Scale significantly reduces the service life of household appliances. Therefore, it is extremely important for housewives to know how to quickly and effectively descale their washing machine, and what measures to take to prevent its occurrence in the future.
Limescale is a problem with many household appliances, not just various washing machines. They are faced with it and steam boilers, and irons, and kettles, and even some electric fireplaces. It forms on those parts where water evaporates or heats up. That is, the main element scale-prone in a washing machine, the automatic machine is (stands for a tubular electric heater). The breakdown of the heating element is the main trouble, which is why it begins to wash in cool water.
The presence of various salts, rust, and other impurities in water contributes to the appearance of scale.
The dirtier and harder the water and the more salt it contains, the faster it forms. heating element scale
When salt is heated, its particles split into carbon dioxide and solid sediment deposited on the heating element. Any layer of scale, even a very thin one, prevents heating, and if the machine has not been cleaned for years, then it will have to be washed exclusively in cool water. Another disadvantage is the increasing electricity consumption. main reason– This is because scale has poor thermal conductivity.
So how do you descale your washing machine? How to remove this scourge? Is there a way to remove scale yourself without resorting to the help of specialists? How to clean an automatic washing machine? There are answers, today we will look at some of them.
Method one - mechanical
How to descale a washing machine? This question is asked by any user whose machine has stopped heating water. Now we will look at the most complex of the methods - mechanical. To do this, you need to remove the heating element and clean it from plaque with a scraper. This method is not suitable for everyone, because such cleaning is quite labor-intensive and can damage the heating element.
Method two - citric acid
This is an excellent inexpensive descaling solution. and irons with lemon juice - a completely banal process that everyone has done at least once. Why not use the same product to remove scale from your machine?
How does one clean a washing machine from limescale deposits and scale using a regular lemon juice? A unit with a capacity of up to 4 kg of laundry will require about 60 grams of citric acid to clean. It is often sold in stores in bags, each weighing no more than 20 grams. That is, we need to take the minimum three sachets. If you have large supplies of bulk acid, then you can measure it in spoons: one tablespoon contains just about one sachet, that is, 20 grams.
After required amount powder will be purchased and prepared, we will begin the cleansing:
- We pour most of the product into the powder container, the rest into the drum itself.
- If there is little scale, and the machine is new, then choose any high-grade cotton, for example, cotton 60. If you had to wash often and at fairly high high temperatures(under such conditions, scale forms faster), and the machine is already several years old, then use the cotton 90 mode for cleaning.
- Next, press the start button and wait for the result.
If the water is not too hard, you can descale your washing machine this way once every three or four months. If the quality leaves much to be desired, then it is better to clean the device once a month.
The advantages of this method of removing scale from washing machines:
- Very simple and incredibly cheap. Call a specialist, purchase special means will cost much more. Citric acid is very good remedy descaler for washing machines.
- Citric acid in such small quantities does not cause any harm. Special products that are added during each wash can remain on clothes.
- Lemonka copes well with even the largest amount of scale. Deal with scale no worse than special ones chemical substances, since it is one of the carboxylic acids that reacts upon contact with salts and metals.
What to watch out for when working with citric acid:
- You should not use it more than required.
- There is no need to turn on the machine above the recommended temperature (90 degrees).
Method three - acetic acid
According to users, it is possible. This option is less popular and is rarely used by people. But acetic acid is also very effective and will help get rid of scale. It is much more aggressive than lemon, so it must be used very carefully. You don't want to lose some of the rubber parts in your washing machines, do you?
Removing scale from a washing machine using vinegar:
- Be sure to remove all items from the drum before the procedure, otherwise they may become damaged.
- Pour half a glass of 9% vinegar into the powder compartment. Be sure to wear gloves when doing this, as the product may corrode the skin of your hands.
- Start the machine. The washing mode should be the longest and the temperature should be high.
- After half an hour, press pause, after an hour or an hour and a half, start again.
- After the wash is finished, wipe the drum and cuff with water. Also pay attention to the container for the powder, because that’s where we poured the vinegar.
- At the very end, run a short wash to remove any remaining vinegar from the machine.
The advantages of this method are similar to the advantages of cleaning with citric acid. The product is inexpensive, can be used independently, and copes with the most serious stains, even. Vinegar, which perfectly cleans your machine and removes scale, is found in every home.
