Cleaning a Samsung Washing Machine?

Bungle73

Hi. Time has come to give my new machine a first clean. It's got this auto-clean function, that apparently you're supposed to add nothing when you run it. However, like most of the UK, I live in a hard water area, but, as far as I can tell, the cleaning function doesn't touch limescale. I've got a box of multi-purpose washing machine/dishwasher cleaner, can I add that?

Mark_d

I live in a hard water area too.  Rather than struggling with limescale in the dishwasher, washing machine, shower screen, toilet...I had an Infinity Water Softener installed.

I had previously struggled with the limescale in this property for around 5 years.  Eventually I concluded that the only real solution was a water softener.

CliveOfIndia

If the stuff you've got is designed for washing machines then it should be fine.  But will it treat the limescale?  You need something slightly acidic to get rid of limescale.  There are dozens of limescale removers on the market, or you could go old-school and just add a good glug of vinegar - it's acidic, so should dissolve the limescale.  Might need a couple of rinses afterwards to get rid of the smell.  Lemon juice would work as well, but would work out more expensive than cheap own-brand vinegar, as you'd need a reasonable amount of it.  But at least your clothes would smell nice

While you're at it, don't forget to remove the detergent draw and give it a good clean in the sink by hand.  And an old toothbrush is great for scrubbing out the hole where the detergent draws fits into, and the water nozzles at the top of it.

flaneurs_lobster

That Samsung cleaning program is a high-powered, high-temp sloshing about that's designed to stop any build-up of bacteria or the dreaded black gunk that infects door seals.

So far after 18 months it's working for me so I wouldn't be tempted to waver from the instructions and add extras, but I live in a soft water area where no appliances suffer from limescale.

I'd do whatever the cleaning product says, can't see it doing any harm.

GlitterMedusa

I there much point worrying about the limescale? I'm in a hard water area, I've had my washing machine (Zanussi if that matters) for 26 years, and although I do clean it regularly, I've never done anything about limescale and it still works absolutely fine 

Albermarle

Bungle73 said:

Hi. Time has come to give my new machine a first clean. It's got this auto-clean function, that apparently you're supposed to add nothing when you run it. However, like most of the UK, I live in a hard water area, but, as far as I can tell, the cleaning function doesn't touch limescale. I've got a box of multi-purpose washing machine/dishwasher cleaner, can I add that?

I thought normally with cleaning a washing machine, you run a hot cycle ( or with a modern machine they usually have a specific clean cycle,)  with no clothes, but with a dose of something like washing powder. Or you could use soda crystals, maybe with a bit of white vinegar. Or a proprietary washing cleaner. 

One thing to be careful of ( from experience) is that you only need a smaller amount than normal of washing powder, or it generates large amounts of foam/suds that exit out of the detergent dispenser and all over the floor.....

Bungle73

Mark_d said:

I live in a hard water area too.  Rather than struggling with limescale in the dishwasher, washing machine, shower screen, toilet...I had an Infinity Water Softener installed.

I had previously struggled with the limescale in this property for around 5 years.  Eventually I concluded that the only real solution was a water softener.

They look insanely expensive. I inherited the house from my parents. My dad had installed a box that supposed to soften the water, it's a box with lights, and a wire wrapped around the water pipe. Quite honestly I don't think it does anything.

Bungle73

CliveOfIndia said:

If the stuff you've got is designed for washing machines then it should be fine.  But will it treat the limescale?  You need something slightly acidic to get rid of limescale.  There are dozens of limescale removers on the market, or you could go old-school and just add a good glug of vinegar - it's acidic, so should dissolve the limescale.  Might need a couple of rinses afterwards to get rid of the smell.  Lemon juice would work as well, but would work out more expensive than cheap own-brand vinegar, as you'd need a reasonable amount of it.  But at least your clothes would smell nice

While you're at it, don't forget to remove the detergent draw and give it a good clean in the sink by hand.  And an old toothbrush is great for scrubbing out the hole where the detergent draws fits into, and the water nozzles at the top of it.

Yes.

 I've only ever used tabs and liquid.

CliveOfIndia

Bungle73 said:

Yes.

 I've only ever used tabs and liquid.

OK, well in that case I can't see any harm in using it.  Or really, any of the dozens of proprietary descalers would probably work - I'm pretty sure the very mild acidic element of them wouldn't damage the rubber seal.

If it's specifically the limescale you're wanting to get rid of, then that's probably the way to go.  Unless your water is very hard, you shouldn't need to do it very often.  For "routine" cleaning, just to get rid of any gunge or bacteria, then just run a hot wash, maybe add some soda crystals (another old-fashioned but cheap and very effective cleaner).