look so easy that I want to try it now. Thanks Lina!

  6. Rachael

    I make homemade laundry detergent very similar to this recipe. Our clothes and sheets have never been cleaner. It also saves me a lot of money. One batch lasts is almost 6 months and costs about $15.

    • drea25

      How do you make yours?

      • Rachael

        I use a box each of oxi clean, borax, super washing soda, big box of baking soda, and two shredded bars of Zote. All of these items are found in the laundry aisle. It smells wonderful when you mix it. I use 2 tablespoons per load. Sometimes I’ll mix in those wonderful scented laundry beads. I will never by tide again. This is not only so much cheaper, but it last forever and does a great job. We are a sports family and this gets all the sweat, blood, grass stains, and stinks out of everything! I don’t even have to pretreat. Try it, I promise it’s life changing.

        • jen

          How do you shred the zote? Like with a cheese grater? & does it mix evenly with the powder ingredients?

          • Allison

            It can be hard to grate. Some “recipes” say to microwave it in 30sec bursts to soften it some. Then you can cheese grate it, or even possibly grate it by hand.

          • Rachael

            I use a cheese grater. It’s easy.

          • Yipee

            They sell grated/flakes Zotes now! I found it at the $.99 store. It comes in a box. I believe it was for $1.99

            • Shirley Yeo

              On Walmart, 2 bars of Zote soap is $1.08 and flakes are 3x the price for about the same weight

        • Lori

          Thanks Rachael! I’m gonna try it.

        • Olga

          Do you add more if you were using a double or triple loader?

          • Rachael

            I would assume so. My washer just does single loads.

        • Bev84

          I use this recipe! The ZOTE is so soft and easy to grate with a cheese grater or if you want to use your food processor with the grater attachment. Walmart also sells it already grated in a box. We use the pink bar. Has a hint of citronella to keep those mosquitos away in NC!

          • riss

            Is Zote for scent or cleaning purposes?

            • becki

              it’s a laundry soap, it helps boost the cleaning power of the whole mixture.

        • Vicki

          How do you store it?

          • Rachael

            I have a big bowl with a lid that I store it in. I keep the lid on when I’m not using it to keep the laundry goodness smell in.

        • Tracy Whitten

          Do you have any tips for sweat/deo stains without pretreating every time? Some of my son’s shirts refuse to come clean with just one wash! 🙄

          • Rachael

            I have actually stopped the washer to let them rest for a bit once it fills. But, I haven’t had any issues since I switched to homemade.

          • JD827

            A Star Hip2Saver is a recognized member of our Hip2Save community hand selected by our team for demonstrating a long history of engagement with helpful & friendly comments across Hip2Save.com and our social channels. Our Star Hip2Saver badge acts as a verification for readers who know the ins and outs of all Hip2Save sets out to accomplish — assisting our community to live extraordinary lives on ordinary budgets. Readers cannot pay or provide any sort of exchange in order to earn this badge. Rather, they are invited to participate by a member of the Hip2Save team and opt to have the Star Hip2Saver badge added to their profile & comments.

            Wash the shirts inside out and yes spray the underarms with Shout each and every time. Make sure you rub the Shout in well. Switch your son over to a spray antiperspirant as those don’t create a heavy “cake like “ deposit on the shirt. Use Lysol laundry sanitizer to get rid of the odor that leftover deodorant holds in the clothes. It is miracle stuff. Wash in the warmest water clothes will take, if your washer allows add an extra rinse , wash at highest water level, and halve the amount of clothes you put in for his wash.

          • Carrie

            I haven’t figured out a way without pretreating. I use vinegar on the underarms of my teen’s shirts. Just pour it on each pit and let it sit for about 15 minutes, then launder as normal. Any other “stain remover” didn’t touch the smell. Vinegar seems to work.

        • Nee

          Hi! By big box of baking soda, what size do you mean? I’ve only seen those small boxes at the store you keep in fridge – do you mean those?

          • Rachael

            They sell the larger boxes in the laundry area.

          • Sandi

            The small boxes are baking soda, what you want is washing soda. You can find it in the laundry aisle in most stores.

