Water is often called the universal solvent because it can dissolve more substances than any other liquid. However, not all water is the same. The quality of the water used in an industrial parts washer can have a significant impact on how well the system performs and how clean your parts will be.
In many regions, water hardness is one of the biggest obstacles to efficient parts cleaning.
What Is Water Hardness?
Water hardness refers to water that contains a high concentration of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium carbonates. The more of these minerals present, the harder the water becomes.
This condition is not limited to well water. Municipal water supplies can also contain high mineral levels depending on the local geology and treatment process. While mineral-rich water is generally safe for drinking, it can leave residue behind during cleaning processes.
Signs of Mineral-Rich Water
Most people are familiar with the effects of mineral-heavy water at home. You may notice:
- White, chalky residue on dishes and glassware
- Staining on sinks or bathtubs
- Scale buildup inside plumbing fixtures
- Reduced water pressure as pipes slowly accumulate deposits
When heated water evaporates, the dissolved minerals remain behind. Over time, this buildup creates scale and residue on surfaces.
How Mineral Buildup Affects Parts Washers
The same process occurs inside industrial parts washers. In fact, the issue can be even more pronounced because approximately 95% of the solution inside most aqueous washers is water, not aqueous cleaning product.
In areas where mineral content is high—and this includes roughly 85% of the United States—parts washing systems may experience several problems:
- Water spots or residue on cleaned parts
- Mineral deposits forming inside piping and spray systems
- Scale buildup on heating elements
- Reduced heating efficiency and increased energy use
As scale accumulates on heating components, the washer must work harder to reach and maintain proper temperatures. Over time, this buildup can lead to overheating and premature equipment maintenance or replacement.
Increased Detergent Use and Maintenance
Mineral-heavy water also interferes with cleaning chemistry. Instead of improving alkalinity, detergents can react with calcium and magnesium to form soap scum.
This residue falls out of solution and creates additional maintenance concerns inside the washer. As a result, operators often need to use more cleaning product and more energy just to achieve the same cleaning performance.
Managing Water Quality for Better Parts Cleaning
Because water plays such a large role in the cleaning process, managing mineral content is essential for maintaining efficient washer operation and consistent cleaning results.
For most parts washing systems, wash water, rinse water, and makeup water should ideally contain less than 50 ppm of hardness. Controlling mineral levels helps prevent scale buildup, reduces detergent consumption, and improves overall washer performance.