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The majority of homes are fed with a domestic water supply which provides “hard water”. Hard water is simply a designation which is applied to water which has a relatively high level of dissolved minerals in it. The two most important minerals are calcium and magnesium. There is absolutely no health risk associated with hard water – but it can have an impact on both the efficiency and lifespan of domestic appliances.

Hard water supply can lead to a build up of mineral deposits, sometimes known as “scale”, in heating systems, water pipes and a variety of small household appliances. Household equipment which uses hot or boiling water, steam irons, kettles, washing machines, coffee makers, dishwashers, etc. – are especially prone to this. This is a result of the fact that heating hard water releases many of the minerals which then reform as scale. Central heating systems and hot water boilers may also be affected.

A number of different variables have an influence upon how much scale is generated. One of the strongest influences is the temperature of the water. The higher the water temperature, the greater the amount of mineral deposits that will be freed and the more scale that will form. Lowering the operating temperature of household heating systems, dishwashers and washing machines will tend to reduce the amount of deposited scale and will ensure that these appliances operate more efficiently and have an extended lifespan. Choosing a detergent that includes anti-scaling agents can also help.

Using a lower water temperature with appliances such as steam irons, kettles and coffee makers isn’t very practical. Some kettles come with filters built in these days, which can prevent or reduce the incursion of harmful minerals (as well as improving the taste of hot drinks). Some modern irons incorporate specially designed, removable scale traps which make it easy to wash away any scale under a running tap. Other alternatives include periodically cleaning your appliances with special anti-scale chemicals.

Although there are no health problems associated with a hard water supply, many people will dislike the resulting taste of hot drinks or boiled and steamed food. On the other hand, some people actually prefer the taste of tea that is made using hard water to that made using soft water – it is, in the truest sense of the word, a matter of taste. If you don’t like the taste of your hot drinks and food, then you can make use of a water filter. A simple, but effective, jug filter will work – or you could install an under sink or whole house filter if you prefer.

It’s worth making the effort to combat the effects of hard water, albeit it may seem like something of an inconvenience. As well as improving the operating efficiency of your domestic appliances, it will save you money in the long run by extending their lifespan,

Check out our Tefal steam generator iron buyer’s guide and learn how you can snap up a bargain and halve the amount of time you spend ironing.

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