This is a simple test to determine water hardness. You won't find information on what hard water is or how to use it more easily; this article simply tells you how to find out if your water is hard or not.

Part 1

Step 1. Fill a bottle halfway with the water you want to test.

Step 1

Fill a bottle halfway with the water you want to test. Close the cap or place your thumb over the opening and shake the bottle. Remove the cap or take your thumb off and pour out the water.

Step 2. Fill the bottle halfway with water again and add 5 or 6 drops of liquid dish soap.

Step 2

  • Close the bottle and shake it well a few times.

Step 3. If the bottle is filled with soap suds when you remove the cap, then your water is not hard.

Step 3

Step 4. The longer you have to shake the bottle for bubbles to form, and the less those bubbles last, the harder your water is.

Step 4

The longer you have to shake the bottle for bubbles to form, and the less those bubbles last, the harder your water is. If you only get a soap film, your water is very hard.

Step 5. If you live in the USA (as of 11/27/2010), you can order free test kits (they work like litmus paper or pregnancy tests) by visiting www.mortonsalt.com/recipes/TestStripForm.aspx or calling Diamond Crystal at 800-428-4244.

Step 5