Over time, laundry detergent, fabric softener, and hard water minerals build up on fabrics, making clothes, towels, and cloth diapers feel stiff and less absorbent. That’s where a good laundry soak—or full-on laundry stripping—comes in! With just a few simple, eco-friendly ingredients, you can refresh your fabrics without harsh chemicals or wasteful single-use products.
Why Use a Laundry Soak or Laundry Stripping Method?
Conventional laundry products often leave behind residues that trap dirt, oils, and detergent buildup, making fabrics less breathable and fresh. Laundry soaking is a gentle way to deep-clean, while laundry stripping is a more intense method for tackling stubborn buildup. The best part? Both can be done with simple, non-toxic ingredients that are safe for your skin and the environment.
DIY Laundry Soak Recipe
This soak helps loosen dirt and freshen up fabrics without synthetic fragrances or harsh detergents.
Ingredients:
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1/2 cup baking soda
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1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
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2 gallons warm water
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5-10 drops essential oil (optional, for scent)
Instructions:
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Fill a large bucket or bathtub with warm water.
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Add baking soda and stir until dissolved.
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Pour in the vinegar (it will fizz!) and mix well.
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Add fabrics and let soak for 30 minutes to an hour.
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Rinse thoroughly and air dry or run through a normal wash cycle.
DIY Laundry Stripping Recipe
For fabrics with deep-set residue or odors, this stripping method works wonders.
Ingredients:
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1/4 cup washing soda
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1/4 cup borax
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1/2 cup unscented laundry detergent
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Hot water
Instructions:
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Fill a bathtub or large container with hot water.
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Add washing soda, borax, and laundry detergent, stirring until dissolved.
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Submerge fabrics and let soak for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally.
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Drain, rinse thoroughly, and wash as usual.
How to Store & Use
Laundry soaking and stripping aren’t everyday routines—once every few months is usually enough to refresh fabrics. For regular maintenance, try adding a bit of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to keep clothes soft and buildup-free. If stripping towels or cloth diapers, avoid fabric softeners afterward to maintain absorbency.
A clean, chemical-free laundry routine starts with simple swaps. Pair these DIY methods with Marley’s Monsters Reusable Dryer Balls to skip synthetic dryer sheets and keep things truly sustainable!
