The Virtues of Soft Water

Hard water is a fact of life in many areas of the country, making cleaning chores more challenging and difficult, and bathing not as pleasant and comfortable as it can be. The term “hard” water refers to water containing calcium, magnesium, and other minerals, which can’t be removed with a filter. To eliminate these minerals, water can be “softened” through a process that exchanges them with sodium minerals. This kinder, gentler water has benefits throughout the home.

With hard water, laundry may come out of the clothes washer clean, but the towels are stiff and scratchy, and clothing and bed sheets are rough to the touch. Hard water also is infamous for leaving scaly deposits and a soapy film on faucets, fixtures, sinks, and bathtub and shower walls, a film difficult to remove.

In the bathroom, soft water provides a pleasant bathing experience that gives you soft and smooth skin, shiny hair, and a clean shave, not to mention surfaces that are free of scaly deposits and easier to clean.

Soft water also helps clothes come out cleaner, whiter, and brighter, and the washing machine requires less laundry detergent to do its job. Plus, there’s no risk of clogging the plumbing pipes that service the appliance, which can be damaged by the minerals in hard water.

A dishwasher is another appliance that benefits from soft water. The softened water prevents clogging in the pipes and allows the unit to operate more efficiently so there’s less spotting on dishes and glasses. And let’s face it, any appliance that runs smoother and better is less likely to break down and require repairs or replacement parts. If an appliance is running efficiently, it’s also costing you less in energy dollars, another good reason to soften water. Just like the clothes washer, you’ll find that you use less dishwasher detergent, too.

All appliances work better with soft water, including the water heater, because there’s no build up of scale to reduce the efficiency of the unit. You won’t regret making the switch from hard to soft water. Your appliances and plumbing pipes will work better and last longer and you’ll save money using less detergent in machines that operate at their peak performance. And no one will miss the drudgery of scrubbing those telltale water scale deposits and soap scum in the bathroom and kitchen.

Gene and Katie Hamilton are frequent contributors to American Profile.

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