Hard water has a high level of minerals, usually calcium and magnesium. These minerals leave deposits that can clog drains, stain glass and tiles, inhibit soap effectiveness, and leave residues on skin and hair. Scientific studies have shown no health risks or medical reasons for softening water, but hard water still remains a drawback. There are many ways to soften hard water. Start from Step 1 to find the best method.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Finding out if your water is hard
Step 1. Find out if the water is hard in your region
Although it is present in all regions, in Italy the highest concentration is found in the Marche, Emilia Romagna, Lombardy, Lazio and Tuscany.
- If you are connected to a public aqueduct, you can find out about the hardness of the water at the offices of the local water service.
- You can get this information at the town hall if you have a private well. Based on your location, Council can tell you the main water supply source in your area and provide you with some test results, including water hardness levels.
- If you have a private well and you think your water is hard, take a sample to an analysis laboratory, or use a test kit that you can find on the market.
Step 2. Pay attention to the effectiveness of the soap
See how much foam forms when you use cleaning products like toothpaste, soap, detergents, and other household cleaners. If you have to add a lot of product to the water for it to act and foam, your water is probably hard.
Step 3. Decide if a complete water softening system is needed
Just because your water is hard doesn't mean it needs to be softened. The techniques used to do this can have more serious side effects than hard water ailments. If hard water isn't an insurmountable problem, consider using it anyway or making the small changes suggested in the method below that can improve your lifestyle without having to incur the expense of installing a system for soften the water.
- Ion softeners replace mineral ions with sodium ions. This makes house chores easier, but since water has high levels of salt, it kills plants, renders the soil untillable, and can damage water sources if salt water is deposited.
- However, softening the water will make your pipes last longer and will greatly simplify washing that requires the use of soap.
- A good compromise is to use the softening system only with hot water, so that only half of the water you use is softened with sodium.
Method 2 of 3: Soften the Water Before Use
Step 1. Boil the water before drinking it
You could also use boiled water to clean the kitchen and bathroom, brush your teeth, bathe and wash your hair to improve the effectiveness of cleaning products.
- After boiling the water for a few minutes, let it cool. Visible particles will settle on the surface. Scoop up the top layer of particles and dispose of it before using the water.
- Alternatively, let the water sit longer to allow the minerals to settle to the bottom. Carefully scoop up pure water with a spoon so as not to disturb the sediment. Discard the last few inches of water that contain the residues.
Step 2. Soften the water using soda ash or lime
In the past, families that had hard water often softened it by filling large kegs and then adding some soda ash or lime. The water had to rest for several days and then only that in the upper part of the stems was taken.
This method is no longer used much nowadays, due to the amount of time it takes
Step 3. Add ammonia, borax, soda, or baking soda to the water
These substances will help you when you need to add soap or detergent to the water to clean the house. These products do not soften the water, but they prevent limescale from interfering with the soap, helping to foam. Follow the warnings and instructions on the package carefully when using them.
- Dissolve 500 grams of baking soda in 1 liter of boiling water. Once cooled, store the solution in a closed bottle. Mix two tablespoons of this solution in 4 liters of water that you can use for cleaning.
- Dissolve a teaspoon of soda in a cup of water. Mix the solution in 4 liters of water..
Step 4. Use a filter jug, which can soften the water making it drinkable
You can find this product in many stores and of different brands. Some filters of this type soften the water to make it drinkable, so coffee, tea and other drinks retain their flavors and aromas.
Step 5. Put a similar filter on the kitchen and bathroom faucets
This is the simplest method if you want to filter the water for cleaning. Some models are equipped with an on-off valve, so you can draw on tap water without letting it flow through the filter, if you wish.
Method 3 of 3: Install a Water Softening System
Step 1. Install a mechanical softener that replaces calcium and magnesium with sodium
This is the most effective way to soften your water if your source is hard.
- Mechanical softeners prevent limescale build-up, increase boiler efficiency and extend the life of your clothing and other items you wash regularly.
- There are several softeners on the market which vary in price, running costs and effectiveness. You must have the treated water analyzed before drinking it.
Step 2. Install a magnetic softener that alters calcium ions so that the latter is no longer able to form limescale
- These softeners are typically less expensive and more convenient to use, and the resulting water is safe to drink.
- Softeners are not always effective in all cases and usually give no guarantees. Those who criticize them doubt their actual functioning. The results are much more variable than those of a mechanical softener.
Advice
- Softeners allow you immediate savings on cleaning products, because you will consume much less, from toothpaste to detergent for the washing machine, and you will get better results. As cleaning becomes easier, faster and less frequent, the consumption of electricity or other energy should also decrease. Softeners also allow you to extend the life of your plumbing and appliances, as well as the items you wash.
- Although all means of softening water come with costs, the savings often make up for them. Some methods require initial investments, others involve costs for use, and many have both. However, you must also consider that a water softener will save you money.
