AOT swamp water

Those work with dyes -- not sure about minerals. About some Iron Out in the water -- or something like that? Or would that not be safe for the preemies?

How about trying Calgon or some other type of packaged water softener/conditioner? I think it works somewhat on the same principle as Color Catchers, except it traps minerals instead of color.

Of course I can conduct my own experiment and see what happens with just one blanket. I know a hefty glug of white vinegar will help . . . just was hoping one of our rctq knows some mad-chemist magic. Magic? Yes. That's what we want. Polly

Aha. Thank you, Louise. I haven't even Thought of Calgon. ( Except, of course, for 'take me away'). That just might be what these preemie blankets need. Polly

"Louise in Iowa" How about trying Calgon or some other type of packaged water

I agree with Louise as to the water conditioner. We have similar issues here. Don't get the dingy gold's here but also don't get 'clean' laundry without some help. Particularly whites. I use Arm & Hammer washing soda. I think the only thing NOT in our water is salt. And I think we have a high level of unidentifiables. But the washing soda does the trick.

Good luck!

Kim in NJ

By the cold light of day (and after coffee), I remember that we've sort of discussed this before. Maybe I was trying to keep the white in a red/white/blue quilt. I've even gone so far as to locate an online source for Arm & Hammer washing soda. However, that would only solve the washing problem - I'd still have to rinse and the rinse water is going to be minerally/rusty too. Newborns in Need has volunteers who want to participate but do not sew. I'll just tag this stack of blankets with a note that they need to be laundered by somebody with nice water. You choose your battles; I think I'll surrender on this one. Polly

I agree with Louise as to the water conditioner. We have similar issues here. Don't get the dingy gold's here but also don't get 'clean' laundry without some help. Particularly whites. I use Arm & Hammer washing soda. I think the only thing NOT in our water is salt. And I think we have a high level of unidentifiables. But the washing soda does the trick.

Good luck!

Kim in NJ

How I Love this age of communicating. ( My little momma would probably have never turned her computer off.) All I had to do was ask and instantly I had a NIN volunteer who will be happy to handle the white blanket washing. Do you reckon she'd do Mr. Esther's Sunday shirts? LOL Polly

Good plan.

_Most_ dye magnets and the like will also catch particulates in the water. Detergents such as synthrapol will keep most particulates in suspension.

But that is certainly no guarantee that it would help with your water.

Have you thought about a water filter?

NightMist