Autotrol Faded, Stiff Laundry System

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Step 1: Differentiating Faded Laundry from Other Common Laundry Issues

Many households notice fabric wear and fading but confuse this with issues like fabric shrinking or detergent residue. Faded laundry specifically refers to the gradual loss of color vibrancy and fabric brightness after repeated washing. This phenomenon is linked primarily to water quality, which can affect the interaction between water, detergents, and fabrics, unlike shrinking or residue buildup that result from water temperature or detergent formula.

Step 2: How Water Constituents Reach Groundwater in Waukesha County's Aquifer 110QRNR

The water in Waukesha County is drawn from aquifer 110QRNR, which is replenished through natural processes such as precipitation infiltration and surface water percolation. Minerals naturally present in soils and rocks dissolve over time, entering this aquifer system. The U.S. Geological Survey's sampling between 2010 and 2021 found consistent levels of calcium and magnesium compounds, commonly measured as a concentration of dissolved minerals, in wells 17 to 49 feet deep across this region. These constituents affect how water interacts with household fabrics during laundry.

Step 3: Understanding Certified Laboratory Tests for Water Constituents and Their Reading

When testing water for laundry concerns, a certified lab measures total dissolved solids including calcium and magnesium, reported as a concentration in milligrams per liter (mg/L). In Waukesha County's aquifer 110QRNR, 17 samples from 8 wells showed a median concentration of 520 mg/L, ranging from 368 to 942 mg/L. These figures are well within federal thresholds and do not indicate any health risks. They provide a regional baseline for water quality but do not establish any individual well’s conditions, which require personal testing.

Step 4: Fixtures and Laundry Processes Most Affected by These Water Constituents

Water with higher levels of dissolved calcium and magnesium can reduce detergent effectiveness, causing fabrics to appear dull and colors to fade faster. Washing machines, especially in households using cold water cycles or eco-friendly detergents, experience this impact more noticeably. Repeated exposure to such water constituents can lead to fabric stiffness and color fading observed on garments, linens, and towels over time.

Step 5: How the Autotrol Faded, Stiff Laundry System Addresses Laundry Fading

The Autotrol Faded, Stiff Laundry System is developed to counteract the effects of dissolved minerals in water. It conditions water by neutralizing these constituents, enhancing detergent performance and preserving fabric color and softness. This system ships ready to configure, making it accessible for residential use to protect household laundry against fading without requiring additional components or modifications.

Closing

The U.S. Geological Survey’s sampling of aquifer 110QRNR in Waukesha County provides a regional understanding of dissolved mineral concentrations influencing laundry fading. Homeowners concerned about fabric fading may consider testing their own water and exploring solutions like the Autotrol Faded, Stiff Laundry System for improved laundry results. More information and regional water data are available directly from the U.S. Geological Survey groundwater monitoring resources.

Where this information comes from

Source: USGS groundwater sampling. Sampled 2021-05-20. These figures describe groundwater sampled in this area. They are not a test of any individual private well - only a test of that well can establish its own water.

On record: U.S. Geological Survey sampling of Hardness, Ca, Mg in the 110QRNR aquifer (Waukesha County): 17 results from 8 wells, median 520.0 mg/L, range 368.0-942.0 mg/L; none above any federal threshold