However, this method has a disadvantage: it bad smell, due to which you will have to run an additional wash.
Method four - special products from various companies
Whether or not to use the above methods is up to you. Incorrect amount of acid or may damage the machine. Those in doubt can choose any special descaling product.
On the market you can find substances produced by machine manufacturers. Candy, Electrolux, Bosch and many others have them. It is not always possible to buy such a product; in this case, you can take something from those widely presented on our shelves. For example, “Antinscale” or “”, cleaners from Filtero, Five Plus or Frau Schmidt.
Before use, you must carefully read the instructions on the back of the package. After all, each means has its own characteristics. This will help you clean properly. washing machine.
How to protect yourself from scale
Scale is very dangerous. If it is not removed in time, then there is a high probability that . To avoid this, you can take a number of preventive actions:
- The first method of protection is not suitable for everyone. When installing the machine, you need to install a special device on the hose that provides the water supply to prevent the formation of scale at high temperatures.
- The second (chemical) is available to everyone. Its essence is that each time the unit is used, a product is added to a special tray that prevents the formation of scale. It also has disadvantages - high cost and the possibility of ruining some things. This method is also not suitable for mothers of small children. After all, chemicals in large quantities are of little use to anyone, and they are also dangerous for children.
It's worth knowing that some washing powders such cleaning agent is already included. Additionally, it should not be used.
Tap water is not ideal. It is usually hard, smells like bleach, and contains impurities. In addition, washing machines are constantly adding chemical components. And technology reacts negatively to this, demanding cleansing. This procedure will help extend the life of the device. How to descale a washing machine is described in the article.
Causes of pollution
It is important to ensure that cleaning is necessary. You should also know what needs to be cleaned. If you look into a machine that has been working for a long time, you can find a dirty coating on the surface of the plastic and metal elements. It is usually hard and contains minerals, making it difficult to remove with a rag or your hands.
The causes of pollution include:
- Hard or dirty water.
- The presence of many chemicals in the powder.
- Constant operation of the machine in the “Intensive wash” mode.
Moreover, the device necessarily has hard-to-reach corners where dirt accumulates. Over time, it becomes so much that it leads to breakdown of the machine. A renovation work are quite expensive. Therefore, all owners should know how to descale a washing machine? Thanks to this, it will be possible to extend the service life. And if you perform regular maintenance, you can avoid many problems with equipment.
Why does scale appear?
When water is very hard, it contains calcium and magnesium salts. When heated, they turn into carbon dioxide and solid sediment, which, together with dirty particles, remains on the heating element and the tank of the device. After being coated with a layer of scale, the metal heating part does not conduct heat well. As a result, water takes a long time to heat up, and more electricity is needed. Dirt from the water causes clogging of the intake valve, the parts of which quickly deteriorate.
You can determine whether there is scale on the heating element or not yourself. Usually the heating part is located under the drum or slightly off-center. You need to take a flashlight, point it at the hole in the drum, and examine the heating element. In this case, you need to shake the drum a little to ensure uniform illumination. Often this does not work out right away - you need to experiment with the speed of swinging.
Use of chemicals
What is the best way to descale a washing machine? There is a special product for this - “Antinakpin”. It contains acid that dissolves the layer of deposits. After pouring the product into the device, you should turn on the “wash without laundry” function. The effect comes quickly - chemical reaction Thanks to heating, it removes scale from the elements of the machine.
But this method also has disadvantages. If you add more powder than normal, the rubber parts of the device may deteriorate. And inhaling acid fumes is harmful. But this method is very simple and cheap. Just do not confuse it with softeners added when washing clothes. They definitely don't remove scale.
Lemon acid
If washing is carried out frequently, then cleaning should be done every quarter. And with rare use of the device, once every six months will be enough. How to clean automatic washing machine descale with citric acid? It is necessary to set the washing mode “without laundry”, temperature 60-90 degrees, and then add citric acid (50-100 g) to the powder connector. This method is high-quality and affordable, and it will also help you get rid of foreign odors. This prevention does not cause any harm to the elements of the device.
Vinegar
Experts consider this method to be one of the most effective. How to descale a washing machine with vinegar? This procedure is performed according to the following instructions:
- You need to pour 2 cups of vinegar into the car. Then add hot water and you can wash without laundry or powder for the longest cycle.
