Some laundry is too far gone for a regular wash cycle to handle on its own. I’m talking about:
- greasy work clothes
- garage and farm clothes
- red clay and mud stains
- deep sweat and body odor
- kids’ sports uniforms
- pet bedding and nasty blankets
That’s when you bring in a pre-soak — a simple, heavy-duty soaking solution that loosens dirt, grease, stink, and stains before the wash cycle even starts. This is not a cleaner for surfaces. This is a laundry detergent step that helps save clothes that would otherwise go in the trash.
Important Safety Notes
- Do NOT mix this with chlorine bleach. Ever.
- Do not use on wool, silk, leather, or anything labeled “dry clean only.”
- Check care labels and test on dark or bright colors if you’re unsure.
- Always wash after soaking. Do not soak and then hang without washing.
Basic Heavy-Duty Laundry Pre-Soak
Ingredients (Per Gallon of Water)
- 1 gallon very warm or hot water (as hot as the fabric can handle)
- 2 tablespoons washing soda
- 2 tablespoons oxygen bleach powder (sodium percarbonate)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon liquid dish soap for very greasy items
Instructions
- Fill a bucket, sink, tub, or large basin with very warm to hot water.
- Stir in washing soda until dissolved.
- Add oxygen bleach and stir again.
- Add a teaspoon of dish soap if clothing is extra greasy.
- Submerge clothes completely, making sure everything is underwater.
- Soak for 30 minutes to 4 hours depending on how bad the load is.
- After soaking, transfer clothes to the washing machine and wash as usual with your regular detergent.
For extremely nasty loads (farm clothes, mechanic uniforms, garage rags), dump the pre-soak water, refill with fresh water, and then wash. Don’t reuse filthy soak water.
Pre-Soak for Odor and Sweat
For stink that won’t die (armpits, gym clothes, teen socks, musty towels), use this version.
Ingredients (Per Gallon)
- 1 gallon warm water
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 2 tablespoons washing soda
- 2 tablespoons oxygen bleach powder
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in warm water until dissolved.
- Add smelly clothes, socks, or towels.
- Soak 1–3 hours.
- Wash on hot (if safe for fabric) with your regular detergent.
Pre-Soak for Clay, Mud & Ground-In Dirt
Perfect for kids’ sports uniforms, jeans, work pants, and outdoor clothes.
Ingredients (Per Gallon)
- 1 gallon hot water
- 2 tablespoons washing soda
- 1 tablespoon dish soap
Instructions
- Let mud dry and brush off as much as possible first.
- Dissolve washing soda and dish soap in hot water.
- Soak clothes 1–2 hours.
- Wash on warm or hot with your regular detergent.
When Not to Pre-Soak
- Do not pre-soak delicate fabrics like silk, wool, cashmere, or “dry clean only” items.
- Do not soak items with metal trims that may rust in water.
- Do not soak leather or faux leather.
The Bottom Line
A good pre-soak is the difference between “this is ruined” and “I can’t believe that came clean.” Use it on your worst loads: farm, garage, work, sports, and anything that smells like it could walk away on its own. It’s simple, cheap, and saves clothes from the trash pile.
Copyright AngryHousewives.club
Safety Note: I am NOT a medical professional. Please research ingredients, check for allergies, and confirm pet safety. Use gently and at your discretion.
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