When stripping clothing, the amount of time needed for soaking depends primarily on the type of fabric, the type of dye or coating used, and how heavily soiled the clothing is. Some general guidelines for soak times when stripping are:
For lightly soiled clothing:
- Natural fibers (cotton, linen, etc.): 30 minutes to 1 hour
- Synthetic fibers (polyester, nylon, etc.): 15-30 minutes
- Delicate fabrics: 15 minutes
For moderately/heavily soiled clothing:
- Natural fibers (cotton, linen, etc.): 1-2 hours
- Synthetic fibers (polyester, nylon, etc.): 30 minutes – 1 hour
- Delicate fabrics: 30 minutes
Factors that determine optimal soak time
When trying to determine the ideal soak time, there are several factors to consider:
Type of Fabric
Natural fibers like cotton and linen will typically need a longer soak time than synthetic fibers like polyester. Natural fibers are more absorbent and allow the stripping agents to fully penetrate and break down buildup. Synthetics don’t absorb as much liquid and need less time to strip.
Weight/Density of Fabric
The heavier and more tightly woven a fabric is, the longer it will need to soak. Lighter weight fabrics like t-shirts may only need 30-60 minutes, while heavy canvas or denim may require 2+ hours.
Type of Dye/Coating
Darker dyed fabrics and those with special coatings or finishes will likely need more time to strip. The additives used to dye or treat the fabric can make it more resistant to stripping agents. Allowing extra soak time gives the solutions more opportunity to work.
Degree of Soiling
Lightly worn clothing with minimal odor, stains or buildup will strip faster than heavily soiled items. Work clothes, athletic wear and clothes worn frequently without washing take longer to strip thoroughly.
Water Temperature
Warm or hot water allows stripping agents to work more quickly than cold water. However, very hot water can damage fabrics, so a warm or mild temperature is ideal for most garments.
Type of Stripping Agents
Stronger stripping solutions with boosters will work more quickly than milder homemade options. But they can also damage fabrics if left to soak too long, so follow directions carefully.
Signs your clothes need more soaking time
If clothes come out of the stripping bath and still seem dingy, smelly or coated with buildup, they likely needed more soak time. Here are some signs your clothes aren’t sufficiently stripped after soaking:
- Fabric looks dull or discolored
- Stains remain visible
- Musty or sour odor persists
- Areas feel stiff, crunchy or sticky
- Clothing is not absorbent or wicks moisture
If your clothes exhibit any of these after soaking, put them back into the stripping bath for at least another 30 minutes to 1 hour. Recheck and repeat if needed until the garments are fully stripped.
Tips for an effective strip soak
Here are some tips to help make sure your clothing gets thoroughly stripped during soaking:
- Check garment tags and use proper water temperature
- Use an appropriate stripping agent for the fabric type
- Add laundry booster for extra cleaning power
- Soak heavily soiled and dark items separately
- Move garments around occasionally while soaking
- Allow extra time for heavy fabrics like jeans or sweatshirts
When to stop soaking
You’ll know clothes are ready to be removed from the stripping bath when:
- Fabric color is restored to original shade
- No more odors or stains are detectable
- Textile feels soft and absorbent again
- No more residue, stiffness or buildup is present
At this point, clothes are fully stripped and ready for washing and drying as usual.
What to do if clothes aren’t stripping
If clothes still seem dingy, smelly or coated with buildup after an adequate soak time, there are a few troubleshooting steps to try:
- Check water temperature – hotter water may help
- Use a stronger stripping agent or add booster
- Soak problem areas separately before washing
- Increase soak time in 30 minute increments
- Hand wash then soak to help remove buildup
For stubborn odors or stains, extended soak times of 5-6 hours may be needed. Scrape off any remaining residue after stripping. Bleach soak can help remove discoloration and brighten whites.
When to avoid long soak times
While most fabrics can safely soak for several hours, there are some exceptions:
- Delicate laces, silks and satins prone to damage
- Spandex, latex, rubber – can break down over time
- Rayon and viscose – may pill or distort
- Trims, beads, embellishments – adhesive may loosen
For these fabrics, limit soak times to 15-30 minutes max and check frequently to avoid damage.
Conclusion
Determining adequate soaking times is an important part of getting clothes thoroughly stripped. Most natural fabrics will need 1-2 hours, while synthetics usually require less time. Check for complete odor and stain removal, restored absorbency and lack of residue. Allowing garments to soak until fully stripped ensures the strip will effectively deep clean and renew your clothing.