How to descale a washing machine: 3 proven remedies

Limescale is caused by the accumulation of calcium and magnesium salts on the surface of the plumbing or inside the washing machine. It looks like a thin white layer when it is lightly soiled, and thick, coarse deposits when it is heavily soiled.

Hard tap water contains a large amount of salts and lime, which, when combined with powdered limescale, can cause damage to the washing machine. Limescale forms on all internal mechanisms that come into direct contact with water. As it accumulates in the compartments, it gradually disables the device. OBOZREVATEL figured out how to clean the washing machine from scale inside.

Citric acid

When hard water is heated, all substances precipitate, which accumulates on the surfaces and forms scale. Citric acid is the most effective ingredient in the fight against limescale. The proportions should be calculated depending on the degree of contamination. One packet will be enough for barely noticeable limescale, while six packets will be needed for thick deposits. Pour the acid into the detergent container. After that, switch on the empty wash mode, selecting a long cycle and high water temperature.

Soda and vinegar

Soda and vinegar react to effectively break down limescale. A nice bonus is that you will get a high-quality disinfection of the drum. Dilute ¼ cup of baking soda with the same amount of water and pour the mixture into the detergent compartment. After that, pour the vinegar directly into the drum. Choose a high temperature and a long wash cycle and start the washing machine without clothes inside.

Chlorine bleach

If folk remedies didn't help, choose a bleach with chlorine. Again, it all depends on the level of limescale: you need to pour up to 1 litre of the product into the drum. Next, follow the standard algorithm: run an empty wash with a long cycle and high temperature. Be sure to rinse the machine from chlorine residues by running the wash again without clothes for 30 minutes.

Earlier, OBOZREVATEL told what things should not be washed in the machine on the fast cycle and why.

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