Washing machines anti-limescale help.

smallblueplanet

We live in a hard water area, and we're getting a new washer. Whats the cheapest way to minimse limescale problems in the washer - what is in Calgon tablets?

scorpio_biker

I don't know about calgon but I use these anti-limescale balls
http://www.ecozone.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=573

I've got one in my washing machine and one in my dishwasher. I can't speak for the washing machine as you can't see the element but it certainly makes a difference in my dishwasher. We live in a very hard water area here.

And I don't know if that price is competitive though as I just used the first link I found for that product, so it might be worth having a search before you buy.

HTH

Gingernutmeg

I used to use the calgon powder which is much cheaper than the tablets, but at my local supermarket I found a water softner powder called 'Aqua Softna' which is about half the price of the calgon powder - I think it was about £2 for a large box, which is about twice the size of the calgon one. It seems to be working fine for me, and I'm saving money, which is even better!

mrs_potato_head

My friend has just bought a new washing machine, and she got told that unless you use really hot washes then you don't need calgon etc - not sure of the accuracy of this, but worth checking!
I'd also be worried that your using something that prevents limescale on your clothes and it may upset your skin.

Mrs P

otterspasm

Hi there,
I use white vinegar instead of fabric conditioner. Not only is it a cheap and chemical free way of softening clothes but it also descales/prevents scale build up all through your washer.
It's a tip I picked up on a thread on this site!
HTH.
Tess

Browntoa

I'm in a high chalk area, never used calgon and never had a washing maching break due to limescale.....they just reached the end if their life the normal way after about 15 years !!

sleepymy

My repair man says things like calgon are gimmicks which are a waste of money. He also says a lot of the new powders (designed to wash clothes at 30 degrees etc) actually damage the inside of your machine. Apparently they build up a jelly like substance which clogs the machine.

smallblueplanet

Thanks for all the viewpoints, I think I'll stick with white vinegar instead od fabric conditioner and keep and eye on things.

kittiwoz

The cost of using Calgon tablets or similar over the time it would take for limescale to possibly present a problem would be massively greater than the cost of replacing the element. My parents live in a very hard water area and had their last washing machine for about 20 years during which time my dad made a couple of repairs (I think pump, hose and possibly bearings which are the bits that usually go) but no new element. I think washing powder contains water softening stuff because hard water stops detergent from foaming as much.

Pink.

Hi smallblueplanet,

There are a couple of older threads on using Calgon that might interest you:

Calgon

Calgon, Limescale and Landfill

DON'T use Calgon!


Pink