You can strip wash a number of things, such as your bed linen, your gym or work clothes, your bra, your kid’s clothes, towels to curtains and so much more. And that’s where strip washing comes in! If you’ve never heard of a strip wash it’s basically a method of soaking any of your items to take out any of the hard water buildup, soap, fabric softener, body oils, odours, dirt and grime that’s still lurking in it even after your normal weekly washing routine. Spoiler alert: we were even surprised with the end results! So, what is a strip wash?įrom time to time your stuff might need a little extra love. So, we conducted a little strip washing experiment to see what it’s all about and if this method of cleaning actually works. Just as you’ve guessed it probably isn’t always 100% clean even after being washed. Have you ever wondered how clean your stuff is even after you’ve washed it in the washing machine? Warning: gross-coloured water guaranteed. Now, professional cleaner and organiser Christine from THE o.c.d shows us how to do it at home. It's said to be the most effective way of washing. You really don't realise how dirty your 'clean' clothes and linen are until you've done a strip wash. Memory foam and down pillows might not be recommended. One final note from Babs? “Remember to always check the labels on those pillows. Tossing them into the dryer to pull out the final bits of moisture (and fluff ‘em up with some tennis balls) will help pillows stay looking and smelling fresh. On warm, sunny days, consider giving your pillows some time to air-dry and let the sun work its magic on them. Go light on the detergent or skip it altogether. A regular wash on the gentle cycle in cold or warm water will do the trick. You don’t need to strip your pillows every time. Plus, it’s just better for your own skin and scalp to have an easily changed pillow cover. They are, however, the first line of defense. Pillowcases aren’t the end-all-be-all for keeping your pillows in good shape. Just like mattresses, you can buy zip-on pillow covers in various fabrics that will help keep all your body oils from ever touching your pillow. Babs recommends letting them soak for a full 24 hours, but you should be good to go if you can let them soak for at least four hours. Mix into a tub of hot water and submerge your pillows. 1/4 cup baking soda or washing soda (sodium carbonate).So, here’s what the recipe looks like slightly tweaked so that you aren’t watching money literally go down the drain: According to Real Simple, you really only need 1/2 cup to properly strip wash your pillows. Babs’ Pillow-Stripping “Recipe” - Slightly Amended!Īlthough Babs is brilliant, many fans noted in the comments that using two full cups of laundry detergent feels excessive. "Now into the washing machine on the normal cycle, no detergent." After you've washed them in the machine, too, Babs says to toss your pillows in the dryer but gives one crucial instruction: no dryer sheets! Use dryer balls or (new, clean) tennis balls to help fluff those pillows. "Squeeze out the excess water in the pillows," instructs Babs. The pillow stripping process isn't done yet, though. Even Babs, who seems to do everything right and keeps an astonishingly clean home, returned to greenish water in her tub. When you return, prepare to be shocked and disgusted by the color of the water. Just place it in the water and submerge it with a wooden spoon."īabs suggests leaving your pillows to soak and detoxify for 24 hours. Next up is two cups of liquid laundry detergent. Next, add a quarter cup of baking soda and a quarter cup of Borax. “First, fill up the tub with the hottest water possible. "I'm going to strip my pillows instead,” she says. That would cost a fortune!" According to Costello, there's a way to get more life out of those stained pillows. "Experts say you're supposed to replace your pillows every 12 months. Just be forewarned - if you’ve never washed your pillows before, it’s gonna get really, really gross before it gets better. However, everyone’s favorite TikToking grandma, Barbara “Babs” Costello BrunchWithBabs), suggests a semi-regular pillow “stripping” method. But you still try to wash it out of your clothes when you do laundry, so why not try to get it out of your pillows, too?Ī simple wash will do in a pinch. And yet, have you ever changed your bed sheets in the sunlight? Those dingy yellow stains on your pillows come from sweat, drool, and body oils. Can you imagine the cost?! Ain’t nobody got the time (or money) for that. Meanwhile, some manufacturers suggest you do it every year. Actually, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation, you should completely replace your pillows every two years. If your mind was blown when you found out how often you should wash your linens, you’ll lose your sh*t over this news: You should be washing your pillows, too.
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