Best water softener for washing machine

Washing machine softeners are a fantastic way to protect your washing machine and improve its efficiency, ensuring that it works more effectively for longer.

Many customers ask us whether their washing machine will work with a water softener and if they need to adjust their detergent or laundry routine.

The answer is a resounding yes! Your washing machine will run even more efficiently with soft water and you will no longer face issues with limescale. While you don’t need to change your detergent, you can switch to a gentler alternative. Hard detergents often contain strong surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate and builders like phosphates, which can irritate the skin and form soap scum in hard water. Softer detergents, on the other hand, use plant-based surfactants like cocamidopropyl betaine and enzymes like protease, which are gentler on the skin.

How do water softeners for washing machines work?

By investing in soft water, you’re protecting your washing machine against hard water buildup on pipes and heating elements, preventing damaging scale accumulation and expensive service.

This also means that your washing powder doesn’t need to contain the harsh chemical which combats those minerals, and therefore you can use a softer washing powder, which can be better for sensitive skin.

Do you really need a water softener for your washing machine?

Washing machines benefit from soft water in various ways. By using a washing machine water softener, you can:

Cut maintenance costs

Running on a softened water supply prevents limescale damage to your washing machine and surrounding pipes, and the build-up of soap scum in the drum of your washing machine, both of which are common problems in hard water areas. Water softeners, therefore, increase the lifespan of washing machines and significantly reduce the likelihood of breakdowns and costly repairs.

Reduce detergent use

Using a water softener for washing machine, allows you to use up to 75% less detergent to achieve the same cleaning results. This is because softened water allows detergents to lather better, leading to more efficient cleaning. You’ll also save money on conditioner, which is no longer necessary when using soft water.

At Harvey Water Softeners, we’ve developed a specialised washing powder that’s designed for use with water softener washing machines and is fitted with a dosage cap. Just pour it into your detergent drawer, and you will always get the right dose for your machine. For more tips on maintaining your washing machine, check out this helpful guide on how to clean a washing machine.

Improve skin health

The harsh minerals in hard water can cause skin irritation and exacerbate conditions like eczema. By using softened water, you can reduce the amount of detergent and fabric softener needed, which can improve skin health, especially for those with sensitive skin or allergies. Learn more about the impact of hard water on your clothes in this helpful article.

Washing machines and water softeners: Guidelines for use

Some washing machine manufacturers, such as Miele, are cautious about the impact of water softeners, particularly in relation to detergent dosage. However, as long as the correct amount of detergent is used, washing machine softener will not harm the performance or durability of your washing machine. Miele has acknowledged the benefits of softened water, confirming that as long as detergent usage is optimized, their machines will function well with water softeners. You can read more about this in their official statement.

A member of our team will be more than happy to demonstrate how installing a water softener for washing machine can benefit washing machine during a free, no-obligation visit to your home.

So, if you have hard water, installing a water softener is a smart investment that will protect your appliances and save you money in the long run. Find the right model for you – choose from the new HarveyArc, the HVX, or the Big Blue series.

Start enjoying the benefits and take the first step to banishing limescale by arranging a virtual demonstration – Book A Demo!