If you've got dingy, scratchy, dull sheets and towels, this article is for you. The experts at Heritage Park compare two methods for removing dingy buildup on sheets and towels -- laundry stripping and washing with vinegar and then baking soda -- and evaluate the pros and cons of each.

The Heritage Park team lives and breathes all things laundry. And when the laundry room becomes the center of a hot viral trend, you can bet we're all in. Today we're looking back at one phenomenon that took hold during the 2020 pandemic lockdowns: laundry stripping. As Americans found themselves homebound, our TikTok and Instagram feeds were packed with deep cleaning videos. Our phones were awash with images of bathtubs filled with grimy brown water lifted from sheets, towels, and clothing. Even conscientious housekeepers who thought they had a solid laundry routine going were intrigued by the amount of residue their "clean laundry" harbored.

Five years later, life has returned to something approaching normal, and laundry stripping has gone mainstream. But is it the best -- or safest -- way to remove buildup and dirt from home linens? Our team takes a close look at this dirty (and admittedly satisfying) technique and compares it to a gentler protocol that may be a better option. For purposes of our discussion, we will focus on home linens such as sheets and bath towels.

Why You Should Deep Clean Your Bedding and Towels

It seems counterintuitive, but even with regular washing, residue can build up on sheets and towels. Sometimes it's excess detergent that doesn't rinse away, leaving a film that traps dirt and body oils as well as creams, lotions and hair products. This problem often starts with using too much detergent in modern, high-efficiency washing machines; these require far less soap than traditional models. Using too much soap creates a cycle of buildup that's hard to remove through normal laundering. Products like fabric softener and scent boosters exacerbate the problem (see below for more on fabric softener).

It's not just our laundry habits that cause build-up: Calcium, magnesium, and other mineral deposits from hard water bind to fabrics, leaving a scale-like residue that can trap other contaminants (sometimes leaving visible marks on fabric). Even copper from pipes and sediment from well water play a part. The result? Dull, dingy sheets and scratchy, stiff towels that lose their absorbency.

Laundry Stripping: A Serious Solution for Removing Buildup

Removing buildup with laundry stripping is an involved procedure. The laundry stripping recipe is straightforward but powerful: combine Borax (a mineral salt used for cleaning), washing soda (sodium carbonate, also known as soda ash), and powdered laundry detergent in very hot water (usually in a bathtub).

A sample laundry stripping recipe calls for:

• 1/4 cup powdered detergent (free of additives)
• 1/4 cup washing soda
• 1/4 cup Borax
• Very hot water
• A large tub or clean bathtub
• 4-6 hours of soaking time plus a wash cycle after.

This recipe creates an alkaline stripping solution that penetrates deep into fabric fibers and releases what can be a shocking amount of dirt, buildup, and grime.

The Pros of Laundry Stripping

When you strip laundry properly, the results are dramatic. The process removes not just excess detergent but also mineral deposits, body oils, cosmetic products, and fabric softener residue. This method is particularly effective as a stain remover and for reviving white sheets that have become dull over time.

The Cons of Laundry Stripping

The laundry stripping method is time-consuming and requires constant attention. While the dirty water proves the process is working, it also means you'll need to monitor and stir the items frequently. This intensive cleaning method isn't suitable for all fabrics and can be especially harsh on delicate items or dark colors. The process also uses a significant amount of hot water and chemicals that can irritate skin and eyes.

Vinegar and Baking Soda Wash: A Gentle Two-Step Process

For anyone seeking a gentler alternative to strip laundry, the solution is as close as your pantry: using vinegar and baking soda in separate wash cycles. This approach helps remove excess detergent without the need for intensive soaking.

The process is simple:

• First wash: Add 1 cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle; wash in hot.
• Second wash: Add 1/2 cup of baking soda; wash in hot.
• Skip laundry detergent for both cycles.

Remember: never mix vinegar and baking soda directly, as they neutralize each other's cleaning power.

The Pros of Vinegar and Baking Soda

This method is perfect for maintaining clean laundry, particularly for refreshing bath towels without the need for harsh chemicals. While you won't see the dramatic dirty water that laundry stripping produces, you will absolutely notice improved freshness and softness. The process uses less hot water than traditional stripping but requires running two separate wash cycles. It's particularly effective for regular maintenance of workout clothes and towels that tend to develop odors despite regular washing with laundry soap.

The Cons of Vinegar and Baking Soda

The drawbacks to this approach are the small inconvenience of having to run two loads of laundry and the fact that vinegar and baking soda are not quite as effective for stain removal as stripping.

Comparing Laundry Stripping to Vinegar/Baking Soda Wash Protocol

A word of caution: Laundry stripping is an intense process that involves chemicals, including Borax, so think twice before using it on luxury towels and bedding. "When it comes to luxury towels, we always recommend gentle care with a pH-neutral detergent," said Erika Smith, Brand Manager of luxury home linens retailer, Fine Linen and Bath. "In almost every case, you will be able to remove dinginess and buildup from bath towels or cotton sheets with the vinegar and baking soda method. Subjecting luxury home linens to harsh chemicals is not something we would suggest."

NEVER Use Fabric Softeners or Dryer Sheets

Fabric buildup issues frequently stem from using too much detergent or fabric softeners or dryer sheets. These products should be avoided at all costs; fabric softeners and dryer sheets leave residue that builds up over time, making it harder to maintain truly clean laundry. These products leave a waxy coating on fabric that quickly makes towels less absorbent and turns white sheets dingy; they also leave a waxy film inside your washer and dryer. To naturally soften laundry and speed drying time, consider using a set of natural wool dryer balls.

Prevent Buildup with Heritage Park Laundry Detergents

The best way to avoid needing intensive cleaning methods is to prevent buildup in the first place. Use the correct amount of laundry detergent for your machine type, avoid fabric softeners, and consider occasional maintenance cleaning with the vinegar and baking soda method. Most importantly, choose a gentle, pH-neutral detergent like Heritage Park All-Purpose Laundry Detergent or Heritage Park Silk and Wool Detergent for regular cleaning. The concentrated, plant-based formula requires just a capful to clean a load, and rinses away completely, leaving your laundry fresh and clean.

Of course, even with the very best detergents, hard water and pipes can still lead to build up over time. If your towels or sheets become dingy, we recommend beginning with the gentler vinegar and baking soda approach, which is less drastic and has less potential to damage your home linens.

As always, our team is here to answer any questions you have about our products or laundry care in general. Please give us a call or drop an email. We are happy to help.

Frequently Ask Questions

Can I mix vinegar and baking soda?

This is not a good idea. Mixing vinegar (acid) and baking soda (alkaline) reduces the effectiveness of each as they “cancel” one another out. Wash first with vinegar, then again with baking soda.

Does laundry stripping work?

Yes, it does work but it is time consuming and uses quite a bit of water.

What items should not be laundry stripped?

Do not strip anything delicate like silk, wool, or lace; anything brightly or dark colored; or anything that needs dry cleaning.

How often can I strip laundry?

Stripping laundry can be a bit hard on fabric and should be kept to six-month intervals, at minimum. However, you can use the vinegar wash, baking soda wash method any time your towels need a refresh.