For many of us, hard water is an unwelcome reality. It can cause damage to your home’s plumbing system and will often lead to issues with the cleanliness of your laundry. So, does hard water ruin your laundry? 

Well, there are a few factors at play here, but the short answer is yes — hard water can have a major impact on your clothing. Let’s take a closer look at how hard water affects your laundry routine and what you can do to minimize any potential damage. 

What Is Hard Water? 

Hard water is simply water with high mineral content, usually calcium and magnesium. While it won’t harm you if you drink it, it can create problems in your home over time. For example, it may cause buildup in pipes or leave behind unsightly streaks on dishes and shower doors. It can also be a major issue when it comes to doing laundry. 

How Does Hard Water Impact My Laundry? 

When washing clothes with hard water, soap does not dissolve as easily as it does with soft water. This means that soap residue may remain on the fabric after laundering, leading to fading or discoloration over time. 

Additionally, due to the high mineral content in hard water, fabrics may become stiffer than normal after laundering and drying. In some cases, this stiffness is permanent; in others, this stiffness dissipates after a few washes with softened water. However, either way, the result is uncomfortable clothing that doesn’t feel pleasant against the skin. 

What Can I Do About It? 

The good news is that several solutions are available for those who live with hard water! The most common answer is installing a whole-house water softener to reduce mineral content throughout all home areas — including laundry rooms and bathrooms where people wash their clothes! 

You can also use certain additives during each load of laundry that help break down minerals and prevent buildup on clothing fibers. Finally, you might consider investing in detergents specifically made for washing clothes with hard water; these detergents contain special compounds that help break down mineral residues, so they don’t build up on clothes over time. 

Schedule a Free In-Home Water Test in Mount Airy, MD

If you notice a strange taste in your water or contaminants, Easterday-Wilson Water Services can help. We treat countless water quality problems and eliminate common water contaminants on a daily basis. Call us at 301-831-5170 for additional information and schedule your free water evaluation today.

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