Bring the water to a boil for a few minutes. Let it cool for a couple hours. White minerals should settle to the bottom of the pot. Siphon or scoop up the top of the water, leaving the minerals behind.
This “filter” does not actually remove most contaminants, unless the device has a secondary filter (such as carbon filter or reverse osmosis). [2] X Research source Most coffee fanatics dislike the taste of soft water coffee. [3] X Research source Look for a faucet model with a switch-off valve, so you can keep your hard water brew.
Add a second batch of conditioner during the rinse cycle. Without this, all the minerals will just latch back onto your clothes.
Towels can also become stiff due to hard water. Treat them the same way. Vinegar can bleach some types of fabric and damage stoneware. Some people add ½ cup (120mL) vinegar to the rinse cycle in their water, while others claim this can damage the rubber seals on your machine. Consider checking with your machine manufacturer.
The average US resident uses 100 gallons of water a day (or 70 gallons if you’re only softening indoor water use). [6] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U. S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to source For example, your household water hardness has 9 grains per gallon. You use 300 gallons per day, so 9 x 300 = 2,700 grains per day. A softener in the 27,000 grain range (2,700 x 10) is about the right size.
Sodium chloride: the most common and most effective type. This adds a tiny amount of salt (sodium) to your water. Potassium chloride: less effective, but useful if you can’t have sodium. The potassium can harm people with damaged kidneys or on certain medications that prevent potassium absorption. [7] X Research source If you don’t want sodium or potassium, pick either type and install a reverse osmosis (RO) filter as well to remove them after softening.
