Hard water/laundry issue

[so lucky]

We have lots of calcium in our water from a public water system. Horrible stuff. After a while, the calcium keeps the detergent from getting the oils out of the dirty laundry, and the kichen towels, particularly, get an "old grease" sour smell even when freshly laundered. I decided to make my own laundry detergent using the formula found here on SS. At the last minute, I decided to add some Lemi-shine that I use in the dishwasher for white cloudy calcium buildup on the glasses. It foamed up, like a fourth grade volcano experiment, then settled down. Then I had the thought: the acid in the Lemi-shine released some of the oxygen in the washing soda. Is that going to nullify the effectiveness of the detergent? Did I create a monster? By the way, Lemi-shine is getting really hard to find. I read somewhere that using unsweetened lemon Kool-aid in the dishwasher works as well. It doesn't work quite as well, but better than nothing, and it costs 9 cents per load.:/ How do you all handle hard water? I know vinegar works, but is kind of a pain to do.

 

[Wifezilla]

You can try adding salt to your home made detergent. I have done that with a dry formula.

 

[so lucky]

Ah! that is one thing I hadn't thought of. And salt is so good for so many things. Thanks!

 

[Wifezilla]

Sounds like we both have the same type of crappy water

 

[Marianne]

I also have that crappy water - we have private wells. Vinegar seems to be working the best for me. I use it in the fabric softener cup in the washer, use the 'soak' feature and then the shortest wash cycle.
I also use it in the jet dry compartment of my dishwasher.

The really good thing about using vinegar is that it keeps all the crud from building up in the lines of your machines.

Where our daughter lives, they have a high iron content in the city water. A couple years ago, the city put in a new water treatment center. Now they don't have the iron to fight, but dishcloths, etc have that weird smell when they have been wet for a while. She uses purchased, name brand detergent.

I never heard of Lemi-shine, but I have heard of the koolaid thing. Once in a great while I'll soak things in Cascade water in the sink or a bucket if they get so bad that it's embarassing. I may try adding salt now, too.

 

[kcsunshine]

How much salt? I've got the same water. I use vinegar in the rinse, but my kitchen towels are just horrible. I hide my good ones from the hubby cause he'll grab a kitchen towel for anything.

 

[Wifezilla]

Your going to have to experiment unfortunately.

 

[kcsunshine]

Now that's a bummer - I like things all laid out and preplanned for my use.

 

[so lucky]

Now that's a bummer - I like things all laid out and preplanned for my use.

Ha! I agree! sometimes it seems my brain is so full, I can't make one more decision!!!

 

[Marianne]

How much salt? I've got the same water. I use vinegar in the rinse, but my kitchen towels are just horrible. I hide my good ones from the hubby cause he'll grab a kitchen towel for anything.

No Kidding! I couldn't figure out why the dish towels were looking worse all the time. Then I saw hubby wiping up a dribble of spilled coffee and then hanging the towel back up to dry....bless his little retarded heart.....