New Morton Salt Survey Finds Many Homeowners Suffer from the Effects of Hard Water

CHICAGO, Jan. 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- For many Americans, hard water causes frustration, embarrassment and even impacts the way they look and feel, according to a recent survey of homeowners commissioned by Morton Salt.

"I love helping people make their home look beautiful, but sometimes the simplest things can get in your way – like water," said Monica Pedersen, a home expert best known for her work on HGTV. "Hard water can turn the most common household tasks into added work and costs for homeowners. Glassware and dishes are left with spots. Bathroom fixtures develop unsightly film. Skin and hair feel dry and not as clean. Clothes look dull and dingy and towels can be rough. Hard water is also tough on appliances, especially on washing machines and hot water heaters."

About 85 percent of homes in America suffer from hard water, though many may not know it and even more don't know where to start to fix it. Pedersen is partnering with Morton Salt – maker of America's #1 brand of water softening salt – to help educate homeowners about the effects of hard water and what they can do about it.

Hard Facts about Hard Water
Morton Salt's new hard water study revealed:

Ongoing battles at home with hard water

• More than 90 percent (92 percent) of those surveyed deal with soap scum or water stains due to hard water

People feeling cleaner with soft water

• 66 percent of respondents felt a difference in showering with soft water.
• 52 percent reported softer skin and 39 percent reported "feeling cleaner" when showering with soft water
• 63 percent had to replace an appliance or fixture due to hard water. 

Homeowners fighting embarrassment from hard water

• 66 percent said they were embarrassed at least once when houseguests see the effects of hard water in their home.

Living with Hard Water
Hard water limits soap's ability to lather, leaving a filmy residue of scum that can irritate skin. Because of this, those who suffer from skin conditions like eczema seem to have the most problems with hard water. In addition to skin, hard water is tough on just about everything in a household – from pipes, to appliances, to clothes and ultimately a homeowner's budget. Anything water touches will be affected.  

Morton Salt's study found that one-third of hard water users at least sometimes needed to replace appliances or fixtures due to build-up from hard water.

While many Americans know hard water takes a toll on them and their homes, only one in five have taken action by having and using a water softening system, according to Morton Salt's new study.  Most hard water sufferers cite the high cost of a water softening system as the top reason for not purchasing one for the home (56%), followed by the perception that it is too difficult to maintain (25%).

"Most people are surprised to learn soft water not only makes your home look better, but it can actually help save time and money in the long run, too," said Pedersen. "Your pipes and appliances can run better with soft water, and will require less maintenance and repair. Less soap is required to get clothes and dishes clean. You will see less build-up on your fixtures in your bathroom and kitchen. These simple things make you feel better about the way your home looks and runs."

Morton Salt is offering homeowners a free test strip to test how hard their water is. Homeowners can make the request online at www.mortonsalt.com.

Learn more about hard water from a series of 25-second video series located here: https://www.youtube.com/user/MortonSaltInc

Find out if you live in a hard water state here:  www.mortonsalt.com/for-your-home/hard-facts-about-hard-water

About Morton Salt, Inc.
Morton Salt, Inc., part of the K+S Group, is the trusted authority in salt in North America. Our iconic Morton® brand, coupled with the broadest footprint in the industry has made us a leader since 1848. We produce salt for culinary, water softening, household and road deicing, food processing, chemical, pharmaceutical, and numerous industrial uses. Our more than 2,900 employees are committed to safety, quality, service and the communities in which we operate. For more information, visit www.MortonSalt.com.

SOURCE Morton Salt, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.MortonSalt.com