Hard Water Is Hard on Your Washing Machine

Dreading laundry day is normal. But if you have hard water, your washing machine might be dreading laundry day, too.

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Dealing with all the excess minerals in hard water could affect how long your washing machine lasts. Even more, it could damage your clothes and impact how well your detergent works. Learn more about hard water and washing machines to improve your laundry day results.

Can I Use a Washing Machine If I Have Hard Water?

You can use your washing machine even if you have hard water. It won't keep the machine from operating. However, the mineral buildup is often damaging to washing machines over time, which could shorten the appliance's lifespan. The laundry results you get might also be disappointing.

Hard water has lots of magnesium, calcium and other minerals in it. Those minerals can clog the components in your washing machine, which wears them out and limits how much water flows into the appliance. Your washing machine often has to work harder to wash your clothes. The extra effort could make the machine wear out faster than normal.

What Happens When You Wash Clothes With Hard Water?

Detrimental on Detergent

Washing your clothes in hard water can damage them and affect how they look. Laundry detergent doesn't dissolve as well in hard water, which often leaves detergent residue on your clothes. Your clothes also might not come out as clean as you want because of the detergent issues. The minerals in the water also cling to the fabric of everything you wash.

Off Outfits

Clothes often come out of the wash looking and feeling unpleasant. You might notice that your clothes feel stiff or rough. It's also common for them to discolor over time, taking on a yellowish or grayish look. You might see streaks on dark fabrics.

Ruins Longevity

Hard water can also cut into how long your wardrobe lasts. It can weaken the fibers in fabric, making your clothes more susceptible to rips and wear.

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What Laundry Detergent Should I Use With Hard Water?

You can find some laundry detergents that are formulated specifically for hard water. Sodium carbonate and sodium citrate are two ingredients used in some detergents that can help soften the water. Other options that may work include low-pH laundry detergent or options with enzymes. Liquid detergent tends to dissolve better in hard water than powdered detergents, which could improve cleaning power and reduce detergent buildup on your clothes.

You can also add other things to the wash to help combat the minerals. Borax and washing soda can help soften the water when added to your machine's wash cycle. In the rinse cycle, try adding laundry rinse aid or white vinegar to minimize buildup on the fabric. Warmer water often helps detergent perform better in hard water.

How Do I Keep Hard Water From Ruining My Washing Machine?

Installing a water softener in your home can prevent damage to your washing machine and other appliances. It also reduces buildup in your pipes and on your plumbing fixtures. You might notice an improvement in your hair and skin because hard water can cause drying and irritation.

If a water softener isn't an option, focus on washing machine maintenance. Cleaning the appliance regularly reduces mineral buildup inside the machine. You can do this by running a hot cycle with vinegar added to it. Your washing machine also has a filter that could become clogged by the minerals in hard water. Check and clean that filter regularly to remove the debris. This can help reduce stress on the machine.

It's also helpful to check the water hoses. Minerals can build up in the hoses as well, causing damage or leaks. Mineral buildup often starts as a chalky residue.

You might also benefit from professional assistance to deal with your washing machine issues. A plumber or water specialist can test your water to determine if hard water is the problem. They can recommend solutions for your specific situation. If you notice performance issues with your washing machine, call an appliance repair professional to diagnose the problem.