Water softeners provide a lot of benefits by removing the hard minerals from your water supply. If you’ve never used one before, however, you may have heard some common misconceptions. Use the guide below to separate myth from fact so that you know what to expect.

Common Misconceptions About Water Softeners

1. They Put Salt in Your Water

Water softening equipment uses an ion exchange to remove calcium and magnesium. You put salts into the equipment so that it can do this. The special media in the mineral tank is charged with sodium ions, which replace the hard minerals as the water passes through the media. As a result, a small amount of sodium is added to the water—not salt. Your water remains fresh and perfectly safe.

2. Soft Water Doesn’t Rinse Properly

If you’re used to hard water and have used soft water elsewhere, you may have found that showering made your skin feel slippery. This isn’t the result of soap that isn’t being properly rinsed away. It is a result of your soap working more effectively. The minerals in hard water interfere with soap, preventing it from creating the suds it’s meant to. The result is ineffective cleaning and soap scum. Your skin and dishes should be rinsed with softened water so that your skin is softer and more moisturized, and the dishes are spotless.

3. They Purify Water

While softening your water results in optimal cleaning, softer skin, and longer-lasting plumbing, it doesn’t purify the water. It removes minerals rather than contaminants. If you want to purify your water as well, use a reverse osmosis system. Softening and water purification services are often used in conjunction with each other.

The team at McAleer Water Conditioning, Inc., believes that the drinking water your family uses should be held to the highest standard. Since 1976, they have been installing water softeners and purifiers in Anamosa and across eastern Iowa. They carry technology from industry-leading manufacturers at competitive prices. Learn more online, and call (800) 397-1995 to get started.