- After 5 minutes you need to pause the program for an hour. This is required for the solution to penetrate into various corners of the tank.
- After this, you must continue the washing program to the end.
- To rinse off the cleaning solution, add water and turn on the short cycle wash function.
- Dip a cloth in a weak vinegar solution, and then wipe the inside of the machine door. Seals should be treated especially carefully.
How to prevent scale from appearing
Housewives need to know not only how to descale a washing machine. Contamination can be prevented. Various magnetic water softeners are used for this purpose. They can be located both in the inlet hose of the device and at the entrance of the pipeline to the apartment. They are called filter softeners.
A magnetic water softener removes magnesium and calcium. The absence of these salts eliminates various problems. With this method, scale will not appear on the tank and heating element. The disadvantages of the method include its high cost. The softener has a price of about 1,500 rubles, which is much more expensive than Antiscale. But it is more convenient to use, and the filter lasts for about 50 years. Having spent once, you no longer have to worry about how to clean the heating element of a washing machine from scale.
In addition to magnetic ones, there are also mechanical cleaning filters. They remove rust and sand. This serves as protection against pipe blockages and saves household appliances from damage. Plumbing fixtures with such filters will work longer.
Technological anti-scale protection
How to descale your washing machine in other ways? One method is as follows: the more hot water equipment is required for washing, the more scale deposits on its parts. Manufacturers of modern equipment take this fact into account, so they equip the unit with new washing programs. The water heats up only to 40-50 degrees, and dirt is removed perfectly. This way you can get rid of scale and save on electricity.
The heating element can work much longer or break down quickly. The reason for this may not be a defect - it all depends on the washing regime and loads. If you frequently wash worn-out items, their particles will lead to scale. Counterfeit washing powders also have a negative impact, leading not only to the breakdown of the heating element, but also to the entire machine.
Therefore, to save money, you should choose a softener filter or use Antiscale. Don't forget about the mechanical filter, which removes dirt particles. And when washing, you need to choose those modes in which the water heats up less.
Calgon
Calgon will help you quickly descale your washing machine. But this is a regular water softener. The composition contains soda and sodium triphosphate. The cost of a package weighing slightly more than 0.5 kg is over 150 rubles. You can take these substances and create a mixture yourself.
But as it turns out, this softener cannot be reliable protection for ten, on the contrary, it worsens the situation. With constant use of the product, the surface of the tubular electric heater will become hard, similar to cemented. As a result, the heating element quickly burns out.
High-quality washing powders add softener and other components that provide gentle care for the machine. A Calgon experienced craftsmen It is not recommended to use it. You can clean the washing machine from scale using more affordable and effective methods.
Soda
You can descale your washing machine with baking soda. This product will also help remove mold. Soda and water must be mixed in equal quantities. Ready mixture it is necessary to treat the internal surfaces of the drum, including the rubber seal on the door, because this is where a lot of mold accumulates.
Soda can be used in another way. The product must be poured into the powder container and run a long wash cycle with hot water. If the dirt turns out to be very persistent, you can combine cleaning methods, for example, using vinegar and soda.
Cleaning the filter
It is important to know not only how to clean the washing machine drum from scale, but also how to treat the filter. To avoid breakdowns, work must be done regularly. Before the procedure, you need to place a rag under the equipment so as not to clean it up dirty water. You will also need a container where you can remove water using a drain hose, which should be lowered into it. The filter is located in a special hatch at the bottom of the machine. The procedure is performed as follows:
- You need to open the hatch.
- The filter must be removed after the water has drained. This is done by turning counterclockwise.
- It is necessary to remove existing dirt, fluff, and hair. The filter is then installed in place.
- The filter base also needs to be cleaned.
Other folk remedies
Other means can be used:
- White must be added to citric acid. You need to run a long wash cycle at 90 degrees. With this method, room ventilation is recommended. You should also ventilate the remaining rooms. Chlorine vapors affect human mucous membranes.
- Chlorine-containing products help get rid of mold spores. You will need 100 ml of liquid, which must be poured into the drum and run a wash cycle at a temperature of 90 degrees. The procedure requires half an hour of washing.
