Cleaning a washing machine

MimiJane

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.

jaybee

I use White Vinegar - about a cupfull.

MimiJane

Thanks jaybee.

;D

Caterina

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

rach

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 40^o. 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... ???

Chris25

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

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!

16011996

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

where do you put it 160?

MimiJane

Wouldn't have thought it matters ... it'll end up in the drum whatever. Personally, I'd put it directly into the drum.

16011996

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.