Hard Water Stains Tips Blog

Is Hard Water Ruining Your Hair?

2010-10-16T10:40:00.000-07:00

Hard water build-up on hair can leave it feeling limp and lifeless. The calcium and magnesium minerals can accumulate on the hair follicles and dramatically reduce the shine of your hair. Hard water deposits on skin have also been linked to conditions such as eczema and acne which are exacerbated as the hard water deposits irritate the skin even further. If all the above was not bad enough hard water minerals can also build up in hair causing it to feel dry, dull and unhealthy.

There are some natural solutions such as using white vinegar with the rinse water you use – but this can be very tedious after a while! Another solution is to use bottled water with low mineral content that should in theory rinse away the build-up of scale on your hair strands. However, buying bottled water just to wash your hair is not great for the environment.

By learning about specific products that are specially designed to deal with hard water you can easily combat the harmful effects. Using the correct shampoo can make the difference between dull, limp, lifeless hair and hair that feels soft and shiny again.

Manufacturer Details:

Malibu 2000 Well Water Shampoo is specifically formulated to cleanse hair that has been exposed to hard water.

Ingredients:

Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) helps protect hair against free radical damage caused by exposure to the sun & air
EDTA is a chelating agent that helps lift minerals
Vitamin E Acetate helps protect hair against free radical damage, moisturizes hair and scalp tissue
Panthenol penetrates the hair shaft to protect hair's strength and moisture

How Does it Work?

Using naturally derived antioxidants and superior nutrients, this shampoo helps prevent build-up of iron, calcium, copper and magnesium. The components of this shampoo have been proven to work time and again by targeting the mineral build-up in hair and the ingredients will guarantee to eliminate unwanted contaminants.

Pros and Cons

This shampoo is not the cheapest and it does not work immediately. However, with regular application this product can have a dramatic effect on the look and feel or hair that has previously been washed in hard water bringing it back to its natural look. Some users have used it regularly to transform the look of their hair, and swear by it as a way to get rid of the stubborn hard water minerals that gradually build up in hair.

Product Comparison

There are other products available such as Ouidad Water Works Shampoo that removes other contaminants from the hair such as salt water residue and chlorine. However, for a shampoo that has specifically been designed to deal with hard water, Malibu 2000 Well Water Action Shampoo is hard to beat. To learn more about this product click on the link below:

http://astore.amazon.com/hard0b-20/detail/B000T2185U

Water Test Kits - WaterSafe Well Water Test Kit Review

2010-09-18T02:53:00.000-07:00

The first step to eliminating the effects of hard water around the home is to determine how hard your water is exactly. The best way to do this is to use a well water test kit that provides a good indication of the level of calcium and magnesium minerals in your water - well water typically has higher levels of these minerals in that other sorces of water.

As a guide, 60% of the UK and 85% of the US population live in a hard water area. This is a big problem, as dealing with hard water costs homeowners hundreds of dollars in expensive heating bills, as well as the headache of dealing with water deposits, and scale that forms around heating elements in kettles, dishwashers, boilers and in pipework.

The most common way to test is by using a hard water test strip, which is basically a small piece of specially treated paper that is dipped into the water to be tested, which then changes colour. This colour change is compared against a chart, where the hardness of water is related to the corresponding colour which is affected by the mineral concentration in the water.

A more accurate way is to use a use a water test kit which is usually a small bottle with specially formulated tablets. The idea is to take a sample of your water with the bottle, and then add the tablets to dissolve into the water. Again, there will be a colour change, this time of the water itself, which is compared against a chart indicating how hard the water is.

Probably the most accurate way, however, is to use a test kit which uses liquid drops which are added to the water sample. These have been proved to be most accurate when testing for hard water, and work time and again to reveal the true mineral content in a water supply.

This 4 out of 5 star product (pictured above) is a big seller on Amazon for anyone looking to discover what their home water supply contains. Many people have used this basic test kit with great success to test the hardness of their water which also helps to indicate if there are any other potential contaminants.

Manufacturer Details:

Watersafe Well Water Test Kit was specifically designed to help you test quickly and easily for the most common contaminants found in private well water, including: hardness, pH, iron, copper, lead, bacteria, pesticides, nitrates, nitrites, chlorine. If your home draws from private well water, regular testing (recommended yearly or more) is the only way to ensure the purity of your water and safeguard the health of your family.

From the experts at Watersafe, comes an affordable, easy-to-use and accurate test to determine the safety of your well water! Our new product is an essential addition to every home drawing from private water wells, giving you lab-quality results right in your own home. The EPA recommends testing your private well water at least once a year, so don’t wait! Put your mind at ease and help secure your family’s health with a Watersafe Well Water Test Kit.

How Does it Work?

The kit contains test strips that provide an easy and accurate indication of the water quality being tested. The strips are simply dipped into the sample of water and read off against a chart to provide the amount of hardness, pH, iron, copper, lead, bacteria, pesticides, nitrates, nitrites and chlorine to EPA standards.

Pros and Cons

This product is only a basic version and does not test for every possible component in a water supply. If you are looking to know about every single component that it contains, a top tip is to contact your local water supplier who will ask for a sample of your water which will then be tested in a laboratory environment. The main issue with this is that it’s usually quite expensive and many of the results from these tests can be rather confusing.

If you’re looking to know about the basic components of your water then it’s a good product to get started with. The kit is easy to use and has received good reviews from previous customers who have used it. Well worth a try!

Product Comparison

Other test kits such as the “SenSafe Water Quality Test Kit” provide more information on water quality but are more expensive and probably not really necessary if you’re just looking for a basic kit to start off with.

The WaterSafe Well Water Test Kit is a great way to know the hardness of your home water supply and start to be able to deal with the issues it causes. To learn more about this product click on the link below:

http://astore.amazon.com/hard0b-20/detail/B00028PDO8

How to Choose the Best Water Softener System

2010-08-07T05:09:00.000-07:00

One of the most important things to consider when deciding which water softener system to purchase is to find the correct size system for your particular home. There are many systems on the market these days that can treat water from 100 litres up to 1 million litres per day - so it's crucial to pick the correct one that you need!

Many people have fallen into the trap of choosing the wrong type of device for their home which can cause more problems than necessary. An incorrect water softener installed in a home can not just be a waste of time, it can cost a massive amount of money maintaining the device by replacing the cartridges and servicing the system when things go wrong. I have received many emails from people over the years who have installed the wrong device and had very bad experiences with their water supply. If this is you then you're certainly not alone - many people just want an expert opinion on the best water softener system to go for.

How to Choose the Best One For You and Your Family

The best way to decide which one to go for is to use a water softener calculator to accurately calculate the exact system that you home needs. Fortunately, there are some excellent tools available these days that will tell you exactly which one you need to be going for. A powerful and easy-to-use tool is at AffordableWater.us which can be found at the link below:
http://www.affordablewater.us/index.aspx

By inputting the number of people in the household and the hardness of your water supply as well as the iron content, it will provide you with an excellent way of deciding which one will fit your needs. By discovering which device is the best one for your needs you'll be getting the best quality water and the best price. There are several issues to think about when purchasing a water softener but to learn about the 3 critical things to consider, check out the link below:
http://hardwaterstainstips.blogspot.com/2009/04/water-softeners-3-critical-things-to.html

Summary:
Finding the correct water softener system for you and your family is crucial to installing the most efficient device for your home. The products available these days have improved dramatically over the last few years and there are some excellent ones available...as well as not so good ones! But by using the excellent tools mentioned above to discover the best one for you, you'll be using clean, fresh water without any hard water minerals!

If you have any questions about which water softener to choose, feel free to email me at support@hardwaterstainstips.com. I'd be happy to hear from you!

How to Test Water Hardness

2010-07-26T13:51:00.000-07:00

If you've been looking for a way to know exactly what is in your home water supply, then I think this post will excite you. That's because I've just created the video below showing you exactly how to do it. It''s really easy!

Plus there are some really great products available these days to help you discover how much calcium and magnesium is actually in your water. This is then a great starting place to be able to do something about it. Many people have found out that their water supply is very hard and as a result installed a water softener to combat the minerals that the water contains.

This can save hundreds of dollars over the course of a year by reducing dramatically the energy bills for a house. It's the minerals that build up on the elements of kettles and boilers that cause all the problems - it really reduces the efficiency and can lead to costly heating bills.

If you're looking for a test kit to discover the hardness of your water today, check out the products below that have been proven to work to do the job:

If you've got any other questions or queries about what type of hard water test kit to buy, please don't hesitate to contact me as I'd be happy to help.

New Ebook: Your Questions Answered...

2010-06-08T01:34:00.000-07:00

We've had alot of questions from people about the launch of the new ebook that will be coming out soon. Thank you to everyone for your interest and for taking the time to contact us here at HardWaterStainsTips. We thought it only right to respond to the questions we've had by answering them here on the blog so other people can benefit as well. So read on...

Why are we doing this now?: Well, we like to help people the best way we can, and the last survey results revealed that 94% of people wanted to know more about the useful hard water combating products that are available on the market these days. So we decided that the best thing to do would be to put together a comprehensive ebook that people can refer to for the latest, up-to-date guide to the best products that will help combat hard water issues around the home.The results of the survey can be found at http://hardwaterstainstips.blogspot.com/2009/10/survey-results-2009.html
How big is the ebook?: The ebook guide is 23 pages and contains powerful, actionable advice on the top 10 products that can transform a hard water supply into a water supply that everyone craves - tastes great, good for bathing and showering, leaves no spots on dishes or cars after washing and does not produce limescale in boilers and heaters which can significantly increase energy bills.
How much does it cost?: We are not sure at the moment how we are going to price the ebook, but we will give our early bird subscribers a BIG discount. Fill out the form below to get on the list today and be the first to be notified when it's available!
Will you be able to contact us for extra advice if you are interested in the products in the ebook?: Of course! We will provide free advice to all our subscribers if you want to purchase any of the products you see in the ebook. They are all available from our Online Store and there are links to each product.
Is there a guarantee with the ebook?: Yes there is, we provide a 30 day risk free guarantee. If you don't think that any of the products have given you any ideas for improving your lifestyle by combating your hard water then we will refund your money. No questions asked.
Will we be offering other products like this in the future?: Quite possibly! We have some great feedback from our subscribers on other ebook guides or products that may be of use. If you have any ideas feel free to email support@hardwaterstainstips.com - we'd be happy to hear your thoughts.

I hope that has answered any of the questions you may have about the new ebook coming out soon. It will be worth the wait and I'm sure you'll like it when it arrives...I look forward to having you as a happy customer soon.

Exciting Info on Our New eBook...

2010-06-05T04:15:00.000-07:00

We have been working hard over the last few days putting the finishing touches to the new, practical ebook we will be launching soon!

We've had lots of questions and great feedback from our subscribers and we really appreciate the positive responses we've been getting from people about how excited they are about the availability of the ebook. We are so glad you are all interested in this because it is based on the surveys we sent out recently, which indicated that basically many people are sick and tired of having to deal with all the annoying hard water issues that come with living in a hard water area.

...this ebook is specifically designed to help people with this. It's the top 10 best products available on the market these days that will help people reduce the impact of the calcium and magnesium minerals in their water supply. The goal of the research we did was to find the most helpful products for the areas that people have the most difficulty dealing with. We are confident we've got all these down in the new ebook, but we have also included some alternatives to consider in the ebook which act as are good product comparisons.

Check out the quick video below for more info:

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

To get on the early bird list for a substantial discount, fill out the form below:

What The New Ebook Covers...

2010-06-02T03:14:00.000-07:00

The new ebook from HardWaterStainsTips is based on the feedback we got from our subscribers in the last survey we held. It told us that our hard water stains tips subscribers wanted to know more about the products that will help them around the home.

Well we have listened here and our team has put together the best of the best into this ebook, the number one products that will have you hard water supply begging for mercy! Well not quite...but you get the message!

The brand new ebook "Top 10 Hard Water Products" has all the information for you to benefit by:

Learning all about the best way to test your hard water supply for calcium and magnesium minerals - this is crucial to know and will provide excellent information for you and your family.
Discover the path to soft, shiny hair by using one of the most trusted shampoos for getting rid of hard water build up on hair follicles. This product has some unbelievable customer reviews!
Achieve a soft, smooth shave with the number one, proven-to-work shaving cream for hard water areas. Which means no more nicks and cuts in the morning, and will help to achieve the perfect shave every time.
Get fresh, cool water that has been specially purified for you and your family with the water pitcher that has advanced filtration processes that treats your water by removing unwanted minerals and by-products. It's also great to use this water for a better tasting coffee!
Relax in the knowledge that the water from your shower is perfectly treated with the easy-to-fit shower head that people have been raving about!
Discover the deluxe, whole house filtration system that has helped so many people get the clean, pure water for the WHOLE house that everyone deserves. Say goodbye to hard water minerals because this baby will destroy them. Easy-to-install as well, plus it meets National Sanitation Foundation standards.
Learn about the effective product that eliminates up to 95% of the calcium and magnesium found in a hard water supply.
Number 8 in our "Top 10" best hard water combating products is the dishwasher that has been specifically designed to deal with hard water. It has a built it softener that prevents ugly white spots on dishes and glassware and produces sparkling results.
Save potentially hundreds of dollars on heating bills by using this easy-to-use solution that safely removes that build-up of limescale in boilers and keeps your boiler in top working condition.
Get your car looking great using this wash system kit that has helped many people in hard water areas reduce the white stains that can occur after washing your car. Proven-to-work and has received some outstanding reviews.

All the products that we recommend to achieve these amazing benefits are detailed in our new ebook that will be out soon!

Be sure to opt into the form below if your interested in getting a substantial discount on our new ebook (a limited number of discounted purchases will be available).

Get Ready for a Brand New eBook From HardWaterStainsTips

2010-05-29T10:26:00.000-07:00

When we surveyed our subscribers a few months ago, the feedback we got was that overwhelmingly people wanted to know more about the amazing, useful products that are available these days that would help them deal with hard water in their home.

So we have been hard at work at HardWaterStainsTips and researched as many products as we possibly can and come up with a definitive Top 10! These are the best of the best, no doubt about it. They are the most useful and helpful products we could find that combat hard water issues, and dramatically reduce the impact of your high level mineral water supply.

It was clear that many of our subscribers valued a good quality product but didn't have the time to spend carefully researching each one in turn - and this is where we come in! With our expertise in helping people with hard water, we decided to go further than any other hard water sites on the internet and and do it all for you. We have spent weeks sorting through the many types of products that are on the market these days.

And lets to honest, not all of them are great. In fact many products that are purchased are a complete waste of money and should be avoided at all costs. However, there are a few that have the ability to transform your lifestyle by reducing the impact of the calcium and magnesium minerals in your water supply. All of these are in our brand new ebook!

I'm confident we have found the best...the most useful products available on the planet for each category we have...which we will get to in a minute. But first why not watch the video below for a quick taster of what is to come!