- Cleaning is carried out with copper sulfate. You will need 50 g of the product, which must be filled with water (100 ml). The solution should be mixed and poured into the drum. You need to start the wash at 90 degrees.
All cleaning is done without laundry. These are the main methods regarding the question of how to descale a washing machine. Each of them allows you to save equipment by extending its service life.
Choosing washing powder
You need to choose high-quality powder for your washing machine. Each product contains surfactants - surface-active components that combine with fats and other contaminants, and also wash them out of clothes. This is the main substance that ensures washing of things. The rest consists of additives, dyes, flavors, fragrances, bleaches, anti-scale additives, and defoamers. The exception is children's powders, where there are less surfactants.
It is recommended to choose powders according to the type of clothing that is to be washed. For example, you should not purchase standard products for a down jacket. Usually, more expensive powders wash better, although their composition is not too different from cheaper ones.
Pollution prevention
Cleanliness of equipment is the key to the fact that it will work for a long time. You should not leave things inside for a long time. This can lead to the formation of fungus and mold, and the operation of the machine also deteriorates. Therefore, laundry should be hung or placed in a certain container.
It is important to ventilate the machine - this will remove excess moisture from it. Wet stains inside the equipment are wiped with a dry cloth. The machine must be cleaned every six months. Prevention doesn't hurt. It is advisable to carry it out every 2 months. To do this, you can use the above methods.
Each machine has a filter that becomes dirty after washing. It should be cleaned regularly. Scale crystallizes when water heats up to 75 degrees. If the temperature is up to 70 degrees, then the tank and heating element will be clean.
A washing machine is like any other Appliances, requires careful care. Regular descaling significantly extends the life of the equipment.
Almost everyone has a washing machine today. Many owners have heard about scale that forms when various reasons, and that this phenomenon causes harm. But in order to extend the life of your assistant, you need to know for sure about preventive measures and methods for removing plaque. Let's take a closer look at how to descale a washing machine.
What is scale?
Limescale in a washing machine reduces the operating parameters of the mechanism and leads to large waste
Scale is nothing more than solid deposits that form on the inner walls of heat exchangers, steam boilers, heating elements in washing machines and other units where water containing salts is heated. In other words, it is an insoluble precipitate that falls after a liquid evaporates.
There is only one reason for the appearance of scale. It is formed due to the fact that the water contains a high concentration of salts (magnesium, calcium), as well as various impurities such as rust, etc. The more such components in the water, the stronger its hardness.
In the process of heating water, salts are broken down into carbon dioxide and insoluble sediment, which is deposited on the walls of the heating elements. As a result, scale appears. Its appearance cannot be ignored, since even the thinnest layer of plaque interferes with heating. The reason for this is the low thermal conductivity of the metal. As a result, the washing machine will take more time to heat the water to the specified temperature, and accordingly, energy consumption will increase. Scale also provokes the appearance of pitting corrosion.
Remedies
Housewives have a lot of products in their arsenal to remove scale from their washing machines.
The place where scale forms in the washing machine is the heating element. This is a typical tubular heater that is responsible for heating the water in the device’s tank to the required operating temperature. In addition to large waste of electricity, scale is also dangerous because it harms the heating element itself, reducing its service life.
Important! The higher the washing temperature, the greater the amount of scale that forms on the heating element.
Undoubtedly, the prospect of washing in cold water doesn’t appeal to anyone, because we don’t buy a car to have it stand as a trophy. It is necessary to learn how to properly deal with scale, especially since they are known effective methods to eliminate it.
Ready options
Ready-made anti-scale products are very effective, but require additional waste
First, let's look at ways to clean a washing machine using special products. This group of solutions is called “antiscale”. As a rule, the composition contains an acid that acts on the deposit crust and removes it. You just need to pour the product into the washing powder compartment, turn on the “wash without laundry” mode and wait for the result. Usually, one time is enough for the chemical reaction that occurs when heating water to rid all elements of the device of scale.
The anti-scale cleaning method is simple and accessible, but it has its drawbacks. For example, if you overdo it and pour in a lot of powder, you risk damaging the rubber parts of the mechanism. Such seals will begin to leak. It is also undesirable to breathe in harmful fumes released during the cleaning process of the washing machine.
The most popular descaling products include:
- Sano Anti Kalk - serves to remove limescale, is made on the basis of food acid.
