A water softener is a device designed to remove minerals like calcium and magnesium from hard water through a process called ion exchange. Inside the water softener, resin beads coated with sodium ions attract and trap the hardness minerals, replacing them with sodium ions. As water flows through the softener, it becomes free from the minerals that cause scale buildup and soap scum. This process ensures that water is gentler on skin, reduces mineral deposits in pipes and appliances, and improves the effectiveness of soaps and detergents.