How to clean laundry stained with discoloured water
The staining of your laundry from discoloured water is due to particles of sediment lodged in the fabric. The stain usually only becomes permanent if the laundry is allowed to dry. It is therefore essential to keep stained laundry immersed in water and call Council for a Cleaning Kit. Do not use bleaching agents. They will only fix the stain and make it worse.
The staining is caused by iron and manganese. The stain is best removed by an acid based cleaning agent. There are several commercial rust removers that are available in the supermarket that work quite well. Follow the instructions provided and always check for colourfastness before use. Alternatively you can contact Council for a free cleaning kit that contains citric acid.
How to use citric acid to remove stains caused by discoloured water
For best removal of stain it is important not to dry clothes. Keep the clothes soaking in water until you have obtained the Cleaning Kit.
Cleaning powders
Included in your Cleaner Kit are two containers of Citric acid.
Safety
Critric acid is classified as a hazardous but non dangerous good. Citric acid is commonly used as a weak acid in foods and beverages and can be purchased in supermarkets however this product should not be consumed.
Please keep these away from children.
The powders can cause irritation if they come into contact with skin or eyes or if they are accidently swallowed. Wear rubber gloves when using the powder and avoid splashing the solution in eyes.
First aid measures
Swallowed - Do not induce vomiting. If vomiting occurs, lean patient forward or place on left side to maintain open airway and prevent aspiration. Observe patient carefully. Never give liquid to a person showing signs of reduced awareness or sleepy. Use water to rince out mouth then provide liquid slowly. Seek medical advice.
Eyes - Wash eye immediately with fresh running water. Ensure complete irrigation of the eye. If pain persist seek medical attention.
Skin - Immediately remove all contaminated clothing. Flush skin and hair in running water. Seek medical attention in event of irritation.
Inhaled - If fumes or combustion products are inhaled, remove from contaminated area.
Citric acid
For use with coloured and white laundry. Test coloured clothes for colourfastness before soaking in citric acid. Use only in a small plastic bucket, not in washing machine or stainless steel tub as scouring may occur.
Mixing and soaking:
- Dissolve contents of one container in a 10 litre bucket of water.
- Soak clothes in the solution for 2 to 12 hours or until stains are removed.
- Rinse in clear water and rewash as normal.
For best result
Agitate clothes regularly during soaking to get the best results.
Rubbing stains will also help. The powders only work on stains caused by the discoloured water and will not remove other stains such as grease, blood or food items. To dispose of the solution when finished, dilute with more water and flush down the drain while running the tap. Rinse clothes in fresh water to remove any residue and wash again as normal to remove any remaining dirt etc. Repeat the soaking procedure if necessary.
