What’s the difference between soft and hard water?
Water makes up about 70% of the earth's surface as well as human body weight and plays a very important role in our daily lives. However, not everyone understands the characteristics, and types of water and their effects on utensils.
You may have heard a lot about hard water and soft water. So what determines water hardness or softness and whether water is healthier and safer to drink? This article will look at the differences between the two types of water, as well as the pros and cons of each, and what to know about hard water removal.
Points to note about hard water and soft water
Hard water is natural water that contains a lot of calcium and magnesium. The concentration of calcium and magnesium in the water will tell us whether the water is hard or soft.
Soft water is water with a very low concentration of calcium and magnesium. Soft water is natural water. Minerals in hard water, if they are maintained at the allowed levels, are good for health - this is the reason that people prefer to drink hard water. On the other hand, experts give good reviews for recommending soft water for daily needs.
Difference Between Hard Water and Soft Water
Hard water:
Hard water tastes sweet and is often used for drinking purposes. When you drink hard water, you can get many health benefits. However, you should drink at the right level. It must be said that, in industrial environments, hard water can cause many serious problems. For example, hard water corrodes items such as pots and pots and other water-conducting devices.
You can often see lime deposits in electric kettles and water heaters. Hard water also reduces the formation of foam while using soap. Have you ever noticed that your hair gets dry and sticky even after you wash it? If so, the culprit behind it is hard water. Also, don't forget, when different industrial or household appliances use hard water to operate, it not only damages the unit but also affects its energy consumption.
Soft water:
Softened water often contains large amounts of sodium and bicarbonate ions. Soft water can be bitter or tasteless. Since there are no minerals present in soft water, you do not experience the problem of calcium deposition in various equipment when you use soft water. Since soft water doesn't interfere with the operation of any device, soft water is also good for your skin. And help ensure the longevity of various appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and water heaters.
However, soft water converted from hard water can cause some health problems, due to the wide range of chemicals used. Therefore, if your home water source is soft water, you should still use a hot and cold water filter or home water filter to ensure the safest when drinking.
How can you tell if the water is hard or soft?
You don't have to go to a lab to know if the water you're using is hard or soft. There are many different easy ways that you will know if you are using hard or soft water. All you need is a plastic bottle and a dishwasher. Pour all the water into the bottle, filling it in half with water from the tap. Then add five drops of dishwashing water, now shake the water. Initially, some foam will form, if the foam lingers for a long time, it is soft water. However, if the foam settles, the water you are using is hard.
Hard water testing at home
You can also distinguish between hard and soft water by simple observation. Check your bathtub and shower, do you see the white scales on it? If yes, then you are using hard water. With these two simple tests, you'll know if you're using hard or soft water.
Both hard water and soft water have their benefits. You can use hard water softeners to convert hard water into soft water. To soften a small amount of water, you can try boiling or using vinegar to remove the minerals. You may need to use special methods to treat hard water. You may have to filter the water to remove impurities and ions in the water.
How to deal with the effects of hard water?
Using a water filtration system
Install a water filter pitcher or faucet filter in your home's water system. Your family will be using a safer domestic water system after being filtered out of impurities. If hard water is causing problems in your shower and your household's clothes, you may also want to consider installing a water softener for your entire water supply. However, these devices are quite expensive. Please consider your finances before making a decision.
Choosing the right washing powder
Choose good quality detergents specifically designed to effectively wash clothes in both hard and soft water, or you can purchase a water softener designed for use in washing machines to keep residues at bay. Minerals do not stick to clothes, reducing the risk of yellowing on clothes due to the action of water.
Manual cleaning method
If you have glass doors in your bathroom, keep a towel or microfiber cloth in the bathroom and use it to wipe down the shower door or curtain every time you take a shower. This will prevent hard water stains on the glass. It may seem tedious, but an extra minute in the morning can save you a lot of work in the long run. Whether your family lives in an area with hard or soft water, always remember to clean water containers or water tanks for the cleanest and safest water.