Why does soft water feel slimy or slick in the shower?
Q:
Why does soft water feel slimy or slick in the shower?
A:
The minerals that make water hard usually contain calcium and magnesium.
Calcium and magnesium in water interfere with the cleaning action of
soap and detergent. They do this by combining with soap or detergent and
forming a scum that does not dissolve in water. Because these minerals
react with soap and detergent, they remove the soap and detergent,
thereby reducing the effectiveness of these cleaning agents. You can
overcome this by adding more soap or detergent. However, the scum that
is formed can adhere to what is being washed, making it appear dingy.An
automatic water softener connected to water supply pipes removes
magnesium and calcium from water and replaces them with a trace amount
of sodium. Sodium does not react with soap or detergents. This will
reduce the amount of soap you would need to use, and insures it will not
remain in or on the item being washed, whether the item is tile,
glassware, clothes, skin or hair.