Hard water is a common household issue that many people encounter without fully understanding. This mineral-rich water can affect everything from the efficiency of your appliances to the feel of your skin after bathing. But what is hard water?
Whether you’re dealing with stubborn water stains or have recently moved into a home with hard water and want to know how it will affect you, this article will teach you everything you need to know about hard water.
Defining hard water and its impact
Understanding the difference between hard vs. soft water is essential for household tasks, especially dishwashing. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) defines water hardness based on the concentration of dissolved calcium and magnesium in the water.1
But what is considered hard water, and what is the difference between hard water and soft water? The USGS water hardness scale breaks down the hard water scale:1
- Soft: 0 to 60 mg/L of calcium carbonate
- Moderately hard: 61 to 120 mg/L
- Hard: 121 to 180 mg/L
- Very hard: More than 180 mg/L
Water hardness primarily happens when groundwater absorbs minerals as it moves through soil and rock. This natural process is particularly common in areas with limestone deposits.
So, what’s the difference between hard and soft water?
The effects of hard vs. soft water are often most noticeable in cleaning tasks. Hard water requires more soap or detergent to achieve the same level of cleanliness as soft water. In dishwashing, this can lead to spots on glassware, film on dishes, and reduced dishwasher efficiency.
While water hardness can vary locally, it’s most prevalent in the Midwest and Southwest of the United States.2 However, it can be found almost anywhere, depending on local geology.
Is hard water dangerous?
While hard water can be a nuisance, it doesn’t pose any health risks, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).3 Some experts even suggest that very hard water could supplement our calcium and magnesium intake.4
However, while hard water is not dangerous for your health, it can affect your ability to clean, leaving hard water stains behind.5 Not only does it reduce the effectiveness of soap, but it makes it harder to properly rinse and can leave hard water stains.
What are hard water stains? Hard water can interfere with the effectiveness of soaps and detergents, potentially leaving spots on dishes and glassware in your dishwasher. It may also reduce the efficiency of your dishwasher, requiring more detergent for the same level of cleanliness.
Additionally, clothes washed in hard water may become stiff and rough due to soap curd – the reaction of detergent and hard water – lodging into the fabric. This can lead to loss of color over time.
When bathing with soap in hard water, a film can be left on the skin and hair. This may interfere with proper cleaning and could potentially lead to skin irritation.
Hard water can also contribute to scale build-up in water-using appliances, potentially reducing their efficiency and lifespan. If you ever need to unclog a dishwasher, it may have been a result of hard water as it can clog the internal components.
How do I know if I have hard water?
Hard water can manifest in various ways around your home. Here are some common signs that you might have hard water:
- Spots on dishes and glassware after washing
- Soap scum build-up on sinks, bathtubs, and shower walls
- Reduced soap lather when washing hands or clothes
- Dry, itchy skin or dull hair after showering
- Scale build-up on faucets and showerheads
- Reduced water flow in pipes over time
- White, chalky residue on kettles or coffee makers
- Clothes feeling stiff or dull after washing
- Increased soap and detergent required for cleaning tasks
- Frequent appliance repairs
How to get rid of hard water
If you’re dealing with hard water stains in your home, there are two primary methods to soften your water:6
Reverse osmosis filtration
A reverse osmosis filtration system uses a semi-permeable membrane to filter water and remove impurities. This type of filtration system is typically installed at the kitchen sink and handles small volumes of water, making it an effective choice for drinking and cooking water.
Ion exchange
Ion exchange systems can treat larger volumes of water and are installed to treat all incoming water or just the hot water supply. These systems use salt to replace calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions to soften the water output.
How to remove hard water stains
While they can be stubborn, there are several ways to remove hard water stains:
- Vinegar Solutions: Vinegar is a natural acid that can break down mineral deposits from hard water. Its acetic acid content dissolves the calcium and magnesium carbonates that form hard water stains. To use, mix equal parts white vinegar and water, apply to stains, and wipe with a microfiber cloth.
- Baking Soda: Baking soda is a mild abrasive, and its alkaline nature helps dissolve mineral deposits. To use baking soda on hard water stains, form a paste with water and apply it to the stains. Gently scrub before rinsing thoroughly. For tough stains, follow with a vinegar solution.
- Commercial Lime and Scale Removers: These products are specially formulated to tackle hard water stains. They contain stronger acids that can break down mineral deposits more effectively.
Keep in mind that the ideal cleaning method will depend on what you’re cleaning. For instance, you shouldn’t leave vinegar on porous surfaces because it can break them down over time. Meanwhile, you don’t want to use anything too abrasive when cleaning glass.
Use our guide to learn more about how to remove hard water stains from your dishwasher to achieve the ultimate clean you expect from Finish®.
Wrapping up: What is hard water?
Hard water makes cleaning more challenging. It can leave unsightly spots on dishes and glassware and reduces the cleaning power of your dishwasher. For optimal dishwasher performance, use Finish® Quantum® coupled with Finish® Jet Dry® to tackle the effects of hard water on your dishes.
References
- U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). "Hardness of Water." USGS, 1 Nov. 2022,
www.usgs.gov/special-topics/water-science-school/science/hardness-water.
Accessed 1 Aug. 2024. - City of Manhattan Beach. "Hard Facts About Hard Water." Manhattan Beach,
www.manhattanbeach.gov/departments/public-works/utilities-division/water-systems/treatment/hard-facts-about-hard-water.
Accessed 1 Aug. 2024. - Köhler, T., et al. "Hard Water and Its Impact on Health." National Center for Biotechnology Information, 2013,
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3775162/.
Accessed 1 Aug. 2024. - "Hard Water vs. Soft Water: What's the Difference?" Healthline, Healthline Media, 2 Aug. 2024,
www.healthline.com/health/hard-water-and-soft-water#hard-water-benefits.
Accessed 2 Aug. 2024. - University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension. "Hard Water and Soap: An Overview." Extension Publications,
www.extensionpubs.unl.edu/publication/g1274/na/html/view #:~:text=Hard%20water %20interferes%20with%20almost, form%20a%20sticky%20soap%20curd.
Accessed 1 Aug. 2024. - City of Glendale Water & Power. "Water Hardness." City of Glendale,
www.glendaleca.gov/government/departments/glendale-water-and-power/about-your-water/water-hardness.
Accessed 1 Aug. 2024.
