Help! I can't use bleach due to iron in well water...

[jensben]

My water softener technician was just here and told me to BEWARE OF BLEACH because our well water has excessive iron in it (the bleach would react with the iron and leave orange spots).

Well, I need bleach! My diapers have ammonia stink!

Anyone have a solution to this problem? I just ordered a new newborn stash and I'm afraid to prep them. Baby's coming soon!

Anyone heard of Iron Out? Would that help?

Sigh.

[The Fancy Pansy]

We have the same issue, although not too severely. I have used bleach in the past and very rarely had staining, but have stopped using it unless "necessary". I use a combo of oxi clean and vinegar instead.

Iron out works wonders on things with iron staining IF they are white. You canNOT use it on anything with colors, or it strips the color right out (way worse than bleach). So if you're just using prefolds or other white diapers, and aren't worried about losing colors, the iron out can be great. We use it to clean out and descale our appliances (washer, dishwasher) and occasionally on our white laundry if we start to notice staining.

[jensben]

Oo that's good to know about Iron Out.

My stash is GMD prefolds and Kissaluv 0s and Mother-Ease onesize. My ME are 10 years old and they are the ones that stink the worst.

Is Oxyclean a good bleach alternative?

[The Fancy Pansy]

I've never had ammonia problems, so I'm afraid I can't help much with that aspect. I have heard of people getting the ammonia remover meant for fish tanks and using that. But I think anything that would disinfect would help (like a oxi clean and vinegar soak). Search for ammonia, and I'm sure you'll find lots of helpful info.