07/06/2018 1 1,848 views

In city apartments, tap water can hardly be called soft. It contains too much iron, calcium and magnesium salts. Let's look at how to soften hard water at home. It has a bad effect on the condition of hair, nails, and skin. Also, because of such liquid, household appliances and equipment deteriorate.

Hardness depends on the region of residence and the presence of limestone rocks in the ground. It appears in the sediment on washing machine, scale on the kettle. Detergents will not help you work at full strength in such water. The liver and urinary tract suffer, and kidney disease appears. To soften liquid, there are many methods to explore.

What can cause water to be hard?

Water hardness increases due to excessive amounts of calcium and magnesium salts and iron. It is measured in mg. eq./l and mol/cub. m. The phenomenon occurs due to groundwater, where there are many salts of chemical elements.

To determine the level of hardness, a conductivity meter should be used. This is a special device used to measure the electrical conductivity parameter. An increased rate indicates an excessive amount of metal salts in the liquid.

When boiling, a sedimentary mass appears from chemical salts. A significant amount of compounds penetrates the body and settles on household appliances.

Main indicators of hard water	Classification in degrees according to hardness level	Water hardness based on the level of chemical components in the composition
Insufficient foaming of cleaning products.	Soft (0-2). Characteristic of places where there are many peat bogs and swamps. This includes melted ice.	Constant. It contains metal salts and aggressive substances. They are resistant to disintegration during boiling. To soften you will need to buy a filter.
The appearance of light plaque and scale after heating.	Medium (2-7). This species is found in almost the entire region. Basically, medium-level liquid is supplied from a well or well for private homes.	Temporary. Calcium and magnesium salts are not always present in it. After heating, decomposition occurs and a precipitate appears. These compounds can be removed by simple heat treatment.
White marks on dishes and clothes when treated with water.	Hard (7.1-11). It is present in areas with an overabundance of chemical salts and pollutants. It has a negative impact on people's health.
Negative impact of washing on the performance of the material.	Super hard (11 and above). This water is located near mines and caves. It cannot be used as drinking water.
Pathologies of the excretory system and skin.
Taste of bitterness.

The main options for reducing the hardness of tap water:

• boiling;
• freezing;
• use of reagents;
• use of softening filters.

Heat treatment is the easiest method. Under the influence of high temperatures, the ionic bonds of chemical elements are destroyed, and a precipitate appears. Then this liquid can be added to drinks and used for household chores.

1. Fill the kettle with water and wait until it boils.
2. Cool to lukewarm temperature and pour into a new container.

The most complicated option is boiling the liquid for an hour and then letting it sit for 24 hours. With the help of heat treatment, vapors of carbon dioxide, chloride compounds, metal salts, and mechanical impurities disappear.

Boiling is very common and does not cause difficulties, but this method has disadvantages:

• rapid appearance of limescale, which is difficult to remove;
• not used for caring for indoor flowers;
• possible deterioration in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• change in organoleptic characteristics.

The level of hardness can be reduced by freezing. The method is based on impact low temperatures on the salts of chemical elements with the appearance of crystals. The liquid softens slowly without changing its structure.

1. Pour water into a bowl and put it in the freezer.
2. After freezing more than 50% of the liquid, get rid of the sediment, because harmful elements accumulate in it.
3. After thawing, the water becomes potable and can be used for cooking, watering plants, and treating clothes made of delicate materials.

The main disadvantage of the method is the difficult preparation of a significant amount of melt liquid.

Softening with reagents is an effective option for eliminating metal salts. The following tools are used:

• Baking soda. It reduces acidity and salts. To process clothes you will need 2 tsp. for 11 l, for cooking - 1 tsp. for 3 l.

• Soda ash (acoustic). It is used to soften water, which is used for economic and domestic purposes. For 11 liters you will need 2 teaspoons. Water is not used for cooking.

• Acetic and citric acid, lemon juice. These are natural food reagents that soften and oxidize liquids. Used against scale from the kettle and for caring for curls. For 2 liters of water, 1 tbsp is required. l. acetic acid or 1 tsp. lemon juice or acid.
• Synthetic products in tablets or powder. They are used for washing machines and dishwashers.

