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A lot of people think that the water softener salt is the exact same formula as the table salt which, if you paid attention in science class, is known as sodium chloride. But is it really the same thing and can you consume it the same?
One reason why they think the water softener salt is edible is because it is used to soften the water and you essentially drink the water purified by that salt. But some people believe you can use it for either seasoning your food or eating it as is. Is no different than table salt.
So which one is it? What is the main difference that can be highlighted to ensure that the water softener salt is not edible?
All your questions will be answered in this article as you move along and hopefully save yourself and your loved ones from the possible harms of consuming the water softener salt.
Is Water Softener Salt Edible?
If you are wondering if the water softener salt can be consumed just as the table salt, here are some of the reasons why you shouldn’t;
What’s the difference?
Although the water softener salt and the table salt are made of sodium chloride, there is a major difference in the composition. The typical table salt is made up of potassium chloride and sodium chloride both of which are in the unrefined form which means it contains contaminants as well as dirt particles inside it, making it automatically inedible.
When it comes time for the regeneration of the water softener, the salt dissolves in the brine tank resulting in the separation of dirt from sodium and potassium particles. This is how the dirt is removed which cannot be done before you consume it, so there is no question of using it as a seasoning salt.
Can you cook with the water softener salt?
There is no reason why anyone would do it but there is definitely an explanation why you shouldn’t do it. First, the softener salt consists of contaminants so it will make your food more dirty rather than tasteful, if that’s the value you are willing to add to the food!
Secondly, the softener salt, as mentioned above, only melts or separates in the brine tank when there is an ion exchange. The salt will not melt anywhere near as easily as the table salt does, so there is no point of using crystals or pellets in the cooking process.
Is it bad for your stomach?
It is obvious by now that the sodium chloride present in the softener salts is quite different from the edible one and should not be used by any human or animal. However, if someone accidentally consumes large quantities of the softener salt, then it might cause you stomach ache or even nausea, for that, drinking a lot of water can be helpful and the effects will probably go away in a day or two.
But if we talk about drinking the water softened by the salts, that is a completely different scenario. The salt is not dissolved in the water to cause you any harm rather it purifies the water through a chemical reaction, providing you clean and filtered water. But even if you are not allowed to drink the water softened by softener salts then you should consult a specialist before its intake.
Here’s a video on what the water softener salt pellets are:
FAQS
Is the water softener salt poisonous for drinking or consumption?
No, it is most definitely not poisonous at all as it is used to purify the hard water by effectively removing excessive amounts of calcium and magnesium. If consumed, it can temporarily harm your stomach lining but if you drink a lot of water, you will be okay.
Can the water treated by water softener salts make you sick if consumed for a prolonged period of time?
No, the water treated by softening salts actually contains less amount of sodium chloride than table salt, so it is less likely to cause you any trouble. But if you are on a strict diet of sodium intake, you should consult your doctor before drinking treated water.
Can I use the water softener salt for any other purpose?
Yes, you can use the softener salt for other purposes than food intake. You can use it for getting rid of pesky bugs in your garden and use it as pesticide. In addition, you can use the salt to lower the freezing point of water and preserve ice in your cooling refrigerators.
Is sodium chloride okay in drinking water?
Yes absolutely, sodium chloride as we know it acts as an electrolyte, especially in hot weather when the body loses a lot of its sodium.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, no, the water softener salt is not edible at all; however if you consumed it by accident then it doesn’t mean that it’s the end of the world, the effects usually go in a day depending on the consumed amount. Usually, drinking a lot of water can help reduce the effects of the salt and help melt it. But most definitely do not use softener salt in cooking as a seasoning agent or for tenderizing or preserving meat or anything else unless you want diarrhea!