        • Christy

          How much oxi clean and baking soda do you use? Thanks! I would love to try this!

          • Rachael

            I use the bigger oxi clean and I’ve only seen the other ingredients in one size in the laundry aisle. I’m sorry I don’t know exact sizes.

        • Shirley Yeo

          What sizes are your boxes of each? Thanks in advance.
          Sounds awesome! Thanks for sharing! 🙂

        • Maria V

          Can you tell us how much you use of each item?

          • Rachael

            I dump all of them together and mix.

        • Shirley Yeo

          Can you tell me size of each of the boxes you use in your “recipe”?
          Thanks so much for sharing! 🙂

        • acgold

          Is this “hard” on clothes? Can you wash bras and other clothes with spandex? I am worried it may be harsh for the elastic in bras and spandex in jeans and leggings. Even the elastic in sheets. TIA!

        • Melissa

          I used to make my own too, but i was using Fels Naptha and wasn’t enjoying the results. Might try it with zote again. I also added Epsom salt to my recipe as it softens clothes.

          Still use my diy fabric softener and dryer balls and I’ve never had more soft, absorbent towels. This makes me want to try making my own detergent again!

        • K2

          I love this idea! Thanks, Rachel. One question: Does the powder produced by this recipe smell like OxiClean? (Would your chemically sensitive friends say it is scent-free?) I ask because I’m very sensitive to scents, which is why I just tried RLR for the first time. This homemade recipe includes OxiClean which is one of the scents that triggers such a harsh reaction from my body that just sitting next to someone who has used it on their clothes will full-on disables me for days. (Meaning missing work & not doing what I need to do at home. Like even getting out of bed to eat.) I think RLR is going to save me because I can finally buy thrift store clothes & use RLR to get rid of the strong scents (usually OxiClean). Now that I’ve found RLR, I’d love to make my own but I can’t risk having my laundry room & clothes smell like OxiClean… Thanks in advance for your replies.

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      Oh interesting thanks for sharing!

    • jenniferm

      How do you make it

  7. Mel

    I just use powdered oxiclean. Fill my tub and soak towels, socks and white tees all the time with it. Its amazing how much funk is embedded in towels!! wonder what the difference is between oxiclean and buying 3 products to make the soak?

    • Joni

      When we have a tough stain we use powdered oxiclean to soak overnight (sometimes longer). It is miraculous!

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      Yes I use it too and am a fan. I read it’s similar to using peroxide and the washing soda -chemical wise. So it’s a little diff.

    • Pam

      Is that all you use is oxi clean not arm and hammer laundry booster or borax?

  8. Ms

    For the recipe provided, how much water is it for? I want to use a pail and want to know how much to scale down. Also, can the mixture be stored to use at a layer time or is it better to mix right before use? Thank you.

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      This was far a whole bathtub – say maybe use a 1/4 of mixture or less for a pail. It’s not exact you can estimate.
      Ya I would imagine you can premix it. 👍

      • Ms

        Thanks, Lina!

  9. dre

    For yellow or dark armpit stains I have used a mixture of Blue Dawn dishsoap, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda. Apply to stain. Scrub with a toothbrush or similar item, wait about an hour and wash per usual. Takes them right out and very white!!! It works!

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      Oh I love this and will try It! Thanks 😊

    • Angie M.

      Good to know, also try Colgate toothpaste! Works great alone as a pretreat.

    • Darlene

      I use the same method on my daughter’s white school uniform shirts. It works wonders!

  10. pokz

    Oxyclean….

  11. Amber

    Could you just let them soak in the washer?

    • Amber

      Nevermind. Just saw step 1.

  12. jennifer

    Sign me up!

  13. BRi

    This is much like my laundry soap recipe, but use felsnaptha melted down combined with the other two ingredients. Our laundry is cleaner now, than with any store bought detergent.

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      Thanks for sharing Bri!

  14. occhi21

    My plumber told me never use powder and pods ruins the pipes only liquid detergent. I had to replace the sewer line and after that costly repair 5k I will never use powder and pods

    • Cherryluva

      I’ve lived in apartments for 11 years and never heard that. I will continue to use pods since its easier to use rather than hauling bottles up and down stairs.