Disadvantages of using reagents:

1. The importance of maintaining the exact dosage of all ingredients.
2. Creation of special storage rules.

You can purchase household filters or professional liquid purification devices:

1. Jug filters. This is the most popular method for treating tap or well water. The device is similar to a jug and has a charcoal cleaning cartridge. It has a small volume; 1-4 liters of liquid are filtered at a time. The water becomes soft with a specific taste. The cartridge should be changed every two months.
2. Ion exchange units. The system contains two containers with special filters for saline solution and ion exchange resins. First, the liquid penetrates into the container with resins, and then with the solution. Hardness is lost due to sodium displacing salts.
3. Reverse osmosis system. The most effective way. The device has a membrane filter, due to which a working pressure appears in the chamber, purifying the liquid.

For washing hair

When washing off the shampoo, a reaction of hardness salts to the anions of fatty acids found in the care product occurs. For this reason, poorly soluble cohesive components appear. Precipitation clogs the pores of the skin, makes the hair rough, and it loses its elasticity.

Also, constant use of hard water makes the structure of the strands weaker. The influence of ultraviolet radiation aggravates the situation; air causes greater oxidation and gradual destruction of the hair cuticle.

Baking soda, boiling, and salt are successfully used to soften water for washing hair and body. The following shower cleaners are also effective:

• Ammonia. For a liter of liquid you will need a teaspoon of alcohol. The product softens the liquid, reduces the effect of magnesium salts, under the influence of which curls become lifeless and dull.

• Boric acid. Half a teaspoon per liter of water.

• Glycerol. Take 1 tbsp per liter. l. facilities. The method is effective for oily curls.

• Acidic environment. To do this you need vinegar (1 tbsp per 2 l), citric acid or juice (1 tsp). Stir and wait five minutes before use.
• Borax, nettle or birch infusion. To achieve noticeable results, regular rinsing is necessary.

In aquarium

The hardness in the aquarium should be between 4 and 6 degrees. In this case, fish and plants will feel great. It is also not worth lowering it below this level, otherwise the water balance will be disturbed.

First, the owner of the aquarium should measure the indicators of the aquatic environment. If it is hard, then soften it slowly, since fish are sensitive to sudden changes. The simplest method is boiling. Salts create sediment and carbonate hardness decreases. After heat treatment, it is necessary to cool the liquid, let it stand and fill, changing a third of the container.

Distillate is a source of soft water. Its hardness is only 1 dKH; very hard liquids can be mixed with this liquid. The procedure should be carried out with caution so as not to cause micronutrient deficiencies.

Some fish owners use freezing. Pour the liquid into a bowl, put it in the freezer, and remove it. Pour out excess water and wait for the ice to thaw. In this case the water will be 3 dKH. The liquid in the aquarium needs to be changed partially. Rainwater and melted snow are also used. Sediment should not be used in urban environments, otherwise the fish will experience severe discomfort.

For bathing a child

Mothers often choose the following methods for bathing and washing their babies:

• Installation of a liquid purification system. This option is not cheap, but the most effective. You should contact the organization that installs such a system. The skin will noticeably improve not only on the newborn, but also on the parents.
• Drinking water from bottles. If your baby's water treatments take place in a baby bath, you can use products from the store. You should carefully study your purchase so as not to purchase a low-quality product.
• Cosmetics for baby care. Special bath foams are used to soften the water and prevent moisture loss from the skin. For example, the manufacturer Mustela is effective for atopic dermatitis.

• Flax seeds. A decoction should be prepared. Bring 1 liter of liquid to a boil, add 4 tablespoons of the ingredient, heat for 5-7 minutes. Leave for an hour, then add to the bath before water procedures.

• Soda or potato starch. The most accessible and fastest method is the use of starch. Take water, add 200-300 g of the ingredient until a white tint appears, and start bathing. The ratio when using soda is a spoon per 1 liter.

• Cooked or sea ​​salt. For 100 g of product, take 10 liters of liquid.
• Boiling. Simple, but not the best effective method. Before water procedures, boil the liquid, wait a little to settle, then pour in water without sediment.

For watering indoor plants

Basic methods:

1. Advocacy. Take the liquid and leave it for a couple of days. Do not shake or apply sediment during watering. The method is effective for areas where tap water is not too hard.
2. Melted snow or rainwater. The method should be used if a person does not live in the city.
3. Boiling. The procedure leads to a change in the structure of water, so this liquid should be diluted with water after settling.
4. Hot water from the tap. It should be cooled and settled. This liquid is better because it is heated and softened in boiler rooms.
5. Acetic or citric acid. This method should not be used for hippeastrum and some other flowers, because the water becomes acidic.
6. Jug filter. You can use store bought or make your own. You will need thick fabric, ash or activated carbon, cotton wool. Fold them in several layers, turn off the tap. The liquid should flow in a small stream.
7. Hardness reducing agents. The price of one small bottle will be approximately 100 rubles.

