You’ll notice hard water the moment you turn on the faucet. That film on your freshly washed glasses? That’s hard water’s calling card. Soap doesn’t lather well with it, which is why you might use twice as much shampoo and still feel like your hair has a weird, sticky residue.
Ever wonder why your towels feel a bit stiff and scratchy after a few washes? That’s not the fabric softener’s fault. It’s the minerals bonding with the fibers, making them less fluffy. Your skin might feel dry and itchy, too, because the soap scum doesn’t rinse off completely.
Real talk: about 85% of homes in the United States have hard water. If your coffee maker looks dusty inside, or you’re constantly buying new kettle descalers, you’re in the club. It’s not dangerous, but it is annoying—like a song stuck in your head for weeks.
