The manufacturers of the detergents advise you that the harder the water the more soap you will need to use to get satisfactory results. According to tests conducted by the US Bureau of Standards Hard Savings on Soft Water After adding up all the savings that a water softener can generate, many consumers conclude they can't afford to be without soft water in their homes. Fewer repair bills. Without exception, all water-using appliances work more efficiently and require fewer repairs with soft water. Even leading appliance manufacturers, such as Maytag, recommend using soft water for optimum performance of their products.
Plumbing lasts longer, too, without the lime scale buildup caused by hard water.
Spend less money for cleaners and detergents. And you'll be able to obtain the same optimum results using shorter wash cycles and cooler water. Smaller clothing allowance. Clothes last longer and look better when washed with soft water. When detergents mix with hard water, they form lime curd deposits, which can cause yellowing, or graying of clothes.