Video: how to soften hard water at home?

• Sometimes the question arises whether water softened with oxalic acid is harmful to humans. This method is usually used for indoor plants. It reduces hardness to 5.5 pH. The product does not accumulate in the ground and flowers. It improves the soil by eliminating pathogens, which has a positive effect on the development of beneficial microflora and strong roots. For 10 liters of liquid take 1/5 tsp. acid, mix and pour. No settling required. It should not be used to wash hair, as there is a risk of damaging the skin.
• To check the hardness of water in a particular region, you can call the housing office and directly ask whether to take it to a laboratory for analysis or to see if pale mineral solutions are observed on objects when they interact with liquid.

Water softeners may not be very cheap or sophisticated, but the time and money spent soon pays off. If there are few harmful impurities, the consumption of powders, shampoos and gels is noticeably reduced. The risk of kidney diseases and gallbladder pathologies is also reduced. The well-being of each family member improves, skin and hair look healthier.

Hard water is a natural phenomenon. The fact is that groundwater, before getting into the glass of a common man, passes through sedimentary limestone rocks, becoming saturated with all kinds of salts. On the way to the human body, chlorides, phosphates and other harmful compounds manage to get into the liquid.

Problems with our pipelines - hard water

After boiling, only some of these substances precipitate. The lion's share of dirt and harmful substances enters the body and settles on the insides of equipment (kettles, dishwashers and washing machines), shortening their service life. This is not so much inconvenient and expensive, because no one wants to change devices every year, especially expensive ones, but it is dangerous for health.

What makes many housewives look for an answer to the question of how to soften water at home? The reasons are quite simple and striking in their manifestation, namely:

• white stains on things and dishes;
• washing out the color of clothes and deterioration of the structure of the fabric, reducing the service life of things;
• reduction in properties detergents- foaming;
• scale on the internal surfaces of appliances and dishes;
• the appearance of problems with the genitourinary system and liver associated with excessive consumption of calcium and magnesium ions;
• dullness and fragility of hair, dryness and sagging skin, irritation of the skin.

You should know it! If friends and acquaintances do not praise a detergent or washing powder, which in fact does not wash or wash, this does not mean that those around them are mistaken in its quality characteristics. Perhaps excessively hard water is to blame. Yours! From your tap or well!!

What does the concept of rigidity mean? And how can a liquid that cannot be held in your hands be such? Due to its chemical composition, namely the level of magnesium and calcium salts. Hardness is measured in units such as mol/cubic meter and mEq/liter.

Today, hard water is a natural and almost normal phenomenon, caused by the influence of groundwater, oversaturated with salts and chemical elements. This liquid may also contain phosphate and chloride compounds and all kinds of organic dirt.

You can independently determine the stiffness coefficient using a special device - a conductometer, designed to measure the electrical conductivity parameter of a liquid. If the indicator is high, we can talk about an increased concentration of metal salts in the water.

Scale on heating elements indicates water hardness

Some chemical salts form a sedimentary mass during boiling, but the lion's share of the compounds ends up in the human body, on the walls of devices, equipment and machinery.

• poor foaming of detergents;
• the formation of scale and white deposits on the walls of appliances after boiling;
• whitish stains on things after washing and dishes after washing;
• bitter taste;
• rapid wear of clothing, as the performance characteristics of the fabrics are significantly reduced;
• sagging and dry skin, fragility and dullness of hair.

Water is divided into types according to degree of hardness in degrees:

• Soft (0-2º). Characteristic of marshy and peat areas. Pure melt water is also considered such.
• Average (2-7º). Distributed in most areas. Typically, such water is obtained from wells and boreholes.
• Hard (7.1-11º). It is found in areas that have excess amounts of chemical salts and pollutants. Negatively affects the human body and the environment.
• Super hard (from 11º). In natural conditions, it is found near caves and mines. Not suitable for drinking.

The division by type of hardness is also made according to the concentration of chemicals:

• Constant. It has aggressive components and metal salts that are resistant to decomposition during boiling. Removal of the latter is possible only with the help of special filter systems.
• Temporary. It is caused by the unstable presence of calcium and magnesium salts, which, when water is heated, disintegrate and form a sedimentary mass. That is, such compounds are eliminated through conventional heat treatment.

