Unfortunately, some cities have what’s called “hard” water, or water that has a high mineral content. As the water passes through materials like limestone or granite, minerals like calcium, iron and magnesium dissolve into the water. The level of these dissolved minerals determines how “hard” it is, and the hardness can cause a myriad of issues, like stained dishes, scale buildup on appliances and dry skin. But there are ways to live with (or combat) hard water, in the long and short-term!
For taste: Buy distilled or purified water
If the only concern you have is the taste of your drinking water, it may be enough for you to just buy distilled or purified water from your local grocer. Hard tap water can be bitter, salty or chalky – in varying degrees depending on how “hard” it is – but some don’t mind the taste. If hard water is a major issue for you and your family, you may elect to deal with the challenge by simply purchasing bottled water.
For cleaning: Use baking soda or vinegar
Minerals in water are notoriously harsh on clothes and household fixtures. Baking soda is a great solution for most laundry as it neutralizes the minerals, but can be detrimental to fabrics like silk. In that case, vinegar might be a better option, as it can refresh more delicate fabrics while also breaking down minerals with its acid. You can also use vinegar as a soak to remove buildup on fixtures like showerheads and faucets (being careful not to overdo it and damage any rubber pieces.)
For an overall solution: Install a water softener
A water softener prevents mineral buildup through a chemical process called “ion exchange,” or a salt-based system. This is the best long-term solution – saving time, money and energy by solving the issues listed above and reducing the risk of costly appliance repairs. However, while there are obvious pros to using a water softener, there are also cons that come depending with the type you choose, which will be listed in the next article.
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