What are soft water and hard water and what effects do they have on tableware?

Soft water refers to water that contains little or no soluble calcium or magnesium compounds. Soft water does not easily produce scale, and using it to wash dishes can enhance the cleaning efficiency of detergents, leaving the tableware looking as good as new.
Hard water, contains a higher concentration of soluble calcium and magnesium compounds. While hard water does not pose direct health risks, it can lead to scale buildup in water appliances and reduce the cleaning efficiency of soaps and detergents. Over time, washing dishes with hard water can cause scale deposits on the surface of the tableware, affecting both its appearance and cleanliness.