Limescale deposits are unsightly in the bathroom, but they can cause real damage in the laundry room. The washing machine in particular reacts very sensitively to hard water. Anyone who notices that washing performance is limited and the electricity bill is higher than usual should act quickly. We explain how you can descale the washing machine using home remedies and what you should take into account.
Descale the washing machine: Why can limescale increase your electricity bill?
Limescale is a problem for the washing machine. The deposits on the heating elements prevent it from working smoothly and effectively. The device uses more energy to heat the water. You will feel the consequences with your next electricity bill.
There is also the problem that a gentle wash cycle at 40 degrees Celsius can no longer clean the laundry. So you have to increase the consumption of detergent in order to get the laundry free of dirtto remove stains.
Limescale deposits are also very stubborn and cannot be easily washed off with a monthly wash cycle at 60 degrees. They accumulate and can cause damage.
To avoid this, you should descale the washing machine regularly. This is the only way to increase the performance of the device and reduce monthly costs for “doing laundry”.
How do I properly descale my washing machine?
Check water hardness in the region.So that you can properly descale your washing machine, you should first find out about the water hardness in your region. Check with the local authorities.
How often do you need to descale?If the water hardness is in the medium range, it is sufficient to descale the washing machine every 2 - 3 months. If it is in the upper range, then you should clean the device monthly and remove limescale. If you have soft water, it is sufficient to descale it once a year or every 8 months.
The temperature when washing:The temperature also plays an important role when washing. Basically, if you fully load the washing machine and start the wash cycles at 30°, less limescale will accumulate.
Invest in anti-limescale filters:In regions with hard water, it may also be worth investing in an anti-limescale filter or magnetic water descaler. The two are mounted in a similar way directly to the water connection to the washing machine. They filter the water that goes into the washing machine.
Descale the washing machine with home remedies: which ones really work, which ones can cause damage?
Citric acid, vinegar, dishwasher tabs and even denture cleaners are considered true miracle cures for limescale. However, the experts warn against their use: If they are not dosed correctly, these home remedies can cause harm. Even more so: acidic home remedies such as vinegar and citric acid can also attack the rubber seals and make them brittle.
It is also important to firstThoroughly clean the washing machine. Remove mold and wipe rubber seals.
Only use acidic home remedies diluted with water and only if the manufacturer allows it.
Descale the washing machine: How to use citric acid correctly
When it comes to descaling your washing machine, citric acid is probably the best-known home remedy. We explain how to deal with it.
- It is often recommended to add the home remedy in powder form directly into the drum. However, it is much better if you first dissolve 1 tablespoon of citric acid in about 250 ml of cold water and then shake the solution into the detergent compartment of the washing machine.
- Start an empty wash cycle (without laundry, without detergent) at a maximum of 20 degrees Celsius, wait half an hour and press the pause button.
- Let the home remedy work for 15 to 20 minutes and then continue the washing program.
- Two additional rinses should be enough to completely rinse off the household remedy. Then leave the door open to allow the water inside to evaporate.
NB:Citric acid must not be heated because it will then break down into an insoluble chemical substance. This substance builds up on seals and heating elements and can damage or at least discolor them. So only dissolve the citric acid in cold water and start a wash cycle at a maximum of 20 degrees Celsius.
Descale the washing machine with vinegar or vinegar essence: what's the difference?
You can also use vinegar or vinegar essence to remove limescale deposits in the washing machine. The two have similar effects, the difference is mainly due to the typical smell. Vinegar smells much stronger than vinegar essence.
Regardless of whether you want to use vinegar or vinegar essence, you should definitely dilute the home remedy with water.
Use only white table vinegar (white wine or apple cider vinegar work well). First fill a bottle with 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar, then 800 ml of water. Add 10 drops of fragrance oil of your choice (for example, tea tree oil or lavender oil are suitable) into the solution. Gently shake the bottle into the washing machine's detergent compartment. Then start an empty wash cycle at a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius and then two empty rinse cycles. Leave the door open overnight.
NB: Vinegar can attack and damage the seals and metal parts in the washing machine. To be on the safe side, you should never pause the washing cycle and let the household remedy take effect.
Do dishwasher tablets and denture cleaners really help against limescale?
Dishwasher tabs and denture cleaners are actually just as effective as vinegar against limescale, but are gentler on the washing machine. Even more: they can also remove dirt and odors. Another important difference to vinegar and citric acid: the dishwasher tablets can develop their effect in hot water. Therefore give one tab or 2 tbspPut the denture cleaner in the detergent compartmentand start an empty wash cycle at 60 degrees Celsius. You can then use the washing machine as usual.
