Hard Water and Laundry: Why Your Clothes Feel Stiff
How hard water affects washing machines and fabric, and what to do about it.
Why hard water ruins laundry
Hard water minerals react with detergent to form insoluble soap curds that deposit on fabric fibers. This makes clothes feel stiff, rough, and scratchy. Colors look dull. Whites turn gray or yellow over time. You end up using 30-50% more detergent to compensate, which costs $75-150 extra per year for a typical household.
The washing machine problem
Scale builds up inside the drum, hoses, and heating element. A washing machine in a hard water area (200+ PPM) typically lasts 7-9 years instead of 12-14. The rubber door seal on front-loaders degrades faster from mineral deposits, leading to leaks and mold.
Solutions
A whole-house softener is the permanent fix. You will immediately notice softer clothes, brighter colors, and can cut detergent by 30-50%. In the interim, adding 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle helps dissolve mineral deposits. Use liquid detergent rather than powder, as it dissolves better in hard water.