My mother-in-law keeps talking about ‘laundry stripping’ but I have no idea what it is. You know?

During one of our family gatherings, my mother-in-law mentioned, in passing, that she was dedicating her weekend to “laundry stripping” her household linens. The term caught my attention but slid into the background amidst the bustling room of conversation.
However, later, while sorting through my less-than-fresh smelling towels and bedding, the phrase echoed in my mind, and curiosity got the better of me. What exactly is laundry stripping? Is it a necessary cleaning process, or simply a satisfying ritual for the detail-oriented homemaker?
What is Laundry Stripping?
Laundry stripping is a thorough method of washing linens and other fabrics to remove built-up residue that regular washing can leave behind. Over time, our fabrics can accumulate a range of uninvited guests: oils, skin cells, hard water minerals, detergents, and fabric softeners can leave a film on textiles that not only dull their appearance but can also affect their cleanliness and smell. The process involves a long soak in a hot water solution made with specific cleaning agents that draw out these impurities, leaving your fabrics in a revitalized and more hygienic state.
How is it Done?
If you’re considering giving laundry stripping a try, here is a basic guide to the process using numbered steps:
1. Fill a bathtub or a large container with hot water.
2. Add a mixture of cleaning agents: borax, washing soda (sodium carbonate), and a laundry detergent of your choice. The common ratio is 1/4 cup of borax, 1/4 cup of washing soda, and 1/2 cup of detergent for every gallon of water.
3. Submerge your clean but dingy-looking towels, sheets, or clothing in the solution.
4. Allow the items to soak until the water has cooled, which could take about four to five hours, occasionally stirring to agitate the water and promote the stripping process.
5. After the soak, remove your items and wring them out. Be prepared for a potentially unsettling sight as the water may have turned a dark color from all the extracted grime.
6. Run the stripped laundry through a normal washing cycle without detergent to rinse away the loosened residue and cleaning solution.
7. Dry your fabrics as usual.