    • patricialavenz-goff

      Oh yes. I heard that too. I had a friend in Cabot that had to replace pipes due to the buildup. It was aweful.

  15. mnemosyne786

    Very similar to my homemade laundry detergent, but with fels naptha instead of powdered detergent. So much healthier, so much cheaper, and much cleaner clothes!

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      Oh thanks for sharing!

  16. Dee

    I shared a washer with my in-laws. My mother-in-law used too much laundry detergent and too much fabric softener. We used to get gray water with loads of wash that weren’t muddy, dirty clothes but ones that had just been worn. Now that she’s no longer using my washer, we don’t get the gray loads anymore. Detergents are more concentrated (so use less) and there’s no need to put softener in every load. Some of that crud could be the very products you’re using to make your laundry “clean” when you wash. I hang out and air dry a load of towels once in a while to really freshen them. The sunshine and just a quick tumble in the dryer (without a dryer sheet) really get them fluffy, absorbent and smelling great.

    • rochellemcgee

      I think there’s a lot of truth in this. A coworker had a friendly argument with his wife that manufacturers recommend too much product for a load of clothes (and he suspected his wife added too much besides), so he ran a load of clothes without adding anything to it and he said the load sudsed up just as though he had added soap.

      • jennifer

        I don’t use fabric softener much anymore because it can leave a film on the clothes. It can prevent the towels from absorbing the water from your body after bathing and can stop them from getting as clean in a regular wash cycle.

    • Lana

      I agree. We only use 1 Tablespoon of liquid detergent and our clothes are perfectly clean. We do have a top load Speed Queen which does and awesome job of cleaning as well. We never use softeners because of the formaldehyde in them.

      • Sandi

        Years ago I tried to find out just exactly what the ingredients were in fabric softeners WOW so many chemicals that just can’t be good for you. I started using tennis balls, but have now switched to the wool balls. My clothes are just as soft as they were using the softener, and I think the homemade soap rinses out much better than commercial detergents (which is probably why white clothes turn gray).

        • Dee

          Soap of any kind will get trapped in porous materials like fabric. Eventually, the soap will build up on clothing and you’ll need to use this stripping method. Detergents are made to rinse away.

  17. Cherryluva

    Anyone do this who live in a large apartment complex?

  18. jenn

    Is this only for white clothes? Can we use the same method for colored clothes?

    • jenn

      Oh nevermind.. saw it on the last part..as long as same color.

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      Yes, just try to keep like colors together.

  19. Arlene

    Sensitive skin friendly?

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      Yes if the detergent you pick is. The other two parts I believe are ok but maybe check the ingredients first.

  20. Maryann

    Will this work on yellowed white towels?

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      It should help! Let us k is if you try 👍

  21. foodanimechicki

    Does anyone know if this helps with animal hair? I have 5 cats and two dogs, and I think the fur is probably just embedded in the fibers at this point. Would love something to help decrease some of it lol!

    • jerisylvia

      It sounds weird, but run your clothes through a 10-minute dryer cycle on tumble, with no heat. This softens the fabrics and loosens the pet hair, which will be caught by the dryer’s lint trap. Then shake the clothes to get as many pet hairs out as possible, and toss them in the washer. Wash & dry like normal. Yes, it’s an extra hassle of a step… but pet lovers will sacrifice a lot for beloved fur-family members. Also, there’s a sponge-like thing that you can toss in to help that is called FurZapper. Available on Amazon, chewy, etc.

  22. Dana

    Could you use scented powdered detergent?

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      Yes just pick your favorite. 👍

  23. Robyn

    Thanks for the tip! I can’t wait to try on some older sheets and towels. I’ve been looking into paint colors for a few rooms in my house. I love the blue in your laundry room. Would you mind sharing the color name? Thanks : )

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      It’s called Cool Jazz by Behr from Home Depot – thanks!

      • Robyn

        Thank You! You have such great style : )

        • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

          Oh thanks Robyn!

