27 August 2021

Hard water vs. soft water

To understand what the difference is between hard water vs soft water, it is easiest to understand what those terms mean.

Hard water is water that has high levels of minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium. Hard water is mostly present in areas where chalk, limestone, and marble reside. Though there are no dangerous health effects, hard water does impact many other aspects of everyday life. Hard water strips away natural oils, uses excess detergent, and increases energy use which can lead to the rapid deterioration of appliances.

Soft water, unlike hardwater, has higher levels of sodium, or salt. It is classified as water that has less than 1 gpg of hardness. The negative aspects of hard water are replaced with the positive effects of soft water, once hard water has been treated with salt. Soft water leaves you with smooth skin and hair, uses less detergent (as much as 50% less), and allows for better care of your appliances.

Overall, the difference between hard water and soft water is the minerals that reside in either and the effects they have on those who use them.