If you’re looking for a way to get your clothes clean without using washing soda, you’re in luck. There are several alternative methods you can use to strip your laundry and get rid of dirt and stains. Here are some of the best ways to do it:
What is Laundry Stripping?
Before we dive into how to strip laundry without washing soda, let’s first talk about what laundry stripping is. Laundry stripping is a process where you remove buildup from your clothes, towels, and linens. This buildup can come from a variety of sources, including detergent, fabric softener, and hard water. When you strip your laundry, you’re essentially giving it a deep clean.
Option 1: Use Borax
Borax is a great alternative to washing soda when it comes to stripping laundry. To use borax, you’ll need to fill your bathtub with hot water and add one cup of borax. Mix the borax in the water until it dissolves, and then add your laundry. Let your laundry soak in the borax solution for at least an hour, or overnight if possible. Once your laundry has soaked, drain the water and run the clothes through a rinse cycle in your washing machine.
Option 2: Try Vinegar
Vinegar is another great alternative to washing soda for stripping laundry. To use vinegar, fill your bathtub with hot water and add one cup of vinegar. Mix the vinegar in the water until it’s well combined, and then add your laundry to the tub. Let your laundry soak in the vinegar solution for at least an hour, or overnight if possible. Once your laundry has soaked, drain the water and run the clothes through a rinse cycle in your washing machine.
Option 3: Use Baking Soda
Baking soda is a natural cleaning agent that can help you strip your laundry without using washing soda. To use baking soda, fill your bathtub with hot water and add one cup of baking soda. Mix the baking soda in the water until it’s dissolved, and then add your laundry. Let your laundry soak in the baking soda solution for at least an hour, or overnight if possible. Once your laundry has soaked, drain the water and run the clothes through a rinse cycle in your washing machine.
Option 4: Try Dawn Dish Soap
Dawn dish soap is another great alternative to washing soda for stripping laundry. To use Dawn dish soap, fill your bathtub with hot water and add one tablespoon of Dawn dish soap. Mix the soap in the water until it’s well combined, and then add your laundry. Let your laundry soak in the Dawn dish soap solution for at least an hour, or overnight if possible. Once your laundry has soaked, drain the water and run the clothes through a rinse cycle in your washing machine.
Option 5: Use a Laundry Stripping Powder
If you don’t want to use borax, vinegar, baking soda, or Dawn dish soap, you can try a laundry stripping powder. There are several products on the market that are designed specifically for stripping laundry. To use a laundry stripping powder, follow the instructions on the package. Generally, you’ll need to dissolve the powder in hot water, add your laundry, let it soak, and then run it through a rinse cycle in your washing machine.
FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about how to strip laundry without washing soda:
Can I Use Epsom Salt Instead of Washing Soda?
Yes, you can use Epsom salt instead of washing soda to strip your laundry. To use Epsom salt, fill your bathtub with hot water and add one cup of Epsom salt. Mix the salt in the water until it’s dissolved, and then add your laundry. Let your laundry soak in the Epsom salt solution for at least an hour, or overnight if possible. Once your laundry has soaked, drain the water and run the clothes through a rinse cycle in your washing machine.
How Often Should I Strip My Laundry?
You should strip your laundry every few months or as needed. If you notice that your clothes, towels, or linens have a buildup of detergent or fabric softener, it’s time to strip them. Stripping your laundry will help get rid of the buildup and leave your clothes feeling fresh and clean.
Can I Use Cold Water to Strip My Laundry?
While hot water is recommended for stripping laundry, you can use cold water if you prefer. Keep in mind that cold water may not be as effective at removing buildup as hot water.
Do I Need to Add Detergent to the Water When I Strip My Laundry?
No, you don’t need to add detergent to the water when you strip your laundry. The goal of stripping your laundry is to remove buildup, not add more detergent. If you do add detergent to the water, make sure to use a small amount.
Can I Strip My Clothes in the Washing Machine?
While it’s possible to strip your clothes in the washing machine, it’s not recommended. Stripping your clothes in the washing machine can cause damage to the machine and may not be as effective as soaking your clothes in a bathtub.