We heard everything about the scum, as well as about the fact that it must be fought with it. But not everyone knows what it is, how it is formed and what measures exist to combat it, except for the use of advertised means. We suggest you find out what kind of enemy it is, what are the descaling agents for washing machines (you will read reviews of some of them in the article).
Scale - what is it
Limescale is a hard deposit that forms in places of evaporation or heating of water with salt content. These are the walls of the pipes of steam boilers, superheaters, evaporators, heating elements (tubular electric heaters) of a kettle, washing machine and dishwasher, and so on.
The appearance of scale provokes salts (for example, calcium and magnesium), various impurities and small particles (rust). The more of these substances in water, the harder it is. Accordingly, the higher the risk of limescale. Indeed, in the process of heating, salts decompose into two elements: carbon dioxide and sediment. The latter does not dissolve in water, but is deposited on the walls. Over time, it accumulates and scale forms.
Scale and washing machines
Even when the scale has accumulated only on a thin layer, this is already enough to create a hindrance for heating water. That is, this process requires more time, and, accordingly, energy costs increase. But this is not the main problem.
In washing machines, scale accumulates on the heater and reduces its service life. It accumulates more at a high washing temperature. But this does not mean that you need to wash only in cold water. It is simply necessary to adhere to the recommendations of washing machine manufacturers and craftsmen if you do not want to pay for frequent repairs.
How to deal with scum?
Many people think that if the substance they use says “Limescale for washing machines,” it automatically protects the household appliance from this problem. But this is not so. To protect the machine from scale, you must adhere to the following recommendations:
- carry out cleaning using a special descaler;
- use home cleaning products;
- carry out mechanical cleaning;
- to carry out preventive measures.
It is noted by many owners of washing machines that simple manipulations extend the life of their electric assistants.
Special descalers
There are too many special descaling tools now. Some are too aggressive and can aggravate things, some, on the contrary, are too sparing and will only be a waste of money, some simply do not fit the type of car. We bring to your attention a small list of recommended tools:
- Magic Power (Magic Power). German descaler for washing machines, which allows you to clean even the oldest plaque. Sold in volumes of 250 ml.
- "Topper 3004" (Topperr 3004). Also a remedy from Germany. It is especially recommended for use in washing machines of the Miele and Bosch brands. Volume - 250 ml.
- "Luxus Professional" (Luxus Professional). Domestic means for cleaning washing machines from scale. Many people love it because after using it, a pleasant citrus aroma remains. Volume - 500 ml.
- "Bork K8P" (Bork K8P). Korean product that is available in powder form. Before use, the product is diluted in water, and then poured into the machine. Packaging is designed for four times.
- "Top House" (Top House). Budget German tool for cleaning washing machines and any other household appliances. Volume - 500 ml.
- "Universal descaling agent." Domestic product for cleaning household appliances and utensils. Available in 100 gram bags. It is not necessary to breed it with water, it is used as a powder.
Consumers speak positively about domestic products, as well as Korean “Bork” and German “Top House”.
So, people who used the domestic "Antinakipin" and "Luxus" note:
- They cope well with the task and are inexpensive.
- It is enough to use them once a year so that the machine works without failures.
- These tools are multifunctional and applicable for cleaning not only the washing machine, but also other appliances, and even utensils. At the same time, expensive products are single-functional.
Home descaler
Many people like to use homemade recipes. The most popular descaler for washing machines is citric acid.
Its advantages:
- low price;
- ease of use;
- high result;
- additional disinfection and elimination of unpleasant odors in the drum of the washing machine;
- it takes a little.
Only one minus: citric acid is a powerful tool, so it is not recommended to use it more than once a year.
Mode of application:
- Take the required amount of citric acid. For a washing machine, designed for a volume of 4-5 kg, 200 grams is enough.
- Check the drum for items forgotten in it.
- Pour citric acid into the compartment for the detergent tray.
- Run the longest washing program, designed for one and a half to two hours, and set the water temperature to 80-95 degrees (the higher the better).
- Turn on the typewriter.
- You can also start an extra rinse.
- Wait until the wash process is complete, and then open the door and tray to allow the machine to dry inside.
Such a simple descaler for washing machines allows you to save a household appliance from repairs, and you from saving money.
The mechanical way to get rid of scale
This method allows you to remove scale 100%. But it involves the analysis of the washing machine. Therefore, if you do not know how to do this, it is better not to use the mechanical method.
To clean the washing machine in this way:
- Remove the back of the appliance.
- Get the heater.
- Clean the part without resorting to brute force. You can first soak the heater in a chemical agent or all the same citric acid, and then clean the scale with a sponge.
- Dry the part and replace it.
The advantages of the mechanical method also lie in the fact that in this way you can conduct an inspection of the insides of the machine and see if everything is in order there.
Powders that include anti-limescale detergents for washing machines
“Perfectly helps against scale”, “prevents the appearance of scale”, “eliminates scale and unpleasant odors” - many similar reviews can be heard about most modern powders, which contain special anti-scale agents. But is it really so?
A descaler in washing machines and a water softener are two different things. The latter is added to the powders. Therefore, they can only make the water less rigid. But this will not help to cope with the accumulated scale. Therefore, whether to use additional advertised substances (for example, "Kalgon") or powders containing them is up to you.
Also, do not forget that, in addition to water softeners, some powders contain harmful and dangerous substances (for example, 15-30% phosphates, optical brightener, 5-15% anionic surfactants, and so on). They not only worsen the fabric of things, can cause allergic reactions, but also harm the washing machine.
How to protect the washing machine from scale: preventive measures
Unfortunately, it will not work at all to prevent the formation of solid deposits, since there is no means to protect the washing machine from scale. But to prevent breakdown of this household appliance is quite real.
- If you have very hard water, use detergents with softeners. This will reduce the amount of scale.
- Clean the washing machine from scale using special or home remedies, or mechanically every six months or a year (depending on the cleaning method and type of substance).
Stick to these simple tips and your washing machine will last you a long time. But do not overdo the methods of protection against scale: the cost of special products and powders should not exceed the price of household appliances.