The first time I installed mine, I was a hot mess. I bought the wrong type of salt—the cheap stuff that turns to mud. I spilled half of it on the concrete floor, and it looked like a snowstorm had hit my laundry room.
How to Install a Water Softener: Step-by-Step Guide | Home Water Softener
My husband walked in, saw me covered in salty dust, and said, “Did you lose a fight with a pretzel?” We laughed until we cried. Then we vacuumed it up and tried again. Now I buy the good pellets, and I only spill about a tablespoon.
The Surprising Perks
You know what else happens? Your clothes feel different. Your towels become fluffy instead of stiff like cardboard. Your washing machine lasts longer, and your water heater doesn’t sound like it’s trying to boil rocks.
And the coffee. Oh, the coffee. Hard water ruins coffee. It makes it taste bitter and flat. With soft water, your morning brew tastes like a hug from a barista. Your tea gets that perfect color. Your ice cubes are crystal clear, not cloudy like they’re hiding a secret.