4 Tips for Handling Hard Water

Hard water is not something that anyone really wants to deal with. And yet, as many as 90% of all homes in the U.S. have some kind of hard water issue. It’s not a health concern like lead or galvanized pipes, of course, but it can dry out skin, make laundry dull, and make it hard to wash dishes well, among other things. If you have hard water in your home, here are some tips to manage it more effectively.

Get a Water Softener

This is a big one, but it’s the one that will make the biggest impact. If you have hard water and it’s a serious issue for skin health or other concerns, you might want to invest in a water softener. This unit works by using special chemicals to break down the minerals and remove them from the water as it passes through, then sending the filtered water onto the home’s plumbing supply. 

This may not be an option for those who are renting or who have a limited budget, but it’s truly the best way to resolve any issues with hard water – get rid of the cause in the first place. 

Use Hard Water Cleaning Products 

There are so many cleaning products these days that it’s enough to make your head spin. However, among the overwhelming selection is a designated category specifically for hard water cleaning, including soap scum and limescale buildup, washing machine cleaning, and so forth. You can also use white vinegar to remove hard water stains and clean if you don’t want to buy chemicals. 

Consider a Faucet Softener 

If you don’t want to install a major water softener system, consider getting just a faucet softener that will allow you to get soft water for drinking, cooking, and even showering or bathing. These are great because you can buy them individually as needed and choose different styles for different fixtures in the home. 

Use Washing Soda for Laundry 

Washing soda is a unique product made specifically for doing laundry with hard water. The sodium carbonate in it softens hard water by removing mineral ions. This means laundry soap can lather and wash better, leaving your clothing cleaner and softer. 

Hard water can be a pain, but if you follow these tips and take a proactive approach, you will avoid most of the major issues. Don’t let hard water keep you from enjoying the water used throughout your home. Contact Elk Grove Village Sewer & Plumbing to learn more!