American households use around 300 gallons of water per day! It's true, but with all that water used, do we really know anything about it? One of the most basic attributes of our water is whether it is hard or soft, but many people aren't sure what that even means.
If you're one of those people...Don't worry! We are here to help with this simple guide. We are going to lay out all of the hard water vs. soft water facts you need to know.
Let's take a look!
Water that is considered hard is known to have higher concentrations of the minerals calcium and magnesium. Soft water has almost no Calcium or Magnesium present, but it does have higher concentrations of Sodium. So, how does it get this way?
Well, as water falls in the form of rain, it is usually soft; however, as it makes its way into the ground and passes through waterways, it picks up minerals like Calcium and Magnesium. Depending on where you live, water from the tap might be especially hard compared to other areas.
Hard water contains essential nutrients, which makes it the ideal choice for drinking water. On the other hand, soft water can be saltier in flavor and sometimes unsuitable to use as drinking water. With that being said, there are some other things to consider besides flavor!
Hard water is not great for the home. Because of the mineral content in hard water, limescale can quickly build up in appliances and in water pipes in the house. Additionally, the minerals in hard water are rough on clothing and can damage fabrics over time. The hardness of the water often leaves spots and residue on dishes, and it can make the skin and hair feel dull and sticky.
Soft water is better for use with household tasks and showering. Less soap is needed, and the soft water is more gentle on the skin, water pipes, and appliances in the home. In some cases, hard water damage requires the use of a device such as the scaleblaster water conditioner to eliminate issues caused by hard water.
Water hardness test kits are easy to use and will quickly help you identify if you have hard or soft water. With that being said, there are things that you can look out for, such as chronic dry skin, cloudy dishes, and white scale build-up on the sink faucets in the home. Water softeners and conditioners can be used to help manage hard water in the home.
When it comes to hard water vs. soft water in the home, most people agree that soft water is best for almost everything except for drinking. Use this guide to help you decide what is best for you and your family!
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