Hard Water & Rust Deposits

What is water hardness and how does it effect the performance of water using appliances?

Water hardness refers to dissolved minerals (mostly calcium and magnesium) found in the water supply which interfere with detergent performance, appliance life and cleaning results.

Harder water conditions require more detergent to tie up the minerals, provide better cleaning and prevent residue from forming on the load. Hardness of the water is mea-sured in grains per gallon and is more commonly referred to as grains. The more grains in a water supply, the harder the water will measure. The range for determining the level of water hardness is:

SoftWater = 0 - 3 Grains
Medium Water = 4 - 9 Grains
Hard Water = 10+ Grains


To determine the water hardness, use a water hardness test kit (Maytag Part No.038184). If water is measured to be over 15 grains hard, a mechanical water softener may be the only permanent solution to achieving good cleaning results.

DISHWASHERS

Hard water may clog wash arm holes, reducing cleaning effectiveness. It is also possible for the minerals to coat the tub, tines and block the filter screens. If these conditions exist, there may not be enough detergent being used to soften the water. A rule of thumb to handle water hardness for dishwashing is to add one teaspoon of detergent per grain. However, a minimum of three teaspoons must be used, even in soft water.

CLOTHES WASHER

Hard water deposits and rust are likely to form on the tub of the clothes washer. In most cases, following the directions on the package of national brand detergent will provide good cleaning results. How-ever, very hard water (above 14 grains) may require adding a packaged water conditioner such as Calgon* or SpringRain* along with the detergent to provide an effective cleaning environment.

Q. I have hard water and/or rust deposits. How do I remove the deposits?

A. This is a problem for people whose water supply has a high mineral or rust content and do not have a mechanical water softener. The best way to remove these deposits is to use RoVer* rust re-mover. Other products such as Lime-A-Way* can be used to remove hard water deposits, but have the potential to oversuds.

DISHWASHERS

Rust discoloration noticed on the dish-washer interior, dishes and glassware can be removed using RoVer rust remover. However, DO NOT use RoVer with metal items. Measure 2 tablespoons of RoVer into both dispenser cups and set the controls to run through a complete nor-mal wash. If the deposits are not com-pletely removed, repeat the previous process. After the cycle is complete, follow with an additional rinse to com-pletely remove any left over RoVer. Do not use RoVer with a dishwashing detergent.

CLOTHES WASHER

Most generally, RoVer rust remover will remove the hard water and rust deposits in one wash cycle. Measure 1/3 cup of RoVer and pour into the tub while it is filling to the highest water level setting possible. Run the washer through a com-plete cycle. If the deposits are not com-pletely removed, repeat the process. Operate the clothes washer through another cycle with only water to remove any RoVer residue.

RoVer can also be used to remove rust stains from clothing. Use caution when using RoVer on colored fabric. It is impor-tant that chlorine bleach NOT be used to remove a rust stain. Chlorine bleach will make the stain darker and more obvious.

White Fabric - Fill the washer with water using the appropriate temperature for the fabric. Add 1/3 cup RoVer and allow it to dissolve by agitation. Load clothes into the washer and complete the cycle. Fol-low up with an additional rinse or wash with detergent.

Colored Fabric - Dissolve one teaspoon of RoVer in one cup of water. Place one drop of this solution in a hidden area, making sure it penetrates the fabric and let dry. If there is no change in color, RoVer should not damage the item. Launder the clothes following the directions for White Fabrics above.

* Brand names are trademarks of respective manufacturers.