- Topperr is an express cleaner that can remove traces of scale in 1 wash cycle.
- Top House is a reliable detergent for removing plaque, suitable for both washing machines and dishwashers.
Important! Do not confuse anti-scale with a special water softener, which is added with laundry when washing.
People's secrets
Limescale in a washing machine can be removed using simple and cheap means.
Cleaning a washing machine from scale is an important process that requires strict adherence to the rules and procedures. The slightest overdosage of caustic substances - and you risk damaging other elements of the mechanism, which are no less important than the heating element. Let's look at home methods to combat scale in more detail.
White vinegar
So, the first way to help get rid of unwanted sediment is to use white vinegar. Step-by-step instruction looks like that:
- Pour 2 cups into the washing powder compartment table vinegar.
- Add hot water and run the wash without laundry (set to the longest cycle).
- After 5 minutes, pause for 1 hour. This is necessary so that the vinegar water gets into all corners of the tank. This technique will allow you to clean not only the heating element, but also the machine drum itself.
- After the specified time has elapsed, continue the washing program to the end.
- Next, you will need to clean up the remaining solution. To do this, add water and run a short “No laundry” cycle.
- When the machine stops, open the hatch and wipe the door and the inside of the drum with a weak vinegar solution.
Important! When processing this way, pay Special attention seals.
Pure citric acid
The easiest way to remove scale is to use pure citric acid. To do this you will need to do the following:
- Add 100 g of acid to the washing powder container.
- Select the “No laundry” wash mode.
- Set the temperature from 60°C to 80°C and run for a full cycle.
The frequency of this procedure depends on the frequency of operation of the machine. If you do regular washing, then try to descale once a quarter. Otherwise, it is enough to carry out such an operation once every six months.
You can remove scale using citric acid and soda as follows:
- pour 3 tsp into the washing powder compartment. table soda and 150 g of citric acid;
- Set the washing mode to the maximum heating temperature and start it.
At the end of the program, wipe the inside of the drum and hatch with a dry cloth.
Video: instructions for cleaning the machine with lemon
Acid with bleach
You can remove scale from your washing machine using bleach and citric acid in the following way:
- Pour 200 g of citric acid into a container for washing powder.
- Pour 200 ml of bleach directly into the drum of the device.
- Set the washing mode to “Cotton” and run for a full cycle.
This method effectively removes limescale not only on the heating element, but also in the drum itself, but it is not recommended to use it more than once every 3 months. Otherwise, you risk damaging the rubber seals.
Important! After cleaning with bleach, it is necessary to ventilate the room well.
Also keep in mind that using citric acid in large volumes can damage some parts of the mechanism. Therefore, observe the measure without going beyond the indicators listed above.
It is not advisable to turn on the washing machine in a mode whose operating temperature exceeds 90°C. This increases the risk of negative impact on the rubber and plastic elements inside the device.
Prevention
Just a few simple rules of prevention and your washing machine will last a long time.
It is always easier to prevent scale from forming in a washing machine than to deal with its manifestations. Among the important preventive measures it is worth highlighting the following:
- Use a water softener when washing. It neutralizes hardness salts, preventing the formation of sediment.
- Install a mechanical cleaning filter that has replaceable cartridge. Such sedimentary filter elements remove microparticles of rust, sand and other impurities from water. As a result, the equipment will last much longer.
- Crystallization of the precipitate occurs when operating temperature above 75°C. In other words, if you use washing modes up to 70°C, then the heating element and tank will remain clean. Therefore, try to wash lightly soiled items in this delicate mode.
- Ordinary vinegar can be considered a natural water softener. Therefore, with each wash, in addition to powder and rinse aid, add 9% acid to the maximum mark of 60 ml. In this case, set a short cycle with a temperature of 60°C. Regular use of this method will avoid plaque buildup, and the laundry will be soft to the touch. There is no need to worry about the smell - the sharp aroma of vinegar perfectly neutralizes regular mouthwash.
Important! Another stated effective means Anti-scale is considered Calgon. Marketers claim that this substance is a panacea that even gets rid of old plaque. However, this statement is controversial. Calgon contains components such as sodium carbonate Na2CO3 and sodium triphosphate Na5P3O10. Despite the fact that the cost of a standard package is three times more expensive than the price of all components, this substance is a common water softener.
