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:
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.
If possible, pre-soak your linens in a large bathtub with hot water and the following mix:
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.
If pre-soaking isn’t an option, use the largest available machine at the laundromat. Add the same ingredients directly to the wash drum:
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.
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
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!
📍 664 Waring Road, Memphis, TN 38122 | (901) 468-4108
📍 215 S. Pauline Street, Ste 104, Memphis, TN 38104 | (901) 633-0820