The hardness level can be measured with a conductivity meter

In Russia, water containing up to 9 mEq/L of salts is considered hard, and in the USA – 6 mEq/L. You can find out information about hardness from the company supplying the liquid, provided you use the city water supply, or from the water supply company, even if you have your own power source. It is unlikely that water in one territory differs significantly in quality characteristics. This way you can get approximate information about hardness and research results. Other options: submit the water for analysis to a laboratory or carry out the analysis yourself using a hardness test.

The simplest and most effective way to soften water is to boil it. The main thing is to do it correctly. So, the process of proper boiling consists of the following steps:

• filling a kettle or pan with water;
• turning on the gas and placing a container with liquid on it;
• reduce the flame after boiling and boil for 35-50 minutes;
• cooling and settling for 24 hours;
• pouring into another container, excluding any sediment that has formed.

This method is quite simple, but somewhat labor-intensive. And this is not the only negative. During boiling, water undergoes significant changes. It loses not only salts, but also most useful elements with oxygen. If you regularly drink only boiled liquid, this will very soon affect the functioning of the digestive system.

This water is not suitable for watering indoor flowers. Dishes in which boiling is carried out will quickly become overgrown with limescale. The taste of the liquid after processing loses its original freshness and lightness. Boiling is easy, but drinking is not very pleasant, although it is safer than drinking liquid from the tap.

Boiling will help soften the water

Note to the hostess! To prevent deposits from appearing on the dishes in which boiling is carried out, use 2 tbsp. citric acid. Important! This product is added after the next procedure to clean water, which is boiled for about 5 minutes, after which it is drained. This method helps to completely get rid of scale.

The laws of physics prove that metal salts freeze when exposed to low temperatures. Important! Their crystallization occurs as a last resort. It is this feature that allows you to soften water by freezing; to do this, you should perform the following steps:

1. pour water into the container, leaving 20-25% of the container free;
2. be sure to close the lid;
3. put it in the freezer or take it outside (in winter);
4. after 30 minutes, remove the formed ice from the container with heavy impurities that freeze first;
5. return the container to the freezer;
6. wait until 80% of the liquid is frozen;
7. pour out the rest of the water in which harmful metals, salts and impurities have accumulated;
8. defrost the ice, obtaining the purest part of the liquid with the optimal amount of calcium (16 mg/l).

This liquid can be used for food purposes, for watering plants and washing children's clothes. It is melt water that long-livers drink!

We draw attention to the following points:

• water is not boiled before freezing, since high temperatures disrupt its structure, changing biochemical and biophysical properties;
• the best material is natural, that is, spring or well water with a natural composition of microelements;
• tap water is pre-filtered or settled;
• To prepare melt water, only containers made of food-grade plastic or durable glass are used;
• Ice is melted at room temperature or slightly lower.

Melt water is the secret of long life for centenarians

Important! After melt water is ready, it retains its wonderful properties for only a day. The product is biologically active for no more than 8-10 hours. Therefore, it is better to defrost ice in parts. For example, moving it from the freezer to the top shelf of the refrigerator at night so that you can drink a healthy drink on an empty stomach in the morning.

Lye is an excellent tool for making water softer. By reacting with metals, it causes salts to precipitate. As alkali, you can use soda ash or baking soda, as well as peat and ash.

Soda ash is added to the liquid used for washing. It helps improve the foaming characteristics of soap and powder, as well as remove stains and whiten laundry. For 10 liters hot water take 2 tablespoons of soda. It can be added as when boiling, hand wash, and into the machine immediately before washing.

Baking soda is suitable for washing and bathing. It softens water and does not dry out the skin. For one liter of warm liquid, take one teaspoon of soda. The latter should completely dissolve, and the resulting solution should stand for about 10 minutes.

Baking soda can be used to soften your wash water.

Peat and ash are used at the rate of 10 g of peat or 3 g of ash per liter of water. Plants are watered with this liquid!

The problem of water hardness is very important for modern man. Manufacturers of all kinds of filters and purification units hastened to take advantage of this. They allow you to quickly and comfortably achieve the desired softness and antibacterial effect.

There are special technical filters installed under the sink

What is the best water softener for your home? It depends on each specific situation, opportunities, tasks and other nuances.

Small volumes of liquid, for example, for drinking and making tea/coffee, can be conveniently cleaned using a household filter in the form of a jug with a replaceable cartridge. The main thing is not to forget to regularly change this same cartridge, and there will always be a couple of liters of fresh, clean water in the house, suitable for quenching your thirst.