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

To be updated straight away when our new ebook becomes available, fill out the form below to get on the "early bird" list for an exclusive discount:

Discover Why Your Home May Have Low Water Pressure

2010-05-05T02:34:00.000-07:00

One of the big problems with the design of modern faucets is that they do not work well with hard water supplies. The modern faucet design easily traps hard water minerals, blocks the water flow and causes low pressure problems.

Years ago many standard kitchen, bath and shower faucets had rubber and plastic washers that contacted a circular valve seat inside the faucet. When the faucet was opened, the washer created a large area for the water to pass through. In some ways it was probably too much as the amount of water that passed through was huge. This is not good in the modern era of water conservation.

These days many modern faucets have no cartridges inside the body of the faucet. These cartridges replace the washers that were in the older type of faucet. Many modern faucets also have an aerator or a flow restrictor inside as well which have very small holes to add air to the water. The only problem with these new cartridge type faucets is that they create a very small area for the water to pass through and consequently trap any sediment of hardness minerals.

This often creates low pressure from the faucet as small pieces of sediment or other debris clog the passageway within the valve cartridge and/or the tiny orifices within the aerator and or a flow restrictor. This is an extremely common problem for many homeowners.

These low water pressure and flow problems are very common just after a water main break in a municipal water system. Sand, dirt and other debris can enter municipal piping systems when a water main fractures. Once the water main is repaired, this debris is transported through the water system and can end up in your home.

Any debris in the main such as sediment, soldering flux or shavings of pipework can end up in reaching faucets which again can block the flow. This causes a reduction in water pressure and allows hardness materials to build up.

A great way to deal with this is to consider a water filter. The industry standard these days is the reverse osmosis water filter than effectively removes nearly all of the unwanted sediment and debris as well as up to 95% of calcium and magnesium minerals. This not only helps to provide you and your family with pure, clean water but also prevents stubborn hard water stains from forming around the home.

If you require any help deciding on what water filter is the best one for you and your family, drop me an email at support@hardwaterstainstips.com and I'd be happy to point you in the right direction.

The Difference a Water Softener Can Make

2010-04-25T04:06:00.000-07:00

The decision on whether to install a water softener just on your kitchen sink or throughout your entire house is often made with finances at the front of your mind. The price difference can be substantial, but there are some other things to consider as well.

Taste
This is the primary reason homeowners are now turning to softeners for their homes. They start with a small jug that is placed in the refrigerator to give a more refreshing taste, but since those have to be continually filled up and allowed to chill the idea of having a softener placed on their kitchen faucet eventually sets in. If this is your only goal in having the softener in your home, then just a kitchen unit will be adequate.

Home Maintenance
Hard water makes maintaining the plumbing as well as your sinks and bathtubs much harder than it really should be. The minerals that are in the water accumulate into lime scale which is harmful to your pipes and a real pain to scrub from between the tile around your shower. This is why so many homeowners now see the value of softer water when it comes to keeping their home lime-free and functioning efficiently.
When you place a water softener in your home its primary job is to take those rough, larger sized minerals and break them down. A high quality system will reduce their size to the point they dissolve back into the water, which creates a "wetter" water consistency which does not create the accumulation of lime scale like hard water.

If you use a softener system which doesn't put salt into the water you will have much less lime scale in your home than if you use a salt based product.

Of course, you cannot get the relief from lime scale unless the softer water is flowing to all areas of your home. You may enjoy the better taste of soft water in your kitchen, but in order to help maintain your plumbing you will need a system that covers your entire house.

Hair & Skin
The minerals in hard water also collect on your hair and skin and fail to rinse out all of your hair product, leaving behind a film which you may not be able to see or feel but which affects the health of your skin and hair regardless. When you use softer water you will wash away this film and allow the natural health of your hair and skin to come out.

Everyone is searching for a way to get vibrant, shiny hair and fresh, youthful looking skin, but few people realize the biggest piece to that puzzle is in the water they use for showers! To get the full benefits for your skin and hair you will need a whole house softener.

Laundry
The minerals in hard water are unable to push out all of the detergent and dirt from your clothing when you put them through the wash! This is why homeowners who install a whole house water softener marvel at how much longer their clothing lasts and how much clearer their fabric colors are!
To get the most benefits from your softener system it is clear that you will need a whole house system. When weighing the cost of a kitchen and whole house water softener also weigh the benefits!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Allen_Taigom

Water Softeners - Among the Very Best Energy Savers!

2010-04-21T09:19:00.000-07:00

Softeners are among the “very best” household energy savers, says a new independent study released by the Battelle Institute, commissioned by the Water Quality Research Foundation.

Released yesterday, the study found that water softeners help preserve the efficiency of water heaters and major appliances and keep showers and faucets unclogged.

Among some of the key findings of the study found that water softeners helped in a number of ways:

Gas storage tank household water heaters operated on softened water maintained the original factory efficiency rating over a 15-year lifetime. On the other hand, hard water can lead to as much as a 48 per cent loss of efficiency in water heaters.
Up to 30 pounds of calcium carbonate rocklike scale can accumulate in electric water heaters over time. The life of the heating element will be shortened due to scale buildup because of increased operating temperature of the heating element.
Tankless water heaters failed to function because of scale plugging in the downstream plumbing after only 1.6 years of equivalent hot water use on 26 grains per gallon (gpg) hard water, and softened water saves 34 per cent of costs compared to operating on 20 gpg and saves 47 per cent compared to operation on 30 gpg hard water.

If you are fed up of hard water stains around your home then installing a water softener will also help in a number of other ways. Here at HardWaterStainsTips we are constantly looking to find the best ways to help people with their hard water stains, and water softeners are simple to install and provide a wealth of other benefits as well.

If you are thinking of buying a water softener make sure you read the blog post about the 3 critical things to consider before buying a water softener. Any questions feel free to email me - I'm happy to help!

Best Way to Remove Hard Water Deposits from Faucets and Dishes

2010-04-18T09:11:00.000-07:00

A recent series of tests found that hard water deposits are formed more easily when hard water of varying pH levels mix. This was causing a local town to suffer from bad smelling water as well as large amounts of hard water stains on dishes and faucets.

Public Works Director John Powell expects the interconnect will open around April 26. The city of Burnsville has made a number of other improvements to its Surface Water Treatment Plant over the last few months. Powdered activated carbon is being fed and granular activated carbon has been installed in the filters at the plant to aid in taste and odor concerns that were discovered late last summer due to decaying algae that was producing organic compounds in the surface-water reservoir and inconsistent dosages of chlorine at the treatment plant.

Powell said extensive monitoring and testing will continue to ensure the new treatment is effective. He is requesting the public’s patience is requested during this period as it is expected to take some time to achieve the correct balance.

"Burnsville will be conducting water tests at about a half dozen locations in Savage, Powell said, to stay on top of any water quality issues. A study by a national water consultant has found that differences in pH levels, combined with hard water, are causing water shared between Savage and Burnsville to leave behind a white film and residue. After months of water quality testing and analysis, it was found that the film and residue is calcium carbonate that is produced when hard water of varying pH (acidity) levels mix. Additionally, many dishwashing detergents provide a pH boost which can exacerbate the issue.

The consultant has recommended that polyphosphate be integrated into the treatment process in Burnsville to alleviate this issue. The commonly used approach will keep the calcium carbonate in a solution form, preventing the residue and film from accumulating on dishes."

One of the best ways to eradicate issues like this is to consider a water softener or a reverse osmosis water filter than effectively removes hard water minerals as well as alot of other unwanted contaminants from the water supply.

Have you ever had bad smelling water? Have you ever noticed deposits on your dishes? If you have let us know about your experiences and we'll try to help you overcome it and find the best solution for you.

http://www.savagepacer.com/news/city-news/water-interconnect-open-end-month-104

Remove Hard Water Stains on Car

2010-04-11T08:37:00.000-07:00

When hard water stains get on your car, they can make it look really ugly. Those white spots on the windshield and the bodywork just don't look good.

Fortunately, there are some really easy ways to get rid of them using simple ingredients - check out the video below to see how to remove hard water stains on your car...

I hope that helps you get rid of the stains on your car - the simple techniques are always the best to remove these type of stains. You can use expensive products but simple white vinegar does a great job as well.

If you have any tips to remove hard water stains from cars, please feel free to add your comments below.

More Benefits of Softening Your Water Supply...

2010-03-28T03:47:00.000-07:00

It can be a great idea to invest in a water treatment solution for your home as it can provide better drinking water for your family and softer working water for your home.

People often ask me what actually are some of the benefits of softening your water supply. Well see below for a run down of the main reasons why it can be a good idea.

• Cleaner kitchen and bathrooms with much less cleaning work

• Clear glasses and dishes

• Cleaner, softer laundry

• Smoother, more luxurious skin and hair

• Appliances work more efficiently and last longer

• Use less detergent, saving you money and helping the environment

• Never-ending supply of cleaner, safer drinking water

• More flavorful coffee and drinks

• Healthier alternative to sodas and sugary drinks

• Less expensive and less hassle than buying bottles of water

• Helps the environment by keeping bottles out of our landfills

If you have any others, please feel free to make a comment below and let everyone know why you prefer soft water to hard water. I look forward to your thoughts!

Save Water - Discover How to Save Water

2010-02-28T12:16:00.000-08:00

There are some easy ways to save water around the home that could reduce your water consumption considerably. This not only helps the environment but if you are on a water meter it could save you hundreds of dollars in water bills over time.

1. Ensure none of your taps/faucets are dripping. As soon as a tap starts to leak, get it fixed as not only is a dripping tap wasteful, it will cost you more on your water bill.

2. Try to imit showers to four minutes. It's also a good idea to invest in a water efficient showerhead ideally with a filter to remove hard water minerals. It will make showering easier as well as saving water and money. Check out this amazing water saving showerhead from Evolve:
Evolve Showerheads SS-2202CP-SB Water Lily Water Saving Rain Showerhead, Chrome Polish

3. Another way to save water is to wash only full loads in your washing machine. Do not just wash one or two items of clothing as most machines use the same amount of water whether you wash a full load or not. When buying a new washing machine, buy the most energy efficient model you can afford. It will save you more than the extra you pay over the life of the machine.

4. When peeling vegetables do not peel them under a running tap. Fill a bowl or the sink with water and rinse them as you peel.

5. Not overwatering your garden is a great way to save water. Plants need to seek water underground to establish a strong root system. Over watering encourages weak root growth and a weak plant.

6. Another water saving tip is to consider using grey water on your garden. Grey water is the water used in washing your clothes, dishes and showering. You can buy diversion kits nowadays that connect to the outlet of your plumbing and divert the water to the garden.

7. Do not use your dishwasher unless it has a full load. Perhaps even consider not using the dishwasher unless you have a party or special occasion where you use more than your usual amount of dinnerware.

For a great Energy and Water Savings Calculator, click on the link below to find out how much water and energy you could save.

http://www.itseasybeinggreen.com/conservation-calculator

If you have any comments about this post and ways you have saved water, feel free to post them below.

Carbon Media - Ancient Water Treatment Works the Best!

2010-02-22T01:50:00.000-08:00

One of the most powerful ways to deal with unwanted water contaminants and hard water minerals these days is to consider a water treatment device that contains carbon media (you can see me holding a spoonful one some in the image on the left). They have come a long way since they first appeared decades ago and are probably the way forward in the years to come as they have been proven to work time and again.

Carbon filtering is a method of filtering that uses a piece of activated carbon to remove contaminants and impurities using a process known as chemical adsorption. Each piece of carbon is designed to provide a large section of surface area, in order to allow contaminants the most possible exposure to the filter media. One pound (454g) of activated carbon contains a surface area of approximately 100 acres (1 km²/kg). This carbon is generally activated with a positive charge and is designed to attract negatively charged water contaminants. Carbon filtering is commonly used for water purification, but is also used in air purifiers.

Carbon filters are most effective at removing chlorine, sediment, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from water. They are not effective on their own at removing minerals, salts, and dissolved inorganic compounds and are usually used in combination with other filter media to remove hard water minerals.

Typical particle sizes that can be removed by carbon filters range from 0.5 to 50 micrometres. The particle size will be used as part of the filter description. The efficiency of a carbon filter is also based upon the flow rate - When the water is allowed to flow through the filter at a slower rate, the contaminants are exposed to the filter media for a longer amount of time.

Carbon Filters in ancient Times

Carbon filters have been used for several hundred years and are considered one of the oldest means of water purification. Historians have shown evidence that carbon filtration may have been used in ancient Egyptian cultures for both air and water sanitization.

2000 B.C. Sanskrit text refers to filtering water through charcoal (1905 translation of "Sushruta Samhita" by Francis Evelyn Place) The first modern use of a carbon filter to purify potable water occurred in 1862. Carbon filtration was further advanced in the mid 1970's by H. Allen Rice and Alvin E. Rice when they first manufactured a porous carbon block for drinking water use.

Carbon Filters in Homes Today

Currently, carbon filters are used in individual homes as point-of-use water filters and, occasionally, in municipal water treatment facilities. They are also used as pre-treatment devices for reverse osmosis systems and as specialized filters designed to remove chlorine-resistant cysts, such as giardia and cryptosporidium.

As described above, carbon filter media is granulated carbon that works by trapping unwanted water contaminants in the microscopic cracks within the granules to remove them from solution. It is also know as activated carbon media and is the basis for may water filters and reverse osmosis water filters.

If you are looking for the best type of water treatment device, reverse osmosis water filters are hard to beat - the one opposite is by Watts and is worth considering if you want one that's been proven to work. They contain all of the necessary stages to provide ultra pure water and are great if you're looking for the piece of mind for you and your family.

Reverse Osmosis Water Filters - The Industry Standard

2010-02-13T06:03:00.000-08:00

Reverse osmosis water filters are used alot in the water industry these days, especially on water treatment works. They can really help to reduce hard water stains from forming around the home. Just the other day at work I saw one being installed on a lead rig...

It was added to remove the unwanted contaminants from the water so that the lead rig could accurately detect the lead composition in the water. They usually contain two types of filter which remove different components from the water. Culligan reverse osmosis water filters are a particularly good manufacturer to go with if you are looking for a reliable source.

You can see from the picture that this one has two cartridges that filter out all kinds of unwanted minerals and produce water that is about as clean as it is possible to get these days. In fact they are the industry standard and are also used in homes by people who want to be sure that their water is the best it can be.

If you are interested in preventing hard water stains and limescale from forming around the home they can be a great addition to the water supply. They are easy to install and once set up they remove about 95% of the calcium and magnesium minerals responsible for the ugly white stains found on faucets, sinks, bath tubs, shower cubicles and in toilets.

If you've got any questions about reverse osmosis water filters or are considering purchasing one, feel free to email me at support@hardwaterstainstips.com. I'll be happy to point you in the right direction and help you out.

Any comments about this post, again, let me know your thoughts below...

Water Softening Benefits to be Studied...

2010-02-07T02:19:00.000-08:00

The effect of hard water around the home can increase heating bills by hundreds of dollars a year. Simply adding a water softener is a great way to combat these effects and reduce the build-up of limescale and hard water stains.