At the same time, opponents of use argue that the powder not only will not help protect the heating element from scale, but will only make it worse. The reason lies in the fact that with constant use of a softener, the surface of the water heater becomes hard, resembling a cemented tube. This layer is much harder than scale, which is almost impossible to get rid of. As a result, the heating element burns out much faster.
Basic helpers in preventing scale
An equally effective softener that protects the car from the harmful effects of limescale
Reliable anti-scale water softener
Provides effective prevention the appearance of scale at a relatively low cost
Do I need to clean the machine filter and how to do it?
A dirty drain filter often causes the washing machine to stop working.
Few housewives know about the drain pump outlet filter, which is found in every washing machine. However, its clogging is not uncommon. Based on all the “symptoms” of a non-working device, it can be assumed that the problem is a heating element burnt out due to scale. Fearing for the worst, we immediately call a specialist, who does not always admit the real reason“breakdowns”. Therefore, it is important to know how to clean the exhaust filter.
The filter element is located on the front side of the device body, at the very bottom. It is hidden by a square lid. When you find an element, you need to do the following:
- Open the lid. You will see a plug that seals the drain pump hose.
- Place a basin or bowl as a lot of water may spill out. a large number of water.
- When you pull out the plug, you will immediately discover the cause of the blockage - hair, coins, buttons, seed shells and other debris that gets into the filter after each wash.
- Remove accumulated dirt.
- Take a dry cloth and wipe the filter.
Thus, the washing machine will work as before, without the help of a technician. If possible, carry out this procedure after each wash, or at least monthly.
As you can see, descaling a washing machine is a very painstaking and responsible process that affects the performance of the device. Improper or lack of maintenance of equipment can lead to unit breakdown and significant financial waste. Therefore, do not neglect preventive measures and cleaning of the washing machine in order to extend its service life and ease your household chores.
The service life of a washing machine is about 10 years, but this time is significantly reduced due to negative factors, including improper operation and the formation of scale on parts. It’s easy to read the instructions for the equipment, but how to descale your machine at home? Let's talk about known methods combating harmful plaque.
Scale and the reasons for its appearance
Scale is a hard deposit that forms on the walls and parts of water heating vessels (steam boilers, kettles, titaniums). Plaque on the heating element (tubular heater) of the washing machine, as well as on the walls of the drum, is one of the most striking examples of scale formation. Such contaminants appear due to the high concentration of magnesium and calcium salts in tap water, which, when heated, settle on machine parts in the form of a solid sediment.
It is not easy to see the scale, since the heating element itself is hidden behind the drum. But there are several factors that should convince the housewife - it’s time to buy a descaling agent for washing machines, or use proven ones traditional methods. When should you not delay cleaning?
- tap water is too hard;
- The device is often washed at high heating temperatures;
- the housewife uses a lot of chemical laundry detergents containing a large amount of harmful impurities;
- The machine has been in use for a long time, but the drum and heating element have never been cleaned.
The fact that the device is often used in the “intensive washing” mode should not at all become a reason for reproach for the owner. After all, a washing machine should not sit idle. But like any equipment, the machine requires maintenance. 
Why is it important to fight scale?
Is periodic cleaning really necessary? washing equipment – necessary event? The fact is that most of the pollution is hidden from view, but the consequences of their accumulation will not take long to appear:
- dirt and scale harm the heater, reducing its efficiency and also contributing to rapid wear of parts;
- the water in the machine does not heat up well;
- electricity consumption increases;
- laundry does not become cleaner when washed and acquires an unpleasant odor;
- Particles of scale, dirt and rust clog the drain pump filter, as a result of which water does not drain from the machine
- equipment stops working, requiring parts to be replaced.
All people are trying to make their life easier by purchasing the most suitable devices for this. Almost every family has an automatic washing machine. And in a large family with many children one cannot do without it.
When purchasing such an au pair, not every housewife thinks about how to properly descale a washing machine and when it needs to be done.
Causes of scale in the washing machine
Scale forms on the heating element and causes significant damage to the mechanism for heating water.
Scale formation occurs due to poor quality water. If the water is very hard, it contains a large amount of salts and impurities, which, when heated, settle on the electric heater, forming a hard crust.
