Can You Use Tap Water in a Clothes Steamer
The question plagues many steamer owners: can I use the water straight from my tap? While the answer might seem straightforward, it’s a bit more nuanced. Here’s the lowdown: You can also look at my other articles discussing water and clothes steamers and why you should never use tap water in your clothes steamer.
Tap Water In Steamer
The biggest concern with using tap water in your steamer is the potential for hard water. Hard water contains high levels of minerals like calcium and magnesium. When heated, these minerals can leave behind deposits called limescale, that annoying crusty buildup you sometimes see on faucets or shower heads, and it’s your appliances’ worst enemy. It can clog the steamer’s vents, reduce steam output, and even damage the heating element. Over time, this can shorten the lifespan of your steamer and appliances.
For many of us, hard water is an unwelcome guest in our homes. Like me, you might be all too familiar with the telltale signs: spotty dishes, dry skin, and stubborn limescale buildup on your faucets. My well water clocks in at a hefty 150 mg/L of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), significantly higher than the normal range of 0-60 mg/L.
How Hard Water Can Affect Common Household Appliances
- Washing Machines: Limescale can clog the washing machine’s pipes and reduce water flow, making it less efficient . It can also interfere with the cleaning action of detergents, leaving clothes dingy and stiff .
- Dishwashers: Hard water can leave spots and film on your dishes and glassware . Limescale buildup can also clog the sprayer arms and reduce the dishwasher’s cleaning power .
- Water Heaters: Limescale can coat the heating element in your water heater, reducing its efficiency and increasing energy consumption . This can lead to higher energy bills and premature failure of the appliance .
- Coffee Makers: Limescale can build up in your coffee maker, affecting the taste of your coffee and potentially damaging the machine.
- Clothes Steamers: As we’ve discussed before, hard water can clog the vents in your steamer, reduce steam output, and even damage the heating elements.
Here are the standard units used to express water hardness:
- Parts per million (ppm): This is the most common unit and represents the number of milligrams of calcium carbonate per liter of water.
- Milligrams per liter (mg/L): Equivalent to ppm, this unit also expresses the concentration of calcium carbonate in milligrams per liter of water
- Grains per gallon (gpg): Another standard unit, where 1 gpg equals 17.1 ppm of calcium carbonate.
This is the link for USGS if you want to learn more about Harness of Water or the US Department of Energy
Can I Use Bottled Water In My Steamer
While it might seem like a convenient option, using bottled water in your steamer isn’t always recommended. Here’s why:
Mineral Content Matters:
Bottled water often contains minerals, just like tap water. The level of minerals varies depending on the source and type of bottled water. Some bottled water, like spring water or mineral water, can have even higher mineral content than tap water . These minerals can lead to limescale buildup in your steamer, causing clogs and reducing its efficiency.
Distilled Water is Still the Best:
The safest option for your steamer is to stick with distilled water. Distilled water is purified and free of minerals, making it the ideal choice for preventing limescale and keeping your steamer in top condition .
When Bottled Water Might Be Okay:
If you’re in a pinch and don’t have distilled water on hand, you might be able to use bottled water, but choose carefully. Look for purified bottled water that has minimal mineral content . Avoid using mineral water or spring water, as these have higher mineral levels that can damage your steamer .
Always Check the Label:
Before using any bottled water in your steamer, check the label to see the mineral content. Look for low levels of calcium and magnesium, the main culprits behind limescale.
The Bottom Line:
While bottled water might seem like a harmless alternative, it’s important to be aware of its potential impact on your steamer. To be on the safe side, stick with distilled water whenever possible.
Why Use Distilled Water In Steamer
To avoid these issues, the safest bet is to use distilled water or a combination 1/2 and 1/2. Distilled water is purified water that has had its minerals removed, making it limescale-free. You can find it at most grocery stores.
But What If I Have Soft Water?
If you live in an area with soft water (low mineral content), you might be able to use tap water without any problems. However, it’s always a good idea to check your local water quality report to be sure. You can often find this information on your city’s website or by contacting your water supplier. You can always purchase a simple water hardness test kit as well. They can be found in your local hardware store. I left a link on the water test kit I use below.
Testing Your Water
- Water hardness test kits: These kits typically use test strips that change color based on the water hardness. You compare the strip’s color to a chart to determine the hardness level in ppm or gpg .
While using tap water in your steamer might seem tempting, it’s important to consider the potential risks of hard water. To keep your steamer in top condition and extend its lifespan, distilled water mix with tap works for me.