The effects of softening water are now being studied at WQA Aquatech USA. The conference and exhibition will be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, March 9 - 12, 2010.

One of the best water filters around at the moment is the Pelican PC600 Premium whole House Water Softener. Click on the image below for more information...

The results of the conference will be very revealing and I'm sure will confirm that hard water continues to be an ever increasing evvironmental issue due to the extra energy is costs to heat homes and businesses.

The full article about the conference can be found at http://www.watertechonline.com/news.asp?N_ID=73367

If you have any comments about this post feel free to add them below - I be happy to hear your thoughts.

Eliminate Hard Water Stains and Discover the Benefits of Reverse Osmosis Water Filters

2009-11-24T11:50:00.000-08:00

One of the easiest ways to prevent hard water stains from forming around the home is to install a reverse osmosis filter. These industry standard devices can reduce water stains and limescale by eliminating up to 95% of the calcium and magnesium found in a hard water supply.

As anybody who lives in a hard water area will know, water deposit stains can be a pain if they are not dealt with fairly quickly. Not only do they leave ugly white marks on sinks, shower doors, faucets, toilet and glass, but they are also very difficult to remove, which his costs time and several hundreds of dollars over a year.

Many people have discovered the easy way to remove water stains is to consider an easy to install device to their home that provides hard water mineral free water as well as ultra pure water that is free from other contaminants that are potentially toxic in high concentrations.

Benefits of Reverse Osmosis Filters:

Not only do these devices remove up to 95% reduction in calcium and magnesium, they also remove many other unwanted chemicals from a water supply. By simply adding a reverse osmosis filter to the home, they have discovered that it can help when dealing with water spot removal, as well as getting rid of tough limescale deposits from fixtures and fittings.

The reason that these industry standard devices are so effective at eliminating limescale is because the reverse osmosis membrane is comprised of microscopic pores which allow the pressurized water molecules, among the smallest molecules known to man, to pass through contaminants, and even minerals dissolved in the water, such as calcium and magnesium are left behind.

So, if you are researching a water treatment device that can help with water deposit removal as well as purifying your home water supply, considering a reverse osmosis water filter is a wise decision. They have been proven to work to reduce hard water stains and will also give you the peace of mind that your water is the best quality it can be for you and your family.

If you are looking for a top quality reverse osmosis filtration system, then the Crystal Quest Reverse Osmosis Ultimate is a great one to consider. It recently received 5 stars out of 5 from Amazon customers and its 5 stage filtration system has been proven to prevent hard water stains formation and provide an ultra pure home water supply.

Click on the link below for more details:

Crystal Quest Reverse Osmosis-ULTIMATE

If you have any thoughts on reverse osmosis water filters and how they have helped you, feel free to post a comment below and share your experiences.

Top Appliance - Medelco Glass Whistling Kettle

2009-11-15T08:48:00.000-08:00

If you have ever discovered hard water deposit build up on your kettle elements, then you know what a pain it can be removing the scale from them. Plus, most kettles don't tell you when it's full of scale and needs cleaning...however there is one that does!

The Medelco glass whistling kettle is made of glass and, therefore, as you'd expect, you can see through it. So you can watch the water boil if you want to and see the scale gradually build up over time...only if you want to though!

For dedicated tea and coffee drinkers, the taste of the water they use is very important. The glass kettles like the Medelco whistling kettle has a very important quality - they do not contaminate the boiled water with any metallic or plastic smell. Granted that most of us will not notice anything, but these connoisseurs are very fussy people.

As this is a glass kettle, it does not rust. Even the finest quality stainless steel kettle will eventually start to rust, and most kettles are not made from the best stainless steel. You can also clean it with strong vinegar, unlike metal kettles. If you have small hands, you can reach inside the body of the Medelco whistling kettle with a scrub pad to clean it, if not you can use a bottle brush.

The transparent glass body makes it possible to see how much water is inside it, which is convenient. Unlike normal metal whistling kettles, you do not need to lift the lid to peer into the kettle to see if you need to refill it. You can also see the water boiling, which can be quite interesting especially for children. Apart from this, you can also see when the kettle is dirty (for example from the residue of hard water) so you know when to do a more intensive cleaning with vinegar.

Most metal kettles are made of many different parts soldered together, so there is always the risk of leaks or some part falling apart (especially the spout or even the bottom of the kettle). The Medelco glass whistling kettle is made of one whole piece of glass so it does not have this problem.

To learn more about this kettle, click on the link below:

Although it is made from glass, the glass is thick enough to NOT feel fragile yet it is still thin enough to let the water inside heat up quickly. Overall, the entire kettle is quite solidly built.

At $10 to $15, this whistling kettle is cheap. Many people buy two or three at a time and do not think twice about replacing it when it breaks. This is unlike many metal kettles which cost $30 to $100 or even more.

Any questions, please do not hesitate to email me or leave a comment below.

More Cities Eye Water Softeners Over Salinity Issues

2009-11-07T06:03:00.000-08:00

A growing number of cities, especially in California, are taking a variety of steps to reduce their local sodium levels and water treatment costs, which can be affected in cases by the number of traditional water softeners in an area.

With that in mind, the city of Woodland, California recently announced that
it is conducting a survey to learn more about the source of some of its salinity levels in wastewater. The city noted that participants will also be entered in a drawing for a GPS unit.

In its announcement, the city notes that higher salt levels can contribute to blood pressure problems and also harm crops, fish and other wildlife. Another problem is higher wastewater and drinking water costs.

The city did mention water softeners in its announcement, noting that the local hard water is safe to drink, but can leave deposits on plumbing fixtures and damage appliances, while also making soap and shampoo less effect.

The attention on the environmental effect of water softeners is gaining more attention nationwide as cities struggle to provide adequate supplies in light of increased demand and factors like pollution and an aging infrastructure.

If you are affected by these new laws and want to soften the water in your home, feel free to get in touch with me and I'd be happy to help.

Or leave a comment below and let me know what you think about them...

Image Source: watervalue.com
Article from http://www.wavehomesolutions.com/content/news/article.cfm?articleID=19448581&catID=438025743

Shower Filters - Top Tips Before You Consider Buying a Shower Filter!

2009-11-01T13:14:00.000-08:00

Have you ever taken a shower and felt like you were showering with a trickle of water? Or, have you ever smelled the faint whiff of chlorine or some other strange substance as you wash yourself in the shower? If any of this sounds familiar then you can immediately improve things by installing a shower filter in your bathroom - you'll feel like you having a power shower with spring water!

The build up of mineral deposits in the nozzles can dramatically reduce the flow of water through a shower unit, and can increase heating bills by several hundred dollars per year as the heating efficiency of the shower unit is significantly reduced.

The smells that can be detected when showering are more detectable because the water has been heated, plus that fact that the water is being sprayed in droplets means that it's easily picked up by the human nose. Chemicals such as chlorine (bleach type smell), sulphur (rotten eggs) are not uncommon things to be noticed when taking a shower with poor quality water.

Hard water deposits on skin have also been linked to conditions such as eczema and acne which are exacerbated as the hard water deposits irritate the skin even further. If all the above was not bad enough hard water minerals can also build up in hair causing it to feel dry, lifeless and dull.

Critical Things to Consider:

The effectiveness of today's shower filters perform extremely well. They are capable of filtering up to 99% of hard water minerals which helps to stop the nozzles from becoming blocked, as well as removing other unwanted chemicals. This not only provides cleaner, purer water while showering but is also a much more pleasant experience, as you will soon discover. A good shower unit will contain a filtering block around the spray nozzle which is capable of filtering or to 10,000 gallons.

Many of the shower filters available today are very easy to install and quite often include tools to complete the job. Many have different spray settings that can provide a massage to wherever it's needed on the body. A top tip is to look for an NSF certified shower filter with a good five year warranty. The typical price of a shower filter is approximately 50 to 200 dollars.

Many people have commented on the fact that there dry skin has been much reduced after installing a shower filter. It's also highly recommended for people who have hard water mineral buildup in hair which causes it to feel dry and lifeless. It may also help them improve the quality of curly hair as the shower filter prevents hard water minerals from forming on hair, making it feels softer and smoother. It will also help with hard water deposit removal when cleaning the bathroom as the minerals are unable to stick to surfaces such as bathtubs and sinks.

A great budget shower filter is the one from Culligan below which comes with a 5-year limited warranty Replacement Filter:

If you want the best shower filter for you and your family, then the one below was voted "Product of the Year" by Cosmetology Today Magazine. This one effectively removes 99% of chlorine, reduces VOCs, heavy metals and other chemicals, and enhances pH - it is considered by some to be Aquasana's best product!

So if you're looking to purchase a shower filter check it's an NSF device, confirm the capacity of the device is sufficient for you, and check to see how long the warranty lasts. Another important thing to consider is how much the replacement of filters will be, as typically these need to be replaced approximately every six months.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me - I'd be happy to help you out. If you have any comments please feel free to add them below.

HardWaterStainsTips Survey Results 2009

2009-10-31T02:11:00.000-07:00

Well the results are in and we have gained some valuable feedback from the 2009 Email Survey. We feel we are more able to provide the information and content that is going to be most helpful to you and your family in dealing with hard water in your home.

I'm glad to see that most people like the design of our emails as the vast majority have told us that they like the way they look...we'll keep them as they are then!

Most people would like their email delivered from us to be about once every two weeks...no problem!

47% would like to learn more about water softeners and filters...

Many people would like to learn more about useful products that will help them deal with hard water...we can do that!

We got some valuable feedback about the kind of problems that our community has when dealing with hard water - hard water stains around the shower seem to be the biggest problem.

Our subscribers want more interactive content - especially videos!

I'd like to say a big thank you once again to everyone for the great feedback we received, and the comments from our community on how we can improve things here at HardWaterStainsTips. We'll start working on ways to provide you with the information you've told us will help you the most, and keep you posted on the new developments that will be happening!

If you have any other comments that you'd like to make, please feel free to make a comment below.

Thanks for Your Brilliant Response!

2009-10-18T04:28:00.000-07:00

Just a quick post to say a big thank you for the amazing response we got back from the recent Email Survey 2009!

We've got some great feedback that is being analysed by our Customer Care Team here at HardWaterStainsTips, which will help us to help you even more to deal with the frustration of hard water in your home.

Rest assured that the actions we take as a result of the survey will help you to combat the issues that are causing the most problems for you. We know what a pain coping with hard water is, and we are determined to help as many people eliminate the effects of it as possible.

Once again, thanks for your help - I'll get back to you soon with the results!

Image Source: interfolio.com

Hard Water - Top Tips to Easily Test Your Home Water Supply

2009-10-17T03:12:00.000-07:00

Discovering whether your home water supply contains hard water minerals is vitally important if you are looking to remove or reduce these minerals for cleaner, purer water from your faucets. There are some excellent hard water testing kits available these days that will tell you exactly what your water contains, however, some methods are better than others...

As a guide, 60% of the UK and 85% of the US population live in a hard water area. This is a big problem, as dealing with hard water costs homeowners hundreds of dollars in expensive heating bills, as well as the headache of dealing with water deposits, and scale that forms around heating elements in kettles, dishwashers, boilers and in pipework.

The most common way to test is by using a hard water test strip, which is basically a small piece of specially treated paper that is dipped into the water to be tested, which then changes colour. This colour change is compared against a chart, where the hardness of water is related to the corresponding colour which is affected by the mineral concentration in the water.

A more accurate way is to use a use a hard water test kit which is usually a small bottle with specially formulated tablets. The idea is to take a sample of your water with the bottle, and then add the tablets to dissolve into the water. Again, there will be a colour change, this time of the water itself, which is compared against a chart indicating how hard the water is.

Probably the most accurate way, however, is to use a test kit which uses liquid drops which are added to the water sample. These have been proved to be most accurate when testing for hard water, and work time and again to reveal the true mineral content in a water supply.

For a comprehensive review of water test kits, have a think about the book below. It includes information on how to test water for an aquarium but also provides great insights into some of the most common ways to test the hardness of your water supply, including the best ways to test pH, ammonia and nitrate.

If all of the above does not work, or you prefer to have someone do it for you, most water companies will be able to test your home water supply for you. Give them a call and see what they can do for you. Once you've tested your water supply, the hardness of your water will be reported in grains per gallon, milligrams per liter (mg/l) or parts per million (ppm). One grain of hardness equals 17.1 mg/l or ppm of hardness.

So, if you wish to determine the mineral content of your water there are plenty of easy ways to accomplish it these days. Once, this has been done you'll be in a better position to clean hard water deposits and reduce scale formation that could be costing you significant amount of money in unnecessary heating bills for your home.

Hard Water Stains - Top Tips to Improve Your Well Water Supply and Prevent Water Stains.

2009-10-08T04:02:00.000-07:00

The water from your well could be costing you hundreds of dollars a year. This is because well water (or borehole water as it is sometimes called) contains high levels of dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which cause stubborn hard water stains. These minerals also stick to the elements on kettles and boilers causing them to be much less efficient.

If your water comes straight from a local well it may contain several components that could be potentially harmful to your family. There are many people in the US and around the world who have the same problem, especially the very common and annoying hard water minerals that cause hard water stains, which end up on fixtures and fittings. However, there are some really simple ways to combat these unwanted minerals and by installing a device to your home that will give you the peace of mind of knowing that your water is the best it can be.

Top Tips To Improve Your Well Water Supply:

One of the simplest ways to improve the quality of your water is to install a water softener. These devices remove the calcium and magnesium minerals that cause hard water stains, and replace them with sodium which makes the water much "softer". The advantage of this is it also prevents these same minerals from sticking to the heating elements of kettles, boilers and other appliances in the home.

Water softeners generally contain an easy to install cartridge that must be replaced every few months, or recharged, to keep it in top condition.

Water filters are also a great way to improve the quality of your well water and there are some great devices available that do an excellent job. Basically, these devices contain a filter that removes the unwanted minerals from your water and makes it cleaner and of higher quality.

One of the best types of filter to purchase is called a reverse-osmosis filters (see image on left). These filters are often considered the best form of water filtration available today. The water is passed through several types of filters including a semi-permeable membrane, which filters out almost every contaminant.

They are more expensive than other types of filters but have reasonably low running costs, very effective filtration and can also be used to filter water to the whole house. These devices are the industry standard and can help to achieve very high purification, so much so that often people comment that they can actually taste the difference themselves once one of these has been installed.

Electromagnetic water conditioners are another way to reduce the level of minerals in well water and are a relatively new invention. The idea is that by passing water through a magnetic field, the calcium and magnesium ions are altered in such a way that they lose their ability to cause scale.

These devices have a number of benefits and many are used in industry; although the water is not technically soft, it has the useful properties of soft water, that is, it may reduce limescale in pipes and may increase heating efficiency as well as lengthening the lifespan of any clothes washed in the conditioned water.

However, the jury is still out on whether these devices work effectively in a residential environment. The magnetic current that passes through the water does not technically remove the unwanted minerals but simply changes the chemical make-up of them. This is supposed to prevent the minerals from "sticking" to the sides of pipes and fixtures around the home - thus reducing hard water stains and scale formation. However, as they are still present in the water, they can still cause problems around the home and are not particularly effective in hard water deposit removal. There was a period of time in the 60's and 70's where many of these anti scale devices were installed in industrial systems, however they are not used as frequently these days.

