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

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.

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

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!

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

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:

1. Reduces the formation of hard water build-up in your shower which cause stains.
   
2. Makes your hair feel soft and smooth to the touch - as the minerals don't build up in your hair.
3. Soap and shampoo usage is reduced as you are able to form a rich lather for bathing.
4. Feel cleaner afterwards as there is no residue to rinse off after you have showered.
5. 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...

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...

4 Quick and Easy Tips for Hard Water Areas

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

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

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

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:

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

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:

1. Allow at least ten minutes from getting out of bed in the morning to beginning to shave.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Always use a shaving brush - work the brush into your shaving soap.
5. Lather the face in a circular motion to lubricate the skin and get under the beard stubble.
6. Ensure that you use a sharp blade.
7. Shave with the grain of the hair on your face, shaving against the grain can cause redness, razor burn and rashes.
8. Rinse the head of your razor in warm water after every stroke.
9. After you have finished your shave, rinse your face in warm water
10. 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

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.

1. 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.
2. Manganese can result in an ugly brownish-black stain and can cause water to turn cloudy - again it's not a health hazard though.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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!

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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.

Product Questionnaire Results

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?

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.