Calgon Or Soda Crystals?

Kimberley

Hi, just wondered what to put in my machine. I've just bought a new washing machine after my old one packed up after 11 years. In with all the paperwork and user manual was a Calgon leaflet with a water tester, it came out as me being in a hard water area and suggested I use Calgon in every wash but it's £5 for about 1 or 2 weeks worth depending on how many washes you do a day. My household does 2 a day, so one box of Calgon will last a week, that's quite expensive. I bought Soda Crystals which cost £1. Is that just as good?

boiler_man

You may want to read the article below which debates the merits or Calgon.
http://www.whitegoodshelp.co.uk/is-calgon-worth-using/

Other suggestions for water softening
http://uk.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090719064856AAJwcWx

Cheaper alternative to Calgon?
http://www.tesco.com/groceries/Product/Details/?id=261360732

I can't help suggest which is best as I have never worried about trying to soften my water - just bung in the washing and washing liquid and hope for the best! I've not had a washing machine yet fail due to limescale and my kettle shows that my water isn't soft!

Own_My_Own

I have always used half the amount of powder needed and soda crystals.
My clothes have come out clean and I have no build up in my machine.

I also do this for cost. Soda crystals are a lot cheaper than washing powder.

Kimberley

Own_My_Own wrote: »

I have always used half the amount of powder needed and soda crystals.
My clothes have come out clean and I have no build up in my machine.

I also do this for cost. Soda crystals are a lot cheaper than washing powder.

I use liquid in the drum, so I'm guessing just put a tablespoon of Soda Crystals in the powder drawer?

Own_My_Own

Kimberley wrote: »

I use liquid in the drum, so I'm guessing just put a tablespoon of Soda Crystals in the powder drawer?

Yes. I use slightly more than a tablespoon, to make it the same as a powder tablet.

Kimberley

Own_My_Own wrote: »

Yes. I use slightly more than a tablespoon, to make it the same as a powder tablet.

I won't have too much then will I? Or shall I half the liquid?

baconandcabbage

Soda Crystals

getcarter

1/2 the liquid, bit of soda crystals in the drum

[Deleted User]

Every so often I run a quick cycle with just 2tbsp of citric acid dissolved in hot water. You can buy citric acid online for about £5 per kilo, also good for descaling kettles, irons and showerheads in hard water areas