If you rely on well water in your home, you’re likely familiar with the occasional stains that develop on your fixtures. But did you know the presence of hard water can also have an impact on your laundry? There are several ways that it may manifest, but investing in a water treatment service may resolve the issue. Here’s what you need to know.

A Guide to Hard Water & Laundry Problems

What Is Hard Water?

Hard water contains elevated concentrations of key minerals, including magnesium and calcium. If that water comes from a well pump installation, then it’s more likely to be hard because it’s sourced from the ground where these minerals are present in the surrounding soil. In your house, you might notice discolored or whitish fixtures. Your skin and hair may feel dry after washing, too. Many installers offer water treatment services to reverse the problem and remove the minerals from the water.

What Can Hard Water Do to Laundry?

Hard water can have negative effects on your clothes. The problem occurs when the minerals cling to fabric during the wash cycle. Soft materials may feel stiff and uncomfortable as a result. With regular washes, colors may fade to a pale, gray, or yellow finish, and fibers might even break down and lead to significant garment damage. Another telltale sign of hard water is a streaky finish left behind on bright colors.

Is Soap as Effective in Hard Water?

One of the most significant reasons your laundry looks worse for wear after washing in hard water is because detergent doesn’t perform very well in that environment. The unwanted minerals clash with the key cleansing ingredients in the soap, leaving behind scum. You might also notice that visible stains don’t wash properly, and that you need to subject your laundry to repeated washes to see results.

What’s the Best Way to Tackle the Problem?

The first step is to hire a well drilling contractor to conduct a well water test. They’ll determine whether the water is clean or if your laundry is somehow being exposed to magnesium and calcium. They might also recommend investing in a water softener. This water treatment service will eliminate the harmful minerals and restore balance to your home’s supply. Once in place, it should lead to cleaner, softer laundry loads.

Are you concerned that hard water is affecting your laundry? The licensed and insured well drilling contractors at Roundman’s Pump Repair & Well Drilling will determine the cause and mitigate the issue. Based in Suwannee County, FL, the company has more than 50 years of experience and is proud to offer 24-hour emergency services. They’ll provide you with everything you need to know about water treatment services, and can also perform well inspections and maintenance, as needed. Visit their website to learn more about these and other services, or call (386) 362-7365 today to schedule an appointment.