Calcium, magnesium, and other metal ions are taken out of hard water as part of the water-softening process. A number of issues, such as scale accumulation in pipes, decreased soap effectiveness, and discoloured surfaces, can be brought on by hard water. Water softeners, which work by exchanging calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions, are used to soften water.

Ion exchange and salt-free water softeners are the two basic varieties. The most popular kind of water softener uses resin beads to convert calcium and magnesium ions into sodium ions. Salt or potassium chloride is periodically used to renew the resin beads.

Contrarily, salt-free water softeners use a variety of methods, such as template-assisted crystallisation or magnetic fields, to stop the calcium and magnesium ions from forming scale rather than ion exchange.

Water softeners have a number of advantages, including increased plumbing and appliance longevity, lower soap and cleaning expense, and softer and brighter clothes. It is crucial to remember that people on low-sodium diets may have a problem with excessive salt intake. Water softeners also need routine upkeep and salt or potassium chloride refills.

The quality and effectiveness of water consumption in homes and businesses can be considerably enhanced by water softening, which is a frequent treatment for hard water issues.