How to descale a washing machine

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 14:00

The washing machine is perhaps the most essential household appliance today. When it breaks down, life seems to stop. Most often, machines fail due to a large amount of scale, which covers the heating element. Scale on the heating element of a washing machine is dangerous not only for its complete breakdown: even a thin limescale can create a big hindrance to water heating, noticeably deteriorate the quality of washing and increase energy consumption. So do not wait until the machine suddenly stops - it is better to clean it in time and make sure that the scale does not form again.

How does scale appear

Scale forms due to calcium and magnesium salts in the water. The higher their content, the harder the water. From heating, the salts decompose into carbon dioxide and an insoluble sediment, which is deposited on the heating element.

The higher the washing temperature, the more scale builds up in the process. If you frequently wash your laundry in the boil mode, your machine is most likely at risk.

Preventive measures

To prevent the formation of limescale on the heating element, the decomposition of the salts in the water must be prevented.

To prevent the formation of limescale on the heating element, the decomposition of the salts in the water must be prevented. This task is perfectly handled by a special magnetic device, which is attached to the hose with the incoming water and creates a constant magnetic field. Passing through it, water changes its structure: its particles interact with particles of impurities, and the precipitate is no longer formed.

We hear about many water softeners in advertisements all the time. Their chemical components destroy insoluble particles and prevent them from settling on the heating element. True, water softeners are not always effective, are expensive and can ruin things made of delicate fabrics - carefully read the instructions and consumer reviews, choosing the right product. The use of softeners is justified if the machine often operates in boiling mode or if the water in the tap is too hard.

To prevent limescale from appearing, do not wash too often at high temperatures, because it is this that contributes to the formation of a large amount of limescale. Modern powders contain active substances that will cope with dirt even at fifty degrees.

Descaling

The most budget-friendly way to descale a washing machine is physical. Partially disassemble the machine, take out the heating element and manually scrape off the scale from its surface with improvised means. Care must be taken not to damage the tube of the heating element.

Antiscale is an excellent acid-containing descaler. Pour the contents of one sachet into the powder compartment and run the main wash at 90-95 ° C without laundry. After heating the water, scale will begin to move away from the walls of the tank and the heating element. Do not apply too much descaling agent to avoid damaging the rubber parts of the washing machine.

A folk remedy, proven over the years, is cleaning with citric acid.

A folk remedy, proven over the years, is cleaning with citric acid. Before starting the procedure, make sure that there is no laundry left in the drum! Pour 100-200 grams of citric acid into the powder compartment and run the long wash program at the maximum temperature. When acid comes into contact with scale, a chemical reaction occurs that destroys limescale. After the end of the program, wipe the drum from limescale residues. The heating element will become like new, in addition, both the tank and the drum will be cleaned to a shine. However, this method should not be overused as citric acid destroys rubber parts. It is optimal to clean the machine in this way every six months.

Acetic acid is also suitable for descaling the washing machine. Pour 200 ml of 9% acetic acid into the washing machine and select the minimum wash cycle at 60 ° C.

Bleach enhances the cleaning effect. Add a glass of bleach to the drum and start washing without laundry. Thanks to this tool, the machine will shine, and the laundry will no longer be covered with gray dirt and deteriorate after washing. Remember that during this procedure, an unpleasant odor may occur in the house, and the steam generated by the reaction of chlorine with salts irritates the mucous membranes and is toxic to people. Therefore, keep the windows as open as possible throughout the cleaning procedure. It is not worth resorting to such a radical method more than twice a year.

If you take good care of the washing machine and regularly descale it, then you will forget about the problems associated with its breakdown and expensive repairs.