Filter jug ​​is suitable for drinking and preparing drinks

Usually the cartridge lasts for 1-2 months daily use. The duration of operation is affected by the hardness of the water and its amount consumed daily by a person or family.

Manufacturers offer three types of these filters:

• Flask with polyphosphate crystals. The most economical and simple option. Crystals are poured into the flask. One filling is enough for a couple of months, after which the crystals are replaced with new ones.
• Cartridge. Cleaning and softening of liquids is based on the work of special replaceable cartridges.
• Regenerative. Contains ionic resin. They function by periodically regenerating the properties of the resin using a saline solution. Expensive option. It is produced in the form of cylinders with a separate container for saline solution or compact forms with a filter and a container for salt in one housing.

Polyphosphate filter is suitable for purifying industrial water

The main advantage of ion exchange filters is high performance and liquid softening. Disadvantages: water is unsuitable for drinking, periodic replacement of cartridges and crystals, high consumption of table salt and the high cost of regenerative models.

Water is softened by “pushing” it at a pressure of 3-4 atm. through a special semi-permeable membrane. By allowing water molecules to pass through, the membrane retains salt molecules and any other impurities. Thus, the user receives practically distilled water. This is both good and bad at the same time.

This water is not recommended for drinking and cooking. The fact is that it is so purified that it does not contain the salts and minerals necessary for the human body. It’s another matter if the filter is equipped with a special mineralizer that saturates purified and softened water useful minerals and salts.

Membrane appearance

Disadvantages of membrane filters:

• the need for additional mineralization;
• pressure in the water supply system is not less than 3 atm;
• high cost of filters and consumables;
• low productivity.

Traditional methods

There is no opportunity or desire to use the latest miracles of professional developments? Then you can use “grandmother’s” methods. They are tested by time and people.

1. Large quantities of water are difficult to purify and soften using a filter. The simplest and effective method dealing with impressive volumes means settling for several days. Most often, this method is used to soften liquid from a well or borehole intended for irrigation or washing. If the latter is produced using a unit, it is recommended to purchase a special one.
2. Peat infusion. For a bucket of water you will need 100 g of peat, which is placed in a canvas bag. The water should be infused for about a day, after which it can be used for watering plants.
3. Silicon liquid. Pure silicon stones are placed in a glass or enamel container, filled with water at the rate of 100 g per 10 liters, placed in a shaded place for 2-3 days, covered with gauze. Only the top layer of liquid can be drained and used. The bottom layer covering the stones contains harmful substances. After the procedure, the stones must be thoroughly washed and dried. It is recommended to store the finished water in a cool place, but not in the refrigerator. Also, do not boil it, otherwise it will lose its positive properties.
4. Hard water from a tap can be made softer by liquid purchased in a store, rain or melt water. To do this, you need to mix them. The proportions depend on the intended use.
5. Flax decoction. Used for swimming. Infused with flax seeds. For 1 l. take 4 tsp of boiling water. seeds The broth is boiled for about 5 minutes, then infused for an hour.

Good to know

Why do you need to soften water? Is there information that will help understand the issue a little deeper? Certainly! Here she is. The main thing is the benefits of soft water:

• Significant savings in detergents, including toothpaste, because they foam better and are consumed less.
• Saving electricity by reducing the number of washes and cleanings.
• Extending the life of water pipes and household appliances.
• Long-term preservation of the original quality and characteristics of clothing.

Any, even the most expensive method or method of water softening pays off. How exactly is described in the above mentioned advantages. But the most important thing is health. You can't buy it. You can't skimp on it. And any disease is better to prevent than to treat. Water is the easiest way to prolong life and its quality. To do this, it is enough to control its cleanliness and softness!

Water should be consumed daily, but not everywhere it is healthy and moderately soft. Hard water leads to the appearance of scale and contributes to rapid breakdown of household appliances. Hair becomes thinner, skin rapidly loses elasticity, and diseases of the genitourinary system and kidneys develop at an accelerated pace. Since it is not difficult to soften tap water, it is recommended to regularly measure its condition.

Hard water is the root cause of a whole bunch of household troubles.

General information

Water hardness is an indicator of the concentration of magnesium and calcium salts included in the chemical composition. They are mainly measured in milligram equivalents per liter (norm 1−2 0 F, acceptable up to 7 0 F), or in moles per cubic meter. Divided by hardness:

• 0−2 0 F (soft) - found in marshy areas with peat bogs and in melted snow not contaminated with other substances. It differs in that it is difficult to wash off the soap solution;
• 2.1−7 0 F (average) - most common;
• 7−10 0 F (hard) - considered hazardous to health;
• above 10 0 F (very hard) - unsuitable for consumption.