Summary:

So, if you receive your water from a well water supply then there are some proven techniques for removing the annoying minerals and potentially toxic chemicals that are present in this type of water. Installing a device to filter your water is a great idea and could reduce the formation of hard water stains in your home, as well as making your morning coffee taste even better!

DIY Water Filters - Learn How To Treat Your Own Water!

2009-10-05T07:46:00.000-07:00

There are some fantastic water softeners and filters available these days, and they do a great job at cleaning up our water and providing clean, soft water. However, if you're looking to save money or just like the idea of building a water filter for yourself, then a DIY water filter may be what you've just been looking for...as it could save you $250 every month!

If you have hard water in your local area, then it could be costing you hundreds of extra dollars per year in expensive cleaning products and scale caused by hard water deposit build-up in boilers and kettles. This not only adds to the cost of maintaining a household, but hard water does not lather at all well with soaps and shampoo, and also does not have a great taste...as you may already know!

Many people try to deal with the issue for years before they tackle the problem head on and do something about it. We all know how difficult hard water deposit removal can be, and just how much time it can take to get a kitchen and bathroom looking good again.

Some people try to boil their water before they drink it, or let it stand to settle out, or purchase expensive bottled water, or try to disguise the taste in some way...when all along they could have just installed - a DIY water filter for less than $80 - and solved all their problems in one! This also saves the environment as the plastic used to produce the bottled water is saved.

There are some cutting edge technologies that are pushing the boundaries of water filtration these days, and are purifying water to extremely high standards. To learn more about the new developments taking place in the industry, click on the link below:

http://www.prweb.com/pingpr.php/U3VtbS1aZXRhLVBpZ2ctTG92ZS1GYWx1LUNvdXAtWmVybw==

Top Tips When Considering a DIY Water Filter:

The main benefit of a DIY water filter is the low cost compared to the filters that can be bought in stores. The trick is to find a good filter media (tip: granular carbon is an excellent filter media) as it's this that will filter and purify your water of many of the impurities and chemicals that are contained within it. Sand is also a great material for removing the unwanted toxins that can be present in a home water supply.

If you've been considering a water filter for a while and are unsure about the cost of installing one or just want more information about how they operate, then building one for yourself gives you a great insight into the precise way these devices actually work. When you then decide to purchase one over the counter in the future, I can guarantee you'll be well armed with the facts to pick the right one for yourself!

If you're looking to learn more about consider this easy, step-by-step guide for making you own home water filter and save up to $250 a month, then click on the link below for more information:

Click Here!

And of course, if you have any questions or queries about DIY water filters, please don't hesitate to email me at support@hardwaterstainstips.com. I'd be happy to hear from you.

Have any comments about this post, put them down below...I'd be happy to hear your thoughts.

Hard Water Stains on Shower Doors - Top Tips That Have Been Proven To Work...

2009-10-03T08:24:00.000-07:00

A recent technology has been developed that could lead to hard water stains on glass shower doors being a thing of the past. If this interest you, then read on...

A new glass coating has been developed that is resistant to corrosion and discoloration caused by constant exposure to heat, humidity, hard water, soaps and harsh cleaners. As a result, it requires less cleaning materials and maintains its original like-new appearance for years.

The technology is also used in the solar panel industry and looks as though it has a promising future. To read the full article click on the link below:

http://www.glassonweb.com/news/index/10186/

The only downside to this new technology is that it could still be a few years away. I know in the mean time there that this does not really help you remove any stubborn stains on your shower doors. So, if you have them and are determined to have crystal clear shower doors once again that sparkle like new, click on the link below to go to my blog post that outlines a proven step-by-step formula that has worked time and again...

http://hardwaterstainstips.blogspot.com/search?q=shower

Another top tip is to consider installing a shower filter that will actually remove the hard water minerals from your shower water supply. Here are some of the benefits of installing one of these devices:

Reduces the formation of hard water build-up in your shower which cause stains.
Makes your hair feel soft and smooth to the touch - as the minerals don't build up in your hair.
Soap and shampoo usage is reduced as you are able to form a rich lather for bathing.
Feel cleaner afterwards as there is no residue to rinse off after you have showered.
Less risk of itchy skin or irritations as the water is filtered of impurities.

If you are considering the benefits of a shower filter, but are unsure of which one to buy, don't worry. The Aquasana Deluxe AQ-4100 Shower Water Filter below is one of the best around and was voted "Product of the Year" by Cosmetology Today Magazine. Click on the link below to learn more...

Details:

* Voted "Product of the Year" by Cosmetology Today Magazine.

* Comes complete with a deluxe adjustable massage-showerhead.

* Replaceable water filter cartridge lasts 10,000 gallons, about 6 months.
* Unique 2-Stage shower water filter uses Coconut Shell Carbon & KDF-55D media to enhance your shower experience.

To learn more about this product click on the link below...

Aquasana AQ-4100 Deluxe Shower Water Filter System with Adjustable Showerhead

I hope that helps if you have any hard water or limescale issues with your shower doors. And of course, if you have any problems or questions, please don't hesitate to email me at support@hardwaterstainstips.com. I'd be happy to help!

If you have any thought about this post, why not leave a comment below, I'd be happy to hear your thoughts...

Hard Water Stains on Granite - How To Remove Them...

2009-09-20T01:00:00.000-07:00

Many people these days have new kitchens with lovely granite countertops only to see them develop those ugly hard water stains we all know about.

I receive some really frustrated emails from people who have just installed a new granite countertop only to see it be ruined by the hard water stains. don't let this happen to you - there are some tried and tested methods for removing them.

It is advisable not to use acid cleaners on granite. Granite is acid resistant but not acid proof – the top layer can be gradually dissolved and expose the surface underneath and cause a lot of damage. A proven, step by step method is using baking soda and water - see the method below...

Natural Formula to Use:
A mixture of baking soda and warm water

Method to Use:
1.Make up the mixture of water and baking soda

2.Scrub stains with a soft brush or sponge

3.Rinse thoroughly with water to remove all residue

Tip:
When scrubbing the stains be careful to rub gently as once the granite has been scratched it easily picks up any grease, dirt or soap residue. Then harsh abrasives really are necessary to remove debris that has become ingrained within the surface!

For more tips and advice on hard water stain removal, go to http://www.hardwaterstainstips.com/ for a step by step guide.

Do you have a granite countertop? What methods have you used to remove hard water stains? Leave a post and let me hear your thoughts...

Hard Water Stains - What Does The Terminator Have To Do With Them?

2009-09-13T01:46:00.000-07:00

I never though I would do a blog post and mention Arnold Schwarzenegger, but here goes... California has recently passed laws giving local officials more power to remove water softeners from peoples homes.

These devices can help to remove minerals that cause the ugly hard water stains that form around the home.

SACRAMENTO, CA — In what one newspaper called “a jab at the Culligan Man,” the California Assembly this week passed a bill, known as AB 1366, that will give local government agencies more power to ban residential water softeners and remove existing ones, The Los Angeles Times reported September 10.

AB 1366, sponsored by Assemblyman Michael Feuer, D-Los Angeles, was among “a flurry of measures” that state lawmakers were trying to push through before the end of the legislative session at midnight on September 11, the newspaper said. It could not be determined immediately how the state Senate was acting on the bill. Passage in the Senate would mean it would go to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger for his signature.

The measure has been opposed vigorously by the water treatment industry, represented by the national Water Quality Association, the regional Pacific Water Quality Association, and dealers, suppliers and manufacturers of softeners.

It has been supported by California’s municipal water and wastewater agencies, which insist that the chlorides discharged by water softeners in their regeneration cycle make wastewater more difficult and expensive to treat and pollute downstream water sources.

Opponents said the bill unfairly singled out residential water softeners as sources of salinity in wastewater. They also tried to persuade lawmakers that a more reasonable solution was to work with the industry in changing consumers’ softener equipment to more salt-efficient designs, and to identify large institutional salinity sources.

The industry sought to persuade the public that AB 1366 was an unwarranted intrusion of state regulation that would only result in hard water for the estimated one-quarter of Californians who now have residential softeners. The Times article said executives of Culligan International, the Rosemont, IL-based manufacturer of water softeners that also maintains a large dealer network, criticized the bill, according to the newspaper, as being “a Big Government grab at private property.”

A similar measure passed both the state Senate and Assembly last fall, but it was vetoed by the governor and never became law.

A few local governments and water agencies in California and across the nation have instituted softener bans or restrictions that apply only to softener owners in those areas.

Source: http://www.watertechonline.com/news.asp?N_ID=72562

If you are affected by these recent laws, do not worry. There are plently of other devices available these days that are just as effective at removing hard water minerals as well as eliminating other potentially harmful toxins.

For more information, see my blog post link below on the different types of water filters and softeners currently on the market, and how they can improve your water supply.

http://hardwaterstainstips.blogspot.com/2008/12/hard-water-stains-water-filters.html

If the recent ban affects you tell me what you think about it? Leave a blog post below, I love to hear your thoughts!

California Considers Water Softener Legislation

2009-09-05T11:44:00.000-07:00

If you live in California the law may be changing soon regarding water softeners. This is because lawmakers will be discussing future legislation that could affect how homeowners use traditional water softeners.

Traditional water softeners use salt to replace the calcium and magnesium in the water with sodium. This effectively prevents the calcium and magnesium causing hard water stains around the home, however when the softeners are recharged, the salt is flushed out and can cause significant damage to the environment.

A recent report on California's 10News.com website says that the legislation would encourage homeowners to replace their traditional water softeners with models that do not use salt and would also compensate those who do replace their old systems.

One of the largest manufacturers of the traditional water softeners is said to be waging a heavy lobbying effort against the bill, and it remains to be seen if Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger would be willing to sign it if it passes.

Some oppose the bill because they are concerned about untreated hard water, which can also be wasteful because it makes it more difficult for soap and shampoo to work properly.

The controversy is particularly relevant in California because the state is grappling with chronic water supply issues and has faced rising treatment costs in part because of the salt that is released by many traditional water softeners.

Do you live in California, or know someone who lives there? What do you think about the new leglislation - do you think it will help the environment by using softeners that don't use salt? I'd love to hear what you think, why not leave a blog post and tell me your thoughts.

Hard Water - Discover Its Impact on Your Heart Health

2009-08-28T08:53:00.000-07:00

The World Health Organization says, "There does not appear to be any convincing evidence that water hardness causes adverse health effects in humans." I may even have a positive health effect and help to reduce heart attacks according to some recent studies.

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 - ie: the more calcium in the water the more it could stop heart attacks, up to 170mg!. 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 Frantisek Kozisek, 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.

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.

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 which can also cause very stubborn hard water stains.

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. Some typical values are: Calgary 165 mg/L, Saskatoon < 140 mg/L, Toronto 121 mg/L, Vancouver < 5 mg/L, Charlottetown PEI 140 - 150 mg/L

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.

So living in a hard water area may actually help to reduce your risk of a heart attack. Obviously there are a number of other factors that need to be taken into account, but hard water does at least have some positive aspects!

What do you think about hard water and the risk of heart attacks? Why not leave a post here or you can contact me at support@hardwaterstainstips.com.

Hard Water Stains Explained

2009-07-19T22:07:00.000-07:00

A few people have asked me recently what hard water actually is, and what the stains are made of. So, I thought I'd lay out exactly what they are, and why they can be such a problem for us around the home.

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 waters 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.

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 it in the first instance, however there are some easy ways to prevent it.

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. Hard water stains occur when the water evaporates leaving behind the mineral deposits causing unsightly stains around taps, faucets, sinks, showerheads, tiles and on carpets.

To check whether the area you live in has hard water, check out your local regional information.

If you have any questions about the hard water in your area, drop me a line at support@hardwaterstainstips.com, or post a blog comment here and I'll get back to you asap.

4 Quick and Easy Tips for Hard Water Areas

2009-06-11T22:30:00.000-07:00

For some quick and easy tips to combat hard water problems around the home, see below for some tried and tested methods that could save you hundreds of dollars!

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

Hard Water Health Benefits - Discover the Secrets to Why it May Improve Life Expectancy

2009-06-07T07:05:00.000-07:00

Hard water has some fantastic health benefits that seem to encourage longer life expectancy and improved health. In this article we'll discover why this is so and what areas of the world have some of the longest life expectancy.

An episode of Oprah recently looked at some of the so-called blue-zones around the world. These are places in the world where people live the longest and are the healthiest anywhere on earth. If we can take some of what they do and make those healthy moves a consistent part of our own lives, perhaps we could live a little longer (and be healthier in our old age) as well.

The first stop was the Nicoya Peninsula in the rain forest of Costa Rica. There are lots of very healthy centenarians there, possibly because of the excellent hard water, which is full of calcium and magnesium, keeping their bones and muscles strong throughout their lives.

A lot of physical labor still goes into food production there, from clearing fields to raise crops to picking fruit and grinding corn for tortillas, which is a great upper-body workout. In fact, people who live in this region have some of the best physical stamina in the world because they are always on the move. People eat lots of corn, beans and squash, and there is fresh fruit almost year-round.

Another important piece of the longevity puzzle in Costa Rica and elsewhere is a sense of community and family ties. Older people live with their younger relatives, and those connections help keep people feeling young and in touch with their surroundings.

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. So again a small amount of these calcium and magnesium minerals can actually be helpful for improved life expectancy. 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 Frantisek Kozisek, M.D., Ph.D. National Institute of Public Health, Czech Republic he 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.

Hard water is not a health hazard. In fact, the National Research Council 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.

So although hard water can cause those annoying hard water stains around the home we all know about, the minerals contained in it may also be helpful to build strong bones and may improve cardiovascular disease.

What do you think of this post, let me know what you think by posting your own comment!

Water Filters - Discover How They Can Dramatically Improve Your Water Supply

2009-05-08T11:12:00.000-07:00

Why are there more and more manufactures introducing water conditioners and filters onto the market these days? Is there something that they are recommending homeowners to do to improve the quality of the water, and the big question I suppose is - why?

Over the last 30 years, scientists have become more aware of the effect of chlorine that is added as disinfection by- product to the water, and how it affects those people who consume it. Also, as public awareness increases more and more people are

While the addition of chlorine has reduced cholera rates by 90 percent, typhoid by 80 percent and amoebic dysentery by 50 percent, there are certain by- products formed by chlorine that are some cause for concern. One of the main issues is when chlorine reacts with organic matter and forms trihalomethanes (THM's), which scientists are still investigating but which some studies have linked to cancer.

Is it a Risk to You?

There are many disinfection by-products that are formed and worryingly only a few have been studied to evaluate the risk to humans. There are some that do not even have to be ingested but are able to make their way into the body through the skin or by inhalation.

