How to wash · 1 min read
Hard Water Laundry: Why Clothes Feel Stiff and How to Fix It
If your towels could talk, they might say "crunch". That's often hard water, and it's more common than you'd think.
Quick answer: hard water has extra calcium and magnesium that get in the way of detergent. Ingredients like sodium citrate and sodium carbonate help, and a slightly bigger dose can too.
Signs of hard water
- Stiff, scratchy towels
- Whites turning gray
- Detergent that doesn't seem to lather or rinse
- White spots on your faucets and shower glass
That last one's a big clue. If your shower door looks frosted, your laundry probably feels it too.
Why it happens
Calcium and magnesium in hard water bind with cleaning ingredients, so less detergent is left to clean. Minerals can also build up on fabric.†
How softening ingredients help
| Ingredient | Its job |
|---|---|
| Sodium citrate | Binds minerals so they don't interfere |
| Sodium carbonate | Softens water and boosts cleaning |
| GLDA (Just 9) | Grabs minerals for tough water |
These are two of the seven in Just 7. They earn their spot.
Fixes that work
- Add half to one extra sheet in very hard water (read it).
- Don't overload the washer.
- Try Just 9 if you have very hard water. It adds GLDA.
- Strip buildup with a rinse-only cycle (read it).
Vinegar myths
Vinegar gets passed around as a cure-all. Some people use it in the rinse. Don't mix it with other cleaners, and check your washer's manual before you try it.
FAQ
How do I know if I have hard water? White spots on faucets and stiff towels are good clues. Your water utility can tell you too.
Does hard water ruin clothes? It can make them feel stiff and look dull over time.
What helps detergent work in hard water? Water-softening ingredients like sodium citrate and sodium carbonate.
Which Just sheet for hard water? Just 7 for most homes, Just 9 for very hard water.
Seven ingredients. Zero compromise.
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