Hard water can be a significant problem for washing machines and clothes. Hard water can cause mineral buildup that can reduce the machine’s efficiency and increase the risk of breakdowns. It can also cause detergent to be less effective, resulting in soap scum buildup on clothes and in the machine.
If you are experiencing hard water problems in your washing machine, there are several solutions that can help. Most of these solutions can be easily implemented at your household without much cost implications.
In this article, we will provide tips for fixing hard water problems in washing machines. From using water softeners and filters to descalers and regular cleaning, we will cover a range of methods that can help prevent mineral buildup and maintain your machine’s efficiency.
Let’s get started!
1. Use Washing Machines that can Handle Hard Water
The easiest way to tackle hard water for laundry is to use a washing machine that can handle the hard water input supply. This is the ideal choice if you are planning to buy a washing machine. These washing machines come with various features that make them suitable for hard water input, such as inbuilt water softeners, filters, and anti-scaling devices.
Here are five options that you can consider:
- LG 6.5 Kg 5 Star Smart Inverter Fully-Automatic Top Loading Washing Machine – T65SKSF4Z
- Whirlpool 7.5 Kg 5 Star Fully-Automatic Top Loading Washing Machine – 360 Degree Bloomwash Pro
- Samsung 6.5 Kg Fully Automatic Top Loading Washing Machine – WA65A4002VS/TL
- Bosch 7 kg Fully Automatic Top Loading Washing Machine – WOE704W0IN
- IFB 6 Kg 5 Star Fully Automatic Front Loading Washing Machine – Diva Aqua SX
2. Install a water softener
Water softeners help washing machines in dealing with hard water by removing the minerals like Calcium and Magnesium that cause hardness from the water before it enters the washing machine.
Water softeners work by using a process called ion exchange. They contain resin beads that are charged with sodium ions. When the hard water flows through the resin beads, the calcium and magnesium ions in the water attach to the beads, and the sodium ions are released into the water. This ion exchange process removes the minerals that cause hardness from the water, leaving it “soft.” In addition to reducing scaling and buildup, water softeners also improve the effectiveness of detergents and reduce soap scum buildup on clothes and in the washing machine.
You might be thinking where can you install a water softener for washing machines. They can be installed at the main water supply line or at the point of use, such as under the sink or near the washing machine. When installed at the main water supply line, the water softener can provide soft water to the entire household. It is essential to select the appropriate water softener size based on the hardness of the water and the household’s water consumption to ensure maximum effectiveness.
3. Use a Filter
Filters work by removing sediment and impurities from the water and hence reducing the buildup of minerals in the washing machine. They typically use a physical barrier or chemical process to remove contaminants from the water. Some filters can also remove chlorine, which can cause damage to fabrics and reduce the effectiveness of detergents.
There are various types of filters available for washing machines, such as sediment filters, carbon filters, and reverse osmosis filters. The type of filter required will depend on the hardness of the water and the specific contaminants present in the water supply. Regular maintenance and replacement of the filter are essential to ensure maximum effectiveness and to prevent the buildup of contaminants in the filter.
4. Add Vinegar to Wash Cycle
One of the easiest solution to protect your clothes while washing with hard water is to use vinegar. Vinegar is acidic and can dissolve the buildup of minerals, making them easier to remove. When vinegar is added to the wash cycle, it can help remove any mineral buildup on the clothes and the washing machine’s components. Additionally, vinegar can help remove soap scum and other buildup on the clothes, making them softer and brighter.
Is essential to use vinegar in moderation and to dilute it with water before adding it to the washing machine. Using too much vinegar can damage the machine’s rubber components and cause them to deteriorate. It is also essential to avoid using vinegar on delicate fabrics and to rinse the machine thoroughly after use to prevent any lingering vinegar odor.
5. Add a Descaler
Descalers are cleaning agents that are designed to break down the buildup of minerals in the washing machine. They work by dissolving the mineral deposits, making them easier to remove. Descalers are typically acidic and can be used to remove the buildup of minerals that cause hardness in the washing machine.
When using a descaler, it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and to choose a descaler that is compatible with the washing machine’s components. Descalers can be applied directly to the affected areas, such as the drum or pipes, or can be added to the washing machine’s detergent compartment.
Regular use of a descaler can help keep the washing machine’s components free of mineral buildup, reducing the risk of breakdowns and extending the machine’s lifespan. It is essential to note that descalers should be used in moderation and should not be used as a substitute for other methods of dealing with hard water, such as water softeners and filters.
6. Regular Cleaning of Washing Machine
Regular cleaning of the machine’s components, such as the drum and pipes, can help prevent mineral buildup and maintain the machine’s efficiency. Cleaning can be done using a mixture of warm water and mild detergent or vinegar, depending on the type of machine and the severity of the buildup.
It is essential to clean the machine’s components regularly, as buildup can cause the machine to work harder, resulting in increased energy consumption and wear and tear on the machine’s components. Additionally, buildup can reduce the lifespan of the machine and increase the risk of breakdowns.
7. Use Hot Water for Laundry
Hot water can help dissolve minerals in the water, making it easier for the detergent to work. When the water temperature is higher, the surface tension of the water is reduced, allowing it to penetrate more effectively into fabrics and remove dirt and stains.
Furthermore, hot water can help break down oil and grease that may accumulate on clothes, making it easier for the detergent to remove them. It can also help kill bacteria and germs that may be present on the clothes, especially when washing items such as towels and bedding.
When using hot water, it is essential to consider the fabric type and color of the clothes being washed, as hot water can cause some fabrics to shrink or fade. It is also important to ensure that the machine can handle hot water and to use the appropriate temperature setting for the clothes being washed.
8. Use High Quality Detergent and Fabric Conditioners
High-quality detergents and fabric conditioners are formulated with ingredients that are designed to work effectively in hard water.
High quality detergents contain ingredients that can bind to the minerals in the water, preventing them from interfering with the detergent’s cleaning power. These detergents can also help break down and remove any buildup of minerals that may already be present on the machine’s components. In addition to their ability to handle hard water, high-quality detergents can also provide other benefits, such as better stain removal, brighter colors, and softer fabrics. When choosing a high-quality detergent, it is essential to consider the fabric type, color, and the severity of the hard water. Different detergents may be more effective for different fabric types or water hardness levels.
Some of the detergents available in Indian market for hardwater are Surf Excel Matic 3 in 1 Smart Shots, Surf Excel Matic Power Concentrate and Ariel Matic Liquid Detergent.
Using a fabric conditioner helps to prevent clothes from losing their color and texture due to hard water.
The right mix would be to use both detergents and fabric conditioners in your washing cycle for the best results. This takes us to our last tip.
9. Use More Detergent
By adding more detergent, there is a higher concentration of cleaning agents available to break down and remove mineral buildup. The increased concentration of detergent can help improve the detergent’s effectiveness and reduce the amount of mineral buildup on the machine’s components.
We recommend you to use at least two times detergents than what you normally use when you have a hard water supply for washing machines.