In some investigates, it has been found that epidemiologic studies have shown that a lifetime exposure to chlorinated water through showering and bathing and also swimming is associated with an increased risk for cancer, especially of the bladder and colorectum. In addition, recent studies have raised the issue of potential adverse reproductive and developmental effects.

What Can I Do About it?

As discussed above, manufactures are introducing several different varieties of filters and conditioning devices these days. The devices are indeed a very effective way to reduce the potentially harmful effect of chemicals found in your drinking water, which reduces the risk significantly to humans.

Today's filters have experts on their side. Clifford P. Weisel, an Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences Institute professor at the RWJMS/University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and co-author of a study that measured inhalation and dermal exposures to DBPs, said, "If an individual lives in an area where there are high DBP levels in the water and there are other risk factors for cancer, installing a filter will reduce the risk."

As well as the health problems it may cause, chlorine also dehydrates the skin, making it more susceptible to irritation and disorders such as eczema. According to Leslie Baumann, MD, professor of dermatology at the University of Miami and director of the University of Miami's Cosmetic Medicine and Research Institute, "Filters are a must for anyone with dry or sensitive skin, especially if they live in a city with hard water or high amounts of chlorine in the water."

To learn more about how water filters can help you achieve the highest quality water supply, click here.

What do you think of this post? I'd love to hear your feedback...email me at support@hardwaterstainstips.com

Laundry Advice - Top Tips For Super Soft Clothes - Even in Hard Water Areas!

2009-05-04T03:37:00.000-07:00

If you live in a hard water area and have tried to your wash clothes in hard water, you will know what a terrible state they come out of the washing machine in. Do you get dingy or graying clothes? Do you get stiff or harsh feel to fabrics, or how about yellow or gray streaks on white shirts?

The quality of the water used when washing clothes is an important factor, and one that is frequently overlooked. A high level of minerals in a water supply can cause several laundry problems. Hard water contains high amounts of calcium and magnesium minerals. It's these that wreak havoc when washing clothes, and cause the unsightly stains and streaks on precious items of clothes. Continuous laundering in hard water has been shown to damage fibers and shorten the life of clothes by up to 40 percent.

It is a fact that hard water does not clean as effectively as soft water (which has low amounts of dissolved minerals) and most of the detergent added to the washing machine actually goes to soften the water instead of cleaning the clothes. As a consequence more detergent must be used with hard water compared to soft water. Using more detergent is not only expensive, it is also a major pollution hazard. As detergents contain phosphates they can cause water pollution when they pass into the water course.

If you have any of the above symptoms on your clothes you may live in a hard water area yourself. But do not worry; there are some easy solutions to combat these symptoms. Take a look at the areas in the US that suffer from hard water!

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. There are many areas where the water is completely unsuitable for washing clothes, and it is a common problem that most people will have to cope with and some time in teir lives.

The Solution for Clean Clothes!

• A water softener or conditioner is the best long term solution to resolving the issue as it will soften the water and remove the hard water minerals that are the main cause of the problem.
• If this is not possible try using water that is as hot as the fabric label recommends. Water that is at a higher temperature will work clean much better than at a lower temperature.
• Add the correct amount of low-foaming phosphate detergent or heavy duty liquid detergent.
• Another top tip is to use a powder or liquid softener that will help the water form a lather and increase the efficiency of cleaning while also causing less damage to the clothes themselves. This ensures clothes coming out of the washer are brighter and cleaner.

Do you have other issues that your hard water is causing you, such as hard water stains on fixtures and fittings, or water that tastes unpleasant? Would you like to know how to test your water, or learn easy-to-follow solutions to eliminating hard water problems completely?

If so, then go to our popular website at Hard Water Stains Tips and find out about my popular ebook that has helped hundreds of people with the hard water in their area.

Leave a comment about this post or email me at support@hardwaterstainstips.com.

Water Softeners - 3 Critical Things to Consider Before Buying a Water Softener

2009-04-26T04:03:00.001-07:00

When considering which water softener to purchase there are some important factors to consider including some significant health issues. This is because water softeners actually use sodium to alter the water. As we all know, sodium is a major cause of increased blood pressure and other serious health problems.

Sodium is an essential mineral because it's necessary for fluid and electrolyte balance in your body. However, consuming too much salt (also known as sodium chloride) may lead to high blood pressure, a condition called hypertension.

How Do Water Softeners Work:
Water softeners or whole house water treatment systems use a process called ion exchange to remove minerals from a water supply before it enters the home. This involves passing the water through a tank filled with resin beads that are coated with ions of either sodium or potassium chloride.
In simple terms, the sodium or potassium ions in the water softener swap places with the calcium or magnesium ions (which are the hard minerals that cause hard water stains and limescale) in a domestic water supply.

What To Consider Before Purchase:
• Firstly, sodium chloride is usually less expensive than potassium chloride although the latter is better for the environment. This is because the system has to have the brine solution discharged to recharge the ions on the resin beads.
• If the potassium solution is discharged it has less impact on the environment and can actually be put on lawns as potassium is a key plant nutrient!
• Contrary to a common misconception, using sodium salt in your water softener will not adversely affect your plumbing. Most modern plumbing is made of PVC plastic and is not affected by increased levels of either sodium or potassium chloride. Sodium salt can, however, reduce the amount of maintenance required for your brine tank.
• For those concerned about the health issues of how much sodium is put into the water by a water softener, the answer is, it all depends. The harder your water supply the more sodium ions are needed to soften it. That said, studies indicate that even water softened with sodium chloride has a low concentration of sodium.
• The costs of water softeners are usually far outweighed by the benefits and cost savings obtained, through using softened water.
Your local health department can tell you the sodium and other mineral content of your community's water supply.

Options if Your Tap Water is High in Sodium:
• Consider switching to another type of water-purification system.
• Buy demineralized water for drinking and cooking.
• Softening only the hot water and using unsoftened cold water for drinking and cooking.
Ultimately the choice between sodium or potassium salts in your water softener is a personal one, depending on the presence of potential health issues with your water supply, cost, and environmental priorities.

Whichever one you decide on, the advantages of a water softener far outweigh the disadvantages. As well as all the above they can also be helpful in reducing cleaning time by preventing hard water stains and limescale forming around the home.

One of the best water softeners on the market is the 5 stage under water filter system from Crystal Clear Supply. To learn more about the recommended water softener click here or on the image below:

Hard Water Stains - The Top 7 Worst Things to Remove Hard Water Stains and Limescale

2009-04-19T03:20:00.000-07:00

There are some things that should definitely not be used to remove hard waters stains and limescale. They can seriously damage your fixtures and fittings and cause them to look worse than when you first started cleaning!

I have seen many people try to remove hard water stains with just elbow grease. While this is certainly one way to remove them it's not the easiest and can make you feel like you've had a good workout! Using something to scrape the stains off is also a common method or even bleach or other toxic chemicals that can harm your children or pets.

Below are just some of the worst ways to remove hard water stains and limescale from your fixtures and fittings:

Scour pads: these can cause significant damage as the scour pad can scratch the finish of metal faucets, sinks, tubs and toilet bowls.

Pumice stone: while these are slightly less damaging than scour pads, they can still cause a lot of damage to toilet bowls and cause ugly scuff marks on the surface.

Sand paper: this is possibly the worst way to remove hard water stains and limescale and I have seen terrible damage caused to porcelain sinks and tubs by the coarse, abrasive action of sand paper.

Razor Blade: these need no explanation as to why they are completely unsuitable for removing hard water stains. Not only will they destroy any finish that a surface may of have had, they are totally unacceptable to have lying around the house for children to pick up and play with.

Bleach: while this is good to kill bacteria, it just doesn't cut the mustard when it comes to removing stubborn hard water stains and limescale. Some people say it works, but there are easier ways than using a potentially harmful chemical such as bleach.

Hydrochloric Acid: some people have tried strong acids to try and melt off the stains hoping they will just disappear. They sometimes do, but in the process you have just inhaled hydrochloric acid into your lungs...not good.

Chemical Cleaners: there are many on the market these days which we all know about. They do have some success at removing hard water stains. The only thing with these is that again they are potentially harmful if used too much; I know I have ran out of the room gasping for breath more than once in the past! Plus they can be rather expensive for what they actually are.

There are some much easier ways to remove stubborn hard water stains and limescale than this.

There are some tried and tested methods for removing even the most stubborn of hard water stains that have been proven to work that will leave your fixtures and fittings sparkling like new.

To discover the secrets to removing those annoying hard water stains try our popular ebook that has helped hundreds of people on a no risk 30 day trial ...

Another Award For Hard WaterStainsTips.com - Submission to BestEzines

2009-04-12T03:02:00.000-07:00

Good News! We are very proud to have been recently submitted to Best Ezines.com - "The Email Newsletter Review & Ezine Award Site." This allows people and subscribers to vote, rate and comment on the quality of ezines they receive.

We've helped hundreds of people over the last few years remove the stubborn hard water stains and limescale that build-up all around the home. We have received lots of positive feedback and emails - which we are always happy to receive.

So, we would be very grateful if you have found the hints and tips here on this blog site and via our regular emails useful to leave a comment with BestEzines.com - which will allow other people to benefit from the hints and tips we provide here at HardWaterStainsTips.com and combat the effects of hard water.

If you would like to vote and rate us or leave a comment about HardWaterStainsTips, go to:

http://bestezines.com/?Hard-Water-Stains-Tips&id=13879 and leave your comment.

Thank you.

Are you not yet a subscriber to our emails? Like what you've read? Sign up for our FREE report and get future issues delivered straight to you: http://www.hardwaterstainstips.com

Top Shaving Tips - 10 Razor Sharp Tips For the Perfect Shave - Even in Hard Water Areas!

2009-04-10T03:38:00.000-07:00

Achieving a close shave is a fine art, but can be difficult to pull off, especially in hard water areas, which contain high levels of calcium and magnesium. Water containing these minerals can cause a morning shave to result in unsightly cuts, nicks and skin burn.

The perfect shave is what all men strive for every morning when they bring their razor up their chin, an effortless shave that's baby smooth, and without any of the usual skin irritation, redness, and that burning sensation most guys seem to feel is par for the course when it comes to shaving.

However, living in a hard water area can make this perfect shave tricky and can cause irritating razor drag leading to an uncomfortable shave and even nicks and cuts. This is because the minerals in hard water actually prevent soaps and shaving products forming a good lather. Many people around the world have the same problem, especially in the US where 80% of the water is classed as hard.

Here are 10 proven tips for a great shave, even in hard water areas:

Allow at least ten minutes from getting out of bed in the morning to beginning to shave.
Use a facial scrub to remove any dead skin and dampen your face with warm water, before starting to shave. A face cloth is ideal.
Use a good quality pre-shave oil which will lubricate your face, providing the perfect base for a close comfortable shave, reducing razor burns, rashes and blotchy skin.
Always use a shaving brush - work the brush into your shaving soap.
Lather the face in a circular motion to lubricate the skin and get under the beard stubble.
Ensure that you use a sharp blade.
Shave with the grain of the hair on your face, shaving against the grain can cause redness, razor burn and rashes.
Rinse the head of your razor in warm water after every stroke.
After you have finished your shave, rinse your face in warm water
Apply an after shave balm or moisturizer, to sooth and protect the face.

As mentioned above, if you live in a hard water area, the above techniques are extremely difficult to put into practice. Many people instead resort to using bottled or distilled water when shaving to get a good lather making the above tips much easier. However, this can start to be expensive if shaving every day! There are some great shaving products that can prevent nicks and cuts that hard water causes. Click here to learn more...

Another top tip is to install a water softener or filter that removes all of the troublesome hard water minerals (the calcium and magnesium) from the water. Once removed from the water a thick lather can be formed increasing the chances of a flawless shave every time.

Water Testing - Top Tips on How to Easily Discover What's Actually in Your Water Supply

2009-04-05T05:55:00.000-07:00

The fact is that your water supply may contain many potentially harmful contaminants and they can be easily tested for - so why not literally test the water? It may help you and your family to discover what is really in there...!

I know many people who have wondered what is actually in their home water supply. We tend to assume the water is clean or pure unless there is an obvious odor or discoloration present.

However as many people know, nearly all water contains contaminants (dissolved minerals or organic compounds). Whether a contaminant is a problem depends on how much is contained within the water and whether it poses a health risk to you and your family.

Some contaminants, such as iron and manganese, are an annoyance but not a health threat. Excessive amounts of iron in water can cause orange stains to form on bath tubs and sinks and also laundry or dishes that are frequently exposed to the water.
Manganese can result in an ugly brownish-black stain and can cause water to turn cloudy - again it's not a health hazard though.
Other nuisance compounds such as hydrogen sulphide and sulphate-reducing bacteria can give a distinctive rotten egg odor. Hydrogen sulphide is especially noticeable when running water from the tap, however after exposure to the air it evaporates quickly. However, the problem with high hydrogen sulphide levels is that it can cause corrosion to pipes due its acidic nature.
Hard water, with high levels of calcium and magnesium compounds, can be a particular pain. Soap not lathering well is one indication of hard water. Other clues include greasy, grimy rings in tubs and sinks or dingy laundry with a harsh feel. The excessive calcium and magnesium cause scale that can build up in water heaters and clog pipes causing major problems that require several hundred dollars of repair work.
High levels of chlorine can also be a problem and can give water a distinctive "chemical" taste. While chlorine is an effective disinfectant and kills most bacteria, high residual amounts have been associated with cancer causing compounds and other potential health hazards.

However, the frightening concern arises from the possibility that harmful contaminants can be present without any clear sign that there's a problem. Low pH causes corrosion of copper pipes, resulting in high copper levels. Excessive sodium in water can result in significant problems for residents battling hypertension. Many people worry about what is contained in their water because:

They are concerned about the sodium content it may contain and how it may affect their blood pressure.
Their water supply has a strange smell.
They have ugly hard water stains and limescale build up due to hard water minerals.
It has a faint taste of bleach.
They just want the best quality water possible for themselves and their family.
They have discoloured water or cloudy water.

The Easy Solution:

Fortunately, there are some easy ways to ensure that water supplies are safe - performing periodic laboratory analysis is a simple way to ensure your water quality meets the highest standards. For public water systems, testing is done on a regular basis.

Federal law requires water utilities to regularly monitor and test the water to ensure a safe supply to customers. The testing results are public information and freely available. If you'd like to find out the state of the water in the area you live in, you can find out just how hard or soft the water is by contacting the water company in your particular area, they should be able to let you know. This doesn't ensure that problems are eliminated within your household system, but it does ensure monitoring by the supplier.

Private Wells:

Residents with private wells should definitely test their water to monitor its quality. Private well owners are solely responsible for the safety of their wells and any recommended testing. A laboratory analysis of your water supply will provide you with the information needed to take immediate and long-term corrective measures, if necessary, to provide a suitable and safe water supply.

If you have a private water supply, you can easily have the water tested for hardness and check whether your water contains the minerals that cause hard water stains and limescale. Most water testing laboratories offer hardness tests for a fee, including the Environmental Quality Center. Also many companies that sell water treatment equipment offer hardness tests. When using these water tests, be certain you understand the nature of the test, the water condition being measured, and the significance of the test results. An approximate estimate of water hardness can be obtained without the aid of outside testing facilities.

