Washing soda

davholla

Can this be used instead of calgon to protect your washing machine ?

Magentasue

I hope so - it's what I've been using!

I did do some research but found it hard to get conclusive advice.

Quasar

Washing soda softens the water, so it would prevent calcium deposits.

penny_less

My washing machine repair man told me to use a heaped tablespoon of soda crystals to prevent limescale, told me calgon is a waste of money. Have used it ever since and it works well. he also said it means you can use less detergent- i now use 1 ecover tablet per wash,works fine.

Magentasue

I use half and half washing powder and soda crystals. This month, I bought vanish on offer in Tesco and have added a little of that to my last couple of washes. I THINK it is better but really not sure - I've never used any of these stain removers - surely they're in the washing powder already? - but have been swayed by the number of people who swear by the stuff.

I'm not sure how I could tell if the soda is working? We used to live in a really soft water area and have moved to somewhere at the other end of the scale so have only just started bothering.