My mother-in-law keeps talking about 'laundry stripping' but I have no idea what it is. You know?

During one of our family gatherings, my mother-in-law mentioned, in passing, that she was dedicating her weekend to "laundry stripping" her household linens. The term caught my attention but slid into the background amidst the bustling room of conversation.

However, later, while sorting through my less-than-fresh smelling towels and bedding, the phrase echoed in my mind, and curiosity got the better of me. What exactly is laundry stripping? Is it a necessary cleaning process, or simply a satisfying ritual for the detail-oriented homemaker?

Laundry stripping is a thorough method of washing linens and other fabrics to remove built-up residue that regular washing can leave behind. Over time, our fabrics can accumulate a range of uninvited guests: oils, skin cells, hard water minerals, detergents, and fabric softeners can leave a film on textiles that not only dull their appearance but can also affect their cleanliness and smell. The process involves a long soak in a hot water solution made with specific cleaning agents that draw out these impurities, leaving your fabrics in a revitalized and more hygienic state.

If you're considering giving laundry stripping a try, here is a basic guide to the process using numbered steps:

1. Fill a bathtub or a large container with hot water.

2. Add a mixture of cleaning agents: borax, washing soda (sodium carbonate), and a laundry detergent of your choice. The common ratio is 1/4 cup of borax, 1/4 cup of washing soda, and 1/2 cup of detergent for every gallon of water.

3. Submerge your clean but dingy-looking towels, sheets, or clothing in the solution.

4. Allow the items to soak until the water has cooled, which could take about four to five hours, occasionally stirring to agitate the water and promote the stripping process.

5. After the soak, remove your items and wring them out. Be prepared for a potentially unsettling sight as the water may have turned a dark color from all the extracted grime.

6. Run the stripped laundry through a normal washing cycle without detergent to rinse away the loosened residue and cleaning solution.

7. Dry your fabrics as usual.

Laundry stripping is not intended for every wash, but rather as an occasional deep cleaning measure. You might want to strip your laundry:

1. If you notice diminished absorbency in towels.

2. When sheets start to feel grimy or have a lingering odor even after washing.

3. If you purchase second-hand clothing or inherit linens and want to freshen them up.

4. For items that have not been cleaned properly for an extended period.

5. To tackle clothing or fabrics that see heavy use and sweat, such as workout gear.

While it can be quite effective, laundry stripping is not suitable for all fabrics. It's advisable to avoid stripping delicate items, clothes with dyes that may bleed, or anything that could be damaged by high temperatures or prolonged exposure to the water solution. Always check the care labels on your textiles before stripping, and when in doubt, test a small area first or consult a professional.

Laundry stripping may sound like a new fad, but it's based on a time-tested principle: that sometimes our belongings need a deep clean to maintain their best condition. While it might not be necessary for every household or every laundry load, incorporating this process occasionally can refresh your fabrics and extend their life. Next time I see my mother-in-law, I'll have to thank her for introducing me to the concept—and maybe swap stories about our laundry stripping results!