DON'T use Calgon!

kwatt

It is true folks, if you use the detergent correctly there's no need for Calgon or any other additive/stain remover. The problem is that you try to save money in the wrong way and end up paying more by buying stuff you didnt' need in the first place. It's all a bit of a con really.


Calgon is totally unnecessary really as is vinegar which is about as much use as a chocolate firegaurd in real world application as mentioned. Extremely weak acidic additive in solution, yeah that's gonna work wonders...

Seriously, the best thing you can possibly do is use the detergent correctly.

K.

kwatt

Dealmad wrote: »

I use Ecover washing tablets and wondered if these tablets would contain water softners?

Hi Dealmad,

What you refer to is a component in the detergent called "builders" that attach to calcium particles in the wash and neutralise it. Yes, Ecover does contain some to my knowledge although Ecover aren't' exactly forthcoming with information it has to be said. How effective they are in Ecover I have only cursory information on, but Ecover isn't exactly a great performer.

If you underdose other components in the detergent will try to attack the calcium in the water instead of the staining on your clothes and the result will be poor performance. Then you spend a small fortune on a variety of stain removers, Calgon and so on in an effort to correct a problem that doesn't really exist, it's simple user error.

HTH

K.

computerwoman

I turn everything off on a night to elliminate my carbon footprint...then it starts again when I start putting thing's back on in the morning...if we all did this it might save some energy and the climate but sadly not many people do ...do this...turn off at night...1 applicance costs £30 a year to run on standby...why?......turn it off...what's the point of standby...before you go to bed go round turning things off...be safe...not sorry...:D

skim

mattt44 wrote: »

Interesting, that goes against the ideas being put about on the Old Time threads about using less powder.
Using vinegar is supposed to cut down on scale build up. But if thats a bit with every wash, or one load every few weeks, I'm not sure.
Also some people use soda crystals with their powder as well, I wonder how that affects it?

Whats the water softeners in powders, I'm guessing salt of some kind and do the cheap powders have as much in them as the more expensive ones?
Mmmm

How does salt soften water???

The wash powders will have EDTA in them which soften the water.

roddydogs

Dont use Calgon-just wash some old clothes on Maximum heat every so often, thats what an "Expert" told me anyway

skim

roddydogs wrote: »

Dont use Calgon-just wash some old clothes on Maximum heat every so often, thats what an "Expert" told me anyway

The hotter the water - the more the magnesium, calcium etc will precipitate out so I wouldn't do that.

whiskymincher

We did a maintenance wash (90 deg wash with biological powder) as recommended on a number of forums and the smell since has been disgusting (smells of fish). Be warned.

kwatt

whiskymincher wrote: »

We did a maintenance wash (90 deg wash with biological powder) as recommended on a number of forums and the smell since has been disgusting (smells of fish). Be warned.

Hi WM,

In all likelihood that's because it's started to remove and break up the gunk in the machine but not removed it all yet, this leaves chunks that can (and often do) stink. The point of a maintenance wash is to do it regularly so you don't get the problem in the first place but most people tend to do it after they have a problem.

Quite often running it a few times will cure the smell or at least massively help it, but if you use liquid or colour detergent all the time the problem will return as neither contain bleach.

K.

robnye

is using soda crystals worth it?
we where told it is something to with being in a hard water area

kwatt

robnye wrote: »

is using soda crystals worth it?

Nope, old wives tale.

K.