water softeners in washing machines

[AikenDrum]

Dishwashers have water softeners in them which are recharged with salt, yes?

So, why don't washing machines have them too? Softer water would mean less washing liquid needed, and reduce the need for fabric conditioner too.

Any thoughts?

 

[breezer]

Dishwashers have water softeners in them which are recharged with salt, yes?

So, why don't washing machines have them too? Softer water would mean less washing liquid needed, and reduce the need for fabric conditioner too.

Any thoughts?

yes

£££££££££££££££££££££

also they dont do thee m/c much good

 

[Gees]

Also salty clothes would be a bit scratchy on my delicate skin

 

[JohnD]

you don't know how water softeners work, do you

 

[AikenDrum]

you don't know how water softeners work, do you

Well, I thought I did. Hard water contains Calcium and Magnesium ions which help form a soap scum, and requires more detergent to clean your hair/dishes/clothes/whatever. If this hard water is passed through an ion-exchange resin, this will absorb the Calcium and Magnesium ions and swap them for Sodium ions. This softens the water, and reduces the quantity of detergent needed for cleaning

So, am I missing something, or does my original question still make reasonable sense?

 

[JohnD]

I meant Gees when he said

Also salty clothes would be a bit scratchy on my delicate skin

Water softeners are great. I'm quite happy to use one for the whole house (so don't need one in the washer)

 

[AikenDrum]

I meant Gees when he said

Also salty clothes would be a bit scratchy on my delicate skin

Water softeners are great. I'm quite happy to use one for the whole house (so don't need one in the washer)

Oh I see, my apologies.

So, still waiting for an answer. Given that water softeners are cheap enough to put in dishwashers, why not washing machines.

Perhaps I should start up some kind of petition.................