  24. Stacy

    Does anyone have issues with grease type stain appearing on tshirts after washing/ drying? I have a fairly new washer. I have research and tried everything. Had the repairman look at the machines too. Nothing helps!

    • Amber

      Recently yes, I thought maybe it was the detergent I was using or just adding the clothes too soon….? I make sure the pod or liquid detergent is completely dissolved and wait for it to fill half way before adding clothes now (yes I know I supposed to the whole time). Has seemed to help a little.

    • micnic

      Grease type stains are from fabric softener sheets…I used to get them on my work blouses. Switched to free and clear sheets and haven’t had a problem since .

      • Stacy

        I don’t use dryers sheets since my research showed that as a possible problem. Use wool dryer balls. Still have the issue 😭 thanks tho

    • deanna25

      I have had the oil-like spots in the past. You can rub the spot with regular chalk (as in, for writing on a
      chalk board), or rub the spot with blue dawn dish soap. Once you have treated the spots let them sit for a day or two before washing again. Usually took care of those annoying spots for me. Good luck!

    • emily

      I don’t use dryer sheets. I have a front load washer. I make sure to drain the washer “trap” and check it for debris.

    • NikkiLLM5

      We had a new washer once that did that. We had a man come out to service it and a slight bit of the machine oil to lubricate the motor had gotten somehow where it could slowly drip into the washed basin. After he cleaned it up with paper towels it fixed the problem. But my family seems to be prone to grease stains from food. I have 5 kids. I keep a bottle of Ajax degreasing dish soap above my washer. Just apply it to the spot, allow it to sit for awhile then wash normally. I’ve even gotten old stains out that have been thru a hot dryer this way. And it’s safe on colors. The only item I wouldn’t use it on is if you have any comfort color T-shirt’s. It will damage the color. But those are so sensitive that I refuse to buy anything that’s comfort colors. Hope this helps!

  25. Jennifer Uranick

    Does this treatment remove cigar smoke? I inherited bedding from a smoker friend. We can’t use it yet… After reading through the comments, it looks like a magic cleaning solution, but I don’t see any testimonials about smoke specifically. Thanks!

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      It may be worth a try!

    • becki

      if i were you, i would try the laundry stripping thing mentioned here, then hang to dry in the sun. i know if you “sun” the laundry, it even gets cloth diapers smelling fresh, so could work on smoky smells that are embedded.
      also, maybe try an extra rinse cycle with just baking soda in the load with the sheets.

    • JD827

      A Star Hip2Saver is a recognized member of our Hip2Save community hand selected by our team for demonstrating a long history of engagement with helpful & friendly comments across Hip2Save.com and our social channels. Our Star Hip2Saver badge acts as a verification for readers who know the ins and outs of all Hip2Save sets out to accomplish — assisting our community to live extraordinary lives on ordinary budgets. Readers cannot pay or provide any sort of exchange in order to earn this badge. Rather, they are invited to participate by a member of the Hip2Save team and opt to have the Star Hip2Saver badge added to their profile & comments.

      Many smokers use Gain. I suggest you try OdoBan available at Sam’s and Walmart.com as well.

    • lisabestboyer

      I have no idea if this will help but my aunt was told to use Spick & Span to get rid of the smoke smell when there was a fire in her apartment (years ago). I know Dollar Tree sells liquid Spick & Span so it’s another thought.

    • C

      Jennifer- find an available freezer and stuff the bedding in there. It kills the smoke bacteria (which kills the smell). I’m allergic to smoke (and even if I wasn’t, smoking is disgusting in so many ways and the smell is awful) and use this method whenever I travel if I end up encountering somewhere smoky or having to walk by rude smokers that blow their smoke everywhere… I just put it in and leave it over night- works every time and then I don’t have that gross smell on my clothes anymore and my suitcase stays smelling fresh (or relatively fresh lol- only in so far as how stinky my dirty laundry gets)

      • Stacy F (Hip2Save Sidekick)

        Wow! Great tip, C. Thanks for sharing.

