Why hard water causes soap scum and how to get rid of it

Alongside calcium and magnesium, other minerals can also be found in hard water in smaller concentrations. Other minerals include iron, manganese, and aluminum. The biggest problem people experience with hard water is the scale deposits that form.

This occurs when hard water is heated, causing the minerals to precipitate and solidify. The result is a scale or deposit on hard surfaces. Appliances, heating systems, and pipes are the worst affected by this. As such, the appliance’s efficiency decreases and energy consumption rises over time.

There is also some misconception as to whether hard water is harmful to health. Hard water is not harmful to drink, and the additional minerals contribute to our recommended daily intake. However, hard water can cause dry skin and hair, while worsening eczema symptoms.

Why does hard water cause soap scum?
 

Now that we’ve covered what hard water is, let’s explore why it causes soap scum. The minerals in hard water, especially calcium and magnesium, are bad reactants with the fatty acids found in soaps. As such, this leaves behind a horrible residue that is a cleaning nightmare!

Soaps are typically made using sodium or potassium fatty acids due to how effectively they interact with water and oils for cleansing your skin. Those washing with soft water have no problem as the soap dissolves easily, forming a lather to clean your skin.

However, those with hard water supplies will not experience the same smoothness when washing with soap. The mineral ions interfere with the soap molecules limiting the lather that’s produced. The ions bond with the fatty acids instead making lathering difficult.

The reaction between the mineral ions and the soap’s fatty acids creates an insoluble product or substance. This is typically referred to as either calcium stearate or magnesium stearate. Due to these compounds being insoluble, water does not wash them away leading to a soap residue.

This residue will form on any hard surfaces by water outlets in kitchens and bathrooms. As such, you’ll likely see it on bathtubs, sinks, shower screens, and taps. The same residue also forms on the skin and hair, which can cause dry skin and scalps.

To achieve a desirable lather in hard water, you will typically have to use much more soap. Given how soap is less effective with hard water, it can be harder to achieve the same level of cleaning. As such, this increases the soap scum deposits that form.

If left, this residue will continue to build and become thicker. This makes it harder to clean and remove. Also, the soap scum residue can cause the colour of surfaces to appear dull. Fortunately, there is a solution to prevent this insoluble compound from forming and causing soap scum.

How can you get rid of soap scum residue?
 

Soap scum can be a cleaning nightmare! This difficult-to-remove residue can take some elbow grease to try and get it off. Even then, you may not remove it all. However, there are some methods you can use to get rid of it.

The best method to remove soap scum residue that is already present is by soaking it in vinegar. This acidic solution will break down the residue. Apply a small amount of vinegar and washing up liquid solution and leave to soak for 20-30 minutes. Afterwards, you should find that cleans much easier.

However, this is only a short-term solution that will need to be continually done to remove soap scum residue. This can be an inconvenience and use unnecessary cleaning products. Opting for a long-term solution that prevents soap scum residue can be a much better investment.

An electronic water descaler is the perfect long-term solution that can prevent soap scum residue. And the best part about it is it’s a low-cost method that provides many benefits. All that is required is a small initial investment. As the devices use minimal power, it won’t affect your energy bills.

An electronic water descaler is fitted to your main inlet using coils of wire. The device produces an electromagnetic field that is emitted through the main water pipe. As water flows through the field, reforming calcium carbonate ions.

This prevents the ions from being a problem reacting badly with soap forming soap scum or forming scale deposits. The field the device produces is harmless to humans and does not alter or affect the water in any way. Water is still safe to drink, cook with, and wash.

Here are some of the benefits you can gain from installing an electronic water descaler:

• - Retains the health-beneficial minerals.
• - The water retains its natural pH as no chemicals are added.
• - Water is suitable for cooking, washing, and drinking without an unpleasant taste.
• - Water is much kinder to skin, with no soap scum that can cause dry skin.
• - Those suffering from eczema can notice a reduction in symptoms.
• - Reduced heating costs.
• - Low-cost solution that requires no ongoing maintenance or refilling.