According to modern-day proponents of homeopathy, it must. Homeopathic remedies are made by diluting solutions of various substances so greatly that not even a single molecule of the active substance can be expected to be present in the final medication. Now that even the homeopaths have come to accept this fact, they explain that the water somehow retains the "imprint" or "memory" of the original solute.
In 1985, the late Jacques Benveniste, a French biologist, conducted experiments that purported to show that a certain type of cellular immune response could be brought about by an anti-immunoglobulin agent that had been diluted to such an extent that it is highly unlikely that even one molecule of this agent remained in the aqueous solution.
He interpreted this to indicate that water could somehow retain an impression, or "memory", of a solute that had been diluted out of existence. This result was immediately taken by believers in homeopathy as justification for their dogma that similarly diluted remedies could be effective as alternative medical agents.
The consensus among chemists is that any temporary disruption of the water structure by a dissolved agent would disappear within a fraction of a second after its removal by dilution, owing to the vigorous thermal motions of the water molecules. Benveniste's results have never been convincingly replicated by other scientists.
Monday 26 May 2008
"Structure-Altered" Water...?
The "alternative" health market is full of goofy products which purport to alter the structure of water by stabilizing groups of H2O molecules into permanent clusters of 4-8 molecules, or alternatively, to break up what they claim are the larger clusters (usually 10-15 molecules) that they say normally exist in water. The object in either case is to promote the flow of water into the body's cells ("cellular hydration").
This is of course utter nonsense; there is no credible scientific evidence for any of these claims, many of which verge on the bizarre. There are even some scientifically absurd U.S. Patents for the manufacture of so-called "Clustered Water™". At least 20 nostrums of this kind are offered to the scientifically-naive public through hundreds of Web sites and late-night radio "infomercials". None of these claims is supported by credible evidence.
This is of course utter nonsense; there is no credible scientific evidence for any of these claims, many of which verge on the bizarre. There are even some scientifically absurd U.S. Patents for the manufacture of so-called "Clustered Water™". At least 20 nostrums of this kind are offered to the scientifically-naive public through hundreds of Web sites and late-night radio "infomercials". None of these claims is supported by credible evidence.
Minimize Effects of Hard Water
There are a number of tips you can follow to reduce the effects of hard water in your home, without having to make any major changes:
Use a synthetic body wash to shower
Some confusion may arise after a first experience with soft water. Hard water does not lather well with soap and leaves a "less than clean" feeling. Soft water lathers better than hard water but leaves a "slippery feeling" on the skin after use with soap. For example, a certain water softener manufacturer contests that the "slippery feeling" after showering in soft water is due to "cleaner skin" and the absence of "friction-causing" soap scum.
However, the chemical explanation is that soft water, due to its sodium content, has a much reduced ability to combine with the soap film on your body and therefore, it is much more difficult to rinse off. Solutions are to use less soap or a synthetic liquid body wash.
Choose a correct laundry detergent
Some laundry detergents do not produce as many suds in hard water, these are likely to be soap-based products and do not work as well in hard-water as detergent based products. Nowadays, there are washing powders and liquids available for a wide range of water hardness. Make sure you choose the correct detergent for your area; you may also need to use slightly more detergent than the manufacturers recommended amount to compensate for the hard water. In many cases the manufacturer will give specific instructions on how to use the product in hard water areas, look out for these labels on your product.
Reduce the temperature of your boiler
As the water temperature increases, the more mineral deposits will appear in your dishwasher, water tank and pipes. By reducing the heat of your boiler to about 55ºC, you will have enough hot water for your shower and you will reduce the amount of mineral build-up in your pipes and tanks.
Use rinse agents to remove mineral deposits
There are many rinse agents available to remove mineral deposits from crockery and dishwasher.
Alternatively, you can use white vinegar by using the dishwasher dispenser or placing a cup of vinegar on the dishwasher rack. Boil some white vinegar in your kettle as a useful way of removing hard water deposits.
Use a synthetic body wash to shower
Some confusion may arise after a first experience with soft water. Hard water does not lather well with soap and leaves a "less than clean" feeling. Soft water lathers better than hard water but leaves a "slippery feeling" on the skin after use with soap. For example, a certain water softener manufacturer contests that the "slippery feeling" after showering in soft water is due to "cleaner skin" and the absence of "friction-causing" soap scum.
