Hard water is water that contains a high amount of calcium carbonate and magnesium. It doesn’t pose as many health risks as one might think, but it’s still a problem.
The minerals can break down your appliances and cause nasty stains. Washing your clothes in hard water will put a lot of wear on them, and it can dull the color of your favorite outfits.
Fixing hard water is a snap. You can install a water softener system. If that doesn’t work, you can try some other solutions that will at least keep your appliances and clothes clean. Keep reading to learn more.
Vinegar
One of the most annoying hard water issues is that it creates stains on your appliances. The main mineral found in hard water is calcium. It so happens, there’s a product in your cabinets that reacts well with calcium.
This product is vinegar. Put any small fixtures that have that chalky white buildup in a bowl of warm vinegar. After a while of soaking, it will cut through the calcium.
As far as the stains in your shower are concerned, you can pour vinegar into a spray bottle and give the tile a few sprits. Let it soak for a bit before you wipe it away.
Softener
A salt free water softener will filter out the calcium and magnesium. A whole-house system can be a bit costly. If you want to cut back on the expense, you can install a cheaper system under your sink.
You can also get a softener that’s confined to only your faucet. They won’t be as powerful as an entire house system, but it will get the job done.
Boil the Water
There are two types of hard water. The first is temporary. This water contains calcium bicarbonate, which you can get rid of via dissolving it with heat.
The second type is permanent. It has a high amount of calcium sulfate. You won’t be able to kick it to the curb by boiling the water on the stove, sadly.
Washing Soda
Hard water causes several problems for clothes. The minerals wear on the fabrics and can even discolor them. Calcium also prevents your detergent from lathering, so your favorite outfits won’t get as clean.
The best solution to this issue is washing soda. The chemicals in the washing soda get rid of calcium and magnesium as it dissolves in your laundry. This turns it into soft water, which is much more effective for getting your laundry done.
The Secret to Fixing Hard Water
Are you tired of soap scum and discolored shirts? Fixing hard water will clear up both of these issues. While you may not be able to afford an entire filter system for your home, washing soda and vinegar are cheap options.
You can also spring for an under-the-sink or faucet softener option to get rid of that pesky calcium and magnesium in your water. If you’re looking for more ways to clear up the hard water in your home, visit the Home & Garden section of our blog.
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