We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Industry

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Salt Free Water Softener?

Sara Schmidt
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,906
Share

People living in certain geographic areas utilize water softeners on a regular basis to eliminate hard water from their homes. This is accomplished by changing the minerals in hard water to salt. Some people prefer not to have salt added to their water. They may opt for a salt free water softener instead. Also known as a descaler, a salt free water softener prevents hard water damage under certain conditions.

Hard water is full of either magnesium or calcium, which can create problems. These minerals can cause clogs to form in water pipes. They can also cling to tea kettles, water heaters and other household items that contain water. Hard water can also cause soap scum, which can be a home maintenance annoyance, as well as limiting the ability of soap to lather.

To treat hard water, the water can either be filtered through a distillation system, or softened by a water softener. The softener accomplishes this by removing the mineral deposits from the water, replacing their ions with sodium ions. Since salt does not react with soap, or cause the clogging problems that calcium and magnesium perpetuate, its presence is largely considered to be a lesser concern.

For times when salt does become a concern, a salt free water softener is an option. A plug-in magnetic water softener, or electric water softener, may be used. This instrument works by attaching to incoming pipes and distributing a magnetic field. Though unable to actually remove the minerals themselves, manufacturers claim that these devices can prevent or eliminate their effects. The field changes the minerals' electromagnetic properties, forcing them to be repelled by the pipe itself, as well as by other minerals in the water.

Some studies have suggested that a salt free water softener may not offer the same benefits as a traditional water softener. When tested together in clinical trials, the salt free water softener was found to have little to no bearing on the chemical and physical composition of the resulting water. It also may not fully reduce the mineral formations within the water pipes.

Salt free water softeners have been shown to reduce the amount of hard water damage normally caused in washing machines, dishwashers, and other water-based appliances. As long as the water is in motion, a salt free water softener can be of use; however, once the water is sitting stagnantly, the scale, or mineral deposits, will still be able to form and accumulate over time.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Sara Schmidt
By Sara Schmidt
With a Master's Degree in English from Southeast Missouri State University, Sara Schmidt puts her expertise to use by writing for WiseGeek, plus various magazines, websites, and nonprofit organizations. She published her own novella and has other literary projects in the works. Sara's diverse background includes teaching children in Spain, tutoring college students, running CPR and first aid classes, and organizing student retreats, reflecting her passion for education and community engagement.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Sara Schmidt
Sara Schmidt
With a Master's Degree in English from Southeast Missouri State University, Sara Schmidt puts her expertise to use by writing for WiseGeek, plus various magazines, websites, and nonprofit organizations. She published her own novella and has other literary projects in the works. Sara's diverse background includes teaching children in Spain, tutoring college students, running CPR and first aid classes, and organizing student retreats, reflecting her passion for education and community engagement.
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-salt-free-water-softener.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.