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How to Soften Water Without Using Salt

Where water is hard, people generally go through the process of making it soft. Water softening is lessening the amount of calcium and magnesium in water. When water is not softened, it can cause a variety of problems, such as with plumbing. One way to soften water is with the addition of salt. However, a less abrasive way of softening water -- and one which is preferable for those on low-sodium diets -- can be done right in your kitchen.

Things You'll Need

Stove
Large pot
Large pot lid
Large spoon

Instructions

- 1
  Place the hard water in a large pot. Place the lid on the pot, so that less water is lost through evaporation during the boiling process.
- 2
  Turn on the stove to the "high" setting. Allow water to come to a boil.
- 3
  Boil the water for at least 10 minutes.
- 4
  Turn off the heat and allow the water to stand until lime particles are visible on the surface of the water. Do not wait so long that the particles start to sink to the bottom of the pot.
- 5
  Scoop the lime particles from the surface of the water using a large spoon. Throw them away.
- 6
  Use the softened water for cleaning, brushing your teeth, bathing or drinking.

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