This expert, unbiased water softener buying guide will help you choose the right water softener for hard water problems. Includes salt-free water softeners, dual-tank softeners, and more.

A water softener (often misspelled “water softner“) solves hard water problems. Hard water is simply water that is rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium carbonate, and manganese. If you find that soap and shampoo don’t lather well, dishes have spots, the bathtub has a ring, laundry looks dingy, and the coffee maker has scale deposits, your home probably has a hard water problem.

Though these natural minerals don’t typically pose health risks, they can create damaging deposits in your plumbing, water heater, and other water-using appliances, and make washing dishes, clothing, skin, and hair more challenging.