What can I do about hard water?

Here are some helpful hints for dealing with hard water:

  • Leave a squeegee in the shower to clean the walls and shower door after each use.
  • Remove hard water deposits from glass and plumbing fixtures using distilled vinegar and a soft cloth.
  • For plugged shower heads, fill a plastic bag with vinegar and attach it to the shower head with a rubber band and let it sit overnight.
  • Use distilled water for steam irons and automobile batteries (if applicable) to extend their life.
  • Consult manufacturer recommendations for dishwashers, clothes washers, and coffee makers for use with moderately hard water.
  • For bathroom cleaning, laundry, or kitchen applications, use detergents that include a phrase like “works in hard water” on the label.

Show All Answers

1. Why does my tap water appear to be discolored?
2. Why didn't we rebuild the Fisher's Lane water treatment plant?
3. Why didn't we stay with the Cowlitz River?
4. How long will the groundwater supply last?
5. Will the groundwater stain my laundry and household fixtures?
6. Why not move the water supply intake to a better location on the Cowlitz River or Columbia River?
7. What is in the groundwater?
8. Until how long is the groundwater supply expected to last?
9. How do I know the groundwater won’t become contaminated?
10. Where does the groundwater come from?
11. Has there been a change in the pH levels after switching to the new water source?
12. What if the water smells funny?
13. Should I consider getting a water softener?
14. What can I do about hard water?
15. How does hard water impact my life?
16. What is the City doing to reduce hardness?
17. What is the hardness of the City's new groundwater source?
18. Where do hard water minerals come from?
19. Is hard water safe?
20. What is water hardness?