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Cleaning a washing machine

MimiJane
MimiJane Posts: 7,989 Forumite
Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts I've been Money Tipped!
in Old style MoneySaving
I'm sure I've read on this board that vinegar can be used as a descaler for washing machines by running it through one cycle (a bit less expensive than Calgon ::)).

Can someone help me with a couple of queries about this :

Is it white or brown vinegar that should be used?
How much is it necessary to put in the machine?

Thanks. :)
Wins since 2009 = £17,600

MANY THANKS TO ALL OPS
«134567…18

Comments

  • jaybee
    jaybee Posts: 1,586 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    I use White Vinegar - about a cupfull.
  • MimiJane
    MimiJane Posts: 7,989 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts I've been Money Tipped!
    Thanks jaybee.

    ;D
    Wins since 2009 = £17,600

    MANY THANKS TO ALL OPS
  • Caterina
    Caterina Posts: 5,919 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker I've been Money Tipped!
    Doesn't the large amount of water wash away the vinegar before it can take effect?

    I presume you put it on a wash cycle, no?

    Caterina
    Finally I'm an OAP and can travel free (in London at least!).
  • rach
    rach Posts: 5,476 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    does it need to be a very hot wash? and where do you put it in the machine? my machine could do with a good clean out...poss cos it only usually gets run at 40o. tried using soda crystals on a hot wash the other day but didn;t really seem to work....eg the drawer etc still looks really scummy... ???
    Mum to gorgeous baby boy born Sept 2010:j
  • Chris25
    Chris25 Posts: 12,918 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic I've been Money Tipped!
    I've started using a fabric-softener capful of white vinegar (after seeing a post here somewhere) to each wash load. I use it instead of the fabric softener. The clothes don't come up luxuriously soft but they're fine and they don't smell of vinegar - no-one's complained yet :).
    I've just thought - I wonder if I should be doing the same to the dishwasher ???

    Rach, can't you take out your dispenser drawer?
  • Lillibet_2
    Lillibet_2 Posts: 3,364 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    I too use a capful of white vinegar in each & every wash instead of fabric softner. Can't say it honestly softens the laundry too much but it kills germs & bacteria (good for pet bedding, sheets & towels etc), it removes sweat stains & smells (Good for hubby's work clothes) & it keeps the washing machine limescale free. Oh, and I only ever do a cold wash!
    Post Natal Depression is the worst part of giving birth:p

    In England we have Mothering Sunday & Father Christmas, Mothers day & Santa Clause are American merchandising tricks:mad: Demonstrate pride in your heirtage by getting it right please people!
  • 16011996
    16011996 Posts: 8,313 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    one cupful, white vinegar, about once every 6 weeks is what i do. had to have engineer out the other week, and he was amazed at how little limescale was in it, for such an old machine. ;D
  • rach
    rach Posts: 5,476 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    where do you put it 160?
    Mum to gorgeous baby boy born Sept 2010:j
  • MimiJane
    MimiJane Posts: 7,989 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts I've been Money Tipped!
    Wouldn't have thought it matters ... it'll end up in the drum whatever. Personally, I'd put it directly into the drum.
    Wins since 2009 = £17,600

    MANY THANKS TO ALL OPS
  • 16011996
    16011996 Posts: 8,313 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    where do you put it 160?


    half in the soap bit of the drawer, half in the fabric bit, so it sort of gets done twice in a wash.
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