How to descale a washing machine with citric acid?

In order for the washing machine to serve flawlessly, it should be looked after and the equipment should be cleaned. In practice, there are various options for leaving, but many housewives choose traditional methods. If you are looking for information on how to descale a washing machine with citric acid, this article will help you find the answer to your question.

Before cleaning the washing machine, make sure that these steps are required. You should also understand which part in the equipment should be cleaned. If you inspect the insides of a machine that has been running for a long time without cleaning, you may notice a dirty coating on the parts. As a rule, it has a hard structure, so you cannot remove it with a simple cloth.

The main reason for the accumulation of scale lies in the large amount of calcined salt and magnesium, which dissolve in water and settle in the form of scale on the heating element. Rust and dirt deposits also have a direct influence on the appearance of plaque.

Washing machines can accumulate dirt, mold and scale in several places:

• mold fungi tend to accumulate in the cuffs. Such a union leads to the formation of unpleasant aromas;
• limescale forms on the heating elements;
• powders, fabric softeners and other additives accumulate in the interior of the machine;
• dirt, small objects often remain in the pump filter;
• elements of rust, sand, usually remain in the area of ​​the inlet hose.

Due to such accumulations, after a while you will be able to find out that your clothes after washing are not as clean, unlike previous washings. To prevent this, washing equipment should be cleaned of deposits and dirt once every three months. In the event that pets live with you, or you wear wool clothing, such cleaning will be required more often.

Scale contributes to the deterioration of the thermal conductivity of the metal. This leads to the fact that the machine spends much more time heating the water, increasing the consumption of electricity... When water heats up, the salts in it react, breaking down into two elements - carbon dioxide and an insoluble sediment, which we call scale.

Plaque settles on the walls of the tank and heating elements of the washing equipment. Dirt will wear down the intake valve, making it unusable later on. Craftsmen who repair washing machines report that a lot of debris gets into the machine after the water supply is repaired and the water supply is cut off.

You have the opportunity at home to find out if there is scale on the heating element of your device.

This method has the disadvantage that it is difficult to select the swing speed of the drum in order to uniformly illuminate the heating element.

To clean the washing machine from scale, you need to clean the heating element itself, which is responsible for heating the water. If you neglect the procedure, the heating element will soon need to be replaced. Running programs at high temperatures increases the chances of plaque build-up. Cleaning of equipment can be done using products that are sold in stores, or you can turn to folk methods.

A special tool has become widespread, which is called "Anti-scale". The product contains an acid that helps dissolve deposits. To use this method, you need to turn on a special mode on your washing machine - “wash without laundry”.

Experts recommend choosing a mode in which the wash lasts no more than one hour. The agent is poured into the detergent compartment.

Before using this method, investigate the possible consequences. Before pouring the product into the machine, read the instructions, as an excess of powder can "eat" the rubber components. It is also worth considering the fact that acid fumes are quite harmful if inhaled. Despite these inconveniences, the tool has a low price and simple application.

If you decide to turn to a similar method, do not confuse "Anti-scale" with special softeners that are added to the water with every wash. These products do not help in descaling.

The essence of the action of the powder is similar to the work of citric acid, only it has a slightly higher cost. Also, the difference is that the substance was developed specifically for cleaning contamination from heating elements.

Many housewives do not want to resort to purchased products and trust the issue of cleaning products that are in every home. These methods are considered proven and reliable. Using homemade products that are always at hand will allow you to quickly and painlessly descale the heating element.

In second place after lemon is table vinegar and baking soda. These substances are used to eliminate many "accidents" in the house, including for cleaning the heating element from scale. It is important to study in detail the instructions for using each of the products so as not to harm the machine.

In order to quickly return the typewriter to its proper appearance at home, you can use several methods. Study the instructions in detail to extend the life of the heating element.

How to descale with citric acid:

• this method is similar to using purchased funds. You will need to run the automatic machine in "idle" mode. No laundry is required for such a program;
• put 2-3 tablespoons of citric acid in the detergent compartment;
• choose the program with the highest temperature setting and the longest wash cycle. Typically, the highest temperature is 95 degrees;
• if you want to enhance the effect of the procedure, turn on an additional rinse. Such a solution will help to clean the parts of small particles, which in the future may become a source of an unpleasant odor;
• the procedure is recommended to be repeated every six months. Citric acid is guaranteed to remove scale from the surface of the heating element, thereby reducing your energy costs and extending the life of the parts themselves;
• keep in mind that the use of a large amount of citric acid will lead to damage to the rubber bands and the need for further repairs;
• after waiting a couple of hours, you can get rid of the problem that has arisen. This procedure is simple and practically free and returns the heating element to its original, shiny state.

How to clean your clipper with vinegar:

• prepare two glasses of table vinegar;
• pour the substance into the washing machine and add hot water;
• wash should be done in "idle" mode. The use of powder and linen is unacceptable;
• choose the longest wash cycle;
• pause the equipment five minutes after the start of the program;
• after one hour, you can continue the procedure. This method helps the cleaning solution to penetrate better into all parts of the tank;
• to remove the remaining vinegar from the equipment, repeat the washing procedure in the shortest cycle;
• using a cloth soaked in a weak vinegar solution, wipe the inside of the door. Pay special attention to the seals;
• according to experts, this method has the highest results.

Descaling with baking soda and vinegar:

• take 1 cup 9% table vinegar, a quarter cup of table soda, and a quarter cup of water. You will also need a hard sponge;
• stir baking soda with water and pour the mixture into the powder compartment;
• pour vinegar into the drum;
• run idle with longest cycle and highest temperature.

All parts of the washing machine must be cleaned, including the sealing gum.

Sealing elastic loves to collect particles of dirt, mold, and also the remnants of some things from pockets of clothes. It is for this reason that it is recommended to periodically clean this part.

How to clean the cuff:

• buy any cleaning product. You can use baking soda or Pemolux and other substances. For neglected options that are accompanied by unpleasant aromas, a stronger remedy will be required.These include "Domestos", "Comet". It is prohibited to use substances containing chlorine in their composition, as they can spoil the gum itself;
• using a sponge or rag lubricated with the chosen agent, clean the hatch body. First you need to pull out the cuff;
• the sealing gum itself is also cleaned in a similar way;
• remember that most of the dirt accumulates at the bottom of the hatch. Despite this, the entire circumference should be cleaned;
• do not pull on the elastic band so as not to damage it;
• at the end of the procedure, wipe the rubber with a damp cloth.

To prevent limescale build-up, your washing machine needs proper care and preventive measures. There are physical or chemical methods that can help extend the life of the heating elements.

You will need to purchase a special magnetic device that fits over the water supply hose.

This method implies the use of commercial products for each wash, which actively advertise different brands. However, you run the risk that the descaling will damage delicate fabrics. In addition to this risk, supplements should always be used and their cost is quite high.

You should also observe the following rules:

• use only the required amount of powder and rinse aid. This will help you prevent surplus from settling inside the equipment;
• Check your pockets before washing. Otherwise, small things left behind can clog the drain filter;
• take things out of the machine immediately after washing;
• do not leave dirty things in the drum for a long time;
• leave the door open to avoid mold.

You can learn how to properly clean a washing machine with citric acid in the following video.