If you prefer to do it yourself there are a number of water hardness testing kits that are available for purchase through water testing supply companies.

However, if more accurate measurements are required, it is advisable to contact an authorized testing laboratory.

To learn more click here...

Even Martians Need Hard Water Stain Removal Help!

2009-03-28T08:46:00.000-07:00

If hard water and limescale did not cause enough problems on Earth, it has now been proven that it also exits on the planet Mars as well!

Nasa's Phoenix lander which touched down on Mars recently has shown the presence of several salts and minerals in Martian soil - one of them being calcium carbonate which as we all know is responsible for the dreaded hard water stains and limescale. While Mars is much colder than Earth and water usually exists as ice, under certain conditions liquid water can exist on the surface in specific places.

"It's probable that in a warmer, wetter climate, as when the obliquity (the extent to which Mars is tilted on its axis) changes, this could be a place where liquid water is found. That doesn't mean it's a lake. It just means that the soil is wet," Professor Smith, from the University of Arizona, explained.

Further more, the discovery of calcium carbonate in the soil is also suggestive of the past action of liquid water. The substance is found in rocks all over Earth and is the main component in limescale.

Peter Smith said it occurred at levels of 3-5% at the Phoenix landing site, probably forming as carbon dioxide from the Martian atmosphere dissolved into liquid water, forming a weak acid which leached calcium out of the soil.

I have helped many people remove stubborn hard water stains and limescale here on Earth since 2007. However, maybe in the not to distant future I might be helping those people living on the planet Mars do the same thing...I think I'll just stick to Earth for now though!

To read the full article go to http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/7958471.stm

The Ultimate List of Ways to Remove Them

2009-03-21T04:09:00.000-07:00

There are some weird and wonderful ways to remove hard water stains and limescale. The methods range from using fizzy drinks to get rid of the stains to vegetables that grow in your back garden!

All of them work to some extent, but they are not all easy and safe to use around the home, and some are downright dangerous. In this article I'd like to outline the entire range of chemicals and ingredients that I personally know of that are used to remove the stubborn white stains that anybody living in a hard water area will know about all too well!

Firstly are the Acids:

- white vinegar
- citric acid
- hydrochloric acid
- oxalic acid
- muriatic acid

The Chemicals:

- bleach
- hydrogen peroxide
- CLR
- Mr Clean "Magic Eraser"
- Lime-Away
- Windex

The Abrasives:

- baking soda
- steel wool
- pumice stone
- clay bars
- scrubbing brush/pads

Food and Drinks:

- coca cola
- lemon juice
- rhubarb (it's the acid in rhubarb that's is the active ingredient that removes stains!)
- salt

It is clear that there a range of methods that can be used to tackle hard water stains and limescale. Before we had all the manufactured chemical products, we still had the same cleaning issues that we do today. There was no way we could go to the cupboard and pull out the latest product we'd seen on TV to solve the problem. We had to used the natural goods around us to get the job done, and they were used because of just that, they got the job done!

If one picks any of the items above it becomes perfectly clear that they work in only one of two ways. They are designed to either remove the stains by dissolving them by the action of the acid, or by an abrasive action and a bit of elbow grease!

And I suppose the next question has to be, "Which is the best and safest method to use?". Well, if one wishes to use a proven technique that has been tried and tested time and again, the one that pops out on top has to good old white vinegar and baking soda. If you would like to order both of these amazing products, you can an our Amazon powered Online Store.

Both of these items have the dissolving and abrasive actions required to remove hard water stains and limescale in no time. The white vinegar is very effective at dissolving away stains while its partner, the baking soda, gently scrubs away the rest of it leaving fixtures and fittings sparkling like new. When used together in specific combinations, they are highly effective at cleaning even the most stubborn hard water stains and limescale.

Revitalize Your Jewelry - Top Tips to Restore the Sparkle and Make Them Shine Like New in 2 Minutes

2009-02-07T07:48:00.000-08:00

If you have ever found that the jewelry you own has become discoloured or dull over time, it may be due to the build up of minerals from your tap water that are the cause. These are the same ones that cause the ugly water stains and limescale build up on bath tubs and sinks around the home.

About 80% of the US has hard water, and as a result many people see their precious jewelry and gemstones dramatically lose their magnificent sparkle that they possessed when they first bought them. The reason for this is due to the build up of calcium and magnesium minerals in the water that they come into contact with, leading to a gradual fading over time and loss of sparkle.

There are some easy ways to ensure that these items stay in good condition. One way is to use ultra pure water that has very little mineral content, it is known as de-ionized or distilled water. This prevents the harmful minerals being transferred onto the items. Using a light mineral oil rub with a very soft cloth is a particularly good idea. Baking soda or a small amount of mild, natural soap has also been proven to work well when mixed with water. This technique also removes the body oils that accumulate over time and that cause a visible reduction in the shine.

Using these cleaning methods about once a month will ensure that your jewelry and gemstones remain in tip top condition. If you have a lot of items that come into contact with hard water, and do not want to clean them regularly, it may be a good idea to invest in a water softener. These devices do a great job at removing the harmful minerals which are often the main cause of sparkle reduction, whilst also help to prevent build up of these minerals around the home on fixtures and fittings.

Water Filters - Discover the Revealing Reasons Why They Can Improve Your Water

2009-02-05T09:53:00.000-08:00

Water filters a have come a long way in recent years and if you have an old device installed in your home already, then now could be the perfect time to consider upgrading to protect yourself and family.

A water filter can dramatically improve the taste of your water, reduce the formation of hard water stains as well as helping the performance of household appliances such as your dishwasher and washing machine. Certain water filters can also purify your water to remove potentially harmful bacteria or sediment that has built up in the network of pipes that distributes the water to your home.

Many people who have fitted a filter have noticed an improved taste in their water. This is because it removes the unwanted minerals such as calcium and magnesium (which also cause hard water stains), as well as others that impart a particular taste. It essentially provides a further, final treatment of the water before it comes out of the faucet and often provides people with the peace of mind that it as safe as it possibly can be.

As previously mentioned, it's the calcium and magnesium that cause the formation of limescale and hard water stains on fixtures and fittings around the home. The installation of a filter reduces the incidence of these stubborn stains forming on faucets, sinks, shower doors and glass. The cleaning time required to clean the home can be reduced. According to a study from The Ohio State University, the average person cleaning a home spends more than six hours a month cleaning tap water spots, streaks and scum alone.

As water containing dissolved calcium and magnesium minerals heats up, it causes scale to be deposited on elements and other surfaces of household appliances. This is why kettles develop a "fur" or scale on the surface of the heating elements and why the efficiency of boilers, dishwashers and washing machines is dramatically reduced over time.

It is also important to bear in mind that water treatment processes have improved over the last few decades and the water supplied is usually wholesome enough. However, there are several occasions when accidents have happened.

The addition of chlorine is typically the disinfection chemical of choice, and this eliminates nearly all harmful bacteria and viruses from the water. But as we all know, accidents can happen, and faults in the process can cause unchlorinated water to pass into the network of pipes that feed peoples homes. While the quality of water is probably still perfectly drinkable and is not a health hazard, there are many people who have decided to reduce the risk to themselves and family by installing a water filter.

Other advantages of water filters include the improved water for bathing. Washing hair in hard water is particularly susceptible to a build up of hard water minerals, and causes hair to feel dull, limp and lifeless. As soap does not form a good lather, skin can also feel dry and flaky due to the minerals not being washed off causing blocked pores and an unhealthy feeling.

To learn more about top quality water filters click here...

Dishwasher Tips - Top Ideas to Prevent Hard Water Build-Up And Increase Efficiency

2009-02-01T03:44:00.000-08:00

Hard water supplied to your home can have a serious effect on household appliances - especially dishwashers which can accumulate a hard water scum or limescale film on the elements. This can increase household bills dramatically, as well as effecting the life of the dishwasher itself.

Fortunately there are some techniques that have been proven to work which will save you time and money maintaining your dishwasher. If you follow these steps you'll be guaranteed the great performance from your dishwasher and reduced energy bills!

One easy way is to add a solution of white vinegar to a complete cycle periodically. This should keep your dishwasher fresh and ensure food soils are broken down and washed away during the washing cycle. Combined with the very hot water and the mechanical action of the dishwasher, white vinegar ensures a high standard of cleanliness than could be achieved by hand washing. As a result, harmful bacteria that might otherwise remain unseen on dishes are destroyed.

Other top dishwasher tips:

Use the 50°C to 55°C or lower temperature programs instead of high temperature programs when running your dishwasher. It could save you 84kWh in power and save you hundreds of dollars on electricity bills.

Load dishes according to the dishwasher manufacturers instructions to allow for proper water circulation.

Check and clean drains and filters regularly to ensure efficient operation.

Take a few minutes to check in the machine users guide for the most efficient program according to the size or type of load in your dishwasher.

By performing these regular tasks, you will ensure that your dishwasher remains free of hard water build-up that can cause serious problems with your appliance. It will reduce the need for hard water stain removal from your dishes and cutlery and save you time and a lot money in the long run.

Natural Homemade Cleaning - Discover Why We Don't Need Toxic Chemical Products Anymore

2009-01-28T12:54:00.000-08:00

We all like to use the best products to help us complete our cleaning jobs, like removing hard water stains and limescale around the home.

However, can we use natural homemade formulas that contain non-toxic chemicals? Are they as effective? Are they cheap to make? The answer to all these is yes, and potentially poisonous chemical products are often not necessary.

Lots of chemical cleaning products on the market produce volatile organic compounds (VOC's), which escape into the atmosphere. If used correctly they are usually perfectly safe, but when small amounts are left on surfaces (which we all know can happen), or left to float around the room that was just cleaned they can be harmful, particularly to children and pets.

Although rinsing the chemical off surfaces or wiping down with a clean cloth afterwards is a good idea, it doesn't get rid of all of the chemical from the room. As they often use solvents in these products, it causes gassing off, which is the reason why when we get a whiff of some of them, we get the rush of lightheadedness and nausea that comes when we get too close! Young children, the elderly, and those who are sensitive to chemicals are particularly susceptible to the effects of these noxious chemicals.

Chemical residue on wooden, tiled or vinyl floors are particularly significant. This is because although the floor is probably free from germs and dirt after using the chemical products, children can end up playing on the surface soon after picking up the residue on their skin.

We all know children love putting objects in their mouth, but cleaning everything that they pick up before they do is not a great idea either. While attempts at intense cleaning are admirable and surely with the best intentions, this may simply be filling childrens mouths with harmful chemicals.

We hear a lot about "green products" these days and why we should all use them, but are they really effective? Well, before we had all the manufactured chemical products, we still had the same cleaning issues that we do today. There was no way we could go to the cupboard and pull out the latest product we'd seen on TV to solve the problem. We had to used the natural goods around us to get the job done, and they were used because of just that, they got the job done!

We can still use them today if we wanted to, and more and more people are realizing the benefits of using natural homemade formulas using white vinegar to tackle household cleaning, particularly in removing hard water stains and limescale in a much cheaper, safe and non-toxic way. Discover how my step-by-step ebook guide can help you remove hard water stains and limescale in a completely natural way, without using harmful chemicals.

Discover the step-by-step guide to remove
hard water stains and limescale - without using toxic chemicals!

The New Online Store!

2009-01-24T05:52:00.000-08:00

The brand new HardWaterStainsTips service has now arrived! Click here to go to straight to the brand new online store now!

We've listened to what our community thought would really help them most to remove hard water stains and limescale. We've received hundreds of emails from people who have had to suffer the annoying effects of hard water in their home.

...and so, we decided to take action...to help our community get their own back on hard water!

We are proud to announce that we have teamed up with Amazon (...yes Amazon!) to bring you our new dedicated shopping area for all things hard water related.

It has all of the most helpful and powerful products that will eliminate the effects of hard water and have your hard water stains and limescale begging for mercy!!

Drum roll please....introducing the amazing HardWaterStainsTips Online Store!

Check it out at www.hardwaterstainsips.com/store.html Make sure you bookmark this right now as the site is exclusive to our community and cannot be found anywhere else online.

Here are some of the amazing benefits of our new service will bring you:

Recommended, proven products to remove hard water stains & limescale!

Selected Amazon best buys with robust product details and editor reviews!

Saves you time and money buying products that don't work.

The security of the most trusted online store powered by Amazon!

Easily find specific proven-to-work products that help you out the most.

Improve the quality and taste of your water supply for you and your family!

Quick and easy navigation so you can order your product in a snap!

Informative product descriptions and helpful images!

The knowledge that you can contact me if you need advice or guidance!

The online store is still being tweaked and optimized, so there may be extra products that are added or the layout altered slightly over the coming weeks as I receive feedback from the community.

I really hope it helps you decide which products can eliminate the hard water in your area - please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any advice - I'd be happy to help.

And of course if you have any suggestions please don't hesitate to e-mail support@hardwaterstainstips.com. I'd be happy to hear your comments!

Top Tips on How to Clean-Up Your Home Water Supply

2009-01-21T13:12:00.000-08:00

While the quality of water supplied to our homes today has improved dramatically over the last few decades, there are still big advantages to installing a water filter to our domestic supplies. They are able to remove most types of chemical or mineral in the water which may be potentially dangerous or harmful. In some cases they have been able to save the user money in medical bills. Drinking unfiltered water is mainly associated with certain diseases, but with the use of water filtration systems, people are assured of constant high quality water supply.

Heavy metals

In order to remove the particles from the raw water to be treated, certain chemicals are added to the water. These include aluminium or iron compounds that help to clean up the water and remove suspended matter. While nearly all of this is removed from the process before leaving the treatment works there will always be a small amount remaining that reaches customers taps.

Zinc and Lead

These can sometimes be found in water supplies through contact with the pipes but they are certainly not wanted in drinking water. Older water pipes used to be made from galvanised zinc, which is iron coated with zinc. These pipes can break down over many years, releasing rust or zinc into the water supply. Water authorities may say that the levels are so low they are not a problem, and are only really a problem in soft water areas because they can dissolve into the water. However, a filtration system would effectively remove these chemicals and ensure the water is purified to a higher level and reduces these chemicals to acceptable amounts.

Chlorine

Chlorine is often added to the water to disinfect it and kill the bacteria and harmful organisms. It is very effective at this and has been used for decades to ensure that our water is fit for consumption. However, there is always a small amount of chlorine that remains and some people are especially sensitive to the taste of chlorine and can be easily detected when levels are too high.

Trihalomethanes

When the chlorine is added to water and combines with natural organic matter it forms trihalomethanes (THM's). These have directly associated with cancers and certain allergies.

Peat

When a water supply is taken from an upland source that contains peat it gives a orange/brown colour to the water. This is not a health issue in itself and not a hazard but does not make the water particularly appealing to drink!

Hard Water Minerals

Calcium and magnesium present in water are the minerals responsible for the stubborn hard water stains and limescale build-up found on faucets, sinks, shower doors, glass. As anyone who has hard water in their area knows, these stains can be a pain to remove, however, these are also easily removed by water filters.

