3 Best Hard Water Softeners for Washing Machines
Hard water is a term used to describe water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, particularly calcium, and magnesium. The presence of these minerals in water can have severe consequences for household appliances, like water heaters, washing machines, dishwashers, and water purifiers, etc.
Also read: Look for these 5 signs to know if your house is getting hard water.
Hard water can have several negative effects on washing machines. One of the most common problems is scale build-up. This scale build-up can clog pipes, impede water flow, and reduce the efficiency of heating elements, leading to higher electricity consumption.
Additionally, the minerals in hard water can interfere with the effectiveness of detergents and laundry products. They can reduce lathering and prevent proper rinsing, resulting in clothes that feel stiff, dull, or less clean than they should be.
Also read: Advantages and Disadvantages of Hard Water
Over time, the constant exposure to hard water can also contribute to premature wear and tear of the washing machine, shortening its lifespan and potentially leading to costly repairs or replacements.
Hard water softeners are devices specifically designed to address the challenges posed by hard water. These devices work by removing or neutralizing the minerals present in the water, effectively softening it and making it more compatible with washing machines and other household appliances.
Did You Know?
Hard water can damage your hair and skin.
By using a hard water softener for your washing machine, you can mitigate the negative effects of hard water and improve its performance and longevity.
In the following sections, we dive deeper into the subject, exploring all the factors to consider when choosing a water softener for your washing machine and our top 3 picks.
Choosing the Right Hard Water Softener for Your Washing Machine
A. Types of Hard Water Softeners
There are different types of hard water softeners available, including salt-based, salt-free, and electronic/magnetic softeners. Ion-exchange or salt-based softeners are the most common and effective but require periodic salt replenishment.
Salt-free water softeners require very little maintenance and are generally very affordable but they are not as effective as salt-based water softeners. Electronic/magnetic water softeners, on the other hand, are costly, require electricity, and need very little or no maintenance. These are most suitable for industrial, agricultural, or whole-house use.
Click to read: Should You Use Tap or RO Water in Your Steam Iron?
B. Consideration of Water Hardness Level
The first step in choosing a hard water softener is to determine the level of water hardness in your area. This can be done through water testing kits or by getting the water tested in a lab.
Knowing the hardness level will help you select a softener that is capable of effectively treating the water coming into your home. Salt-free water softeners are more suitable for low levels of water hardness (below 500 ppm). Salt-based or ion-exchange softeners are suitable for both low and high levels of hardness (up to 1800 ppm).
Also read: Difference between hard water and soft water.
C. Size of the Softener
Hard water softeners for washing machines are available in different sizes. Most salt-free softeners are very small and fit easily at either end of the washing machine’s water input pipe. Salt-based water softeners are bigger and require more space for installation.
D. Cost and Maintenance Considerations
When selecting a hard water softener, consider the initial cost of the unit, installation expenses, and ongoing maintenance requirements. Take into account factors such as the lifespan of the softener, the cost of salt or other regeneration agents, and any necessary maintenance or service tasks.
Evaluating the long-term costs and maintenance commitments will help you make an informed decision.
Choosing the right hard water softener for your washing machine ensures effective water softening and maximizes the benefits for your laundry. It is essential to consider water hardness, size requirements, softener types, and associated costs when selecting.
In the next section, we reveal and review the top 3 hard water softeners for washing machines in India.
3 Best Hard Water Softeners for Washing Machines – Reviews
1. Purifit Filter & Water Softener for Washing Machine
This is a proven fact that Polyphosphate crystals play a very vital role in hard water softening.
That’s why Polyphosphates are normally an integral ingredient in dishwashing products, as well as in many synthetic detergents.
The Purifit washing machine filter & water softener uses the power of Polyphosphates to provide soft water for your washing machine.
The polyphosphate crystals render hard water salts, like calcium and magnesium, inactive. This ensures that hard water salts are washed away with the water instead of being deposited in the washing machine or on your clothes.
Unlike their hard water softener for the bathroom, which uses multi-layer filtration, the Purifit washing machine filter is a very simple filter that consists of a hollow mesh filter. Polyphosphate crystals are placed inside this mesh filter.
This is a salt-free hard water softener and does not require any periodic top-up of salts.
When this Purifit washing machine water softener is installed, the input water passes through this hollow mesh filter. The hard water comes in contact with the Polyphosphate crystals. The Polyphosphate crystals soften the hard water and the mesh filter removes large dust and mud particles.
