Hard Water Hacks

#HardWaterHacks and ways to work with reduced salt at home

Welcome to #HardWaterHacks … where we debunk myths and provide practical tips for living with water that’s less softened or using softening alternatives to reduce chloride pollution. Each topic in the series has been researched through the personal experiences of District staff.

#HardWaterHacks is all about embracing our naturally mineral-rich water and finding clever, easy ways to make it work for everyday tasks. From cleaning tips to outdoor prep, we’re showing you how to live with hard water without the hassle.

Hacks are just smart, simple tricks or shortcuts to make things easier and more efficient. For example, using a binder clip to organize cables, freezing grapes as ice cubes for wine or placing a wooden spoon across a boiling pot to prevent overflow. #HardWaterHacks are our tips and creative solutions to some of the everyday inconveniences that come from living with hard water and scale.

Hacks on video

Videos featuring our #HardWaterHacks on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube Shorts. Find them on social at @madmetrosewer.

What’s the problem with chloride? Featuring WI Salt Wise and UW-Madison Dept. of Chemistry.

What is hardness in water? Featuring pollution prevention specialist Emily Jones (and Santos the cat).

What is scale? Understand the white buildup that forms on home fixtures and appliances.

Testing for hard and soft water. Learn more about our water hardness test strips.

Cleaning hard water rings on sinks. Get tips and tricks for removing stubborn scale and stains.

Removing rust stains. Tips to remove hard water marks and rust stains from a professional cleaner.

Water hardness and floaties. Four hacks to hide floaties or cloudy ice in your water.

Removing scale from coffee pots and kettles. Descaling coffee makers and small kitchen appliances.

Getting scale-free dishes from the dishwasher. Use a booster to get dishes squeaky clean.

The myth of clogged pipes. Look behind the fridge to learn about scale buildup in water lines.

How to tell what’s causing cloudy dishes. Hard water might not be the culprit behind spots or cloudy glasses.

Preventing etching in your dishwasher. Etched glassware can actually be caused by soft water, not hard water.

Preventing hard water spots on dishes. Determine if spots on dishes are from hard water or not.

Why adding less salt doesn’t work. Adding less softener salt to your brine tank won’t soften less water.

Hacks on the blog

A woman at an ironing board with an iron and refillable bottled water.

Bottled water and small appliances

Tips for using different kinds of bottled water and finding the right water for small appliances.

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A glass of clear liquid with white floaties from hard water.

Crystal clear ice and water

#HardWaterHacks for cold water, hot water and clear ice in the kitchen.

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A hand holding two glasses, clear on the left and etched glass on the right.

Spot-free dishes

Hard water might not be to blame for cloudy dishes. These hacks share how spot-free dishes are possible.

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A woman pours coffee into a mug from a pot in front of a coffee maker.

Coffee machines and tea kettles

Scale on the inside of your coffee pot or tea kettle can be a constant companion when you’re brewing hot drinks.

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A terracotta pot with staining - 1:1 square.

Outdoor yard prep

After a long winter, your yard needs some TLC and it’s important to consider how hard water plays into the process.

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Toilets

Learn about another area of the home where soft water is not necessary: the toilet.

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