Why use softened water? What is the difference between softened water and hard water?

Softened water refers to the process of reducing the hardness of water by removing heavy metal ions such as calcium and magnesium from the water. Hard water refers to water containing a large amount of calcium and magnesium ions.

Why use softened water?

First, softened water can reduce the production of scale. Scale is formed by combining calcium and magnesium ions in water with carbonate plasma. In water heaters, pipes, faucets and other equipment and appliances, long-term use of hard water can lead to the accumulation of scale, thereby reducing the service life of the equipment. The use of softened water can effectively reduce the generation of scale and extend the service life of the equipment.

Secondly, softened water has the effect of protecting the skin. Calcium and magnesium ions in hard water react with oils on the skin to form soap stains, making the skin dry and rough. Using softened water can reduce the production of soapy stains and keep your skin moist and soft.

In addition, softened water can also improve the washing effect. When using hard water to wash clothes and wash dishes, calcium and magnesium ions in the water react with the soap base in the detergent to form lumps that are not easily soluble in soap, which reduces the effect of the detergent. After the heavy metal ions in the softened water are removed, the detergent can better exert its cleaning ability and make clothes and tableware cleaner.

Softened water can then save energy and chemical use. Scale in hard water can reduce the heat conductivity of water heaters, boilers and other equipment, reduce energy utilization efficiency, and increase heating time and energy consumption. Softened water can reduce the formation of scale, improve the working efficiency of equipment, thereby saving energy. In addition, the use of softened water can also reduce the amount of detergents and cleaners used, reduce environmental pollution and waste of chemicals.

Softened water is different from hard water in the following aspects:

1. Different hardness: hard water has a high content of calcium and magnesium ions and has a high hardness; softened water reduces the hardness by removing most of the calcium and magnesium ions.

2. Different fields of use: Hard water is suitable for agricultural irrigation and industrial production, such as cooling circulating water, boiler makeup water, etc. Softened water is more common in household water, washing, swimming pool water treatment, etc.

3. The impact on equipment is different: using hard water will cause the accumulation of scale and reduce the service life of the equipment; while using softened water can reduce the generation of scale and protect the equipment.

4. The impact on the skin is different: hard water will react with the oil on the skin, making the skin dry and rough; using softened water can reduce the production of soap scale and keep the skin moist and soft.

In short, softened water plays an important role in reducing scale, protecting equipment, protecting skin, improving washing effects, and saving energy and chemicals. By using softened water, water quality can be improved, quality of life and awareness of environmental protection can be improved.