However, the chemical explanation is that soft water, due to its sodium content, has a much reduced ability to combine with the soap film on your body and therefore, it is much more difficult to rinse off. Solutions are to use less soap or a synthetic liquid body wash.
Choose a correct laundry detergent
Some laundry detergents do not produce as many suds in hard water, these are likely to be soap-based products and do not work as well in hard-water as detergent based products. Nowadays, there are washing powders and liquids available for a wide range of water hardness. Make sure you choose the correct detergent for your area; you may also need to use slightly more detergent than the manufacturers recommended amount to compensate for the hard water. In many cases the manufacturer will give specific instructions on how to use the product in hard water areas, look out for these labels on your product.
Reduce the temperature of your boiler
As the water temperature increases, the more mineral deposits will appear in your dishwasher, water tank and pipes. By reducing the heat of your boiler to about 55ºC, you will have enough hot water for your shower and you will reduce the amount of mineral build-up in your pipes and tanks.
Use rinse agents to remove mineral deposits
There are many rinse agents available to remove mineral deposits from crockery and dishwasher.
Alternatively, you can use white vinegar by using the dishwasher dispenser or placing a cup of vinegar on the dishwasher rack. Boil some white vinegar in your kettle as a useful way of removing hard water deposits.
Regional Information
Hard water in the US
According to the United States Geological Survey, 89.3% of US homes have hard water. The softest waters occur in parts of the New England, South Atlantic-Gulf, Pacific Northwest, and Hawaii regions. Moderately hard waters are common in many of the rivers of the Tennessee, Great Lakes, Pacific Northwest, and Alaska regions. Hard and very hard waters are found in some of the streams in most of the regions throughout the country. Hardest waters (greater than 1,000 mg/L) are in streams in Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, Arizona, and southern California.
Hard water in Canada
Prairie provinces (mainly Saskatchewan and Manitoba) contain high quantities of calcium and magnesium, often as dolomite, which are readily soluble in the groundwater that contains high concentrations of trapped carbon dioxide from the last glaciation. In these parts of Canada, the total hardness in mg/L calcium carbonate equivalent frequently exceeds 200 mg/L, if groundwater is the only source of potable water.
Hard water in England and Wales
Information from the British Drinking Water Inspectorate shows that drinking water in England is generally considered to be 'very hard', with most areas of England, particularly the East, exhibiting above 200 mg/L as calcium carbonate equivalent. Wales, Devon, Cornwall and parts of North-West England are softer water areas, and range from 0 to 200 mg/L. In the brewing industry in England and Wales, water is often deliberately hardened with gypsum in the process of Burtonisation.
Hard water in Australia
Analysis of water hardness in major Australian cities by the Australian Water Association shows a range from very soft (Melbourne) to very hard (Adelaide). Total Hardness as Calcium Carbonate mg/L are: Canberra: 40; Melbourne: 10 - 26; Sydney: 39.4 - 60.1; Perth: 29 - 226; Brisbane: 100; Adelaide: 134 - 148; Hobart: 5.8 - 34.4; Darwin: 31.
According to the United States Geological Survey, 89.3% of US homes have hard water. The softest waters occur in parts of the New England, South Atlantic-Gulf, Pacific Northwest, and Hawaii regions. Moderately hard waters are common in many of the rivers of the Tennessee, Great Lakes, Pacific Northwest, and Alaska regions. Hard and very hard waters are found in some of the streams in most of the regions throughout the country. Hardest waters (greater than 1,000 mg/L) are in streams in Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, Arizona, and southern California.
Hard water in Canada
Prairie provinces (mainly Saskatchewan and Manitoba) contain high quantities of calcium and magnesium, often as dolomite, which are readily soluble in the groundwater that contains high concentrations of trapped carbon dioxide from the last glaciation. In these parts of Canada, the total hardness in mg/L calcium carbonate equivalent frequently exceeds 200 mg/L, if groundwater is the only source of potable water.
