How to Eliminate Hard Water

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

Rate: (6 Ratings)

If your dishes have spots, your soap doesn't lather well and your white clothes look gray, you could have hard water'water with a high mineral-salt content. Here's what to do.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Step1
Get a water test done to determine how hard your water is. Many water-softener
Step2
retailers will do the test for free. Or call a water-conditioning specialist in your area. These people are familiar with the quality of the water in your area and can best recommend how to treat it.
Step3
Ask for and review the information from the softener performance data sheet. If the water is only moderately hard, consider buying a simple water softener (low cost). If there are additional minerals and iron, consider a higher-end softener (high cost).
Step4
Buy or rent a water conditioner. There are systems to fit every budget, from basic units that cycle regularly to on-demand units with computer controls. Some systems require a lot of attention; you may want to have a service company perform the required maintenance.
Step5
Check to see if you need a filtration system in addition to a water softener. Remember that a water softener only removes hardness from your water, not toxins.

Tips & Warnings

  • People who are monitoring their sodium intake may want to consult a physician before installing an ion-exchange water softener, because it will add salt to your water.

Comments

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Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 I use baking soda for almost everything. We have hard water, so I throw a handful in the dishwasher during the rinse cycle. I add it in the washing machine, and the clothes are so fresh when they dry. You can also scrub tile floors with it. However, I don't use it on shiny surfaces, as it leaves a film and the floor isn't as pretty when you're done. You can scour coffee cups, sinks, dishes, using it instead of cleansers. You can get 12 lbs. for about $3.00. It lasts a long time.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Minimize the effects of hard water, iron, heavy metals, chemicals, and bacteria with a Nilemark Water Revitalization Processor.

frizzak said

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on 3/25/2008 I bought a vwp from a company here in the U.S.A.. It works great and im saving lots of money. No filters! Do you know how great that is? Eco-friendly as well. Here is the e-mail: sso@vwp-usa.com

Marma said

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on 6/8/2007 Ever since moving into a rural, well water home, my Blood Pressure has gone skyhigh. I am told there is an expensive (over $3000) filtration system for the odor/hardness/taste/bacteria (ultraviolet light). Could I be getting extra salt from this system? I haven't mentioned my problem to the owners but if my medical problem is aggravated by this, I can get alternate drinking water source (bottled) covered by my health plan. Also should I concerned about bottled water companies who deliver those big bottles to your water cooler machine that you buy or rent? Any info will be appreciated. Thanks.

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eHow Article:  How to Eliminate Hard Water

eHow Home & Garden Editor

eHow Home & Garden Editor

Category: Home & Garden

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