  26. jennifer

    My washer has a 15 min soak cycle that I use and if I think it needs more then I just stop the wash and let it soak a bit longer. I think the extra soaking time really helps!

  27. Havluck

    I came up with this same formula years ago when washing cloth diapers. I always soaked them overnight in this solution. They came out very white and soft and they lasted much longer because I never used bleach on them.

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      Great thanks for sharing!

  28. Gege1804

    Lol I am Caribbean and that’s how we wash our clothes. Been doing for a long time. Granted we do ours in a bucket and not fill up the tub.

  29. Amy

    My mom has always used these in with her laundry since I was a kid, especially towels and bedding. Works really well

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      Oh thanks for sharing Amy!

  30. Ellen

    I use the Norwex laundry detergent. 2 T. to that 1/2 tub hot water. Soak them overnight and I get great results. My hubby’s t shirts are actually white again!

  31. Sue S.

    Try adding 1/2 cup white vinegar to the rinse cycle to get rid of the cigar smoke smell. You can put it in your fabric softener dispenser if your machine has one. Don’t add regular fabric softener with the vinegar. The vinegar smell goes away after the clothes are dry. Works to get rid of stale sweat smell in athletic or work clothes too.

  32. Dee

    Anyone using homemade laundry soap should also remember that soap builds up on your clothes over time. Detergent doesn’t. Soap is great for non-porous surfaces, but clothing is porous and you will get soap build-up over time on your clothes and in your washer. That’s why you have to do this stripping.

    • lindak

      That must have been my problem. Our clothes we’re getting dingier with the homemade soap so I switched back to All free and clear. I cleaned the washer with bleach before switching and ran it at least 5 times. There was a ton of soap buildup.

      • C

        Be careful cleaning with bleach. When it mixes with certain chemicals or cleaners like soap, it creates a toxic gas… you can use vinegar to clean the machine (and should also use it to clear your water lines from the washer- the tubing that drains from it)… I do this about every other month- just put the machine set to hot water and add in the vinegar.. I just eyeball the amount of vinegar, but it’s probably about 1-2 cups

  33. Snowflake

    Does anyone know if this stripping Is safe for septic systems?

    • JD827

      A Star Hip2Saver is a recognized member of our Hip2Save community hand selected by our team for demonstrating a long history of engagement with helpful & friendly comments across Hip2Save.com and our social channels. Our Star Hip2Saver badge acts as a verification for readers who know the ins and outs of all Hip2Save sets out to accomplish — assisting our community to live extraordinary lives on ordinary budgets. Readers cannot pay or provide any sort of exchange in order to earn this badge. Rather, they are invited to participate by a member of the Hip2Save team and opt to have the Star Hip2Saver badge added to their profile & comments.

      No it wouldn’t be wise.

    • Staci

      Powdered laundry detergent isn’t good for septic systems but I do not know about these specific products.

  34. Sara

    Washing soda is sodium carbonate(Na2CO3). Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate(NaHCO3).

  35. Crazyred511

    Does this work with high efficiency washers?

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      Yes if you have a top loader.

      • Crazyred511

        Okay, my husband was worried about it clogging it up because you are only supposed to use high efficiency detergent.

        • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

          Oh ya if you look up those products individually what I’m seeing is sag for HEF – that tide says High efficiency on that back of box too.

  36. Sherry

    Does anyone know if this works on kids stuff animals? My daughters black/white striped tiger that she’s had since she was 6 mths. old is now black/grey. I’ve tried everything to get the grey back to white to no avail.

    • brianroberts

      I would definitely try it

    • JD827

      A Star Hip2Saver is a recognized member of our Hip2Save community hand selected by our team for demonstrating a long history of engagement with helpful & friendly comments across Hip2Save.com and our social channels. Our Star Hip2Saver badge acts as a verification for readers who know the ins and outs of all Hip2Save sets out to accomplish — assisting our community to live extraordinary lives on ordinary budgets. Readers cannot pay or provide any sort of exchange in order to earn this badge. Rather, they are invited to participate by a member of the Hip2Save team and opt to have the Star Hip2Saver badge added to their profile & comments.

