The South African Expat

Whether you’re new to the Netherlands or have been living here for years, you’ve probably heard that Dutch tap water is some of the best quality in Europe. But did you know that depending on where you live, the water can also be quite hard? If you’re struggling with dry and frizzy hair, stiff clothes, or itchy skin, it’s likely due to hard water. Fortunately, there are simple ways to tackle these issues and improve your daily life.

Here’s a guide to help you manage the hard water and make your time in the Netherlands more comfortable.

Understanding the Netherlands’ Water

What is Hard Water?

Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium, which come from the natural geological formations the water passes through. While it’s not harmful to drink, it can cause some everyday problems.

Effects of Hard Water

• Hair: Hard water can leave your hair feeling dull, unclean, and rough.
• Skin: It can dry out your skin, worsen conditions like eczema, and cause breakouts.
• Household Cleaning: Hard water leads to limescale buildup on fixtures and appliances.

Tips for Dealing with Hard Water

Hair Care

1. Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse

• How: Mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with three cups of water. After shampooing, apply the mixture to your hair, leave it for a few minutes, then rinse.
• Benefits: Removes buildup and smooths hair cuticles for shinier, softer hair.

2. Lemon Juice Rinse

• How: Mix lemon juice with water and use it as a hair rinse after shampooing.
• Benefits: Helps with hard water buildup and dandruff.

3. Use Filtered Water

• How: Rinse your hair with bottled or filtered water. A Brita filter jug is a convenient option.
• Benefits: Reduces mineral residue on hair.

4. Specialised Shampoos

• Products: Try Vichy Dercos or Area H2O Hard Water Shampoo.
• Benefits: These shampoos are designed to counteract hard water effects, leaving your hair clean and manageable.

5. Shower Head Filter

• Product: A shower head filter can be bought to reduce mineral content in the water.
• Benefits: Helps protect your hair and skin from hard water damage.

Skin Care

1. Filtered Showers

• How: Use a shower head filter to soften the water.
• Benefits: Reduces dryness and irritation.

2. Gentle Cleansers

• Products: Use micellar water or a gentle toner for your face.
• Benefits: Prevents breakouts and helps maintain skin’s moisture balance.

3. Shower Oils

• Products: Look for shower oils like Sanctuary Spa or Bioderma Atoderm.
• Benefits: Moisturizes skin while you shower.

4. Regular Exfoliation

• How: Exfoliate 1 to 2 times a week to remove dead skin cells.
• Benefits: Keeps your skin smooth and helps moisturizers work better.

Household Tips

1. Regular Cleaning

• How: Clean taps and fixtures regularly to prevent limescale.
• Benefits: Keeps your home clean and prevents buildup.

2. Natural Cleaners

• How: Use lemon juice or white vinegar to dissolve limescale.
• Benefits: Eco-friendly and effective.

3. Washing Machines and Kettles

• How: Run a cycle with vinegar or lemon juice in your washing machine. For kettles, use vinegar, let it sit, then boil and rinse.
• Benefits: Prevents limescale buildup in appliances.

4. Descaling Products

• Products: Use descaling balls or solutions for appliances.
• Benefits: Helps keep your appliances in good condition.

5. Environmentally-Friendly Cleaners

• Product: Ecover or similar eco-friendly descalers.
• Benefits: Effective for limescale and kind to the environment.