Best Washing machine For Hard Water in India – Top Picks (2021)
Hard water in India and the problems that arise from it are not new to Indians. Not all homes are blessed with easy access to good fresh water. Some of us are forced to handle hard water or salt water or borewell water. Often we fail to pay attention to how this hard water affects the washing process. The fabric quality and the washing machines themselves suffer from constant exposure to hard water. However, this can be managed.
Let us see in this article what are the benefits of using the best washing machine for hard water, how to convert hard water into soft water, how to use a hard water softener, and more!
Is hard water bad for you?
Hard water in India is quite a common cause of concern. Many homes have to deal with hard water or borewell water being salty on an everyday basis. Although hard water is not a health risk, it is a nuisance for washing machines and plumbing.
We use the term ‘Hard Water’ when the water contains high amounts of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium. This mineral content will make it difficult for detergents to perform.
Washed clothes might look easily faded or dull when the water is hard, especially delicates. You have to be careful with the washing machine’s internal parts when they are constantly exposed to hard water.
How can you tell if you have hard water?

You can easily tell if your home has hard water, even if you use bore well water by few signs.
1. Your hands may feel slippery like you have a film. this is called soap scum. This is a result of the calcium reacting with the soap.
2. Your home has less water pressure.
3. Minerals stains that appears as spots on glasses and silverware.
Why should you use a washing machine with hard water filter?
Most latest washing machine brands have been developed to handle hard water effectively. The hard borewell water or hard water in India is a serious problem in many households that can ruin the washer tub and other parts. If using a water softener before the water enters the machine is not possible, you can look for hard water washing machines.
Hard water wash technology is one of the important features that you must look into in the washing machine you purchase. Hard water washing machines come with a filter. The filtration process in the machine has polyphosphate crystals. These will protect your washing machine against corrosion and breakdown. If your home has a hard water supply, look for hard water softener or hard water wash technology as the first features on your checklist.
Which washing machine is best for hard water?
The best Top Load Fully Automatic Washing for hard water is Whirlpool 7.5 kg 5 Star Washing Machine.
The best Front Load Washing Machine that is Fully Automatic is IFB 8 kg 5 Star Washing Machine.
How we selected the best hard water washing machine for this article?
The best washing machine for hard water, for front load and top load models has been selected after thorough analyses of the features and wash programs that guarantee the best performance. Each of these models adapts to the hardness of the water that your home gets to give you a softer wash with a regular wash cycle.
The popular features include a high-power motor, high spin speed, hard water wash, auto tub clean, spiro wash, special care for delicates to improve wash quality, and more.
The most important feature of these machines is the hard water wash technology that operates to give you a softer wash on your clothes.
Comparing best washing machines For Hard Water in India
Image | Product/Features | Rating | |
---|---|---|---|
Best top load![]() |
Whirlpool 7.5 Kg 5 Star Fully-Automatic Top Loading Washing Machine Hard Water Wash Technology 6th Sense Smart Sensors 12 Wash Programs |
||
Best front load![]() |
IFB 8kg 5 Star Fully-Automatic Front Loading Washing MachineBest in class efficiency Tri-shield protection 1400 rpm spin speed |
||
![]() |
Whirlpool 7 Kg 5 Star Royal Plus Fully-Automatic Top Loading Washing MachineLED Digital Display Power Scrub Technology 5 Star Energy Rated Washing Machine |
||
![]() |
Whirlpool 7 kg 5 Star Fully-Automatic Top Loading Washing Machine(Elite Magic)Suitable for families with 3 to 4 members Auto Tub Clean Power scrub technology |
||
![]() |
IFB 7 Kg 5 Star Fully-Automatic Front Loading Washing Machine1000 Spin RPM 3D wash system Aqua Energie |
||
![]() |
Whirlpool 6.5 kg 5 Star Fully-Automatic Top Loading Washing MachinePower Scrub Technology Hard Water Wash Technology 6th Sense Smart Sensors |
1. Whirlpool 7.5 Kg 5 Star Fully-Automatic Top Loading Washing Machine
First, on the list as the best washing machine for hard water, we have Whirlpool 7.5 Kg 5 Star Fully-Automatic Top Loading Washing Machine. This washing machine is perfect for a daily wash routine. It has many of the advanced features that are going to help you not just remove dirt from your laundry, but also maintain them crisp and new in the long run.
