Would you be able to check if water is hard by using a detergent?

No, detergents cannot be used to check if water is hard as detergents are long ammonium or sulphonate salts of long chain carboxylic acids. The ionic ends of these compounds do not form insoluble precipitates(lather) with the calcium and magnesium ions present in hard water.

Hardnes of water could only be checked with soaps which forms scum (lathers) on reaction with hard water.

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Updated on: 13-Mar-2023

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