Archive for January 15, 2015

How do water softeners work?

Chuck Wight, a chemistry professor at the University of Utah, provides the following explanation:A typical water-softening system removes calcium and magnesium ions from hard water and replaces them with sodium ions. Calcium and magnesium ions interfere with the action of household soaps and detergents, but sodium does not.

How-Do-Water-Softeners-Work1The water-softening process thus helps detergents to more effectively remove dirt and oils from clothing and dishes. It also helps soaps to give a “slippery” feel to your skin when you wash. Most manufacturers of water softeners recommend that you reduce the amount of soap and detergents you use after installing a water softener. Read more