Hardness is divided into two types. These indicators depend on the substances contained in the liquid:

1. Temporary is caused by calcium and magnesium bicarbonates, which decompose at elevated temperatures and settle as scale on pipes and heating devices, which leads to rapid blockages and breakdowns of equipment.
2. At constant levels, the chlorides, silicates, phosphates, nitrates and sulfates of calcium and magnesium contained in the liquid will quickly make the water hard. You can change the composition by using a filter.

Determination of water hardness

To correctly determine the moisture hardness, a conductometer (salinity meter) is used - a device for measuring the electrical conductivity of water. The higher the indicator, the greater the concentration of salts in the liquid. Pay attention to signs indicating increased rigidity:

• scale appears in the kettle;
• washing powder and soap do not foam well;
• stains on washed dishes;
• marks on clothes after washing;
• dry skin on the face and hands;
• white coating on containers with settled liquid.

It is not necessary that all signs appear at the same time; two or three are enough to become concerned about the problem and take action.

Excessively hard water shortens the life of household appliances and causes kidney stones.

Mitigation methods

The most common, effortless method is boiling. It is recommended to bring the liquid to the desired state, wait 4 minutes and cool to a comfortable temperature. Moisture treated in this way is suitable for both drinking and washing. But the method also has flaws:

• are lost when boiled beneficial features;
• Electricity is wasted on heating;
• It is difficult to clear a large volume for all needs.

There are several other methods that can improve the quality of the liquid. It is not difficult to normalize moisture with temporary hardness, The main thing is to choose a convenient option:

1. If the hardness is slightly higher than normal, it is normalized by settling. To do this, take water and leave it for 2 days away from sunlight. It is recommended to use for watering indoor plants.
2. When purifying a small amount, use the freezing method. To do this, put the liquid in the freezer, and as soon as ice appears on the walls, drain the moisture. The remains are melted and used both for watering plants and for eating.
3. The solution for boiling softens water well - add 1 tsp per 10 liters. soda with calcium or 2 tsp. food grade, mix and wait for sediment to form at the bottom of the container. To cook boiled cereals or vegetables, add 1 tsp. baking soda for 3 liters of liquid.
4. You can make the water soft for washing your hair with 1 tsp. citric acid and 1 tbsp. l. vinegar per 2 liters of water. Use a solution that has settled for 5 minutes.
5. It is recommended to remove the hardness of water at home intended for household appliances using table salt. Some manufacturers produce sodium chloride in the form of tablets and granules.
6. Helps soften washing liquid special means(powder, tablets), which are sold in the household chemicals department and used according to the instructions.

The most popular softening systems:

1. Filter jug. The capacity is from 1 to 3 liters, the liquid is purified using a cartridge that lasts for 2 months. At the end of the period, the filter system is replaced with a new one.
2. Ion exchange systems. They are not suitable for softening drinking water; they regularly require replacement of reagents (ion exchange resins and saline solutions) and are connected to the sewer system. The advantages include good performance and ease of use.
3. Electromagnetic and magnetic filters. They are attached with covers to water pipes or mains. Under the influence of fields (magnetic, electromagnetic), substances flow into settling tanks and do not turn into scale. Not suitable for purifying drinking liquids.
4. Reverse osmosis systems. The membrane traps molecules of all substances except water. It cleanses the liquid well, which, however, is not recommended for use as food, since its beneficial properties are not preserved. If it is drinking water that needs to be purified, a special module is added to the system - a mineralizer, which equips the liquid with important salts and minerals after purification.

Tap water is most often too hard, which causes many problems, ranging from an unpleasant taste to the failure of household appliances and dishes in which such liquid is heated. What to do in such cases? How to soften water at home?

First of all, you need to understand what it is and why it needs to be mitigated. It is characterized by a high content of magnesium and calcium salts. Groundwater is abundantly saturated with it as it passes through layers of calcareous rocks. Of course, such water does not pose any special problems to the health of the body, but it does cause a lot of inconvenience in everyday life:

• Significantly reduces the service life of clothing, as it disrupts its color and negatively affects the structure of fabrics.
• Reduces the effectiveness of soaps and detergents.
• Droplets of hard water leave behind whitish circles on glassware.
• Hair washed in hard water becomes excessively brittle and looks like
• It is unpleasant to bathe and wash in it.
• Over time, a thick layer of scale forms on the heating elements of household appliances and on the walls of kettles and pots.

