Ever wondered how we keep our tradie shirts looking as good as new? Well here is our secret strip washing method.
Maintaining a professional appearance and looking presentable is essential in any workplace. Many people have been curious about how we keep our work shirts looking brand new.
The secret to keeping work shirts clean and crisp is by following a strict laundry routine
First, sort your laundry by colour and material.
Use the correct washing cycle and detergent to ensure the shirt is thoroughly cleaned without causing any damage to the fabric.
After washing, hang or lay the shirt flat to dry.
Be sure to iron your shirt on a low temperature to avoid damaging it.
Additionally, it’s important to store your shirt properly to prevent wrinkles and to maintain its quality.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to keep your work shirts looking sharp and professional all day long!
Strip Washing
Sometimes people use baths for strip washing. But we have a neat trick for cleaning clothes that doesn’t require a bathtub!
Instead, we use the laundry sink or a big bucket.
Method
Mix 1/4 cup of Borax,
1/4 cup of washing soda
1/2 cup of washing powder in hot water.
Once everything has dissolved,
Add clothes and let them soak until the water turns cold – usually overnight
While this isn’t something you need to do all the time (just about once a month), it’s great for those tough-to-clean garments like work shirts. Just take a look at how much grime came off after just ten minutes in the mixture.
Plus, they come out smelling fresher too. Give this strip-washing technique a try if you haven’t already!
Alternatives to strip washing
Hot Water Soak
Hot water soaking with sodium percarbonate, also known as oxygen bleach, can be a great way to clean or brighten up fabrics and other materials.
This simple and effective method involves mixing a few tablespoons of oxygen bleach in a tub or basin of hot water and letting items soak for an hour or so.
The bleach works by breaking down stains and grime, leaving items looking fresh and clean.
However, it’s important to note that this method may not be suitable for delicate fabrics or items that could be damaged by bleach.
As with any cleaning method, it’s always best to test on a small, inconspicuous area before diving in.
Overall, hot water soaking with oxygen bleach can be a quick and easy way to refresh items and give them a new lease on life!
Napisan
Taking care of clothing, especially those that are dear to us, requires a considerable amount of effort.
Workwear t-shirts are no exception, but with the right approach, it can be a breeze!
One helpful way to keep clothes clean and smelling fresh is by soaking them in a solution, like Napisan, overnight.
This penetrates the fibres and helps lift out stains and odours that may have accumulated over time.
Afterwards, a thorough wash is necessary to ensure the clothes are completely clean. While there are more intense methods out there, such as hand-washing and dry-cleaning, this approach is relatively easy and can be done from the comfort of your own home.
Taking good care of clothing is essential in keeping them in good condition and prolonging their lifespan. Trust us; your clothes will thank you for it!
Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used as a disinfectant and it turns out it also has some household uses.
Using it as a pre-wash spray can be a great way to brighten up your whites and remove stains. It’s best to mix one part hydrogen peroxide and one part water, then pour it into a spray bottle.
Simply spray it on the stain and let it sit for a few minutes before washing it as usual. This method is especially useful for removing tough stains like blood or wine from clothes. Hydrogen peroxide can also be used as a natural cleaner around the house.
It’s a safe and effective alternative to chemical cleaners that are often harsh and full of toxic ingredients. Consider using it to clean your bathroom, kitchen or even your dirty laundry!
Sard
When it comes to cleaning clothes, using the right products and techniques can make all the difference.
Sard powder combined with a small amount of detergent is a powerful cleaning solution for tough stains and dirt.
Simply soak the garment in the mixture until the water has cooled. This will allow the solution to penetrate the fibers of the fabric, breaking up and dissolving any dirt or stains. It’s important to note that this technique should only be used on fabrics that are sturdy enough to withstand soaking.
Additionally, proper storage and handling of cleaning products is crucial for the safety of both you and your family. By taking the time to understand the best cleaning practices, you can ensure your clothes come out clean and fresh without any damage or harm to your health.
What temperature should the water be for washing hi-vis clothing?
The temperature of the water used when washing hi-vis clothing is a crucial factor to consider if you want to effectively remove stains. While it may be tempting to opt for hot water, it’s actually better to use lukewarm water.
This is because hot water can weaken the fabric and damage the reflective tape that’s often used on hi-vis clothing.
Over time, this can cause the clothing to lose its gloss and effectiveness. It’s important to note that when washing hi-vis clothing, the goal is not only to remove stains but also to preserve the clothing’s reflective properties.
The reflective tape is what makes the clothing visible in low-light conditions, so it’s critical to keep it in good condition. So, when washing hi-vis clothing, use lukewarm water and a gentle detergent.
Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach that could damage the fabric or reflective tape. Finally, hang the clothing to dry instead of using a dryer, as excessive heat can also damage the clothing. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your hi-vis clothing stays in good condition for as long as possible and continues to offer the safety benefits that it was designed for.
Strip washing FAQs
So, is strip washing different from soaking clothes?
Laundry stripping is a highly effective method to clean and refresh your clothes and linens. Over time, clothes and linens can accumulate detergent, hard water, fabric softener, and body oils that can build up and cause them to feel stiff, dull, or even cause skin irritation.
Laundry stripping involves soaking your clothes and linens in a solution that removes all these buildup and leaves them looking and feeling like new!
The process may seem daunting at first, but with some simple ingredients like sodium borate, sodium carbonate, powdered detergent, hot water, and a tub, you can strip your laundry with ease.
It’s important to follow the right steps and use the right recipe to achieve the best results. The best part about laundry stripping is that you can do it in the comfort of your own home, and it’s a great way to save money and reduce waste by extending the life of your clothes and linens.
What is washing soda?
Laundry stripping is a process that involves soaking clothes in a solution to remove build-up and residue. It’s a simple yet effective way to refresh and renew clothes that have been worn and washed repeatedly. The general ratio for the laundry stripping recipe is 2 parts powdered detergent, 1 part Borax and 1 part washing soda.
For most laundry stripping in standard size tubs, follow this recipe:
¼ cup ARM & HAMMER Super Washing Soda or Lectric Washing Soda.
¼ cup Borax.
This solution is mixed with hot water to create a powerful cleaning agent that can remove even the toughest stains and odours. It’s important to remember that laundry stripping should only be done once in a while and not on a regular basis as it can damage clothes if done too often.
With this simple recipe, you can easily give your clothes a fresh start and extend their lifespan.