      Spot test with hydrogen peroxide on the white areas. I’ve also used carpet pretreaters with success. It is possible the stuffing is wicking back yucky stuff onto the white areas and restaining. If so rip the seams apart carefully , soak in no chlorine bleach restuff and resew. If you don’t sew ask at church, Facebook, Nextdoor etc. worst case scenario you buy new white material.

  37. Darla

    Dryer sheets leave a lot of residue on clothes. Just think of what it feels like when you put a sheet in and after you pull it out. All that film is now on your clean clothes! It melts onto clothes… I don’t use them anymore. I use wool dryer balls and the outdoors

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      Ya that makes sense! I bet that’s what is all over mine. Thanks for sharing!

    • marie

      And not to mention all the uses of dryer sheets, especially the magic of taking bugs off your cars. If you’ve ever seen that, it makes you VERY weary to use it anymore.

  38. brandisalmonsonwarner

    I echo the positive thoughts on the homemade laundry soap! I keep a 5 gallon bucket, cheese grater and mixing spoon and 2 giant pickle jars to use when I make a batch. I have found a coffee scoop full cleans our clothes very well!
    If you have grease stains that make it through the dryer, you can still get them out using Zout stain remover spray and blue dawn dish soap. Scrub the mixture directly into the spot, let sit for 5 minutes and then wash as usual. Sometimes I have to repeat the process, but I have had things I thought were ruined that I brought back to life with this technique!

  39. Danielle Schildhauer

    There are also greener ways to strip your clothes without using dangerous chemicals that are in Borax and Tide. Same method, but with better for you/environment/etc. ingredients. Reminds me I need to do this again soon!

    • 5pink1blue

      Please share your greener method. I have septic and am afraid to try the method mentioned. Ty

      • Amy

        I buy my soap from Green Fills and have been for a few years… love the company values, love the products which work great, and love that I’m eliminating waste from landfills since you just get refills each month. They have an oxy product that works great for whites, even with our hard water.

  40. Alison

    I wish could do this. My son is allergic to Borax

  41. Rae

    This may work for you if you have the time but for so long being poor and having to wash clothes in the tub all day and scrub, then hang on the line I appreciate my washing machine so much.

  42. Amber

    This is really big in the cloth diaper community. We mainly use it to get rid of smells and any buildup from diaper cream. The creams and lotions build up in the fabric and it’s harder to get them clean, then they just start to get plain ole funky! This is a good idea to strip towels, anything that gets deodorant on it, and anything you use dryer sheets on. Everything will be much more absorbent. FWIW, many cloth diaper people also swear by Original powdered Tide to stay residue free.
    If you don’t want to buy the boxes of borax and washing soda you can also get packets of RLR on Amazon. It does the same thing, just conveniently mixed for you! https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B007E2E706/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_Fbc6EbKP1FDAR

  43. Lori

    Thank you SO much for this post! I’ve been wanting to find something like this for my stinky gym clothes! Can’t wait to try it!

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      Oh sure thanks Lori!

    • JD827

      A Star Hip2Saver is a recognized member of our Hip2Save community hand selected by our team for demonstrating a long history of engagement with helpful & friendly comments across Hip2Save.com and our social channels. Our Star Hip2Saver badge acts as a verification for readers who know the ins and outs of all Hip2Save sets out to accomplish — assisting our community to live extraordinary lives on ordinary budgets. Readers cannot pay or provide any sort of exchange in order to earn this badge. Rather, they are invited to participate by a member of the Hip2Save team and opt to have the Star Hip2Saver badge added to their profile & comments.

      Oh please don’t work that hard!!! Lysol Laundry Sanitizer absolutely will take the odor out. Save your time and energy on having fun.

      • brianroberts

        It might take the odor out, but it doesn’t strip. Completely different. Sweat causes major buildup in clothes that will not come out until a chemical reaction forces it to break up.