The most important feature of this washing machine is its ability to handle hard water effectively. Let us learn more about how the best wash quality is achieved by this hard water washing machine.
The Whirlpool 7.5 Kg 5 Star Fully-Automatic Top Loading Washing Machine has the highly recommended 6th sense technology. Its 123 Wash facility gives you the perfect wash with its advanced control panel. Most importantly, its Hard Water Wash Technology is designed to sense the water type and adapt the wash cycle to suit the hard water or borewell water.
It comes with Spiro Wash action, which gives you perfectly clean clothes with its unique circular Wash Motion. The Express Wash option will help you reduce cycle time by 30-40% compared to a regular wash cycle. This hard water washing machine also has 12 Wash Programs. Each wash program is designed to treat different types of fabrics with enhanced wash quality.
The ZPF technology in this Whirlpool washing machine aims to resolve water pressure issues. The Zero Pressure Fill Technology will ensure that your washing machines’ wash tub gets filled 50% faster (even if the water pressure is 17 mpa). You can have this washing machine work at your convenience with the Delay Wash Program that lets you set a time for the laundry to finish.
Auto Tub Clean, Aqua Store, Smart Lint Filter, and Child Lock feature are other benefits of this washing machine for hard water. You can also trust this washing machine for saving water and power during each wash cycle, due to its energy-efficient design. Apart from all the advantageous features, you get a 2 year warranty period on the purchase of this washing machine.
Pros and Cons of The Whirlpool 7.5 Kg 5 Star Fully-Automatic Top Loading Washing Machine
– It comes with 12 Wash Pograms- Daily, Heavy, Delicates, Whites, Hard Water Wash, Eco Wash, Woollens, Bed Sheets, Rinse +Spin, Spin, Wash Only, Aqua Store.
– 123 Wash System guarantees easy operation for the wash cycle.
– 6th smart sense sensors.
2. IFB 8kg 5 Star Fully-Automatic Front Loading Washing Machine
Next on the list, we have a fully automatic washing machine that is appreciated and recommended by many users. You can trust this for the perfect wash of all your clothes, even in hard water or borewell water. The IFB 8 kg front load washing machine for hard water gives you excellent wash quality.
Let us see more about its features and why this could be the right washing machine for washing clothes even borewell water.
Being one of the best IFB washing machines, its 8 kg washer drum is suitable for large loads of laundry. You can wash these large loads with energy efficiency and water efficiency worry-free since this machine is Energy Star Rated. Moreover, you reap the benefit of a brilliant warranty on the purchase of this hard water washing machine. You obtain 4 years complete machine warranty, 10 years motor warranty, and 10 years spare part support.
This IFB washing machine has 1400 rpm, which means the higher the spin speed faster, the drying as well. Another reason this is rated as one of the best washing machines for any household is its 15 wash programs that will be unique to a wash cycle.
Special features of this model include a white LED touch panel, 4D wash, ball valve technology, auto tub clean feature, and Repeat Wash.
Additional latest features on this washing machine are deep clean technology, aqua spa wash system, Triadic Pulsator. Along with the washing machine, you get an inlet pipe and drain hose. If you think the wash programs and wash cycle features that this washing machine offers are what you need for your home, look further into the details and make the purchase.
Pros and Cons of IFB 8 kg Fully-Automatic Front Loading Washing Machine
1. Large 8 kg washer drum for washing clothes.
2. 15 wash programs for perfect wash quality.
3. 1400 rpm spin speed.
4. Special features to cover Express Wash, Bulky Bedding (for bed sheets), Auto Tub Clean, etc.
5. Best washing guaranteed from this IFB washing machine with its 4D wash technology.
3. Whirlpool 7 Kg 5 Star Royal Plus Fully-Automatic Top Loading Washing Machine
Are you looking for power-filled top loading washing machines that are also equipped to deal with hard water?
The Whirlpool 5 Star Royal Plus is a fully automatic best washing machine for hard water. It gives you a brilliant wash cycle and removes dirt from your clothes with ease. Its 7 kg washer drum, hot water wash with temperature control, excellent spin speed for washing and drying, assure energy efficiency, etc., makes it one of the best washing machines in the market.
