Does anybody have any great tips for washing clothes with well water that has iron? Please help. My clothes are being ruined.
Becky for WV
Try using a rust remover in your wash. Never use bleach as it sets the rust into your clothes. There are several brands of rust removers out there in the laundry section of the store. "Rust out" and RIT has a rust remover. I use borax or Washing Soda for my whites. (08/09/2004)
By Dee
The only sure-fire way to prevent it is to get a water filter for your washer. I used to have so much iron in my water in Alaska (I wasn't doing laundry with it) my future husband complimented me on the beautiful red highlights in my hair. It took two $50 applications of chelation at the beauty parlor to get the iron out of my hair. I had to wash my hair with bottled water from that time on. It wasn't just the red color though; it was the fact that my hair was cracking off and being destroyed. (08/09/2004)
By Allison
I searched for an answer and I found out that a product called Iron Out is what people are using. I hear it smells horrible, but it works. (08/10/2004)
By Lisa
My mom uses the Iron Out. It has a weird smell but it doesn't stay on your clothes. I've used it to brighten up my whites and it works great. When I lived in an apartment that had a lot of iron in the water my hair also turned red. I used just a dab of Dawn dish soap once a month to wash my hair then conditioned it well. It took care of the problem. My hair dresser told me to do this, it also takes the build up of gels and hairsprays off your hair. (08/14/2004)
By Amy
Our water was red straight from the sink. My daughter and I had our blonde hair turning orange! We finally installed a rather expensive water softener in the house to take care of the problem. We are still having to deal with the sulfur smell and taste in the water. (08/15/2004)
By 1nascargal
Well water here is also orange from iron. For the clothes, allow the water to run until it runs clear. Expect to drain that water from the washer. Then, along with my detergent, in goes 1/3-1/2 cup each of white vinegar and baking soda. For clothes that are more soiled, a bit of Oxi-Clean and/or 20 Mule Team borax can be added. I'd start with a 1/4 cup or less until you learn which amount works for your needs.
To the rinse cycle is added the same amount of baking soda and vinegar, plus scented clothes softener. The water here smells, especially once the water is heated. To avoid setting in iron stains, I've had to use cold water only for both cycles.
From experience I've learned that detergents labeled for use only with warm or hot water works just as well in cold. There's no need to buy detergent made specifically for cold water, save your money.
If there's grease that needs to be removed, Dawn detergent works well. You can pour some onto the greasy spots. You might have to rewash the clothes. With the iron-based water, I've learned NOT to let the clothes remain in the water any longer than needed, as rust/iron spots can form. (10/14/2006)
By gator
I live in the country and we have well water. I don't drink it as it smells horrible (rotten eggs). Most of my whites have turned yellow. I read on this site to use Iron Out. Well, it works! "Use only on white clothing." For my colors I use a blend of vinegar and baking soda, that has helped my clothes smell much better. Thanks for the advice! (07/03/2007)
By Marsha
We have a lot of iron in our water and it stains everything! I have found that using 20 Team Mule Borax keeps it out of our clothes. I use a 1/2 cup for a large load. I use The Works on our shower, tub, and sinks and it takes it right out without scrubbing. And I use Lysol Power toilet bowl cleaner and that takes care of that.
But, it is turning my hair red! I have dark blonde hair and have noticed red streaks throughout it lately. My husband actually commented on how nice it looked and asked me if I colored it recently. Lol! Well, I guess at least it's not ruining it. I do think the water is drying my hair out though. I have naturally curly/wavy hair and I've noticed that I'm having to deep condition it more often since moving here over a month ago. (10/28/2007)
By Janna
I have iron in my well water and get those awful iron-orange spots. I use Whink to treat the spots. Works great. But I wish I didn't have the problem. (05/09/2008)
By Jean R.
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