Manufacturers of household appliances do not always provide clear instructions on what kind of water should be used to ensure that the appliance operates as long as possible. However, it is the composition of the water that significantly affects the operation of various important household appliances – electric kettles, coffee machines, irons, steam cleaners and air humidifiers.
Most often, tap water from a centralized water supply or individual wells is used to fill household appliances, and, as a rule, it contains an increased amount of minerals. For all devices that work with water heating, these substances pose a risk.
One of the main factors affecting the operation of equipment is water hardness. Usually, hard water is understood as water containing dissolved calcium and magnesium salts – the more of them, the harder the water, and vice versa – the less of them, the softer the water. When water is heated, calcium and magnesium salts settle on the heating element and other internal parts, gradually covering them with a layer of scale, which negatively affects the functioning of the device.
A similar effect can be caused by high iron content in water. When exposed to air, iron oxidizes and forms insoluble iron oxide, which accumulates inside the device, reduces its efficiency, and leaves rusty or brown stains and plaque. This is not only visually noticeable, for example, when ironing clothes, but also gives the water an unpleasant taste of rust or metal. Moreover, such deposits are difficult to remove, which is the reason why the equipment requires more frequent maintenance.
Both scale and iron deposits can over time:
- reduce the efficiency of the devices,
- increase the need for maintenance or repair,
- increase energy consumption,
- cause premature breakdowns if not properly maintained.
How does hard water affect the operation of various appliances?
Why does water boil more slowly in a kettle with a thick layer of scale? This happens because the heating element covered with scale loses thermal conductivity. As a result, the water takes longer to boil, and energy consumption increases.
But this problem is not limited to kettles. Hard water also affects other water heating appliances:
- In coffee machines, scale and iron deposits make it difficult for the heater to operate, reduce pressure, and impair coffee extraction, while also negatively affecting the taste of the drink.
- In irons and steam cleaners, hard water clogs the steam holes and disrupts the steam supply. If the appliance is not cleaned regularly, white marks may remain on the fabric.
- In air humidifiers, deposits gradually clog the filters, reducing the efficiency of the appliance. In ultrasonic models, minerals contained in the water can spray along with the steam, forming a white coating on furniture and other surfaces.
- In decorative fireplaces that operate on water vapor, the composition of the tap water can over time affect not only the operation of the appliance, but also its appearance. Scale can clog the steam outlet and disrupt its uniform supply.
What water to use?
To prevent occurrence of scale and iron deposits and extend the life of your household appliances, it is important to regularly perform preventive maintenance pursuant to the manufacturer’s instructions. But it is even more important, first, to avoid using hard water and prefer soft water.
One of the most popular solutions for improving the quality of tap water at home is filtration. Carbon and combined filters can reduce the amount of free chlorine, eliminate unpleasant odours and visible impurities, improving the taste of water. However, such filters have almost no effect on the hardness of the water, since they hardly reduce the content of dissolved iron and do not retain calcium and magnesium salts –the main causes of scale formation.
Therefore, a practical and convenient solution is to use VENDEN “Mezavots” spring water both in food and for household appliances, since it has the necessary natural softness. Moreover, the water is available in large reusable bottles with volume of 11 and 18.9 litres, which provide a sufficient supply for a long time and make the solution more economical for daily use at home or at work.
You can find out the general hardness level on the product label – it is indicated in mg-eq/l or mmol/l. The lower the value, the softer the water. VENDEN “Mezavots” spring water, which is extracted from the Mezuli spring in the Gauja National Park, in the Koceni parish of the Valmiera region, corresponds to the highest category of groundwater and is naturally soft – with a very low hardness level (0.8-2.0 mg-eq/l) and an iron content below 0.1 mg/l. Before reaching the surface, the water is naturally filtered through quartz sand deposits, due to which it is purified and acquires a low mineral content.
It is thanks to these properties that our spring water does not cause limescale or rust in appliances, extends their service life and ensures more efficient operation. At the same time, it is excellent for daily consumption by people of all ages and without restrictions, as it has an optimal combination of minerals and a low salt content.
Therefore, if you want your household appliances to serve you for a long time and effectively, and the water you consume every day to be of high quality, safe and tasty, you should pay attention to what kind of water you choose!
