If you live in an area with a hard water supply, then you might find yourself regularly frustrated upon opening your dishwasher, only to find that your dishes are covered in unsightly hard water stains. Specifically, these stains are caused by minerals found in the water, such as magnesium and limestone. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to remove these stains and enjoy sparkling clean dishes.
Invest in a Water Softener
One of the best things you can do to get rid of hard water in your dishwasher (and the rest of your home) is to have a water softener installed. A water softener is a device that removes unwanted mineral deposits from water before passing it along to your home's plumbing appliances. Once a water softener is installed, you'll need to maintain it by keeping it full of salt pellets, which are used to remove the minerals from the water.
Unfortunately, the cost to install a water softener can be anywhere from $500 to $650, depending on the specific type you go with, so this option isn't necessarily ideal for those on a tight budget.
Use a Hard Water Spot Remover in Your Dishwasher
Fortunately, there are options for those looking to remove hard water stains without having to spend a fortune. If you're only concerned about hard water in your dishwasher, you can always try using a hard water spot remover each time you wash your dishes. These products come in both powder and gel form. Generally, using them is as simple as placing the recommended amount of gel or powder in the dishwasher's prewash detergent dispenser. From there, you can enjoy crystal clear dishes each time you run your dishwasher for a price that's much cheaper than buying a water softener.
A Disclaimer
Keep in mind that even switching your home's supply over to soft water or using hard water stain removers may require you to first clean your dishwasher thoroughly. This will help to get rid of any mineral deposits that have built up within your dishwasher to ensure the best possible results.
You don't have to live with unsightly hard water stains on your dishes. There are options for removing these stains that are appropriate for any budget you may have, ranging from having a water softener installed to simply using a hard water spot remover with each wash. Which option will you try?
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