In order to prevent such problems, you need to know how to soften water for household needs. There are several basic ways to combat this problem.

Magnetic based devices. Manufacturers of such devices assure that this is an excellent non-chemical method that can significantly soften hard water. For the impact, a magnetic field is used, to create which an installation of a pair of magnets is made. This is understood to help remove various impurities from the liquid, as well as magnesium and calcium ions. The magnets should be located on the outside of the water pipe.

In fact, this kind of softener can hardly be considered an effective remedy. The only place where they are appropriate are pipes located in boiler rooms, since under the influence of a magnetic field, deposits in them become looser and easier to remove.

Shower heads. Manufacturers claim that they saturate the water with vitamin C, flavor it, remove residual chlorine and soften it. They also attribute truly fantastic properties to their devices, in particular, reducing water consumption by half due to the fact that the design provides for reduced splashing. They also promise to increase the speed almost twice.

It is clear that such a remedy is unlikely to cope with the task, but at least it will not do any harm.

Jug filters. They are a plastic container. A filter element is placed inside it. This method of purifying and softening water is the simplest and cheapest. The only “but” is that it is necessary to periodically change the cartridge for more efficient operation of the filter. Devices based on activated carbon have been developed specifically for water softening.

Ion exchange softeners. As many people know, washing machines and dishwashers most often fail due to hard water. How to soften water for them? It is recommended to use ion exchange devices. Devices of this type consist of two reservoirs. One contains a saline solution and the other contains a saline solution. First, water passes through the first resin reservoir, causing the resin ions to react with magnesium and calcium salts, removing them. Then the water is passed through the second (with saline solution), where the lack of ions is replaced with sodium ions. This magnetic exchange makes it possible to soften the hardness of water.

Reverse osmosis. It is considered the most reliable way to solve the problem “how to soften water?” This method is based on the property of water, due to which it passes through a semi-permeable membrane from a concentrated solution to a less concentrated one under the influence of pressure that exceeds the difference in osmosis for each solution. This allows impurities to be retained in the solution. The quality of the resulting water is quite high and is as close as possible to clean water.

The disadvantage of this system is that it removes not only harmful impurities, but also useful ones.

Softening salts. The use of such a product is a prerequisite for using many dishwashers. It prevents scale from spoiling the dishwasher mechanism and is available in tablet form. The amount of product directly depends on the hardness of the water. Most devices have a built-in indicator that tells you when it's time to add salt.

The last way to solve the question “how to soften hard water?” − thermal. It involves distilling, heating or freezing water. It is believed that the optimal means in the fight for the purity and usefulness of the liquid is melt water. It's very easy to make. To do this, you need to take water and pour it into a wide container, for example, a saucepan. Leave it in the cold or put it in the freezer. When a small layer of ice forms on top, it is removed, since “solid” harmful substances are concentrated in it. The remaining water continues to be frozen. When most of it freezes, you need to remove the ice and pour out the rest. Then the mass gradually melts and clean, soft water is obtained.

Now that you know how to soften your water, all you have to do is choose the best product for yourself and never suffer from increased hardness again.

Everyone has heard about the effect of hard water on the quality of washing. But few people know that this phenomenon can be combated without spending special effort And Money. We will show you several ways to soften the water in your washing machine. You can choose the one that seems most effective, safe or economical to you.

Do I need to soften the water for washing?

Washing machines need regular cleaning. Hard water is the cause of plaque on machine elements located in a humid environment. How can you tell what kind of water is in your tap? If you do not resort to any special determination methods, the following will be intensively formed in the machine:

• Scale;
• Soap scum;
• Unpleasant smell.

If these signs appear, you should consider softeners. By making the water softer, you can extend the life of your washing machine and improve the quality of washing.

What is hardness?

This indicator is determined by the concentration of calcium and magnesium salts dissolved in water. When boiling, they, or rather, part of them, are converted into sediment - scale. You can observe this process in any kettle for boiling water. The “status” assigned to the technical fluid that flows through water pipes depends on the concentration:

• Soft;
• Normal;
• Moderately hard;
• Very tough.

Washing in conditions of high rigidity negatively affects the fabric and requires increased consumption of detergents.

After washing, the fabric turns yellow and becomes rough - magnesium and calcium soap settles on it. Due to the uneven wetting characteristic of hard water, the fabric sheds unevenly. After several such washes, the item becomes unusable.

How to determine hardness?

