If you notice that your faucets have a chalky white buildup or your dishware sometimes gets spots on it, your home might have hard water. Hard water usually contains a high concentration of minerals like calcium or magnesium, which can cause a funny taste or smell. If you’d like to soften the water in your home naturally, there are a few different options you can choose from that don’t involve harsh chemicals.

Here are 8 natural ways to soften hard water.

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Install an ion exchange softener for your entire water supply.

  1. These kinds of softeners are usually installed by a professional. Water coming into your home is run through resin to pull out the contaminants. Purchase these kinds of softeners at hardware stores and home centers, then hire a professional to install it in your home.[2]
    • Home ion exchangers are ideal for hard water rated medium to very hard. They are one of the most common choices for improving household water.
    • You may want to run a hard water test first to note the kinds of minerals in your water. Some softening systems may be better at removing certain contaminants than others.
    • Prices will vary according to model and region, but these kinds of softeners generally run between $500 and $1,500.
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Boil away impurities.

  1. Boiling removes calcium from hard water. Fill a clean pot or kettle with water and place it on a stove burner set to high. Allow the water to boil for a few minutes, then turn off the heat. Let the water cool, then use a spoon to scoop the sediment off the top of the water before transferring it to a clean container.[3]
    • The sediment will most likely be white and chalky. That’s the calcium leaving the water.
    • Boiling doesn’t get rid of all the impurities in hard water, only the calcium. However, calcium is usually what causes the unpleasant smell and taste, so it can greatly improve your water.[4]
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4

Use baking soda in your cooking water.

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Add washing soda to your laundry.

  1. Washing soda, or sodium carbonate, can temporarily soften your water. When you throw a load into your washing machine, sprinkle washing soda over your clothes before you start the washer. Washing soda also helps lift dirt and grime from fabric, so it can lead to cleaner clothes.[7]
    • The carbonate ions from washing soda react with the calcium and magnesium ions that are in hard water. The reaction eventually leads to the calcium and magnesium dissolving, leading to softer water.
    • Only use washing soda in your laundry, not anywhere else. Long-term washing soda use can lead to limescale buildup, which can clog narrow pipes.
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About This Article

Hannah Madden
Co-authored by:
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Hannah Madden is a writer, editor, and artist currently living in Portland, Oregon. In 2018, she graduated from Portland State University with a B.S. in Environmental Studies. Hannah enjoys writing articles about conservation, sustainability, and eco-friendly products. When she isn’t writing, you can find Hannah working on hand embroidery projects and listening to music. This article has been viewed 144,147 times.
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Co-authors: 11
Updated: October 11, 2022
Views: 144,147
Article SummaryX

To soften hard water naturally, get a filter installed, or for a short-term solution, try boiling your water before you use it. If you drink water straight from the tap often, consider installing a drinking water filter in your kitchen to remove impurities. Some filters attach directly to your faucet, while others act as filters for pitchers. If you only want to soften small amounts of water at a time, fill your kettle from your faucet and boil it. Let the water cool completely, then transfer it to a container with a baster, siphon, or ladle. Try to avoid any sediment that gathers at the bottom. To stop your boiled water from tasting flat, pour it back and forth between 2 clean containers for a few minutes, which will restore oxygen to the water and improve its taste. If you want to soften your shower water, get an ion exchange shower head filter from a hardware store. These filter chemicals, like chlorine and lead, from your water. For more tips, including how to soften your laundry water, read on!

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