The towels at your house, no matter how clean you think they are, are probably this nasty too. Give Laundry Stripping a Try Your Clothes & Towels are Dirtier Than You Think! DIRECTIONS: 1. Place towels or clothing in a bathtub or top-loader washer and cover with HOT water. 2. Mix Borax, washing soda, and powdered detergent together. Sprinkle the mixture over the contents in the water. 3. Mix the apparel, bedding, and/or towels around in the solution and let soak for 4-6 hours, making sure to mix once every hour for as long as they soak. I actually used the end of a broomstick because my water was too hot to touch! 4. Drain the water and transfer the contents to the washer. Wash and dry laundry like normal, except now you dont have to add more detergent. 5. Enjoy your soft and clean laundry!