The brand claims that it uses high-grade polyphosphate crystals. Instead of using Polyphosphate crystal balls, the Purifit filter uses small refined Polyphosphate crystals. This improves the effectiveness of water softening as it reduces the space in the hollow mesh filter.
As a result, from the first wash, you will notice a significant reduction in the dullness and loss of fabric shine that often occurs after washing clothes in a hard water environment. The filter helps retain the color and softness of your garments, ensuring they look and feel their best.
Another big advantage of the Purifit washing machine filter is the ease of installation. It easily fits in all types of washing machines, and no tools are required for the installation process. The user manual provides a video link that guides you through the installation steps, making it a hassle-free experience.
Coming to one of the most critical features is the filter/cartridge life. A great product is of no use if it requires a lot of effort and money for its maintenance and operation.
The brand claims the life of the cartridge is 6 – 8 months for a washing machine with typical household usage. This certainly seems impressive but does it last that long?
We haven’t tested the life of the cartridge yet.
But we’ve gone through hundreds of customer reviews and a majority of customers feel that the effects of the filter last for a few washes or months only.
The effectiveness of this filter entirely depends on the presence of polyphosphate crystals. Therefore, the easiest way to check if the filter is working or not is to check the presence of these crystals.
For that, you can easily open the filter body and check inside. If you do not see any polyphosphate crystals in there then the filter is not softening the hard water.
But the good thing is, unlike other hard water softeners, you do not need to change the filter cartridge.
Buy polyphosphate crystals. Clean the mesh filter and add the required quantity of crystals. Close the assembly and it should work like a new filter.
That makes maintenance easy and affordable.
Coming on to what’s not so good about the Purifit washing machine water softener.
The filter uses very basic parts and assembly. The build quality is not good. If you read the customer reviews on Amazon, you’ll notice a vast number of customers complaining about water leakage.
After a few washes, the flow of water from the filter reduces significantly.
Keeping in mind the basic parts and the average build quality, we feel the product is certainly overpriced.
Overall, we are satisfied with the performance of the Purifit washing machine filter & water softener. It does protect your washing machine from the damaging effects of hard water, preventing lime scales and maintaining the quality of your clothes.
With easy installation and easy maintenance, this filter does offer a visible difference for homes facing hard water difficulties.
2. WaterScience IRIS WMF-617 Washing Machine Filter
We recently tried out the WaterScience IRIS WMF-617 washing machine filter, and while it has some notable advantages, there are a few downsides to consider as well.
Like the Purifit washing machine filter, the IRIS filter also uses anti-scalant phosphates for hard water softening. Being a salt-free hard water softener, the IRIS washing machine filter also does not need any addition of salts.
Let’s start with the positives. The IRIS filter is designed to tackle hard water, dust, and rust, effectively extending the lifespan of your washing machine.
Installation of the IRIS filter is very easy, requiring no tools. This makes it a convenient choice for those who prefer a hassle-free setup process.
Additionally, the filter is capable of handling water with a Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) level of up to 1800 ppm, which is impressive and ensures efficient filtration.
The life expectancy of the IRIS Replacement Cartridge varies depending on the type of washing machine you have.
For top load machines, it typically lasts between 3 to 4 months with an assumption of three full loads per week. Front-load machines can expect a longer cartridge life of 5 to 6 months under similar usage conditions.
This is a reasonable duration, providing decent value before needing to replace the cartridge.
The average life in terms of water usage is 10000 – 12000 liters.
WaterScience offers a warranty of 1 year on the filter housing and 90 days on the filter cartridge against all manufacturing defects. This is a reassuring guarantee that ensures you’re covered in case of any issues arising from the product’s construction.
However, there are some notable disadvantages to consider. The IRIS WMF-617 filter seems to struggle with high water pressure, particularly in high-rise apartments. If you reside in a location with elevated water pressure, it’s advisable to steer clear of this filter to avoid potential complications.
One common complaint is that the filter tends to get clogged frequently. This can be frustrating, as it requires regular maintenance and cleaning to ensure optimal performance.
Additionally, some users have reported difficulties in replacing the cartridge, which adds to the inconvenience.
Build quality appears to be a concern, with reports of leakage issues. Furthermore, some users have noticed that the filter cartridge doesn’t last as long as the brand claims, which is disappointing and can increase maintenance costs.
