April 7, 20181 found this helpful
Best Answer
You say "Our iron is fine and we have no hard water" so how was that determined? Did you have your water tested?
- Almost all well water will have iron and usually some rust from pipes and it is usually "hard" to some degree.
- I believe you should have your well water tested so you will know exactly what you are dealing with. Your county extension agency will usually do this test. They may or may not charge for this service but they may also have some good suggestions for dealing with this problem.
- Here is a link to find your local agency:
- www.gardeningknowhow.com/.../what-is-extension-service.htm
- Until you find a way to eliminate your "problem" water here are some things to NOT do:
- Do not use any type of chlorine bleach (sets stains)
- Do not "soak" clothes
- Do not use hot water - use cold water only
- Do not use Rust-X - not recommended for clothes
- www.rust-x.com/
- Do not put clothes with stains in dryer
- Things to try: (try only one solution at a time)
- add detergent (maybe half of usual amount), add 1/3-1/2 cup each of white vinegar and baking soda - start washer to mix - add clothes and wash in cold water. Add some amount to second rinse.
- Add 1/2 cup of Whisk Iron-Out (Walmart type store) and wash with 1/2 detergent.
- Add 1/2 cup Oxyclean to wash water and wash with cold water.
- Add 1/2 cup Borax and wash as usual.
- Add 1/2 cup Liquid Plumber to wash water, mix well and wash as usual.
- Always add 1/2-1 cup vinegar and maybe 1/4 cup baking soda to final rinse.
- Any one of these solutions may help your stained clothes and keep away new stains (if clothes with old stains were not washed with bleach or dried in dryer).
- What your well water is doing to your hair and body is another matter.
You may have to buy a water softener but if you do, be sure it will take care of this problem as many types do not.
I have well water and for some reason when I wash my clothes I am getting large reddish brown blotches on my clothing! I can't figure out why. Our iron is fine and we have no hard water so what could cause this? See picture attached.