Hard water in England and Wales
Information from the British Drinking Water Inspectorate shows that drinking water in England is generally considered to be 'very hard', with most areas of England, particularly the East, exhibiting above 200 mg/L as calcium carbonate equivalent. Wales, Devon, Cornwall and parts of North-West England are softer water areas, and range from 0 to 200 mg/L. In the brewing industry in England and Wales, water is often deliberately hardened with gypsum in the process of Burtonisation.
Hard water in Australia
Analysis of water hardness in major Australian cities by the Australian Water Association shows a range from very soft (Melbourne) to very hard (Adelaide). Total Hardness as Calcium Carbonate mg/L are: Canberra: 40; Melbourne: 10 - 26; Sydney: 39.4 - 60.1; Perth: 29 - 226; Brisbane: 100; Adelaide: 134 - 148; Hobart: 5.8 - 34.4; Darwin: 31.
Health Benefits of Hard Water
Hard water is not a health hazard. In fact, the National Research Council (National Academy of Sciences) states that hard drinking water generally contributes a small amount toward total calcium and magnesium human dietary needs. They further state that in some instances, where dissolved calcium and magnesium are very high, water could be a major contributor of calcium and magnesium to the diet.
The World Health Organization says, "There does not appear to be any convincing evidence that water hardness causes adverse health effects in humans." Some studies have shown a weak inverse relationship between water hardness and cardiovascular disease in men, up to a level of 170 mg calcium carbonate per liter of water.
Other studies have shown weak correlations between cardiovascular health and water hardness. The World Health Organization has reviewed the evidence and concluded the data were inadequate to allow for a recommendation for a level of hardness.
In a review by František Kožíšek, M.D., Ph.D. National Institute of Public Health, Czech Republic gives a good overview of the topic, and unlike the WHO, sets some recommendations for the maximum and minimum levels of calcium (40-80 mg/L) and magnesium (20-30 mg/L) in drinking water, and a total hardness expressed as the sum of the calcium and magnesium concentrations of 2-4 mmol/L.
The World Health Organization says, "There does not appear to be any convincing evidence that water hardness causes adverse health effects in humans." Some studies have shown a weak inverse relationship between water hardness and cardiovascular disease in men, up to a level of 170 mg calcium carbonate per liter of water.
Other studies have shown weak correlations between cardiovascular health and water hardness. The World Health Organization has reviewed the evidence and concluded the data were inadequate to allow for a recommendation for a level of hardness.
In a review by František Kožíšek, M.D., Ph.D. National Institute of Public Health, Czech Republic gives a good overview of the topic, and unlike the WHO, sets some recommendations for the maximum and minimum levels of calcium (40-80 mg/L) and magnesium (20-30 mg/L) in drinking water, and a total hardness expressed as the sum of the calcium and magnesium concentrations of 2-4 mmol/L.
Sunday 25 May 2008
Fixed Showerheads
Natural Formula to Use:
½ liter of white vinegar, ½ liter of water, squeeze of lemon juice (with bits removed)
Method to Use:
1.Fill any type of plastic bag large enough to cover the showerhead with equal parts water and white vinegar and the lemon juice.
2.Fasten the bag over the showerhead with duct tape, rubber bands, hardware clamps; whatever you can find around the house that will hold it tightly.
3.Let the showerhead soak in the solution overnight or for a few hours.
4.Remove the bag and repeat if necessary.
5.Rinse and replace the showerhead
½ liter of white vinegar, ½ liter of water, squeeze of lemon juice (with bits removed)
Method to Use:
1.Fill any type of plastic bag large enough to cover the showerhead with equal parts water and white vinegar and the lemon juice.
2.Fasten the bag over the showerhead with duct tape, rubber bands, hardware clamps; whatever you can find around the house that will hold it tightly.
3.Let the showerhead soak in the solution overnight or for a few hours.
4.Remove the bag and repeat if necessary.
5.Rinse and replace the showerhead
Plastic Showerheads
It is the build up of lime and mineral deposits that can cause the problems on showerheads. Here is how to tackle these deposits on plastic showerheads.
Natural Formula to Use:
½ liter of white vinegar, ½ liter of hot (not boiling) water
Method to Use:
1.Add the white vinegar and hot water in a small bowl
2.Remove the showerhead from the unit
3.Soak the showerhead in the natural vinegar/water solution for about 1 hour
4.Rinse and then replace the showerhead back onto the unit.