The easiest way is to use a special card. You can also use a conductometer - this is a device for measuring electrical conductivity. It is also called a “salt meter”. The higher the number on the screen, the more salts and harder the liquid. What signs can be used to judge an increased concentration of salts:

• Detergents do not foam well;
• Scale forms in the kettle after just a few boils;
• A bitter taste - however, not everyone feels it;
• The formation of a white coating on the walls of the container after settling.

What should the water hardness be?

It is measured in degrees of hardness, volume fractions or mass number. The officially accepted unit of measurement (SI system) is mol/m³. In fact, another unit of measurement is more often used - milliequivalent/liter. Water is distinguished, mEq/l:

• Soft - less than 2;
• Normal - 2-4;
• Hard - 4-6;
• Very tough - 6 and above.

Three types are distinguished by degrees of hardness:

• Soft - less than 2;
• Average - 2-10;
• Very hard - more than 10.

In Russia, unfortunately, the norm is considered to be 7 mEq/L. In Europe, this figure is 1-2 mg-eq/l. That is, liquid flows through our pipes, which needs to be softened.

How to soften water?

Chemical methods

• Softening agents. The most popular in Russia is “Kalgon 2 in 1”. With its help you can protect heating elements, drums, and plastic hoses from scale. The dosage depends on the concentration of salts. Presenters European manufacturers It is recommended to use Calgon. True, it does not remove scale itself - it only prevents its formation, providing a softening effect. It does not guarantee complete protection of the washing machine.
• Special washing powders. They contain softeners. These are Persil, Ariel and others powders. They can extend the life of the machine quite well.

Mechanical methods

To increase softness, various systems are used that can handle large volumes of liquid. They are connected directly to the water supply. There are:

• Membrane filter. They are also called reverse osmosis systems. Water passes through them under pressure. It overcomes the membrane that traps molecules of all substances. The membrane only allows water molecules to pass through. Such filters are used only for household needs, as they also remove substances that are important for the body.
• Magnetic softener. They are installed on highways and water pipes. Salt dissolved in the liquid, under the influence of a magnetic field, enters the sump. An electromagnetic softener works in a similar way - in it the salts are influenced by the electromagnetic field.
• Ion exchange systems. They cope with any tasks. One reagent is an ion exchange resin, the second is a saline solution. They are separated - they are in different containers. These high-performance systems are easy to maintain. The disadvantage is that the reagents need to be changed periodically.
• Salt filter. Cheap and accessible. Reagent - polyphosphate crystals. It improves the quality of washing quite well.

"Folk remedies

Along with special compounds produced by industry, improvised means can be used to soften what comes from the water supply. They are in every home, cheap and safe.

How to soften water with soda?

Many housewives are interested in whether soda softens water? As soon as this inexpensive and safe product is used on the farm. And in this case it could not have happened without him. Any soda will help - baking soda or ash. The first one is even used for washing. Soda ash is more aggressive and has bleaching properties. For 10-15 liters of liquid, two tsp is enough. Baking soda can be added by mixing it with washing powder- it will foam better and remove stubborn stains better. Soda ash is not only an excellent softener for washing - by improving the quality of washing, it will also protect machine parts from scale.

Important! Soda ash is suitable for natural fabrics - linen and cotton. It is not recommended to use it for wool, silk and synthetics - it can ruin things.

How to soften water with soap?

You can use any soap - laundry or cosmetic. It needs to be grated. For one wash, 15-20 g is enough - a heaped tablespoon. After diluting the soap in a half-liter container, foam should appear. This composition is enough for 10-12 liters.

What else can you use?

Citric acid and vinegar have softening properties, but at the same time increase the acidity of the environment. Usually citric acid eliminate salt deposits. Of course, you can’t wash with vinegar - it has unpleasant smell, which is difficult to remove even after a single use. It is useful as a descaling agent.

Table salt is also a good softener. Housewives can use special tableted salt - it is convenient for washing.

Prevention and cleaning of washing machine elements

Citric acid is an ideal preventative against scale:

• Take 60 g of acid per 4 kg of laundry;
• Pour the lemon into the powder container;
• Switch on the mode with a temperature of 60 °C;
• The frequency of the procedure is once every three months. Then scale will not form on the machine parts at all.

From the owners washing machines There is big choice water softeners - from one-time to systemic. The harm caused by calcium and magnesium salts is too serious to ignore. Things get spoiled, equipment wears out, and money is wasted. Softeners will improve washing and prolong the life of your home helper.