Ways to Neutralize Chlorine in Wash Water

February 23, 2009 by Debra Lynn Dadd

Question from Marie

I think we just figured out that my teenager with MCS is very sensitive to the chlorine in our municipal water (used for washing clothes, of course). We are at a temporary location. When we find a place to move to, I planned on getting a whole house filter system which I have not researched yet. (We have been just using Brita for drinking and my son says I have to get something better NOW. I do have a chlorine filter on the shower.) Is there something we can do with the wash water for now?? Please offer any suggestions (Help!!). Thanks!! 

Debra's Answer

If it's chlorine and not chloramine, you can get any carbon "undersink" filter and install it wherever you can in the pipe that leads to the washing machine. You can buy these filters at any home improvement store.

A reader with a similar issue shared the following advice, “We have had the same problem when living in rentals between houses. My husband has tried the Vitamin C tabs from Vitashower ; you need to put them in both the wash water and the rinse water, but he says they help. 

We also have one of the washing machine chlorine filters from Sante for Health that you install at the washer lines… we have not used it yet as we twisted the landlord’s arm to install a whole-house system (at our expense).