Tips:
Allow the hot solution to cool down completely before removing the showerhead.
To learn more about a top quality showerhead filter (as shown on the left) that was recently voted product of the year by Amazon customers...and will save you hundreds of dollars and alot of shower cleaning time, click here.
Natural Formula to Use:
½ liter of white vinegar, ½ liter of hot (not boiling) water
Method to Use:
1.Add the white vinegar and hot water in a small bowl
2.Remove the showerhead from the unit
3.Soak the showerhead in the natural vinegar/water solution for about 1 hour
4.Rinse and then replace the showerhead back onto the unit.
Tips:
Allow the hot solution to cool down completely before removing the showerhead.
To learn more about a top quality showerhead filter (as shown on the left) that was recently voted product of the year by Amazon customers...and will save you hundreds of dollars and alot of shower cleaning time, click here.
Metal Showerheads
Natural Formula to Use:
½ liter of white vinegar, 1 liter of water
Method to Use:
1.Find a small sized saucepan
2.Add the white vinegar/water mixture
3.Heat to bring the mixture to the boil
4.Carefully rest the metal shower head in the mixture and allow to boil for around 15 minutes
5.Allow the mixture to cool down - you don’t want to burn your fingers
6.Remove the showerhead from the mixture and replace back on the shower unit.
Tips:
1.Allow the boiling mixture to cool down completely before removing the showerhead.
2.If the showerhead cannot be removed use same method as above and secure a plastic bag around the showerhead with tape or rubber bands and leave overnight if possible.
½ liter of white vinegar, 1 liter of water
Method to Use:
1.Find a small sized saucepan
2.Add the white vinegar/water mixture
3.Heat to bring the mixture to the boil
4.Carefully rest the metal shower head in the mixture and allow to boil for around 15 minutes
5.Allow the mixture to cool down - you don’t want to burn your fingers
6.Remove the showerhead from the mixture and replace back on the shower unit.
Tips:
1.Allow the boiling mixture to cool down completely before removing the showerhead.
2.If the showerhead cannot be removed use same method as above and secure a plastic bag around the showerhead with tape or rubber bands and leave overnight if possible.
Taps and Faucets
Natural Formulas to Use:
1.Equal parts water & white vinegar plus a squeeze of lemon juice
2.Mixture of a small amount of white vinegar and baking soda (for scrubbing)
Method to Use:
1.Fill any type of plastic bag large enough to submerge the faucet with the water, white vinegar and lemon juice mixture.
2.Fasten the bag over the faucet with duct tape, rubber bands, hardware clamps; whatever you can find around the house that will hold it tightly.
3.Let the faucet soak in the solution overnight or for a few hours.
4.Remove the bag, repeat as necessary.
5.Rinse and wipe dry with a paper towel to restore the sparkle.
Tips:
For the area around the edge of the sink a towel soaked in the vinegar solution to dissolve any hard water stains works fantastically well (or see alternative method below). Stubborn stains or deposits of dirt under the edges of the faucet can be scrubbed with an old toothbrush using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda (just enough vinegar to make a paste).
1.Equal parts water & white vinegar plus a squeeze of lemon juice
2.Mixture of a small amount of white vinegar and baking soda (for scrubbing)
Method to Use:
1.Fill any type of plastic bag large enough to submerge the faucet with the water, white vinegar and lemon juice mixture.
2.Fasten the bag over the faucet with duct tape, rubber bands, hardware clamps; whatever you can find around the house that will hold it tightly.
3.Let the faucet soak in the solution overnight or for a few hours.
4.Remove the bag, repeat as necessary.
5.Rinse and wipe dry with a paper towel to restore the sparkle.
Tips:
For the area around the edge of the sink a towel soaked in the vinegar solution to dissolve any hard water stains works fantastically well (or see alternative method below). Stubborn stains or deposits of dirt under the edges of the faucet can be scrubbed with an old toothbrush using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda (just enough vinegar to make a paste).
How To Remove Them Cheaply!
The SIMPLE ways to remove hard water stains:
There are some simple ways to remove hard water stains quickly and easily that will remove even the most stubborn stains and make your fixtures and fittings literally sparkle like new!
