Every water tastes different, right? Many individuals swear by the fact that their home water and any other water have distinguished tastes. And, in truth, every water is not the same. You wouldn’t exchange the water you use to shower for the water you drink. One factor that sets water apart is the mineral content, like hard water vs. soft water. But how exactly are they different? Carry on reading to find out.
What is Hard Water?
When water has high amounts of magnesium and calcium, it is known as ‘hard water’. These minerals add flavor to the water, and the more they’re present, the higher the water ranks on the hardness scale.
What is Soft Water?
As the name might suggest, soft water ranks low on the water hardness scale. It is free of harsh minerals like magnesium and calcium, unlike hard water. The mineral content is removed via water filter systems.
Is Hard Water Bad?
When discussing hard water vs. soft water, many people deem the former to be bad. While hard water doesn’t harm you if you drink it, it can be dangerous for your hair, skin, and home. Drinking hard water might even be beneficial for your health, as it contains essential minerals. Still, it’ll have a strong flavor.
The dangers of hard water lie in how it affects your hair, skin, and more. It will strip natural oils from your body and hair, coating it with buildup. Consequently, your hair will become stiff and fall out. Moreover, the minerals in hard water might worsen your skin conditions.
Hard water is also damaging to your appliances. It can leave behind residue, staining your silverware and other dishes. Plus, it can leave streaks and spots that’ll require more cleaning time.
Other than this, the minerals can clog in your pipes and valves, causing them to break down. So your water-dependent appliances like laundry machines might have a shorter life span because of hard water. The harsh sediments in hard water can wreak havoc on you and your home.
How Is Soft Water Good for Us?
When talking about hard water vs. soft water, people prefer the latter more. This is because soft water offers many benefits like:
- No sediment buildup, keeping your appliances working for long
- Soap works more effectively with soft water
- Helps reduce dry skin conditions
Hard Water Vs. Soft Water: What Is the Difference?
Now that we know some hard and soft water facts, let us discuss how they differ. The key differences are:
- Mineral Content: high in hard water, low in soft water.
- Soap: is not much effective in hard water as it is in soft water. This is because soap lathers and foams in the latter.
- Spots & Stains: appear if you wash dishes with hard water. Comparatively, soft water does not stain surfaces.
- Dryness: occurs when hard water comes in contact with skin and hair. Soft water does not dry skin or hair.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many differences between hard water vs. soft water. The main difference is that hard water contains magnesium and calcium, the minerals that add flavor. However, hard water can harm your skin, hair, and home appliances. If you want to lower the hardness level of your water, contact Clean Liquid Systems at 713.253.0100 today.