In the design of modern washing machines, there is always a
heating element, which, unfortunately, sometimes fails due to scale formation over time. The chemical industry does not remain aloof from this problem, creating new means for removing solid deposits on the surface of heating elements. However, the cost of these funds is quite high, and their effect is impossible to verify. Experienced housewives know
how to remove limescale using simple and cheap folk methods, including how to clean the washing machine with citric acid.
Why does scale form?
One of the main characteristics of water is its hardness, which consists of a combination of chemical and physical properties, namely on how much dissolved calcium and magnesium salts are contained in it. Naturally, the more of these components, the harder the water. Before you clean the washing machine with citric acid, you should talk about the mechanism of its action on salt deposits. By the way, in the composition of any specialized descaler, acid is the main component.
It is available in powders for automatic washing. So, in the process of heating
water with TENs , salts are split into two components, one of which is carbon dioxide, and the second is a solid precipitate (limescale), and the acid softens the water and, reacting with this precipitate, dissolves it.
How to clean a washing machine?
Cleaning should be done with the machine idling. In a linen tank you need to fill 200 g. citric acid, then turn on the main wash program with boiling function. Thus, the washing machine can be completely descaled, i.e. not only the heating element itself, but also the surface of the tank and drum. Strengthen the effect will help adding to citric acid 200 grams of a solution of bleach (whiteness). However, when using this tool, it is necessary to ensure high-quality ventilation in the apartment, as when water is heated, caustic chlorine vapors will begin to precipitate violently, which have a harmful effect on the respiratory tract and mucous membranes. Here's how to clean the washing machine with citric acid and chlorine so that all its elements shine with a pristine shine. Cleaning will also have a positive effect on the quality of the wash. This procedure is recommended to be repeated every two months.
By the way, there is one “minus” in this method: the fact is that after repeated cleanings there is a risk of corrosion of rubber parts, therefore, before cleaning the washing machine with citric acid, you should think about the possible consequences.
Alternative cleaning options for an automatic washing machine
There are many ways to maintain heating elements in normal working condition. For example, it is recommended to use different water softeners in the form of special filters. The magnetic filter softener will remove calcium and magnesium salts from the water, preventing scale formation on all elements of the machine in contact with water.