If you are stuck washing dishes with hard water, you will be happy to learn that there are a few things you can do to ease the frustrations that come along with the mineral deposits and cloudy haze it leaves behind. Continue reading to review 4 effective ways to reduce the effects of hard water on, whether you’re using a dishwasher or washing by hand.

How to Reduce Mineral Deposits on Dishes
Nothing is more frustrating than carefully scrubbing and rinsing dishes only for them to be covered in white spots and fog once they’ve dried. It can be even more frustrating to put dishes through an automatic dishwasher only for them to come out with evidence of mineral deposits. After all, a dishwasher is meant to do the job for you! When you wash your dishes, you expect them to look clean, but hard water can deny you that right. Fortunately, with the right tools, there are plenty of remedies for hard water spots and mineral deposits on dishes. This is especially good news for those who cannot afford to purchase a water softener or upgrade their current unit.
Store-Bought Rinse Aids
There are several commercial rinse aids and rinse agents available at your local department store. These liquid rinse agents contain a version of acid that prevents the formation of mineral deposits on dishes. Dishwashers will release the liquid rinse aid in the final rinse cycle, but if you are not using a dishwasher, you can simply soak your dishes in a sink filled with water and mixed with some rinse aid for the same result. You can expect to pay anywhere between 4 to 8 dollars for a quality commercial rinse aid.
Citric Acid
The acid component within commercial rinse aids is the primary additive that abates hard water deposits on dishes. You can skip purchasing a commercial rinse aid and instead, use food-grade citric acid granules to wash dishes. This will give you the same effects, but likely at a cheaper price. When washing dishes by hand, add 1 tablespoon of citric acid granules to your sink water. In a dishwasher, pour 1 to 2 tablespoons of ] citric acid granules into the primary detergent dispenser. Then put your regular dishwashing detergent in the secondary dispenser.
Vinegar
If you are not interested in purchasing any products to assist in your hard water dishwashing fight, consider using household products like distilled white vinegar. The acidity in vinegar is a natural deterrent for hard water mineral deposits on dishes. When washing dishes by hand, simply add 1 cup of distilled white vinegar to your rinse water. If you are using a dishwasher, add the vinegar to the dispenser designated for rinse agents. If your dishwasher doesn’t have a dispenser for rinse aids, simply pour a cup of vinegar at the bottom of your dishwasher before starting the cycle.
Water Softening is the Best and Most Effective Solution to Hard Water Dish Problems
A water softener is the most effective solution for avoiding any of the negative effects of hard water. Hard water doesn’t just affect your dishes, it also affects several other important elements of your home or business, including plumbing appliances like water softeners and water heaters. If you think you cannot afford a water softener or a water software upgrade, think again! With the right Indianapolis water softener plumber in your corner, you can find budget-friendly water softening solutions that meet your hard water removal means.
Are you ready to learn your affordable options for commercial or residential water softening? Contact Weilhammer Plumbing Company at 317-784-1870 for water softener sales, service, and installation in Indianapolis, Indiana. We serve residential and commercial clients.
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