Other contaminants

In some water sources, in particular river supplies, there can be organic solvents, pesticides and fertilizers from run-off from farmland. There have even been traces of hormones and the contraceptive pill present in some cases! These are often removed during the water treatment process but there are always residual amounts that can reach the customers taps causing potential health problems.

What Can You Do To Remove These Chemicals?

One of the easiest ways to increase the quality of your water supply is to consider installing a water filter. These days they are simple to install, are relatively cheap and have been proven to eliminate harmful organisms that could cause health problems. A top tip before deciding on what water filtration system to purchase for your home is to have your water tested for impurities in order to determine which type of filtration system to purchase. This will give you a good idea of the type of water filter required to improve the quality of the supply.

Depending on the impurities contained in the water, consumers have the option of buying an in-line reverse-osmosis system or a carbon filter. Carbon based filters are mainly used to filter water that contains organic chemicals, chlorine, pesticides and trihalomethanes. Reverse-osmosis filters on the other hand are best to filter water that has organic compounds such as sodium, nitrates, ferrous iron, lead.

So if you want to be certain that your water supply is free from potential contaminants that could cause potential health problems to you or your family it can be a good idea to consider the benefits of a water filter. This not only ensures you have access to a constant supply of wholesome water to your home, but also gives you the piece of mind that your water has a consistently high quality.

Soft Water Health Advice

2009-01-14T08:32:00.000-08:00

Softening water is often very helpful as it has a number of benefits, in particular reducing scale build-up and sometimes improving the taste. However, softening it also has a certain effects on human health and also on the environment which are important to consider.

The hard water to be treated passes through a bed of the resin which contains sodium and potassium ions. As the water passes through the resin, the hardness ions are trapped in the resin and replaced by the sodium or potassium ions which are released into the water - effectively softening it. The harder the water is, the more sodium or potassium ions are released from the resin and into the water.

Effect on Humans

For people on a low-sodium diet, the increase in sodium levels (for systems releasing sodium) in the water can be significant, especially when treating very hard water. A paper by Kansas State University gives an example: "A person who drinks two liters (2L) of softened, extremely hard water (assume 30 gpg) will consume about 480 mg more sodium (2L x 30 gpg x 8 mg/L/gpg = 480 mg), than if unsoftened water is consumed." This is a significant amount, as they state: "The American Heart Association (AHA) suggests that the 3 percent of the population who must follow a severe, salt-restricted diet should not consume more than 500 mg of sodium a day. AHA suggests that no more than 10 percent of this sodium intake should come from water. The draft guideline of 20 mg/L for water protects people who are most susceptible."

Effect on Environment

Over time the resins gradually lose their effectiveness and must be regenerated by passing a concentrated brine solution through them. Most of the salt used for regeneration gets flushed out of the system and may be released into the soil or sewer. This process can be damaging to the environment, especially in arid regions. Some jurisdictions prohibit such release and require users to dispose of the spent brine at an approved site or to use a commercial service company.

Most water softener manufacturers provide metered control valves to minimize the frequency of regeneration. It is also possible on most units to adjust the amount of salt used for each regeneration. Both of these steps are recommended to minimize the impact of water softeners on the environment.

In industrial scale water softening plants, the effluent flow from re-generation process can be very significant. Under certain conditions, such as when the effluent is discharged in admixture with domestic sewage, the calcium and magnesium salts may precipitate out as hardness scale on the inside of the discharge pipe. This can build up to such an extent so as to block the pipe as happened on a major industrial plant in Australia in the 1980s. I certainly would not want to be the person who had to clean that pipe!

To Sum Up...

Although there are benefits to softening water, there are also consequences that must be taken into account, both human and environmental as discussed above. In my opinion, the benefits of softening probably outweigh the disadvantages as long as one is aware that it does directly effect the quality of the water and consequently the minerals it contains. People who must have strict control over their diet (particularly their sodium intake) need to be aware of this.

Also, domestic water softening devices are very useful in preventing the hardness minerals (those that cause hard water stains and limescale problems). They also do not have a significant impact on the environment compared to the much larger sized devices that are employed in industry.

Eczema Study into Hard Water Link

2009-01-10T03:17:00.000-08:00

More than 300 families are being recruited to take part in a study into whether or not childhood eczema is caused by hard water.

Water softeners will be installed in homes in Nottingham, Leicester, London, Cambridge and the Isle of Wight. The £1m government-funded survey is thought to be the first of its kind in the world.

The independent trial is being run by Nottingham University which wants to recruit 310 young volunteers.

In a previous study, researchers at the university discovered the condition was 50% more common in primary school pupils living in hard water areas compared with those in soft water areas.

One theory is that hard water contains higher levels of calcium and magnesium, which leads to increased use of soaps which can aggravate eczema.

Divided opinion

The homes of the children in the survey will be adapted so all taps will provide soft water apart from one in the kitchen which will supply mains water for drinking.

Professor Hywel Williams, who is running the trial, said: "Patients keep telling me that water softeners help their skin, but other people aren't so sure.

"Carrying out a proper randomised controlled trial will help us find the answer. If ion-exchange water softeners are found to improve the symptoms of eczema, this will be an extremely important finding for both patients and doctors.

"Many patients worry about the possible side effects of the usual treatments for eczema, so this would be a welcome addition to their treatment options."

People with eczema usually experience itchy, dry and flaky skin, which is often red and painful and sometimes weeps or bleeds.

The British Association of Dermatologists said the condition has increased over the past 20 years and currently affects between 15% and 20% of school children.

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7115304.stm

Product Questionnaire Results

2009-01-07T12:26:00.001-08:00

This post is to thank everyone once again for their time and effort in filling out the product questionnaire we sent out towards the end of last year!

We were overwelmed by the number of responses we received and have just finished sorting through and analysing the data. I really appreciate your help and look forward in the future to providing people in our community with more great products that are truly effective at combating hard water stains and limescale. See below for the results of the survey...

Most Helpful Products Wanted To Control Hard Water:

Test Kit 21%
Downloadable Ebook 26%
Electronic / Magnetic Conditioner 26%
Softening Balls for Laundry 9%
Shower Filters 4%
Toilet Descaler 13%

Most Important Features The Products Must Have:

Natural 17%
Low cost 19%
Effective 28%
Easy to Use 19%
Environmentally Friendly 17%

From the results, the most useful products people think would most help them learn about and eliminate their hard water are test kits, a downloadable ebook (we already provide this - get the ebook guide here) and an electronic/magnetic conditioning device - which actually softens the water to prevent hard water stains from forming in the first place! The products also have to be effective, low cost and easy-to use.

I can definetly understand why people would like all of these products and I am excited about providing an amazing, easy-to-use solution that takes all the hassle out of trying to find and decide on the best product to eliminate hard water for you and your family.

I carn't say much more for now as it's still being developed and tweaked - but I will keep everybody in our community posted on the latest developments on our blog! Speak to you all soon!

Dry Skin - Is Your Water Causing The Problem?

2009-01-04T02:31:00.000-08:00

If you have dry flaky skin which does not seem to retain moisture, it may be a good idea to check whether the water being supplied to your home is hard water. This is because hard water can cause symptoms like dry skin due to the specific nature of the hard water itself and the minerals it contains.

When we take a shower or wash our face we do not usually consider the quality of the water we are applying to ourselves. Even with plenty of moisturizer, skin washed in hard water can still feel rough and dry. The problem is that when used with soap, it does not lather as well as soap used with soft water. As a result, when we come to rinse off we may not be washing all of the soap from the skin! Soap that remains on the skin aids in drying it out, leaving you with flaky, itchy skin as well as aiding in the clogging of pores, causing dry skin and possibly other skin irritations.

Because both hard water deposits and cleansing products are left on the skin, it can also cause it to become more irritated and susceptible to damage, especially when it comes to facial skin and the fragile blood vessels beneath. Hard water can even cause your skin to become thinner and aggravate skin conditions, such as rosacea or eczema.

If you have the symptoms such as water stains build up around faucets, sinks and bathtubs it is quite possible that you have a water source that supplies hard water in your area. However, there are solutions to removing the hardness of the water. For a hard water stain removal guide try our ebook for 30 days with proven step-by-step techniques. Another, perhaps easier way, is by installing a water softening device to your supply that will remove the calcium and magnesium minerals from the water.

This should provide you with much softer water allowing you to gain better lathering power and making it much easier to wash off, removing your skin of excess soap and ensuring your skin is softer and more moisturized.

Hard Water Stains - Electromagnetic Water Conditioners

2008-12-27T08:07:00.000-08:00

Electromagnetic water conditioners are a relatively new invention. The idea is that by passing water through a magnetic field, the calcium and magnesium ion's are altered in such a way that they loose their ability to cause scale.

See below for two types of electronic and magnetic water conditioners that help to reduce scale formation in pipes which may help to save hundreds of dollars on heating bills as elements in boilers and kettles do not "fur-up". Efficiency is also improved in washing machines and dishwashers as scale cannot form inside causing loss of heating control.

These devices have a number of benefits and many are used in industry; although the water is not technically soft, it has the useful properties of soft water, that is, it may reduce limescale in your pipes and may increase heating efficiency as well as lengthening the lifespan of any clothes washed in the conditioned water.

However, the jury is still out on whether these devices work effectively in a residential environment. The magnetic current that passes through the water does not technically remove the unwanted minerals but simply changes the chemical make-up of them. This is supposed to prevent the minerals from "sticking" to the sides of pipes and fixtures around the home - thus reducing hard water stains and scale formation. However, as they are still present in the water, they can still cause problems around the home. There was a period of time in the 60's and 70's where many of these anti scale devices were installed in industrial systems, however they are not used as frequently these days.

On positive aspect of the devices is that as calcium is an important dietary element, the conditioned water still retains its calcium content as it is not physically removed from the water.

Have you had any experience with these electronic descaling devices, and what did you think of them? Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment or email me at support@hardwaterstainstips.com

Water Softeners and Filters - Discover How They Can Improve Your Water Supply

2008-12-21T01:48:00.000-08:00

It may be useful to invest in a water filter for your home to make sure that your drinking water is clean and free from contaminants. There are different forms of water filters available today, all useful as a water softening treatment:

•Granulated, activated carbon water filters – These are portable filters that are found in water jugs. They are the simplest type of filter and removes contaminants such as chlorine, large particles and parasites. They are available at most kitchenware stores and are reasonably cheap if you have a low budget. However, they have a short filter life and don’t filter out many chemicals and bacteria.

•Carbon block, activated carbon water filters – These types of filters are generally built-in to the water supply in your home. These filters are more expensive than granulated types, but they do give better filtration and do not need to be replaced as often.

•Ceramic carbon water filters – This type of filter is comprised of a ceramic part and a carbon part; this gives it an ability to filter out a broad range of contaminants from the water supply. Some are infused with silver, as this is a good antibiotic and reduces the number of micro-organisms present. These filters are good value for money. They are built-in to the home water supply and need to be replaced about every 12 months in the average household.

•Reverse osmosis water filters – These filters are often considered the best form of water filtration available today. The water is passed through a semi-permeable membrane, which filters out almost every contaminant. They are more expensive than other types of filters but have reasonably low running costs, effective filtration and can be used to filter water to the whole house, and remove minerals that cause hard water stains in the home.

•Combination Systems – This filter has become available in recent years and are seen as an alternative to reverse osmosis systems. They have a number of different filters, and each filtration process removes different contaminants.

•Alkaline Water Machines – These systems not only filters your drinking water but it make it more alkaline. They are promoted as a good system for those with environmental illnesses where there is too much acid in the body. However, the jury is still out on how effective these machines are and whether they do indeed have any health benefit by altering the pH of the water. They do have effective filtration but can be expensive and waste a lot of water during the filtration process.

Mechanical Water Softeners

2008-12-14T06:04:00.000-08:00

Mechanical water softening units can be permanently installed into the plumbing system to continuously remove calcium and magnesium and prevent the formation of limescale around the home.

Water softeners operate on the ion exchange process. In this process, water passes through a media bed, usually sulfonated polystyrene beads. The beads are supersaturated with sodium. The ion exchange process takes place as hard water passes through the softening material. The hardness minerals attach themselves to the resin beads while sodium on the resin beads is released simultaneously into the water.

When the resin becomes saturated with calcium and magnesium, it must be recharged. The recharging is done by passing a salt (brine) solution through the resin. The sodium replaces the calcium and magnesium which are discharged in the waste water.

Hard water treated with an ion exchange water softener has sodium added. According to the Water Quality Association (WQA), the ion exchange softening process adds sodium at the rate of about 8 mg/liter for each grain of hardness removed per gallon of water.

For example, if the water has a hardness of 10 grains per gallon, it will contain about 80 mg/liter of sodium after being softened in an ion exchange water softener if all hardness minerals (which cause hard water stains) are removed.

Because of the sodium content of softened water, some individuals may be advised by their doctor, not to install water softeners, to soften only hot water or to bypass the water softener with a cold water line to provide unsoftened water for drinking and cooking; usually to a separate faucet at the kitchen sink.

Mechanically softened water is not recommended for watering plants, lawns, and gardens due to its sodium content.

Packaged Water Softeners

2008-12-07T05:23:00.000-08:00

Basically, these are chemicals which help to control water hardness. There are two types, precipitating and non-precipitating.

Precipitating water softeners include washing soda and borax, see image below...

These products form an insoluble precipitate with calcium and magnesium ions. The mineral ions then cannot interfere with cleaning efficiency, but the precipitate makes water cloudy and can build up on surfaces. Precipitating water softeners increase alkalinity of the cleaning solution and this may damage skin and other materials being cleaned. Washing soda is great for cleaning clothes in hard water areas but it's not used for drinking water, as explained above, the water becomes cloudy from the minerals precipitating out of the water. It would certainly not be a good idea to drink!

Non-precipitating water softeners use complex phosphates to sequester calcium and magnesium ions. There is no precipitate to form deposits and does not cause hard water stains on surfaces and alkalinity is not increased. If used in enough quantity, non-precipitating water softeners will help dissolve soap curd for a period of time.

How The Softening Process Works...

2008-11-30T01:41:00.000-08:00

It is often desirable to soften hard water, as it does not readily form lather with soap. Soap is wasted when trying to form lather, and in the process, scum forms. Hard water may be treated to reduce the effects of scaling and to make it more suitable for laundry and bathing.

The Process

A water softener works on the principle of cation or ion exchange in which ions of the hardness minerals are exchanged for sodium or potassium ions, effectively reducing the concentration of hardness minerals to tolerable levels.

The most economical way to soften household water is with an ion exchange water softener. This unit uses sodium chloride (table salt) to recharge beads made of ion exchange resin that exchange hardness mineral ions for sodium ions. Artificial or natural zeolites can also be used.

As the hard water passes through and around the beads, the hardness mineral ions are preferentially absorbed, displacing the sodium ions. This process is called ion exchange. When the bead or sodium zeolite has a low concentration of sodium ions left, it is exhausted, and can no longer soften water.