        • JD827

          A Star Hip2Saver is a recognized member of our Hip2Save community hand selected by our team for demonstrating a long history of engagement with helpful & friendly comments across Hip2Save.com and our social channels. Our Star Hip2Saver badge acts as a verification for readers who know the ins and outs of all Hip2Save sets out to accomplish — assisting our community to live extraordinary lives on ordinary budgets. Readers cannot pay or provide any sort of exchange in order to earn this badge. Rather, they are invited to participate by a member of the Hip2Save team and opt to have the Star Hip2Saver badge added to their profile & comments.

          No need to strip. Pretreat armpits and extra sweaty areas. Set washer to high water level and wash in hottest water possible. Wash inside out. Give up the stick deodorant because that does leave a very hard to get out residue—white vinegar loosens it. Key is not letting sweaty clothes sit around. Simply soak in cold water if you can’t get to it quickly. It pains me to see people going back literally over 50 years in time working so hard. I’m almost 70 years old and have been washing laundry since wringer washer days so I’ve had a few experiences. I washed for a family of farmers so running clothes are a piece of cake.

  44. madonna

    Can anyone clarify the directions? In one part it says put the powders in to hot water and then add laundry. Another part says to put laundry in tub, cover with hot water then add powders. Which is it? Thanks

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      You can probably do either – but I put the towels in then added hot water so it would cover completely, then added powder mixture. Hope that helps!

  45. Csandst1

    I stripped my white socks and white exercise bras. Nothing came out and they looked the same as before. Maybe there’s no residue since I make my own laundry detergent and don’t use fabric softener.

    • Suzanne Bassyouni

      Can your share how you make your own laundry detergent? TIA

  46. luna

    I am surprised this is a new thing, good bringing awareness to such things and wonder why no-one gives credit to the source especially countries of origin or where this is widely practiced. …maybe it does not need mentioning here but some posts for example- coffee or step stool etc. bring it on haters but i always thank whrnever there is a deal which i actually make purchase with

    • JD827

      A Star Hip2Saver is a recognized member of our Hip2Save community hand selected by our team for demonstrating a long history of engagement with helpful & friendly comments across Hip2Save.com and our social channels. Our Star Hip2Saver badge acts as a verification for readers who know the ins and outs of all Hip2Save sets out to accomplish — assisting our community to live extraordinary lives on ordinary budgets. Readers cannot pay or provide any sort of exchange in order to earn this badge. Rather, they are invited to participate by a member of the Hip2Save team and opt to have the Star Hip2Saver badge added to their profile & comments.

      It is not a new thing at all. We just used to call it doing the wash 50 years ago. It was the materials and techniques we had. Wouldn’t know who to thank.

  47. Jw206

    So I HAD to try this after I saw it. I was pleasantly surprised that after 6 hours my dirty water wasn’t so awful, but it definitely removed some residue. My towels are a little brighter and definitely feel softer, especially my kitchen towels. I can’t wait to get a shower so I can see(smell!) if they are fresher

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      Thanks for sharing your experience!

  48. ccmama

    Build up happens because people use toxic commercial detergents and softeners. They “coat” your clothing. And it just builds up over time. I haven’t used commercial detergents in years. I discovered a great local company in my home state of Michigan. MyGreenFills. Their products are non toxic.

    • Mirela

      Thanks for your post, I’m in MI and I did not hear about this company.

  49. Missy

    Does this work on colors? OR just whites?

    • Lina D (Hip2Save Sidekick)

      Yes just place with like colors 👍

  50. hip2jen

    These buildup is caused by machines using too little water when washing. Growing up we just hand washed our clothes, towels blankets you name it. Rinsed twice and line dry under the sun. No funky smell no build up. When I came to the US it got easier to do laundry but I can tell the difference between hand washed and machine washed

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

It's not your Grandma's coupon site!

Sign up for a Hip2Save account (it's free) to access all of the awesome features!

Forgot Password?

Don't have an account? Register

Forgot Password

Don't have an account? Register

Become a Hip2Save Insider

Don't Miss Out! Join our large community of insiders - it's totally free! Once you join, you'll be able to save & share your favorite deals, rate posts and recipes and add items to your HipList and Cookbook! What are ya waiting for?!



Already have an account? Login

Thank you for rating!

Would you also like to leave us a comment?