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does a washing machine really last longer with limescale tabs/powder ?

just wondering as the advert says

and should u use one every wash ?

or what to use to keep limescale down in a washing machine
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Comments

  • Pink.
    Pink. Posts: 17,651 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    I haven't seen the advert that you're referring to, but I'm guessing calgon? I do a hot empty wash once a month with vinegar in the drawer. My last washing machine lasted for 25 years.

    This thread may help:

    Cleaning a washing machine

    I'll add this thread to that one later.

    Pink
  • jenster
    jenster Posts: 505 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts
    Pink. wrote: »
    I haven't seen the advert that you're referring to, but I'm guessing calgon? I do a hot empty wash once a month with vinegar in the drawer. My last washing machine lasted for 25 years.

    This thread may help:

    Cleaning a washing machine

    I'll add this thread to that one later.

    Pink

    i was yep and i know other makes are available lol
  • Rainy-Days
    Rainy-Days Posts: 1,454 Forumite
    This is the best site for anything washing machines. Washer Help was created by an engineer who put together a web page with just about everything you want to know about washing machines. Click this article below:-

    http://www.washerhelp.co.uk/limescale_2.html#cl_q1

    And just in case you were wondering there is no discernable difference in using Calgon or any other tablet/power for that matter.
    Cat, Dogs and the Horses are our fag and beer money :D :beer:
  • jenster
    jenster Posts: 505 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts
    Rainy-Days wrote: »
    This is the best site for anything washing machines. Washer Help was created by an engineer who put together a web page with just about everything you want to know about washing machines. Click this article below:-

    http://www.washerhelp.co.uk/limescale_2.html#cl_q1

    And just in case you were wondering there is no discernable difference in using Calgon or any other tablet/power for that matter.

    ty for that a good read
  • Pink.
    Pink. Posts: 17,651 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Have a read through these threads:

    Do you use Calgon?

    Washing machines don't live longer with Calgon

    DON'T use Calgon!

    I can also recommend this website, the site owner is extremely helpful and knows everything that there is to know about washing machines,

    www.washerhelp.co.uk

    Pink
  • A while ago someone did a calculation on the cost of calgon vs an additional 3 year( I think) life of average washing machine. Not using Calgon and buying a new machine every couple of years came out cheaper!
  • POPPYOSCAR
    POPPYOSCAR Posts: 14,902 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper
    A while ago someone did a calculation on the cost of calgon vs an additional 3 year( I think) life of average washing machine. Not using Calgon and buying a new machine every couple of years came out cheaper!

    Yes I came to that conclusion as well.
  • My friend who is a white goods engineer told me that Calgon is just the same as dishwasher salt, ie a water softener. Calgon is £6.90 a kilo
    It is much cheaper to buy 25kg bags of salt tablets for £11.59. if you want them delivered it is £9.99 delivery, but they do have stores nationwide, where you can collect
    http://www.watersoftenersaltuk.co.uk/index.php
    Blessed are the cracked for they are the ones that let in the light
    C.R.A.P R.O.L.L.Z. Member #35 Butterfly Brain + OH - Foraging Fixers
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  • SUESMITH_2
    SUESMITH_2 Posts: 2,093 Forumite
    My friend who is a white goods engineer told me that Calgon is just the same as dishwasher salt, ie a water softener. Calgon is £6.90 a kilo
    It is much cheaper to buy 25kg bags of salt tablets for £11.59. if you want them delivered it is £9.99 delivery, but they do have stores nationwide, where you can collect
    http://www.watersoftenersaltuk.co.uk/index.php


    dishwasher salt is used in the water softening device in your dishwasher and it works by ion exchange,its not the salt that softens the water but the ion exchange resin http://www.chemistryinyourcupboard.org/finish/4

    so just putting salt in your washing machine wouldn't have the same effect and could possibly damage it.

    personally and Which agree I think there is no benefit whatsoever in using Calgon
    'We're not here for a long time, we're here for a good time
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 17,413 Forumite
    10,000 Posts I've been Money Tipped!
    I just use a handful of soda crystals with my normal powder and most of my machines have lasted around 8-10 years at least.But then I only use half the amount 'reccommended' by the washing powder folk Of course they want you to use more so you will have to buy more.As I am a fairly clean tidy lady of a certain age... I rarely have clothes that get that mucky anyway I have an old pair of joggers that I keep for 'messy ' work and an old Tee shirt, so when cleaning its these that get messy and not my ordinary clothes :):)Mind you if you knocked on my door when I'm cleaning you would think a tramp lived there :):):)
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