The resin is recharged by flushing (often back-flushing) with saltwater. The high excess concentration of sodium ions alter the equilibrium between the ions in solution and the ions held on the surface of the resin, resulting in replacement of the hardness mineral ions on the resin or zeolite with sodium ions. The resulting saltwater and mineral ion solution is then rinsed away, and the resin is ready to start the process all over again. This cycle can be repeated many times.

Some softening processes in industry use the same method, but on a much larger scale. These methods create an enormous amount of salty water that is costly to treat and dispose of (see image on the left).

Temporary hardness, caused by hydrogen carbonate (or bicarbonate) ions, can be removed by boiling. For example, calcium hydrogen carbonate, often present in temporary hard water, is boiled in a kettle to remove the hardness. In the process, a scale forms on the inside of the kettle in a process known as "furring of kettles", and can also cause hard water stains. This scale is composed of calcium carbonate.

Ca(HCO3)2 → CaCO3 + CO2 + H2O

Hardness can also be reduced with a lime-soda ash treatment. This process, developed by Thomas Clark in 1841, involves the addition of slaked lime (calcium hydroxide — Ca(OH)2) to a hard water supply to convert the hydrogen carbonate hardness to carbonate, which precipitates and can be removed by filtration:

Ca(HCO3)2 + Ca(OH)2 → 2CaCO3 + 2H2O

The addition of sodium carbonate also softens permanently hard water containing calcium sulfate, as the calcium ions form calcium carbonate which precipitates out and sodium sulfate is formed which is soluble. The calcium carbonate (also known as limescale) formed sinks to the bottom. Sodium sulfate has no effect on the hardness of water.

Na2CO3 + CaSO4 → Na2SO4 + CaCO3

Health Issues of Hard Water

2008-11-24T13:23:00.000-08:00

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.

Also, the National Research Council (National Academy of Sciences) advises that hard drinking water generally contributes a small amount toward total calcium and magnesium human dietary needs. It further states 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.

For some good information on how hard water may "stop" heart attacks, see this article at the BBC website at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3396141.stm.

Testing for Hard Water

2008-11-16T02:05:00.000-08:00

If you are on a municipal water system, the water supplier can tell you the hardness level of the water they deliver. If you have a private water supply, you can have the water tested for hardness. There are several different scales used to describe the hardness of water in different contexts.

•mmol/L (millimoles per litre)
•mg/L calcium carbonate equivalent
•grains/gallon (gpg). 1 gr/US gal = 17.11 mg/L
•parts per million weight/volume (ppm w/v or ppm m/v)

Various obsolete "degrees":

English degrees (°E) Clark degrees (°Clark) - conversion to mg/L calcium: divide by 0.175. One degree Clark corresponds to one grain of calcium carbonate in one Imperial gallon of water which is equivalent to 14.28 parts calcium carbonate in 1,000,000 parts water.

American degrees - One degree American corresponds to one part calcium carbonate in 1,000,000 parts water (1 mg/L or 1 ppm)

Degrees of general hardness (dGH)
One degree of general hardness corresponds to 10 mg of calcium oxide or magnesium oxide per litre of water

The precise mixture of minerals dissolved in the water, together with the water's acidity or alkalinity (pH) and temperature will determine the behaviour of the hardness, so single number on a scale does not give a full description. Descriptions of hardness correspond roughly with ranges of mineral concentrations:

Soft: 0 - 20 mg/L as calcium
Moderately soft: 20 - 40 mg/L as calcium
Slightly hard: 40 - 60 mg/L as calcium
Moderately hard: 60 - 80 mg/L as calcium
Hard: 80 - 120 mg/L as calcium
Very Hard >120 mg/L as calcium

As a guide, 60% of the UK and 85% of the US population live in a hard water area.

Most water softener companies will be able to supply you with a free water testing kit. Once you've tested your water supply, the hardness of your water will be reported in grains per gallon, milligrams per liter (mg/l) or parts per million (ppm). One grain of hardness equals 17.1 mg/l or ppm of hardness.

Hard Water in Heaters and Industry

2008-11-09T05:30:00.000-08:00

Problems in Water Boiler Systems and Pipework
Hard water also contributes to inefficient and costly operation of water-using appliances. Heated hard water forms a scale of calcium and magnesium minerals (limescale deposits) that can contribute to the inefficient operation or failure of water-using appliances. Pipes can become clogged with scale that reduces water flow and ultimately requires pipe replacement. Limescale has been known to increase energy bills by up to 25%

Limescale in Solar Heating Systems
Solar heating, often used for heating swimming pools is prone to limescale buildup, which can reduce the efficiency of the electronic pump and therefore the overall systems performance will deteriorate.

There are low cost solutions to this problem which prevents limescale build up and over time will remove existing deposits completely – more information on this can be found in Chapter 4.

In Industry
Hard water contributes to scaling in boilers, cooling towers and other industrial equipment. In these industrial settings, water hardness must be constantly monitored to avoid costly breakdowns. Hardness is controlled by addition of chemicals and by large-scale softening with zeolite resins and ion exchange resins.

Hard Water Problems...

2008-11-03T12:09:00.000-08:00

Bathroom
Showerheads and spray-nozzles can become blocked; they can even clog the small holes completely and reduce their efficiency. The bathtub and sink seem to be the places where there is a visible soap scum build up. Without proper treatment his build up is very difficult to remove and may require a lot of cleaners and many applications. Scale can clog pipes and can decrease the life of toilet flushing units.

Bathing
Bathing with soap in hard water leaves a film of sticky soap curd on the skin. The film may prevent removal of soil and bacteria. Soap curd interferes with the return of skin to its normal, slightly acid condition, and may lead to irritation. Soap curd on hair may make it dull, lifeless and difficult to manage. Similarly, the insoluble salts that get left behind from using regular shampoo in hard water tend to leave hair rougher and harder to detangle.

Laundering
Clothes washed in hard water often look dingy and feel harsh and scratchy. The hardness minerals combine with some soils to form insoluble salts, making them difficult to remove. Soil on clothes can introduce even more hardness minerals into the wash water. Continuous laundering in hard water can damage fibers and shorten the life of clothes by up to 40 percent.

Dishwashers
When washing dishes, especially in a dishwasher, hard water may cause spotting and filming on your crockery. The minerals from hard water are released faster when it comes into contact with heat, causing an increase in the amount of spotting and filming that occurs. This problem is not a health risk, but it can be a nuisance to clean and reduce the quality of your crockery.

7 Steps to Determine if You have Hard Water

2008-10-28T07:21:00.000-07:00

There are some simple ways to establish if your water is hard or soft and whether your water has an overabundance of minerals.

Step #1: The Soap Test
If your water is hard, soap will tend not to lather up easily

Step #2: The Toothpaste Test
Toothpaste does not froth very well in hard water

Step # 3: Crusty White Sediments
You will notice white crusty sediments around fixtures and fittings, especially taps/faucets and showerheads

Step #4: Bathtub Ring
Hard water leaves a recurring ring around your bath tub which is difficult to remove

Step #5: Dish Test
Your dishes will have hard water spots on them

Step #6: Clothes Test
Your white clothes will look dingy and may have yellow stains

Step #7: Appliances
The other hidden effects of hard water are that it can cause serious wear and tear to water dependent appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers etc.

For a step-by-step guide on how to remove hard water stains and limescale and how to deal with the frustrating effects of hard water, go to our popular website right now at HardWaterStainsTips.com

Types of Hard Water

2008-10-19T01:48:00.000-07:00

A common distinction is made between 'temporary' and 'permanent' hardness. There are also common types of hard water depending on the ion (eg. Mg or Ca) found in the water.

Temporary hardness
Temporary hardness is hardness that can be removed by boiling or by the addition of lime (calcium hydroxide). It is caused by a combination of calcium ions and bicarbonate ions in the water. Boiling, which promotes the formation of carbonate from the bicarbonate, will precipitate calcium carbonate out of solution, leaving water that is less hard on cooling.

Upon heating, less CO2 is able to dissolve into the water. Since there is not enough CO2 around, the reaction cannot proceed from left to right, and therefore the CaCO3 will not "dissolve" as readily. Instead, the reaction is forced to go from right to left (i.e. products to reactants) to reestablish equilibrium, and solid CaCO3 is formed. Heating water will remove hardness as long as the solid CaCO3 that precipitates out is removed. After cooling, if enough time passes the water will pick up CO2 from the air and the reaction will again proceed from left to right, allowing the CaCO3 to "redissolve" in the water.

Permanent hardness
Permanent hardness is hardness (mineral content) that cannot be removed by boiling. It is usually caused by the presence of calcium and magnesium sulfates and/or chlorides in the water, which become more soluble as the temperature rises. Despite the name this can be removed using a water softener, or ion exchange column.

Why not try our popular ebook that contains step by step guide to remove hard water stains from fixtures and fittings around the home.

Ceramic Tile

2008-10-12T11:09:00.000-07:00

Natural Formula to Use:
A mixture of baking soda & white vinegar to make a paste

Method to Use:

1. Make up the mixture of water and baking soda

2. Apply to stain and let dry on the tile

3. Scrub stains with a brush or sponge

4. Rinse thoroughly with water to remove all residue, reapply if necessary to remove stubborn hard water stains

For more top tips on how to clean floor tiles, watch the video below:

Carpet

2008-10-07T12:16:00.000-07:00

Natural Formula to Use:
Equal parts white vinegar and water

Method to Use:
1.Moisten a clean white towel with the vinegar-water solution

2.Rub the towel softly over the hard water stain being careful not to soak the carpet itself

3.Let the carpet dry and if necessary repeat the procedure

Tips:

1.Make sure that the carpet fibres are allowed to dry between each treatment.

2.When you are removing any types of stains from your carpet, always first test in an inconspicuous area first

3.Try to react quickly to any hard water spills on carpet and use a cloth to absorb any excess first

Windows

2008-09-28T05:27:00.000-07:00

Natural Formula to Use:
½ liter white vinegar and ¼ liter of water

Method to Use:
1. Fill a clean spray bottle with pure vinegar

2. Spray the vinegar/water solution over the window and wait for a few minutes

3. If stains are stubborn spray more solution and wait a while longer

4. Scrub lightly with a soft sponge or cloth and rinse

Tip:
Try to deal with the water spots straight away as the solution works best with newly formed or mild hard water spots.

Shower Doors

2008-09-21T03:11:00.000-07:00

Natural Formula to Use:
Pure white vinegar

Method to Use:
1. Fill a clean spray bottle with pure vinegar

2. Spray the vinegar freely over the shower door and wait for a few minutes

3. If stains are stubborn spray more vinegar and wait a while longer

4. Scrub lightly with a soft sponge or cloth and rinse

Tip:
Try to deal with the water spots straight away as the solution works best with newly formed or mild hard water spots.

Kettles, Cookware, Glasses and Teapots

2008-09-14T02:46:00.000-07:00

Natural Formula to Use:

Equal parts white vinegar and water, plus squeeze of lemon juice

Method to Use:

Glasses and Bowls:
1. Make up enough solution to cover the cookware

2. Allow to soak for 15 minutes to one hour

3. Rinse thoroughly

Cookware:
1. Make up enough solution to cover the cookware

2. Allow to soak for 30 minutes to one hour

3. Rinse thoroughly

Kettles:
1. Make up enough solution to cover the elements in the kettle

2. Allow the solution to dissolve the scale for 30 minutes

3. Rinse thoroughly with clean water

Tip:
If cookware stains are still present after soaking try heating up the solution on a hob to aid the hard water stain removal.

My Advice:

If you would just prefer crystal clear water to use in your kitchen with no fuss, free from hard water minerals and chemicals - why not try a water dispenser that fits on a shelf in the refrigerator.

The PUR DS-1800Z 2 Stage Water Dispenser in the image received 4.5 stars out of 5 by Amazon customers recently. Click here to find out more...

Porcelain Enamel

2008-08-17T03:58:00.000-07:00

Note:
As porcelain enamel is a glass surface fused to a metal base it is advisable not to use acid cleaners on porcelain enamel. Porcelain enamel is acid resistant but not acid proof – the glass coating can be gradually dissolved by acids and expose the metal underneath and cause a lot of damage.

Natural Formula to Use:
A mixture of baking soda and warm water

Method to Use:
1.Make up the mixture of water and baking soda

2.Scrub stains with a soft brush or sponge

3.Rinse thoroughly with water to remove all residue

Tip:
When scrubbing the stains be careful to rub gently as once the porcelain surface has been scratched it easily picks up any grease, dirt or soap residue. Then harsh abrasives really are necessary to remove debris that has become ingrained within the surface! For more tips on ways to clean porcelain, watch the video now...

Fibreglass Sinks, Bath Tubs and Toilet Bowls

2008-07-13T01:00:00.000-07:00

Natural Formula to Use:

Pure white vinegar

Method to Use:

1. Fill a clean spray bottle with pure vinegar

2. Spray the vinegar freely over the sink or bath tub and wait for a few minutes

3. If stains are stubborn spray more vinegar and wait a while longer

4. Simply wipe away with a clean cloth to reveal the shine

Tips:

For toilet bowls add 1 liter of vinegar to the bowl itself and scrub with a toilet brush to dissolve away hard water stains that has built up over time. Also, by adding 1 liter of pure vinegar to the cistern (tank at back of toilet) this not only removes any stains from there but also removes any from underneath the rim on the next flush! Watch the video below for more top tips...

Sometimes stains are extra stubborn – for this make a paste of white vinegar and baking soda and scrub gently with a soft brush or sponge. Never use an abrasive cleaner like scouring pads, powders or steel wool as this will scratch the surface.

Hard Water Stains Slideshow

2008-06-17T05:03:00.001-07:00

Hard Water Stains

From: PaddyH, 1 hour ago

| View | Upload your own

Hard Water Stains Removal Guide

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Does water have a memory?

2008-05-26T10:02:00.000-07:00

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.

"Structure-Altered" Water...?

2008-05-26T09:55:00.000-07:00

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.

Minimize Effects of Hard Water

2008-05-26T09:51:00.000-07:00

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.

Regional Information

2008-05-26T09:12:00.000-07:00

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.

Health Benefits of Hard Water

2008-05-26T09:07:00.000-07:00

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.

Fixed Showerheads

2008-05-25T02:37:00.000-07:00

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

Plastic Showerheads

2008-05-25T02:30:00.000-07:00

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.

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Metal Showerheads

2008-05-25T02:22:00.000-07:00

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.

Taps and Faucets

2008-05-25T02:05:00.000-07:00

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).

How To Remove Them Cheaply!

2008-05-25T01:55:00.000-07:00

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...

Hard Water Stains - How They are Formed.

2008-05-13T12:22:00.000-07:00

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.

What is Soft Water?

2008-05-13T11:47:00.000-07:00

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.

What are Hard Water Stains?

2008-05-13T11:40:00.000-07:00

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.

2008-04-27T11:18:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Hard Water Stains Tips blog!

I would love to hear from anyone that has anything to contribute to our discussions.

Bye for now,

Patrick