One of the most overlooked factors when dealing with hard water stains is realizing that they contain either calcium or magnesium. Therefore, they can be tackled by using a completely natural acid that is found all around the home and is totally safe to use and will save you hundreds of dollars on expensive cleaning products!
……white vinegar and lemon juice!
•White vinegar, a weak acid, is about 5 percent acetic acid. It may remove hard water deposits from glass, rust stains from sinks, and tarnish from brass and copper, and works perfectly all around the home when combined with the correct ingredients.
•Lemon juice, another weak acid, contains citric acid, which can be used in much the same way as vinegar.
Watch the video below for more top tips on how to use vinegar...
There are some simple ways to remove hard water stains quickly and easily that will remove even the most stubborn stains and make your fixtures and fittings literally sparkle like new!
One of the most overlooked factors when dealing with hard water stains is realizing that they contain either calcium or magnesium. Therefore, they can be tackled by using a completely natural acid that is found all around the home and is totally safe to use and will save you hundreds of dollars on expensive cleaning products!
……white vinegar and lemon juice!
•White vinegar, a weak acid, is about 5 percent acetic acid. It may remove hard water deposits from glass, rust stains from sinks, and tarnish from brass and copper, and works perfectly all around the home when combined with the correct ingredients.
•Lemon juice, another weak acid, contains citric acid, which can be used in much the same way as vinegar.
Watch the video below for more top tips on how to use vinegar...
Tuesday 13 May 2008
Hard Water Stains - How They are Formed.
Water is a precious resource. Roughly two thirds of the Earth's surface is water; however, less than one percent of that water is fresh, usable water. Water is often referred to as the universal solvent because it dissolves virtually everything it touches.
Water exists on earth as a solid (ice), liquid or gas (water vapour). Oceans, rivers, clouds and rain, all of which contain water, are in a frequent state of change (surface water evaporates, cloud water precipitates, rainfall infiltrates the ground, etc.)
However, the total amount of the earth's water does not change. The circulation and conservation of earth's water is called the "hydrologic cycle". Water starts out in the clouds as soft and of high quality. As water precipitates in the form of rain, snow, sleet or hail, it begins to pick up dust, pollen, chemical pollutants and carbon dioxide.
In fact, as water absorbs carbon dioxide, it forms carbonic acid. As this slightly acidic water reaches the ground, it picks up decayed vegetation, farm fertilizers, urban runoff, and bacteria as well as herbicides and pesticides. Then, when water percolates through the ground, it dissolves calcium, magnesium, iron and metals that may be present such as lead, mercury or cadmium. So by the time the water reaches your tap, it can contain some elements that may create problems in the home such as stubborn hard water stains.
Water exists on earth as a solid (ice), liquid or gas (water vapour). Oceans, rivers, clouds and rain, all of which contain water, are in a frequent state of change (surface water evaporates, cloud water precipitates, rainfall infiltrates the ground, etc.)
However, the total amount of the earth's water does not change. The circulation and conservation of earth's water is called the "hydrologic cycle". Water starts out in the clouds as soft and of high quality. As water precipitates in the form of rain, snow, sleet or hail, it begins to pick up dust, pollen, chemical pollutants and carbon dioxide.
In fact, as water absorbs carbon dioxide, it forms carbonic acid. As this slightly acidic water reaches the ground, it picks up decayed vegetation, farm fertilizers, urban runoff, and bacteria as well as herbicides and pesticides. Then, when water percolates through the ground, it dissolves calcium, magnesium, iron and metals that may be present such as lead, mercury or cadmium. So by the time the water reaches your tap, it can contain some elements that may create problems in the home such as stubborn hard water stains.
What is Soft Water?
Soft water is essentially free of dissolved calcium or magnesium. A small percentage of homes are supplied with naturally soft water. But since naturally soft water usually has not been neutralised by passing through mineral layers in the ground, it can be quite corrosive. Softening water mechanically, such as with a home water softener, does not make it corrosive, however.
Since calcium and magnesium are not present in soft water, no adverse reaction with soaps and detergents occurs. The result is the virtual elimination of soap scum and the corresponding reduction in time spent cleaning. Hair and skin can "breathe" more readily. And the School of Consumer & Family Sciences at Purdue University conducted a study which proved that the life of clothing and household textiles was prolonged up to 15 percent when they were washed in conditioned water.
