Chemistry Question [View all]
Okay, at first glance this might appear to be in the wrong forum because it started with a DIY topic on another website. But those other groups don't necessarily have any SCIENTISTS, much less chemists, and I want the very best answer to my dilemma.
It all started when apartmenttherapydotcom said don't use vinegar for a softener in dishwashers and washing machines anymore because it's hell on the fittings and hoses. Since I have heard about water softener systems screwing up the plumbing in houses, that brought me to a screeching halt.
So I started looking up DIY liquid fabric softeners and except for one, ALL have vinegar in the formula. The one that doesn't says use epsom salts instead.
Question: Is the alkaline epsom salts just as bad for rubber hoses and fittings or less so? than vinegar on rubber hoses and fittings? If it is, can a real chemist tell me a better way to do this?
= new reply since forum marked as read