Does Hard Water Make Soap Scum Worse?
Did you know that the minerals in hard water can make bathroom soap scum problems even worse? Let’s take a quick look at why hard water and soap never seem to get along.
When hard water reacts with soap it forms a white, scaly layer on the surfaces of your shower, bathtub, sink, and other household appliances. Soap scum can make your bathroom look dirty, and the longer it sits there, the more it builds up and leads to other issues that may affect your health, including mildew or mold.
We know that hard water contains higher amounts of iron, calcium, and magnesium and that soap scum consists of a combination of those same particles mixed with soap. What this means is as more minerals dissolve in your water system, the more likely you are to spot soap scum formation in your bathroom and kitchen area.
Why Are Hard Water and Soap Such Polar Opposites?
Because soap scum is white, people often mistake it for soap that somehow got left behind after a shower. But your soap’s main goal is to help you remove unwanted dirt and germs that you (or your kids) may have picked up during the day. What you’re noticing at the bottom of your tub or sink area is something completely different!
Soap molecules bind with both water and grime (i.e. oil, dirt, etc.) at the same time so that when you rinse your hands in the sink or wash your body in a shower, the soap removes away the excess oil with the rest of the water and goes straight down the drain (Live Science). However, the buildup of minerals in your hard water can actually block the soap’s ability to bind, making it less effective in doing its most important job. The end result is your soap is unable to dissolve in the water, leaving minerals and dirt to build up on your tile and sink fixtures.
How to Get Hard Water and Soap Under Control
In a previous blog post, we shared some helpful tips on how to safely, and effectively, remove soap scum from common household areas. And though these DIY ideas are still beneficial, you may decide it’s time to fix the source of your hard water problem by investing in a home water softening solution from Kinetico®.
Kinetico Series water softeners can help you tackle the important task of removing chlorine and particulate matter from water, with the added benefit of making it softer for your hair and skin.
To learn more about the benefits of upgrading to Kinetico, call Aquarius Water Conditioning at 888-741-9025! Our water specialists will test your water for free, so we are better equipped to recommend the best system for your home and budget. Need a free quote? Fill out our online form!