Soap usage can be dramatically reduced with soft water. Since the water is already soft, the cleaning agents have no hardness minerals to react with and overcome and lather more readily and work more effectively. In fact, a large proportion of the ingredients in most soaps and detergents consist of chemical "water softeners" added to prevent the reaction between the detergent and the hardness minerals present in most water (the reaction that forms a sticky residue or soap curd).
As such chemicals are not necessary for cleaning with soft water, less soap is required. Soft water households experience considerable savings on laundry detergent, dishwashing detergent, bath soap, hand soap, shampoo and many other cleaning products.
Since soft water contains no scale forming minerals, it leaves the inside of plumbing and water-using appliances free of solidified rock. Appliances operate more efficiently and last longer when using soft water, and of course soft water does not cause any of those unpleasant hard water stains.
Since calcium and magnesium are not present in soft water, no adverse reaction with soaps and detergents occurs. The result is the virtual elimination of soap scum and the corresponding reduction in time spent cleaning. Hair and skin can "breathe" more readily. And the School of Consumer & Family Sciences at Purdue University conducted a study which proved that the life of clothing and household textiles was prolonged up to 15 percent when they were washed in conditioned water.
Soap usage can be dramatically reduced with soft water. Since the water is already soft, the cleaning agents have no hardness minerals to react with and overcome and lather more readily and work more effectively. In fact, a large proportion of the ingredients in most soaps and detergents consist of chemical "water softeners" added to prevent the reaction between the detergent and the hardness minerals present in most water (the reaction that forms a sticky residue or soap curd).
As such chemicals are not necessary for cleaning with soft water, less soap is required. Soft water households experience considerable savings on laundry detergent, dishwashing detergent, bath soap, hand soap, shampoo and many other cleaning products.
Since soft water contains no scale forming minerals, it leaves the inside of plumbing and water-using appliances free of solidified rock. Appliances operate more efficiently and last longer when using soft water, and of course soft water does not cause any of those unpleasant hard water stains.
What are Hard Water Stains?
Hard water contains dissolved calcium and magnesium ions. Commonly referred to as "hardness minerals," dissolved calcium and magnesium can cause numerous problems when present in a water supply.
As water falls from the sky in its various forms, it absorbs carbon dioxide in the air and becomes slightly acidic. Water in this weak acid state reaches and enters the ground. Since it is acidic, it absorbs calcium and magnesium, among other things, from the layers of rock through which it passes.
The minerals neutralize the water's acidity but also make it hard. Then the water finds its way into larger bodies of water both above and below ground, and eventually into our homes.
Water hardness is typically measured in "parts per million," an indication of the quantity of dissolved calcium and magnesium the water contains. In amounts as small as one part per million, water is classified as "hard" to a certain degree. Most homes use water that is considerably harder. Hard water stains occur when the water evaporates leaving behind the mineral deposits - causing a hard water stain.
While many families choose to soften their water by removing the calcium and magnesium with home water treatment equipment, many don't even realise they have hard water.
Hard Water Facts
Studies indicate that 85% of US homes and 60% of homes in the UK are supplied with hard water. Hard water costs you money, causes soap scum and scale, and reduces the efficiency of water-using appliances.
As water falls from the sky in its various forms, it absorbs carbon dioxide in the air and becomes slightly acidic. Water in this weak acid state reaches and enters the ground. Since it is acidic, it absorbs calcium and magnesium, among other things, from the layers of rock through which it passes.
The minerals neutralize the water's acidity but also make it hard. Then the water finds its way into larger bodies of water both above and below ground, and eventually into our homes.
Water hardness is typically measured in "parts per million," an indication of the quantity of dissolved calcium and magnesium the water contains. In amounts as small as one part per million, water is classified as "hard" to a certain degree. Most homes use water that is considerably harder. Hard water stains occur when the water evaporates leaving behind the mineral deposits - causing a hard water stain.
While many families choose to soften their water by removing the calcium and magnesium with home water treatment equipment, many don't even realise they have hard water.
Hard Water Facts
Studies indicate that 85% of US homes and 60% of homes in the UK are supplied with hard water. Hard water costs you money, causes soap scum and scale, and reduces the efficiency of water-using appliances.
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