Why does soft water feel slimy in the shower?

Why Soft Water Feels Slimy in the Shower

Believe it or not, making the switch from hard water in the Pompano Beach, FL, area to a water softener may initially make you feel quite puzzled. This is because you’ve gotten so used to the hard water that most Florida residents deal with that the many benefits of water softeners might leave you feeling a bit slimy. It will take some time before you adjust, but once you do, you’ll be so glad you made the switch!

Hard Water vs. Soft Water

If you’ve lived in Florida for a long time, then hard water might be all you’ve ever experienced. In fact, the water in Florida is rated as hard to very hard. What makes the water so hard is the high level of minerals in it. These minerals, especially magnesium and calcium, are not harmful to your health. Unfortunately, though, they can negatively impact your plumbing, household appliances and even personal care.

Hard water is so prevalent in Pompano Beach, that it’s quite common to deal with the following:

  • Frizzy and dry hair
  • Feeling like film is left behind on your skin
  • Scalp irritation
  • Itchy and dry skin
  • Fixtures and appliances with mineral buildup

Despite all these negatives, you may not have ever made the connection between them and your water. For example, if you’ve always dealt with minor scalp irritation, you probably have no idea that its root cause is your water. Another problem that is caused by hard water is the residue it leaves behind. Also known as soap scum, this residue is caused by the minerals in your water reacting with your detergents and soaps. Resolving this issue requires you to switch to a water softener.

Once you make the switch, you’ll quickly begin to experience several benefits, including:

  • Healthier hair
  • Hydrated, softer skin
  • Less shampoo needed
  • Less soap needed

How Do I Stop the Slimy Sensation?

Now that you understand you’re feeling slimy because of spending years showering in overly hard water, it’s time to learn how to stop this sensation. After all, it doesn’t matter that using a water softener is better for your hair and skin if you can’t get rid of the icky feeling. Fortunately, there are three easy fixes for this problem.

1. Cut Back on Your Soap Usage

The primary reason why you’re feeling so slimy is because soft water doesn’t require you to use nearly as much soap. Therefore, you need to retrain yourself so that you won’t use the same amount of soap as you have in the past. Once you’ve reached the optimal level of soap, you’ll notice that the slimy feeling disappears.

2. Start Using a Synthetic Body Wash

A synthetic body wash isn’t made from oils or fats. Instead, it’s able to make suds without forming any gummy deposits. The difference between bar soap and body wash is quite noticeable, and some people absolutely love it. However, there are also people who don’t like the sensation of using synthetic body wash. If you belong to the first category, switching to a synthetic body wash is a game changer. You won’t feel slimy anymore, which will greatly enhance your enjoyment of showering.

Consider a Different Water Softener

Your current water softener might be salt-based, and this can be difficult for some people to get used to. By switching to a salt-free softener, your water will feel more natural, still provide many benefits and might even save you money in the long run.

Why Does the Slimy Feeling Happen?

In most cases, feeling a slimy sensation from showering is caused by using a salt-based softener, as mentioned above. There is actually a scientific explanation for why this happens, too. What happens is that your softener contains ions, and they naturally enhance the bond between your skin and your soap. This bond is stronger than the one between your water and your skin. This is fantastic for your skin health, but it also makes it necessary to expend more effort to make yourself feel truly clean.

Take Back Your Shower in Pompano Beach, FL

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, often referred to as the Punctual Plumber, provides water softeners for your home. Our expert team is aware of the slimy sensation, however, and we therefore offer salt-free softener solutions. When you make the switch, you’ll experience plumbing protection, increased energy efficiency and have a positive environmental impact!

Take care of your skin and hair health by installing a proven water softener today! Contact our team of expert plumbers in Pompano Beach to get started. We trace our roots back to 1996, so you know you’ll receive the absolute best care!