If the powder used contains chemical impurities, this also contributes to the formation of scale. The heater, when covered with scale, takes much longer to heat the water and consumes more energy.
When is it necessary to clean the machine?
You can find out about the need to clean the washing machine heating element yourself.
The heating element is located under the drum itself or slightly to the side of it. You can examine the heating element using a flashlight; point it at the drum and try to see the water heating element.
To make the light fall evenly, you can shake the drum of the machine a little. If there is scale on the electric heaters, then they need to be cleaned.
You can also find out about the need to clean the unit by the following signs:
- If after washing, things smell unpleasant, then you need to clean the washing machine.
- When the unit starts washing or moving very loudly, this means that cleansing is very urgently necessary. If this is not done soon, it is possible that the unit will fail.
- If after washing white items they appear gray or yellow, then it’s time to clean the heating element.
- The machine began to wash things very poorly, no matter how much detergent was poured into the compartment.
You can check the machine for damage; if it does not heat the water, it means it is out of order. To find out whether it heats the water or not, you need to put your hand on the glass while washing. There is a possibility that the electric heating device can still be cleaned.
Stories from our readers!
“My sister gave me this cleaning product when she found out that I was going to clean the barbecue and wrought-iron gazebo at the dacha. I was delighted! I did not expect such an effect. I ordered the same for myself.
At home I cleaned the oven, microwave, refrigerator, ceramic tiles. The product allows you to get rid of even wine stains on carpets and upholstered furniture. I advise."
Citric acid is widely used to remove scale not only in washing machines, but also in other heating appliances.. The formed scale is subject to decomposition under the influence of citric acid.
Even if the concentration of lemon juice is weak, the reaction and destruction of salts will still occur.
Citric acid, most available method cleaning the washing machine, if you follow the recommendations for use, it will not cause any harm to the health of the body. Compared to special anti-scale preparations, the acid is completely washed off from clothes and its cost is tens of times less than that of special products.
Cleaning rules
There is no need to be dismissive of the scale that appears on the heating element; if it is not visible, this does not mean that it is not there.
Every housewife should know how to properly clean an automatic washing machine with citric acid. Proper cleaning and regular preventive measures, will help prevent breakdowns and save money on replacing heating elements and workshop services.
Cleaning the machine using citric acid is done as follows:
- To clean a machine with a standard load you will need about 100 grams. crystalline citric acid. To clean the heating element, you should not use lemon juice; it contains much less acid, and it will not be able to break down the existing scale.
- The lemon juice must be poured into the compartment intended for powder and the machine must be turned on for the longest washing cycle, always with spinning and rinsing.
- Set the temperature intended for long-term operation if the machine has not been cleaned for a long time, then 90 0, for prevention 60 0 is suitable and turn on the device.
- Once the wash is finished, the washing machine drum should be thoroughly cleaned , and rubber bands from scale particles. It is also advisable to wipe the cuff with a cloth to completely remove scale.
During washing, various sounds, crackling, clicking noises can be heard, this means that the scale is splitting and falling into the drain. After a long wash, you can additionally turn it on to the fast mode, and you don’t need to add anything to the powder compartment.
To obtain the greatest effect from the use of citric acid, you can add about 200 grams to the drum of the unit. bleach.
While washing is in progress, you need to thoroughly ventilate the room; there will be a strong smell of bleach. When bleach interacts with salts, it will turn into steam, which is quite harmful to the human body.
Chlorine cleans the machine very effectively; after using it, the machine will be like new, and the washed items will not be covered with small pieces of dirt.
Precautionary measures
During cleaning, there should be no items in the unit. To remove scale, you do not need to pour in more citric acid than the recommended volume, this can lead to damage to the cuff, it will become hard and lose elasticity.
After cleaning, be sure to clean the drain filter from any deposited scale and rinse the powder compartment from any remaining acid.
Other ways to get rid of scale
In addition to citric acid, there are other methods for descaling your machine.
- You can try cleaning the unit with a special product called Antiscale.
The product contains acids that dissolve scale crusts. Antiscale must be poured into the unit and the machine must be turned on, the main thing is that there is no laundry in it.
The efficiency of use is quite high; after heating, a reaction begins to occur and the scale breaks down.
