Washing clothes when you have iron in your water?

Question

I have iron in my water and when i wash my clothes in the washing machine it turns them a yellowish brown color? Is there anything i can put in the water to keep it from turning my clothes that iron color water? Any advice would be gladly appreciated. Thanks so much.

Answer 1

I also have iron water. for my whites I use a product called " iron out" or "yellow out" they are both the same and work really good. don't use it on clothes that have elastic AND DO NOT USE IT ON COLORED CLOTHES.
For my colors I sometimes add baking soda or calogon water softener.
good luck.

Answer 2

I know what you mean..Unfortunatesly... some water(as you obviouisly have) and also many times, well water is 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 w/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 'oxyclean' and/or 20 Mule Team borax can be added. I'd start w/ 1/4 cup or less until you learn which amount works for your needs.

To the rinse cycle is added same amt 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 w/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... rust/iron spots can form.

Answer 3

First, the orange color in water is iron eating bacteria- not harmful to humans (except ironmen).

Try putting a cup or so of white vinegar in the wash water.
Or, use a water softener. Calgon (sodium hexametaphosphate) works well, but don't try to say it. Get the kind without detergent added.

Answer 4

they sell calgon in the laundry soap isle but it gets costly try mixing arm&hammer powder soap first take the scooper and mix it when the washer is filling then put in your regular soap and what ever else you use it works well.

Answer 5

I usually go with vinegar or oxyclean :)