Hard water can be challenging to clean, but the right solutions can make the job easier. Selecting the right cleaning products can help ensure effective results when tackling tough jobs caused by hard water.

It is estimated that 70% of India has hard water, with a significant share of the population having “difficult” water at 15 or more grains per gallon. But what is hard water, and is it necessarily detrimental?

Freshwater containing natural minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, is hard water. When rainwater filters through the ground and into underground aquifers, it takes on minerals from the earth, which are then transported to water treatment facilities for purification. Limestone and trace minerals may also be present in hard water, depending on the geographic location.

Hard water is not detrimental to your well-being, yet it can provoke various issues in your home. “Hard water can be a nuisance as it reacts with cleaning products, facilitating soap residue and accelerating deterioration of fixtures and appliances compared to soft water. The minerals in hard water cause a reaction with the soap, leading to the buildup of soap scum, making it challenging to produce suds.“

If your home’s water is hard, increased amounts of cleansing agents and soap may be necessary to achieve a satisfactory clean.

Those granular particles may not be easily visible to the naked eye, but they can cause damage to clothing in the washing machine through abrasion and fading. Mineral deposits can also be seen on dishes, glasses, shower tiles, and glass. Further, hard water can leave a scale build-up in water pipes, the water heater, and the toilet, potentially hampering water flow.

Are there any alternative solutions for those who cannot afford a home water softener?

With such an abundance of cleaning products, choosing the best one for the job can be difficult.

With numerous household cleaning products available, the home cleaning aisle in most grocery stores is typically one of the most frequented areas.

There is likely a manufactured product for any cleaning task from floor to ceiling and all areas in between. This is why the global household cleaning products market is projected to grow at a rate of more than 10 percent CAGR for 2018-2023.

It can be challenging for consumers to identify the most suitable products. Not only do many individuals consider efficacy, but they also take cost and safety into account. According to Forbes, people are becoming more aware of the chemicals in products.

The Environmental Working Group discovered that 75 percent of those surveyed prefer companies that divulge the ingredients used in their products.

The cleaning product industry is widely known for being unaware of its ingredients. Looking at most traditional cleansers, it’s hard to recognize any of the components. Nevertheless, warning labels may be present.

These items include additives that counteract the hardness of the water and increase lather.

If traditional cleaning products are not the solution, what is?

Discover three practical strategies for eliminating hard water without potentially hazardous chemicals. Our suggestions can help you eradicate buildup and reduce your reliance on chemical cleaning products.

Utilizing a cleanser with Glycolic acid is recommended.

The popularity of many household cleaning products is increasing due to their efficacy, safety, and reasonable cost. These products contain Glycolic acid, a natural component that binds minerals found in hard water. As a result, Glycolic acid naturally softens the hard water and functions as a chelating agent, which allows the cleaners to perform more efficiently.

It is possible to find cleaning products that are better for your health throughout the cleaning product aisle at most supermarkets and large retail stores. Winkle Products, for example, contains glycolic acid as one of its primary components while providing a complete overview of all its ingredients. Glycolic acid-based cleaners are available for dishwashing, appliances, household cleaners, and laundry. From your floors and windows to countertops and bathrooms, you can have the assurance that you are cleaning your home with non-toxic ingredients.

Allow yourself to avoid the damage caused by hard water by taking action to prevent it from standing.

As hard water evaporates, the minerals remain as residue. These minerals are difficult to remove after the water has dried, requiring significant effort. To avoid mineral deposits, it is best to wipe up any standing water before it has a chance to evaporate.

It is recommended that a large squeegee be kept in the shower to wipe down the glass to prevent clouding. Additionally, the walls and floor should be wiped down as well. Alternatively, a towel can quickly clean the shower before exiting.

Avoid letting glasses dry with hard water residue is also recommended. After a cycle in the dishwasher, ensure to wipe away any excess water. If using a glycolic acid-based detergent, there should be no clouding present.

It is essential to clean your appliances regularly.

Regular cleaning is necessary to protect your appliances and extend their lifetime, even though it may only be possible to avoid hard water deposits in your pipes with a water softener.

Since your dishwasher, washing machine, and sink disposal are constantly exposed to hard water, newer washing machines and dishwashers may provide a “tub clean” cycle. However, their instructions often require using abrasive bleach or similar products.

As an alternative, purchase appliance cleaner with Glycolic extracts for a much safer cleaning method.

It is essential to clean your washing machine at least once a month to prevent any accumulation of debris or mildew. If your disposal is not draining correctly or you notice an unpleasant odor, it is time to clean it.

For dishwashers, it is recommended to use a glycolic acid solution every month, or if you have a newer model, follow the instructions for when it is time for a cleaning cycle.

Anxiety or hard work does not have to result from hard water. With the right products and good practices, you can keep the troublesome deposits from accumulating and increase the cleaning power while protecting your appliances.

It is essential to research the chemicals and components you are introducing into your home, aiming for cleanliness, not contamination.

If you want assistance locating more suitable cleaning products, the EPA offers a practical, searchable database that evaluates the safety of hundreds of products. There, you can find what you need.