Hard water can be a real nightmare for your appliances, but some can handle the issues it causes a lot better than others.
If you don’t want to buy a new one every few years then you need to know, what is the best washing machine for hard water?
Have no fear, you’ve come to the right place to get the answer. We’ve been through the options on the market today and found the one that comes out on top.
Below, you’ll find our number one choice of washing machine for hard water.
Maytag MHW5630HW 27 Inch Front Load Washer – Our Favorite
This Maytag washing machine is a convenient, high-quality, durable washer that you can depend on.
It’s not too large and it’s stackable, so you can fit it into most spaces with ease, but it also has a decent 4.5 cu. ft. capacity drum for pretty large loads.
There are various features on this machine that make it a great choice for anyone struggling with hard water problems in their home.
Features
- Self-cleaning Cycle – High heat self-cleaning cycle that is great for clearing out mineral buildup from hard water.
- Versatile Wash Cycles – Options for higher heat and adding extra detergent to combat hard water issues/stains in fabrics.
- 10-Year Limited Parts Warranty – Comes with a long warranty and parts that are tested for double their life span (includes drive and wash basket).
- Commercial Grade Pump Impeller – Less likely to become clogged or damaged by the presence of hard water.
- Inline Filter Compatible – Can fit an inline water filter to catch sediment before it enters the machine.
What We Like About The Maytag MHW5630HW
There are a few things that we particularly like about this Maytag washer when it comes to handling hard water. One of the main ones is its self-cleaning cycle, which utilizes extra-high heat. This is great for running a cleaner (or just some household vinegar) through the machine to break down the minerals that build up over time.
This machine has a good number of settings that are adaptable to hard water issues in your fabrics, too. You can wash your laundry at higher heat, for a longer time, and add more detergent if you need to.
We’re also big fans of how robust and durable this machine feels. It is made with commercial-grade parts that are built to last, and other users comment that they’ve not seen a drop in performance over many years.
As hard water tends to take some time off the life of your washer, this kind of longevity makes the Maytag stand out.
What We Don’t Like About The Maytag MHW5630HW
Not everything about the Maytag is ideal, and there are some features that might not be perfect for every home.
It only has a maximum spin speed of 1160 RPM, which is less than you get with many modern washers, so it can leave your clothes feeling a little wetter than you might like at the end of a cycle.
Additionally, while it is generally quite quiet to operate, it can get a little noisier with a heavy load.
It’s also important to remember that no machine is going to completely negate the impact of hard water on your fabrics, so you may still need to think about other laundry care factors, like using a higher-quality detergent.
Pros & Cons
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
Effective self-cleaning to reduce mineral buildup |
Maximum spin speed 1160 RPM |
|
Adaptable settings for hard water |
Noisy with heavy loads |
|
High-quality, long-life parts |
|
|
Good warranty |
|
|
Can be fitted with an inline filter |
|
Alternative Option: LG WM8100HVA
This LG washer is another great option for hard water. It is durable and built-to-last, it has a number of adaptable settings, and the powerful TurboWash technology can reduce the amount of time that your fabrics are sitting in hard water by up to 30 minutes.
It is a little bulkier than the Maytag, and its self-cleaning cycle might not be as effective for dealing with mineral buildup, but it does have a higher spin speed and larger load capacity – which may be important factors for your needs.
What To Look For When Buying a Washing Machine for Hard Water
Durability
Hard water can put more strain on your washer than soft water, so a durable and long-lasting machine is the most important thing you can look for.
Self-Cleaning Setting
In order to prevent hard water problems, you will want to be cleaning your washing machine out on a pretty regular basis, which means that you definitely want a good self-cleaning setting.
Water Filter
If your water is particularly hard, you may want to look at a home water filter or an inline filter for your washer.
Make sure to have a look at the hose connection on the machine while you’re shopping to check whether it is compatible with a filter.
FAQ
What is the Clean Washer with Affresh cycle on the Maytag MHW5630HW?
This cycle is a self-cleaning option that can be used with Affresh washing machine cleaner to remove grime and residue.
Can you use a washing machine with hard water?
You can use a washing machine with hard water, but it can lead to a buildup of minerals over time that can reduce your machine’s lifespan.
Does hard water ruin laundry?
Hard water can trap detergent and soap residue in your clothes and cause more wear-and-tear on the fabrics that you put through your machine.