Lastly, the replacement cartridges for the IRIS WMF-617 filter are deemed costly by some consumers. This may deter potential buyers who are looking for a more affordable long-term filtration solution.
In conclusion, the WaterScience IRIS WMF-617 washing machine filter has its advantages, such as addressing hard water issues and extending the life of your washing machine. The easy installation and the ability to handle high TDS levels are commendable features.
However, it falls short in areas such as handling high water pressure, frequent clogging, difficulty in cartridge replacement, leakage concerns, and the cartridge not meeting the brand’s claimed longevity. Additionally, the replacement cartridges are considered expensive by some customers.
Therefore, we would recommend thoroughly evaluating your specific needs and weighing the pros and cons before deciding if this filter is the right choice for you.
3. KENT Washing Machine Water Softener
The Kent washing machine water softener offers an efficient solution for dealing with hard water issues and maintaining the longevity of your washing machine. Here’s a breakdown of its features and performance.
The Kent washing machine filter employs an ion exchange process to convert hard water into soft water. By replacing the hard salts of magnesium and calcium with sodium through high-quality resin beads, this filter prevents scaling on your washing machine and prolongs its lifespan.
A standout feature of the KENT washing machine water softener is its non-electric process for reducing water hardness.
With a simple 4-step regeneration process and a separate salt chamber, users can easily execute the regeneration process using regular table salt. Adding the salt is very easy and you do not need any technical support for the same.
It has a unique valve that allows quick and easy regeneration in just minutes. This feature enhances convenience and ensures uninterrupted operation without the need for external assistance.
Furthermore, the filter does not require any electric connections or pressurized water, making it a hassle-free addition to your washing machine setup.
The 1.8L resin capacity of the Kent washing machine water softener ensures a longer life and efficient ion exchange process. This means less frequent recharging and consistent performance over time.
The filter’s reliable performance and ability to prevent clogging are additional advantages, as they contribute to better results and a smooth washing experience.
In terms of warranty, you get a standard 1-year warranty, providing peace of mind and assurance of quality.
While the Kent washing machine filter boasts several advantages, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The most notable one is its cost.
This filter is relatively expensive compared to other options on the market. Additionally, professional installation is required, although you get free installation initially, this can be a trouble if you need to install the device in a different location.
The filter also requires ample space for installation, which may be a consideration for those with limited space in their laundry area.
Furthermore, the need to add 1/2kg of normal table salt every 15 days can be an ongoing maintenance task for users.
It’s worth noting that the resin beads in the filter need to be replaced every 2 years or earlier, depending on water quality and usage. The cost for resin beads and filter replacement is around Rs. 2,000.
In summary, the Kent washing machine filter provides effective water softening to combat hard water issues and extend the life of your washing machine.
It offers convenient regeneration, reliable performance, and a higher water flow compared to smaller units.
However, the higher cost, professional installation requirement, space considerations, the need for regular salt addition, and resin bead replacement costs are aspects to keep in mind.
Overall, if you prioritize water softening and are willing to invest in a reliable solution, the Kent filter can be a suitable choice for you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to combatting the challenges posed by hard water and ensuring the longevity of your washing machine, these three top-rated water softeners for washing machines in India stand out as the most reliable and effective choices.
Taking the top spot is the Purifit filter & water softener for washing machines. Its use of high-grade polyphosphate crystals ensures excellent protection against lime scales and impurities, preserving the color and softness of your clothes. With easy installation and long cartridge life, this filter proves to be a hassle-free and durable solution for every household.
The WaterScience IRIS WMF-617 washing machine filter secures the second position on our list. Like the Purifit filter, it’s small, easy to install, and effective in preventing scaling and enhancing washing machine performance. It is also comparatively cheaper than the Purifit filter.
Last but not least, the KENT washing machine water softener claims the third spot. With its reliable performance and resistance to clogging, it promises a smooth washing experience. Although it requires professional installation and regular maintenance with salt additions and resin bead replacements, its ability to tackle hard water effectively makes it a worthwhile investment.
Ultimately, the best hard water softener for your washing machine will depend on your specific requirements, budget, and preferences. However, with the information provided in this post, we hope you can make an informed decision and find the ideal water softener to protect your washing machine and enjoy spotless, soft, and long-lasting laundry results.
