My parents got a water softener installed in their house a couple years back. Every time I go visit and shower there I feel slimy from the water. I hate it. They love it, good for them. But I’ve always wondered what causes that slimy feeling from the soft water. My limited understanding is that hard water contains more minerals than soft water. Is that accurate? How does that cause the slimy feeling of soft water? I’d love to understand the science behind it. Thanks!
In: 11
Yes, hard water contains more minerals such as calcium and magnesium. A water softener will replace those positively charged ions (cations) with other cations such as sodium or potassium. That sliminess you feel is the sodium ions sticking to your skin.
Soft water, water low in minerals, does not feel slimy.
Latest Answers