Limescale in the water and what it does to clothes

Short answer: In hard water areas limescale binds to the fibres and makes clothes stiff. The answer is to dose according to the hardness of the water, not to use more detergent.

What hard water does

Limescale settles as a layer on the fibres. The clothes feel stiff, and the colours turn duller over time.

Dose by the hardness

The dosage on the detergent is split by soft, medium and hard water. Look up the hardness in your area with your water supplier.

No more detergent than needed

More detergent does not dissolve limescale, but leaves residue that causes smell and itching.

Descaling the machine

A machine with limescale washes less well. Run an empty cycle with a descaler a couple of times a year.

Stiff towels

Towels turn hard in hard water. See how to wash bamboo towels.

Not fabric softener

Fabric softener makes the clothes soft on the surface but lays a film at the same time. See fabric softener and bamboo.

General washing

The rest of the rules are in the washing guide.

What you notice on the clothes

Underwear and t-shirts turn stiff and less soft long before you can see anything. It is often limescale and not wear. See bamboo underwear for men.

Bedding

Bedding turns stiff from limescale, because there is a lot of fabric to rinse through. See bamboo bedding.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if the water is hard?

Your water supplier states the hardness. Limescale rings on taps are a clear sign.

Does more detergent help?

No. Dose by the hardness instead, otherwise you get residue in the clothes.

Do colours turn dull from limescale?

Yes, over time. A layer of limescale on the fibres dampens the colour.