What chemical cleans water softener resin?

Water softeners are an essential appliance in many homes with hard water. They work by exchanging hard mineral ions, like calcium and magnesium, with softer sodium ions. This exchange process occurs in the resin bed inside the softener’s mineral tank. Over time, the resin beads become coated with scale and minerals that reduce their ion exchange efficiency. To restore performance, the resin needs to be cleaned periodically with chemicals designed to remove built-up deposits.

Why Clean Water Softener Resin?

Cleaning the resin bed inside a water softener serves several important purposes:

• Removes scale buildup – Hard water deposits coat the resin beads over time. Cleaning breaks down this coating so the beads can work properly.
• Restores efficiency – As scale accumulates, the softener becomes less efficient at exchanging hardness ions. Cleaning restores full operation.
• Extends resin life – Regular resin cleaning helps keep the beads in good condition for longer. Without it, the resin can harden and eventually need replacement sooner.
• Improves water flow – Scale and sediment can clog up the resin bed. Cleaning removes blockages and maintains good water flow.
• Prevents bacterial growth – The moist resin bed can promote bacterial growth. Cleaners sanitize the resin and prevent microorganisms.

Neglecting to periodically clean the resin allows continued buildup of scale and sediment. This accelerates the deterioration of the resin beads and shortens the lifespan of the softener. Resin cleaning should be part of any water softener maintenance routine.

Types of Water Softener Resin Cleaners

Specialized chemicals are used to remove deposits from resin beds. The most common options include:

Salt

Common table salt or sodium chloride can be an effective resin cleanser. The sodium ions help displace mineral deposits while the chloride acts as a disinfectant. A strong brine solution is used in the resin cleaning cycle.

Citric acid

Citric acid removes scale through chelation, which is the ability to bind to hardness minerals. It breaks down deposits and also kills bacteria. A citric acid resin cleaner is a more aggressive cleaner but may be harsh on the resin beads over repeated use.

Sodium bisulfate

Sodium bisulfate (NaHSO4) is an acidic salt that effectively dissolves mineral deposits. It also sterilizes the resin bed to prevent microbial growth. Sodium bisulfate cleaners are a moderately aggressive option.

Phosphoric acid

Phosphoric acid cleaners work by dissolving scale buildup through acidification. They also prevent the formation of new deposits. However, phosphoric acid can damage the softener over time with repeated use.

Sodium hexametaphosphate

Also known as calgon or SHMP, sodium hexametaphosphate prevents scale by sequestering hardness minerals. It inhibits the deposition of new scale and removes existing buildup. SHMP resin cleaners are more gentle than acidic options.

How to Clean Resin with Chemicals

Resin cleaners are applied by running a special cleaning cycle on the water softener. This typically involves these steps:

1. Add the resin cleaner to the brine tank according to package directions.
2. Initiate the resin cleaning cycle on the softener control panel.
3. The softener will draw the cleaning solution from the brine tank and run it through the resin bed.
4. Rinse the tank thoroughly afterwards to flush out the cleaner.
5. Return the softener to service mode when finished.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific model of softener. The frequency of resin cleaning varies based on water hardness and usage, but typically every 6-12 months is recommended. More frequent cleaning may be needed with extremely hard water.

Choosing the Best Resin Cleaner

When selecting a resin bed cleaner, consider these factors:

• Softener type – Some cleaners should be avoided for certain resin types. Check compatibility.
• Aggressiveness – Milder vs stronger cleaners based on degree of scale buildup.
• Ease of use – Look for easy-to-use solutions.
• Effectiveness – Cleaner’s ability to remove scale and prevent it from returning quickly.
• Cost – Compare cost of different resin cleaning options.
• Safety – Make sure the cleaner will not damage the softener or resin with repeated use.

With some brands of water softeners, a specialized resin bed cleaner developed by the manufacturer is recommended. For other models, a generic resin cleaning chemical may be used. Reviewing your owner’s manual for guidance can help identify the right cleaning solution for your softener.

Homemade Water Softener Resin Cleaners

It’s possible to make DIY resin cleaners using common household ingredients. Some options include:

Vinegar

The acetic acid in white vinegar can dissolve scale on the resin beads. Use 1 gallon of distilled white vinegar per cubic foot of resin.

Citric acid

Dissolve 1 cup citric acid powder in hot water and add to the brine tank. The citric acid will work to chelate scale minerals.

Baking soda

A baking soda solution helps scrub off deposits from the resin. Mix 1/2 cup baking soda with 1 gallon hot water before adding to the brine tank.

Borax

Borax is a mineral cleaner that breaks down scale. Use 1/2 cup borax per gallon of hot water for the cleaning solution.

Homemade cleaners are gentler on the softener resin compared to formulated chemical cleaners. However, they may be less effective at removing severe scale buildup.

Resin Cleaning Tips

Follow these tips for best results when cleaning your water softener resin:

• Always run the manufacturer-recommended resin cleaner first
• Inspect the resin bed annually for visible scale buildup
• Clean on a routine schedule, such as every 6-12 months
• Adjust cleaning frequency based on hardness of the water
• Avoid excessive use of acidic cleaners which can damage resin
• Rinse the brine tank thoroughly after cleaning is complete
• Replace the resin if it becomes fouled beyond cleaning

Resin Cleaner Safety Tips

While resin cleaners improve softener performance, they can be hazardous chemicals if not handled properly:

• Read safety precautions on the product label
• Prevent contact with skin, eyes, and mucous membranes
• Wear gloves and eye protection when handling cleaner
• Never mix resin cleaners together as hazardous reactions may occur
• Use only in well-ventilated outdoor areas
• Keep cleaners sealed and stored out of reach of children and pets
• Avoid breathing in fumes from the brine tank after adding cleaners

Carefully following usage and safety instructions reduces the risks when working with resin cleaners. Consider wearing an N95 respirator mask when handling strong chemical cleaners.

Conclusion

Keeping water softener resin clean is critical for optimal performance and longevity. Specialized chemicals are required to remove the mineral scale that accumulates on resin beads in hard water conditions. Common resin cleaners include salt, citric acid, sodium bisulfate, phosphoric acid, and sodium hexametaphosphate. DIY cleaners can also be made from household ingredients like vinegar and baking soda. Following manufacturer guidelines and safety precautions allows you to effectively restore your resin without risks.