diff --git a/slothy/helper.py b/slothy/helper.py
index 016b7576..1ab47866 100644
--- a/slothy/helper.py
+++ b/slothy/helper.py
@@ -83,7 +83,7 @@ def tag_callback(g):
         return s
 
     def _strip_comments(self):
-        self._comments = list(map(str.strip, self._comments))
+        self._comments = list(map(str.lstrip, self._comments))
 
     def _trim_comments(self):
         self._strip_comments()