Let us look more at the advanced features on why this is best among the top load washing machines for hard water.
This fully automatic top loading washing machine comes with 12 wash programs that make the washing process seamless. The wash program will have you covered for eco wash, to wash bed sheets, delicates, woolen separately. If you expect automatic washing machines to focus on saving power and energy with each wash cycle, you can trust this unit. It is sturdy and is ready for the long run with its warranty policy.
LED digital display makes operation easier and clear when compared to buttons. You can be assured of power-packed washes with the Power Scrub Technology. As far as the other advanced features go, you have Express Wash (this will reduce the wash cycle time by 30 to 40% compared to the regular wash cycle of the machine), Delay Wash (that allows 2 to 3 hours delay in the wash cycle), Auto Tub Clean (to keep the wash drum clean), Smart Lint Filter (to trap the dirt that escapes your eye). You get a 2 year warranty period on the purchase of this washing machine.
Pros and Cons of Whirlpool 5 Star Royal Plus Fully Automatic Washing Machine
1. Top loading washing machines with the best wash quality.
2. Hard water wash technology.
3. Water and energy efficient.
4. 7 kg large washer tub.
5. Unique wash program that will suit for daily wash routine.
6. 2 year warranty period.
4. Whirlpool 7 kg 5 Star Fully-Automatic Top Loading Washing Machine
Taking the next place as the best washing machine for hard water we have Whirlppol 7kg 5 Star. This is one among the best top load washing machines by Whirlpool, suitable to handle hard water and borewell water. If you intend to be careful with washing clothes in hard water, you can trust this model to get perfect wash with every wash cycle, its high wash quality guarantees clean clothes even by using hard water. Let us look more about the features that this top load washing machine comes with.
If you are looking for a wash drum with 7 kg capacity and multiple facility, you can look into this model if this is the right washing machine for your home. Apart from high spin speed for after washing and drying, Express Wash, Auto Tub Clean feature, hot water wash , etc., this washing machine is equipped to handle hard water in India.
Its hard water wash technology can sense the type of water and adjust its wash cycle accordingly. This will help even if a hard water softener was not used before the water entered the machine. Its a feature that will be of great help to maintain the water tub quality against corrosion, especially if you do not have access to soft water.
This Whirlpool hard water washing machine comes with 12 wash programs and 6th sense technology. It does not have an in built heater but has water pressure fill technology. You can have this power packed machine running any time, anywhere in your home with the child lock feature On.
On purchase of this product you don’t just get dirt free washed clothes, even if there is no soft water, but also a 2 years warranty on product and 10 years warranty on motor.
Pros and Cons of Whirlpool 7 kg 5 Star Fully-Automatic Top Loading Washing Machine
1. Suitable model for salt water, fresh water, borewell water, and hard water.
2. Highly efficient wash cycle, excellent wash quality, high Spin Speed, Express Wash, no in built heater, 3. Zero Water Pressure Fill Technology, etc.
4. One of the best automatic washing machines with 7 k capacity drum.
5. IFB 7 Kg 5 Star Fully-Automatic Front Loading Washing Machine
Next we have an excellent model from the IFB washing machines- a fully automatic washing machine for hard water IFB 7 kg 5 Star front load washing machine. Let us look at the features that make this IFB washing machine trustworthy.
Like most other IFB washing machines, this model also has several wash programs that will make cleaning your clothes in its wash cycle seamless and easy. This fully automatic washing machine for hard water is both water and energy efficient, which makes power conservation easy. Its 7 kg drum is large and effective, going you the best washing experience. The drum is equipped with 1000 spin rpm. This high spin speed fast drying.
This IFB washing machine comes with 11 wash programs. The features that make this the best washing machine includes Hot Water Wash, Cradle Wash, Aqua Energie Feature, Cresent Moon Drum, Express Wash, In built Heater, Child Lock feature, Ball Valve technology and more. The most important feature being its abiltly to handle hard water with its hard water wash efficiency.
Similar to the other IFB washing machines on the market, this model also has a power packed motor and good warranty policy. The Tri Shield Protection includes 4 years complete machine warranty, 10 years motor warranty, and 10 years on parts support.
Pros and Cons of IFB 7 kg 5 Star Fully Automatic Front Load Washing Machine
1. Excellent wash cycle with advanced features.
2. Best features being Aqua Energie Features, Cradle Wash, High Spin Speed.
3. 7 kg wash drum is large and convenient.
