The Difference Between Hard and Soft Water and How it Affects You

Water is a liquid that makes up 60% of the human body, a refreshing drink necessary to our survival, and in Australia, we’re surrounded by it. Are you aware, though, that water can be classified into ‘hard’ and ‘soft’? 

Don’t worry. We’re here to help you find out what this all means. Read on to find out the differences between hard and soft water and how it affects you and your home.

What is hard water and soft water?

Soft water is water in its natural state – when it falls from the sky as rain. The hardness of water is determined by the amount of calcium and magnesium salts that become mixed with it.

These natural minerals are dissolved into the water as it moves through soil, rock and pipe systems. On the other hand, water in its purer, softer state has higher concentrations of sodium.

How hard water and soft water affects you

The Australian Drinking Water Guidelines defines elevated hard water as 200 milligrams of calcium and magnesium salts per litre of water. Fortunately, continual testing shows Australian water is drinkable and meets health and safety requirements.

This is what you can expect from soft water:

• A healthy lather when washing clothes, dishes, hands and body,
• Cleaner clothes with no mineral stains and less wear-and-tear damage,
• Healthy water pressure in your home, and
• A slight sodium taste in drinking water.

This is what you can expect from hard water:

• A film-like texture on hands after washing – due to soap scum forming,
• Spots and mineral stains, and
• A decrease in water pressure throughout the home.

It’s determined that Western Australian country dwellers are more susceptible to hard water because they are supplied primarily with groundwater sources. Also, anyone living in older neighbourhoods with dated piping systems will likely have harder water than those with recently established pipes.

However, there are no serious adverse health problems associated with drinking hard water. Consuming hard water may help you get your recommended daily intake of these essential minerals.

Hard water and your bathroom

While fine for human health, hard water is not so kind on your bathroom and household. It may leave spots or marks on your shower screens as the minerals remain even once the water has evaporated.

Hard water also affects your self-cleaning in the shower, as it reacts chemically with soap. The higher the hardness of the water, the more soap is required to form a lather for your body wash and shampoo to work their magic.

To avoid the effects of hard water on your shower, use liquid soaps and dry wet surfaces immediately after water use. Cleaning products that remove limescale deposits are also advised to remove discolouration and spots from:

• Benchtops,
•  Appliances,
• Toilets,
•  Sinks,
• Bathtubs,
• Tiles, and
• Glass.

Now that you’re well equipped in soft and hard water knowhow, you’re ready to adjust your bathroom and general household cleaning accordingly. If you’re in need of more help with bathroom cleaning, why not invest in some self-cleaning bathroom solutions?

Revolution Showers are your reliable one-stop-shop for bathroom products that will last, look amazing and most importantly, cut down your bathroom cleaning time.Want to learn more about hard and soft water in your home? Contact Revolution Showers to browse our range of bathroom solutions.