Hi friends! This week I am sharing my process for natural cleaning when it comes to thrifted linens, fabrics, and clothing. The products I use are safe and nontoxic, and they do a great job of sanitizing and removing stains!
NATURAL CLEANING: HOW TO CLEAN THRIFTED LINENS
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I use the following steps to clean and sanitize any type of linen that is thrifted- whether it be clothing, curtains, sewing fabrics, pillow covers, blankets, etc. I do want to note that I try not purchase anything that is heavily soiled. I try to always make sure the items I am purchasing are in relatively good condition.
Natural Cleaning: SOAKING
The first thing I do is soak the item in the bathtub or our sink. I LOVE Molly Suds Oxygen Whitener, but always always always test a small, inconspicuous spot before entirely soaking. Molly Suds is completely nontoxic, and it does such a GREAT job of whitening and brightening. You can use it on white or color linens. I usually soak my linens for a few hours and depending on how dirty the water is, I will either rinse and soak again (or as many times as needed until the water isn’t dirty anymore), or I will move it to the wash.
Natural Cleaning: REMOVING STAINS
After I have soaked my linens, I always check them over. If there is a dirty spot that is still very prominent, I will use a stain remover. The one I use is by Puracy. I do want to note that this one doesn’t have the best rating on EWG. This is due to the Sodium Borate (Borax) it contains. I have researched on my own about Borax, and I am personally okay with using it in natural cleaning. Here is an article for you to read, and you can research more/come to your own conclusions. I will say, out of all the natural stain removers I have used, this one is the absolute best. It works just as well as Shout Stain Remover, and once again, it’s not toxic (I guess depending on what you are comfortable with).
Natural Cleaning: LAUNDERING
Next, I wash all my linens twice. I currently use a nontoxic, homemade laundry detergent. If you aren’t interested in making your own, I have tried a few other nontoxic detergents that I would recommend. Molly Suds is great for nontoxic, powder detergent. For liquid, I love Branch Basics or Puracy. I usually get the nonscented version. But I’ll be honest and tell you that I love having laundry that smells nice. I like to add a few drops of organic essential oils to it.
When washing, I also add a 1/3-1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar in the fabric softener or bleach tray for sanitizing. My clothes have never came out smelling like vinegar, so don’t be afraid to add a little to the wash!
Once washed, I prefer to hang all my items out to dry. The sun is a natural bleaching and sanitizing agent, so I prefer to use a clothesline when possible. If not, I love to use wool dryer balls with orange and lavender essential oil drops on them to leave behind a soft scent.
Natural Cleaning: PRESSING
I generally use a steamer to press my linens. However, occasionally I do use the iron on a low heat setting to press my linens.
I hope you found today’s post to be informative and helpful! I love sharing ways to clean without the use of harsh chemicals!
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