4. 5 Star rated IFB washing machine with assured energy efficiency.
5. Equipped to handle all types of water in India.
6. Whirlpool 6.5 Kg 5 Star Royal Fully-Automatic Top Loading Washing Machine
Finally on the list as the best washing machine for hard water, we have the Whirlpool 6.5 kg 5 Star Royal Top Load Fully Automatic Washing Machine. Whirlpool being one among the best washing machine brands, attempts perfection in all models, whether it is a semi automatic or fully automatic washing machine Let us see what are the special features in this washing machine for hard water.
This washing machine comes with 12 Wash Programs to give you perfect wash cycle and brilliant wash quality. The most important feature will be the child lock feature and hard water wash. This is also a good model that excels in energy efficiency.
123 Wash systems, Power Scrub technology, LED digital display, 6th Sense Smart Sensors, are the other advanced features that this model has. Additionally, you get a 2 year warranty period on purchase of this washing machine.
Similar to the other IFB washing machines on the market, this model also has a power packed motor and good warranty policy. The Tri Shield Protection includes 4 years complete machine warranty, 10 years motor warranty, and 10 years on parts support.
Pros and Cons of Whirlpool 6.5 kg 5 Star Royal Top Load Fully Automatic Washing Machine
1. Excellent wash cycle with advanced features.
2. Best features being Aqua Energie Features, Cradle Wash, High Spin Speed.
3. 7 kg wash drum is large and convenient.
4. 5 Star rated IFB washing machine with assured energy efficiency.
5. Equipped to handle all types of water in India.
The Verdict
Now it’s time for the big verdict.
Best Top Load
Whirlpool 7.5 Kg 5 Star Fully-Automatic Top Loading Washing Machine
Best Front Load
IFB 8kg 5 Star Fully-Automatic Front Loading Washing Machine
How to protect washing machine from hard water?

Even the best washing machines designed specially for hard water must be protected. Hard water softener will help to convert hard water into soft water (at least to a manageable extent). There are also specialized hard water detergents, to improve the wash quality of the machine as well as to equip the machine for hard water exposure.
You can use products at are made to clean the washer tub of the machine. Just running a hot water wash might not be sufficient at all home with hard water or borewell water that is hard. Make it a a bit to clean the outside of the washing machine using a clean rag or paper towels and vinegar. This can prevent mineral deposition and corrosion that can happen, even if it were the best washing machine one can find.
Another step to follow during the wash cycle is to use chlorine bleach. If the wash program allows it and the washed clothes do not have restrictions on using bleach, you can try this. This will also make hard water wash manageable.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can hard water damage a washing machine?
Yes! As discussed already many households struggling to handle hard water in India is not new. Hard water affects not just the wash quality but also the internal parts, mechanisms, the wash tub or drum (most importantly!), and has a huge impact on the power of the motor.
Even the best washing machines are subject to a lot of damage from the mineral accumulation that happens on the tub, lint screen, pump and drum.
It is best adviced to find a way to use a water softener or invest in a good machine for hard water. If the problem is left unattended, you might have to shell out a lot of money even higher than the warranty. being careful on saving the machine (and money) prioer damage is the wise thing to do.
2. Which is the best detergent for hard water in India?
The Ariel Mattic Front Load and Ariel Mattic hard Load are found to be effective choice for both soft water and hard water in India.
3. What is hard water wash in whirlpool washing machine?
The hard water wash will operate adjusting the wash cycle to the hardness of the water.
4. Is tap water hard or soft?
Whether your tap water is hard water or soft water depends on your home water source. You might have to check of you have soft water or hard water by testing it. The borewell water that you get at home could be either hard or soft.
Wrapping Up
We have reached the end of the article. Hope you found the model that fits under your checklist as the Best Washing Machine for Hard Water. Let us know which model you prefer to use and the benefits you find helpful in them. Share with us in the feedback form on which washing machine you find use to manage hardness in water at your home.
About the Author

Neha Tiwari, Member at Homezilla.in
Neha is the one who is aware of current trends and best practices in our desi community. She also helps and educates people looking for a solution to their problems via online. Her work has been published on countless blogs and notable magazines.