4 ways to descale your washing machine

Limescale in the washing machine appears due to the use of low-quality, hard and untreated water. Actually, this is exactly what flows in the water pipes. Therefore, over time, the heating element (tubular electric heater) of the washing machine becomes covered with limescale and may eventually even burn out.

In addition, limescale deposits negatively affect the quality of the wash, make the laundry harsh and unpleasant to the touch, lead to color fading, remain in the pump pump and clog it, and significantly reduce the effectiveness of detergents.

Scale accumulates not only on the heating element, but also in other places. For example, in a powder container, under the manhole collar, in the outlet filter. And all these elements of the 'washing machine' must be cleaned from limescale.

As a result, descaling your favorite 'washer' is worth not only when its lumps are already on the clothes, but also periodically – once every few months. Or regularly use water softeners (like the much-publicized one that has already entered your head).

How to descale the inside of the washing machine

You need to start by cleaning the drum and heating element. In principle, this procedure is not very difficult.

You will need:

1. 400 ml of 9% vinegar. Normal will do. But it is better not to use grape, apple, and so on;

2. 50-100 grams of baking soda;

3. 150 ml of water.

Instructions:

1. Remove all laundry from the drum. Pour vinegar there;

2. Mix water and baking soda. No need to dissolve. Water is needed so that the soda, which has the consistency of a powder, does not fly out of the container when it comes into contact with a stream from the water supply;

3. Pour the water-soda mixture into the powder container;

4. Close the hatch;

5. Run the longest wash program. It is desirable that it also include rinsing the laundry and heating the water.

If desired, you can repeat step 5 twice to rinse the remaining soda and vinegar from the tank and the pipes attached to it.

Instead of a water-soda-vinegar mixture, you can use ordinary citric acid. You need 50-300 grams of this substance, depending on the capacity of the washing machine and the amount of limescale in it. Citric acid is also poured into the detergent container.

How to descale a washing machine under the cuff

Under the cuff (sealing rubber) of the hatch, not only scale forms, but also various dirt accumulates. Therefore, it is also advisable to clean it. But this must be done with caution, since the rubber of the cuff is sensitive to cuts, mechanical damage and aggressive chemicals.

You will need:

1. Hard side sponge;

2. Chlorine-free cleaning agent. Dishwashing detergent is suitable.

3. Instructions:

4. Soak a sponge in water and apply a cleaning agent on it;

5. Pull the cuff towards you (no fanaticism!);

6. Wipe the exposed metal and plastic edges;

7. Release the cuff, it should return to its place.

After that, it is advisable to rinse the washing machine. For example, by running it 'idle' for any mode. The upper part of the hatch, where water does not reach, can be wiped with a damp cloth after cleaning.

How to descale a washing machine container

In the container (tray for detergents) of the washing machine, not only scale accumulates, but also undissolved household chemicals. It is also advisable to clean it periodically.

You will need:

1. Instructions for your car;

2. Hard edge sponge;

3. Any cleaning product, including a mixture of baking soda and vinegar.

4. Instructions:

5. Find a way to remove the container from the washer. Usually it is indicated in the instructions for the device. If it is (as usual) lost – look on the Internet for the model of the washing machine. A couple of ways are shown below;

6. Remove the container;

7. Wipe the place where it was stored with a sponge. Be careful not to damage the rubberized fittings;

8. Rinse the container itself. You can use cleaning agents, including quite aggressive ones, the main thing is to rinse thoroughly. Or you can just send it to the dishwasher, if you have one;

9. Dry the container and put it back. You just need to insert it into the tray and close it.

To remove the container, pull it out to the maximum. If your washing machine is new enough, you will see a blue part. Click on it and pull it firmly towards you.

If there is no blue part (this is often the case with Indesit household appliances), then you need to pull the container towards you and down, and then carefully 'loosen' it, moving it to the left and right.

But it is better, of course, to find instructions for your model.

How to descale a washing machine drain filter

The exhaust filter acts as a 'sump' and prevents coarse dirt from entering the pump pump. It also collects scale and dirt. And therefore, it is also advisable to clean it periodically.

You will need:

1. Old, unnecessary towel;

2. An old, unnecessary toothbrush;

3. Instructions for existing household appliances.

Instructions:

1. Remove the lower front cover. If the drain filter plug is located on the front panel, remove it. How to do this is usually indicated in the instructions. In addition, you can see for yourself – there are often fastening bolts on the sides of the lower front cover, after unscrewing which it itself 'falls off';

2. Place a towel under the front of the chassis. If the device is working properly, literally a few milliliters of water will flow out;

3. Carefully unscrew the drain filter plug;

4. Use an old toothbrush to remove all dirt from there.

Then you will need to screw the filter cover back into place as tightly as possible and install the lower part of the front panel.

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