While traditional laundry stripping offers effective results, its reliance on harsh chemicals can lead to fabric damage over time. This article introduces an innovative, gentler pretreating method that achieves the same brilliant freshness and cleanliness by tackling buildup and stains safely. Learn how to revitalize your laundry and extend the life of your garments with expert techniques from InktasticMerch.
In recent years, the fascinating trend known as “laundry stripping” has gained significant attention. This technique employs bleach and other potent laundry chemicals to thoroughly eliminate buildup, stains, and dullness from your linens and clothes, providing them with a brighter, refreshing appearance. However, while this method shows results, the harshness of traditional laundry stripping can lead to fabric damage over time.
At The Laundress, we take a different approach to revitalizing your laundry. We refer to our method as pretreating, a gentle process that prepares your fabrics before washing to effectively remove stains while preserving their quality. This technique, which we have honed over nearly two decades, achieves the same brilliantly clean and fluffy results as traditional laundry stripping — without the excessive wear and tear. Below, discover our method and how you can transform your clothing with our effective techniques.
Why Is Pretreating Essential?
Over time, your fabrics can collect residues from detergents, fabric softeners, body oils, sweat, and minerals found in hard water. These buildups contribute to a less absorbent feel, diminished freshness, and an overall dingy appearance. Instead of discarding these items or subjecting them to harsh laundry stripping techniques, you can breathe new life into them through regular pretreatment. This not only extends their lifespan but also brings back their original brightness, freshness, and softness by utilizing our updated Laundress formulas. A crucial aspect of enhancing your laundry routine from pre-treatment to drying is to avoid overusing concentrated laundry products, which can lead to buildup in the first place.
If your schedule is tight and you can’t pretreat with every wash, stay tuned for our tips at the end on achieving great results simply through washing.
What Products Should You Use?
Stain Solution: This powerful formula targets both new and old stains from various sources, including stubborn underarm marks, coffee, tea, wine, ink, tomato sauce, salad dressing, and grass.
Stain Brush: An essential tool for effectively working the Stain Solution into your fabrics. This brush is gentle yet effective, designed to reach every nook and cranny for optimal stain removal.
Whites Detergent: Our multi-purpose detergent meets the everyday cleaning needs of items like sheets, towels, and t-shirts. It not only brightens but also cleans thoroughly, focusing on tough stains, dirt, and grease on white and light-colored fabrics.
How To Pretreat Everyday Fabrics
Follow these easy steps every couple of weeks to rejuvenate your clothes and linens, giving them a like new look and feel.
Ideal For: Towels, bedding, bathrobes, activewear, t-shirts, and uniforms made from cotton, polyester, and other durable synthetics.
Steps for Pretreating:
Begin by applying the Stain Solution directly onto areas prone to buildup, such as underarm regions, collars, cuffs, or the center of pillowcases. Use the Stain Brush to gently scrub and work the solution into the fabric.
For enhanced effectiveness, fill a tub or wash basin with hot water and let the items soak for 1-2 hours before laundering.
After pretreating, wash the items on a normal or deep clean cycle with the Whites Detergent. This powerful formula requires only a small amount for effective cleaning.
Finally, tumble dry the items, and enjoy impeccably clean, fluffy fabrics once more.
