Deep Cleaning Linens

We have had a few questions about how we deep clean our kitchen linens since posting about it in the newsletter a few weeks ago, so we thought it worthwhile to make a blog post for all of you. I don't know if this is the best method out there, it is just what we have tried that works well for us.

How to Deep Clean Linens:

  • Heat water in a large stockpot. (We do not measure an exact amount, we just put in how much water we need for what we are going to clean - approximately half of the stockpot.)
  • Add approximately 1/2 c. of baking soda.
  • Add linens when the water nears boiling temperature. (It works best if there is room for the linens to move in the pot. Too many linens at a time will decrease the efficacy a bit.)
  • Use a spoon to move the linens around to make sure they are completely wet.
  • Keep water on high or med-high for at least ten minutes, stirring frequently, to make sure the fabric is agitated and can release the oils. (The water needs to be hot, but does not have to boil during this time.)
  • Keep heat on. Add 1/2 c. of white vinegar and a splash of hydrogen peroxide, stir, and allow to soak for another 5 to 10 minutes, agitating frequently.
  • Pour water out and wring the dirty water out of the linens. 
  • Toss wet linens in the wash and run through a hot water cycle.
  • Dry as you normally would.

We have tried this with kitchen linens, pillowcases, and even shirts - all with good success. A stockpot would not be big enough for sheets, but I have heard of people doing a variation of this in the bathtub. We have not yet tried it, so we cannot speak to its success. It does seem like it might be worth trying, though.

After seeing how well this works, we began to see why the pioneers would boil water for laundry. You can't beat hot water for releasing oils from your linens and clothing.

Why Deep Clean Linens?

Deep cleaning your linens helps to increase the longevity of your linens. Washing linens regularly in hot water helps, but sometimes they need a bit more help. We have taken stiff, oily linens and deep cleaned them in this manner. It has refreshed the fabric, made the linens softer, and reduced odors. It has allowed use to keep our linens longer and avoid having to purchase new linens so frequently.

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