Before use, you should read the instructions for use.
If you overdo this product when cleaning, then all the rubber elements of the unit may become unusable and the machine will begin to leak.
The drug is not expensive, it gives good result, and it is not difficult to apply.
- You can descale your washing machine with vinegar; this is another most effective and inexpensive way. Many experts believe that this method gives the best results.
To clean, you will need to pour two glasses into the washing machine. acetic acid. It is necessary to turn on the unit for the longest wash in hot water. There should be no laundry in the machine.
After about five minutes of washing, you need to stop the machine for 60 minutes. This is necessary so that the product penetrates into all dirty and dirty places in the machine.
After an hour of waiting, you can start the wash again and wait for it to finish. To rinse the machine from the remaining scale, you will need to put it on the wash cycle again, but this time on the fastest mode.
At the end of the process, you need to moisten a rag or napkin with a weak solution of acetic acid and thoroughly wipe the cuffs and glass of the unit. After cleaning, it is recommended to remove the filter and clean it of any remaining scale.
- Baking soda is great for cleaning the washing machine not only from scale, but also from mold.
Baking soda is poured into the washing powder compartment and the longest mode is started at high temperature. Mix soda with water in equal proportions and wipe with inside the resulting composition throughout the drum and on the door.
In case of severe contamination, a mixture of table vinegar and baking soda will help perfectly.
- A large number of people use Coca-Cola to descale their teeth. It removes scale and rust; it is used not only for cleaning a washing machine, but also for radiators, pipes, and faucets.
A washing machine will require about 5 liters of drink. Coca-Cola must be poured into the drum and turned on to the “pre-wash” mode. If you plan to remove the heating element, you can also clean it with this soda.
- If you constantly smell an unpleasant odor from the machine, you can add a little bleaching agent to the drum and turn it on to the washing mode at high temperature, but only without laundry.
The filter must also be cleaned; to do this, you need to open the filter, remove all existing contaminants and ventilate it. The filter should be cleaned at least once every 90 days.
After washing with bleach, you need to take a cloth or napkin and thoroughly wipe the entire drum and cuff using dishwashing liquid.
- You can also take about 50–60 grams copper sulfate and pour 100 gr. lukewarm water.
The mixture must be thoroughly mixed and poured into the drum. The machine is started in fast mode, but at high temperature.
- There is a way mechanical cleaning, which can be used if you know how the machine works. In this case, you need to disassemble the washing machine and remove the heating element from there and assemble the unit.
You only need to disassemble a washing machine if you have certain skills in this matter. Before disassembling the unit, it must be unplugged from the outlet and the hoses removed so that they are not damaged.
Then the heating element is unscrewed and the scale is very carefully removed. If something is done incorrectly, it is possible that the machine, heating element or hoses will be damaged. It is for this reason that you do not need to disassemble the machine if you do not have certain skills.
Recommendations for operating the machine - how to avoid the appearance of scale?
To prevent scale from appearing in the washing machine, you can try to soften the hardness of the water by using special magnetic filters. They are installed on the water supply or on the water filling system of the washing machine.
This device effectively purifies water from impurities and salts that cause scale to form. The disadvantage of this device is its high price, but it will serve for quite a long period of time.
Also widely used are a variety of chemicals which protect the unit from scale formation. You can use special washing powders to soften the water and prevent plaque from appearing on the heating element of the machine.
In addition to adding special products during washing, you need to operate the washing machine correctly.
To maintain the normal condition of the unit, you must follow the recommendations:
- In most cases, scale formation occurs when the water is very hot., it is for this reason that it is advisable to wash at 60 degrees. Washing modes at high temperatures should only be used when absolutely necessary.
- If you plan to leave for a long time and the unit will not be used, then it must be thoroughly wiped with a dry cloth or napkin. After a long break, before using the machine, you must first perform one of the types of cleaning.
- When using special conditioners or powders when washing clothes items that foam a lot, you should definitely put things through an additional rinse. Such laundry preparations are difficult to rinse and settle on parts of the unit, causing scale to form.
- If used for cleaning lemon acid, then this must be done regularly, at least once every 60 days.
Getting rid of scale is very simple, the main thing is to use the chosen method correctly. In any case, to avoid problems, it is better to keep the machine in good condition and follow preventive measures.