Difference between Soft water and Hard Water
Water is a universal solvent. It is a chemical substance which is transparent, colourless, odourless and tasteless. Water is categorised into two types. They are hard water and soft water. These two types are not differentiated based on their touch and feel or appearance. This difference is based on the mineral content of each.
Hard water:
The water with naturally present minerals like magnesium and calcium with detectable amount is called hard water. These minerals are beneficial for health. They add flavour to hard water.
Soft water:
It is treated water. It is left with only cations and that is sodium.
To make you understand how hard water and soft water are different from each other, here are some of the major differences between hard water and soft water:
| Difference between Hard water and Soft water | |
|---|---|
| HARD WATER | SOFT WATER |
| It is rich in minerals | Contains very few elements |
| Soap is not so effective | Soap is easily effective |
| No foam and lather from soaps | Bubbly lather from soaps |
| Leaves spots on the washed dishes after they are dried | Does not leave any spots on dishes after they are dried |
| Contains minerals like magnesium and calcium | Contains sodium ion |
| Sometimes preferred drinking water | Sometimes not preferred drinking water |
| Example: Groundwater like deep wells | Example: Rainwater |
| Hair and skin become dry | Hair and skin become soft |
