If you’re like me, you hate having to go through the trouble of washing your car by hand. Especially when the water is so hard that it takes forever to get the dirt and grime off.
In this blog post, I will share a few ways to soften hard water so that your car-washing experience is much easier (and faster!).
So keep reading to learn how to soften hard water to wash a car!
Why Washing a Car with Soft Water is Better than Hard Water
When washing a car, most people believe that any water will do. However, there are significant benefits to using soft water.
Soft water has been treated to remove minerals like calcium and magnesium.
These minerals can cause spots and streaks on a car’s finish, leading to scale buildup on contact surfaces like hose fittings.
In addition, soft water rinses more easily and completely than hard water, leaving less soap residue.
Cars washed with soft water tend to stay cleaner for longer.
How to Soften Hard Water Naturally for Car Washing
If you’re having trouble cleaning your car due to hard water, don’t worry! There are plenty of natural ways to soften hard water and get the job done.
How to soften hard water with vinegar or lemon juice
Simply add a cup of vinegar or a few tablespoons of lemon juice to a bucket of water and wash your car as usual.
The acidic properties of vinegar and lemon juice will break down the minerals in the water, making it much gentler on your car’s paint.
In addition, vinegar and lemon juice are both natural cleaners, so they will leave your car sparkling clean without any harsh chemicals.
How to soften hard water by boiling
Boiling water helps to break down the minerals that cause hardness, making the water more effective for cleaning. To boil water, simply fill a pot with the desired amount and place it on the stove. Bring the water to a boil, then let it cool before using it. While this method doesn’t make hard water completely safe for consumption, it does soften hard water enough to give your car a great shine!
Portable Water Softeners & Pressure Washers
As any pressure washer user knows, water softeners remove minerals from water, making it easier for pressure washers to remove dirt and grime.
However, most water softeners are bulky and difficult to transport. Portable water softeners are convenient and can be used with any pressure washer.
There are many benefits to using a portable water softener when pressure washing your car, including:
- Less expensive than traditional water softeners
- Less likely to leave spots on your car
- Easier on your pressure washer pump and other components
- Can extend the life of your pressure washer’s hose
- Makes removing stubborn dirt and grime from your car easier
If you’re looking for a way to get a better car wash, consider investing in a portable water softener. You’ll be glad you did!
Recommended Portable Water Softener: On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT-Portable 16,000 Grain RV Water Softener
- The Double Standard Softener & Conditioner produces twice the gallons compared to the standard model and is the largest compact RV softener on the market.
- Built for the owner of any RV/Marine model, this 16,000 grain unit is a perfect fit and supplies approx. 40% more soft water than any other unit on the market. It simply regenerates with 2 boxes of common table salt in less than 30 minutes and provides the owner with soft water up to 1600 gallons or up to 40 days.
- Its compact, space-saver design allows it to be installed in the tightest places. It will allow high flow rates with very low pressure drop.
- Its unique features includes easy to carry handle on top, large mouth opening for easy salt addition, high grade premium resin, travel friendly option of cap & plug to prevent leakage and is built for quick & simple regeneration.
- It utilizes a standard garden hose connection between park faucet and your RV/Marine, requires NO tools or electricity and its compact design 22”H x 9.50”dia. can be easily stored in your storage bay or dock side locker.
Portable, easy to use, and effective, the On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT-Portable Water Softener is a great choice for anyone with an RV.
This water softener removes minerals from your water, making it softer and easier to work with.
It also comes with a pre-filter to remove sediment and other impurities.
I’ve been using this water softener for a few months now, and I have to say that I’m very impressed.
It’s easy to set up and use, and it really makes a difference in my pressure washer’s water quality.
It never leaves any spots or streaks behind when I wash my car with it either.
There are a few things to keep in mind, though.
First, this water softener is designed for RVs so it won’t work as well in your home.
Second, the pre-filter can clog up over time, so you’ll need to replace it periodically.
Overall, the On The Go OTG4-DBLSOFT-Portable Water Softener helped give my car a spectacular shine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What can I use to get stubborn hard water spots off my car?
One method is to mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, then sprinkle the solution onto the spots and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a clean microfiber cloth.
Another method is to make a paste out of baking soda and water, apply it to the spots, and scrub with a soft-bristled brush before rinsing with clean water.
For really tough spots, you can also try using a small amount of rubbing alcohol on a microfiber cloth. Whichever method you choose, be sure to work in small sections and avoid letting the solution dry on the surface of your car.
Does softened water leave spots?
No. Softened water helps to prevent spots by reducing the number of minerals that can build up on surfaces. That’s because the main reason for spotting is hard water, which is water that contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. Those minerals are left behind when hard water dries and can cause spots.
On the other hand, softer water has had those minerals removed through an ion exchange process. As a result, it’s less likely to leave spots behind when it dries.
Can I use Dawn detergent to wash a car?
Dawn is gentle enough to use on most car finishes, so you don’t need to worry about scratching or damaging the paint. However, there are a few things to remember if you use Dawn to wash your car.
Be sure to use a diluted solution of Dawn and water. Too much detergent can strip away wax and protective coatings.
Rinse your car thoroughly after washing it with Dawn. Dish detergent can leave behind a streaky residue if it’s not rinsed away properly.
Avoid washing your car in direct sunlight. The heat can cause the soap to dry too quickly, leaving behind water spots.
