Calgon for Washing Machines - Yay or Nay?

Spank

I recycle my descaler, first it goes through the Tassimo (yeah I know not very MSE), then the kettle, then the washing machine (where it's left for 10 mins and run then through on a 90deg wash)

Andy_Roberts_1969

No one needs Calgon. Put the equivalent amount of soda crystals that you would washing powder and run a hot wash. When its finished pour a litre of white vinegar in the drum and run another hot wash. Do this every 6 months.

paddypaws101

soda crystals and the occasional bottle of white vinegar have always worked for me

Zandoni

We bought a rubbish Hoover washing machine about 3 years ago, two days before the warranty expired it died. It had a badly furred up heater element and the engineer blamed our water, although I'd never had this problem with previous machines.


We now use a cheap washing machine cleaner about 3 times a year which works so far. Although it will be a pleasure to see the back of our current machine.

Annie1960

I'm near the Chilterns, a very high limescale area. I've never used Calgon on anything, and washing machines last for many years.

My current one I purchased in 2006 and it's still going strong. I will be replacing it soon as I've moved house and am getting the kitchen re-fitted, and will be having an integrated machine this time.

Previous to this one, I have had a total of two other washing machines, each of these lasted about 10 years (and the first was second-hand when I got it).

patman99

Washing powder already contains an amount of water softener to help with limescale prevention.

Personally, we use wash balls instead of powder or liquid.
Does the same job, but we get 1,000 washes per pack, so much more MSE than powder.