Why do you need to clean your washing machine?
During long-term operation of the device, dirty deposits accumulate on the surface of plastic and metal parts.
This is a favorable environment for the development of bacteria and fungi, which are sources of unpleasant odors. Experts cite the following as the main causes of unwanted formations on the internal parts of the washing machine:
- hard water from city water supply systems;
- low-quality washing powders, gels, conditioners;
- Frequent operation of the device on intensive washing programs.
Water used for washing often contains large amounts of oxides, calcium and magnesium salts. Under the influence of temperature, they settle in the form of a solid deposit (scale), mainly on the heating element and drum. If you do not take any action, the device will begin to wear out due to accumulated plaque and dirt. This will undoubtedly affect the service life of the unit.
If you take the necessary measures in time, you can avoid repairs and extend the life of your household appliances. Today, there are many effective and budgetary means for these purposes.
Cleaning a washing machine with citric acid: how much to use and how often
Most often, in an automatic machine, scale forms on the heating element and tube. The amount of salts deposited on them increases with each wash, so the heating element begins to expend more energy to heat and boil water. Citric acid is the simplest and cheapest folk method for removing deposits from a washing machine, along with vinegar and soda.
The amount of citric acid depends on:
- loading weight of the washing machine;
- the quality of the powders, rinsing agents and other care products used for linen and equipment;
- frequency of technology use;
- the degree of its contamination.
Units from different manufacturers can hold from 3 to 9 kg of laundry.
The amount of lemon depends on the capacity of the device:
- from 3 to 4 kg – 50-60 g lemon powder;
- from 5 to 6 kg – 80-150 g;
- from 7 to 9 kg – 150-250 g.
The worse the quality of household chemicals and the more often washing is done, the more citric acid is needed to remove deposits, scale and remove mold. For example, if you wash daily with a cheap detergent on a unit with a capacity of 5 kg, then it is better to pour 120-150 g of powder.
The frequency of cleaning heating elements also depends on many factors:
- the quality of tap water and its degree of hardness (the higher it is, the more often the procedure must be performed);
- the quality of household chemicals for washing (the cheaper the product, the faster scale will appear, which means you need to carry out the procedure more often);
- frequency of use.
Read more ► There is an unpleasant smell in the washing machine: what to do, how and with what to remove it?
On average, the cycle is carried out once every 4-6 months, but with increased water hardness and frequent washing using cheap products, it is carried out once a quarter.
Is it possible to clean a washing machine with citric acid?
Often users of modern household washing equipment ask a similar question. After all, today there is a large selection of special products on store shelves. But if you study their composition, then for the most part the main component is that same citric acid. The only difference is the price and the presence of instructions on the packaging on how to properly clean an automatic washing machine with a citric acid-based product. Therefore the answer is obvious. The concentrate in question is suitable for such events. The main thing is to follow the dosage.
Why citric acid?
Due to its properties, this universal substance with a crystalline structure is actively used by consumers for household needs, including for cleaning lime deposits and fungus from the working elements of automatic machines. This popularity is due to the following advantages:
- the food concentrate successfully copes with unpleasant odors, mold and scale deposits on the parts of the device;
- this is a universal and cheap product that is easy to use for cleaning household appliances;
- When used correctly, it does not have a negative effect on humans or the internal parts of the unit.
Judging by the reviews, this method of cleaning a washing machine with citric acid can effectively combat even thick and long-standing limescale deposits.
Is citric acid harmful to the washing machine?
If the correct dosages are observed, the powder does not harm the internal parts of the machine. It is completely safe for metal parts and can clean away deposits while maintaining the integrity of the metal itself.
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But if you clean the machine with too much of the substance or carry out the procedure too often, the unit may be damaged. In particular, the chemical:
- has a bad effect on the condition of the rubber parts of the machine; if you use the chemical unnecessarily, the hatch seal may become unusable;
- negatively affects plastic parts if the product is used excessively.
Cleaning the rubber band of a washing machine with citric acid is allowed only on the condition that the remaining chemical is then washed off with clean water. The product removes mold, plaque and unpleasant odors well, but the rubber dries out and breaks down under its influence.
To prevent the rubber of the hatch from deteriorating, it must be wiped clean with a damp cloth.
For the same reason, after using a chemical product, it is recommended to clean the powder compartment with a damp sponge. Plastic can become brittle from frequent contact with an aggressive substance.
Cleaning the washing machine with citric acid: recommendations for use
Despite the fact that the product in question is an acid, when used correctly it does not harm the internal parts of the automatic machine. In addition, many housewives consider citric acid to be the most effective budgetary remedy in the fight against scale and dirt in an automatic washing machine.
How much citric acid to use when cleaning a washing machine
The correct dosage is the main condition for a successful procedure. The calculation should be 15 g per 1 kg. That is, if the drum is designed for a load of 4 kg, 60 g of food concentrate will be required for cleaning, which is 3-4 tablespoons.
Procedure technology and precautions
Before cleaning the washing machine with citric acid, you must remove all items from the drum. Cleaning occurs without laundry.
The frequency of the procedure depends on the degree of use of the device. If washing with the machine is carried out 4-5 times a week, or the “intensive” mode is often used, it is recommended to clean the machine once a quarter. If less often - once every six months.
Important!
After the cleaning process is completed, be sure to remove and wash the drain filter from any remaining deposits, and the powder compartment from the cleaning agent.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
By watching videos about the practice of using lacquer to clean a washing machine, you can be convinced of the effectiveness of this method.
Cleaning the washing machine from start to finish:
An analysis of the effectiveness of using lemon juice to remove scale proves that this product copes with its task perfectly. The main thing when cleaning a washing machine is not to get carried away with amateur activities and carefully follow the specified rules and recommendations for the procedure.
What method do you use to clean your washing machine? Please tell us about your experience in dealing with scale. Ask questions on the topic, participate in discussions and suggest effective methods and means for descaling - the contact form is below.
How to clean a washing machine with citric acid from scale, odor and mold: instructions
To get rid of known plaque, unpleasant odors and mold, it is recommended to proceed as follows:
- Pour the prepared product into the powder dispenser (main wash compartment).
- Select a program that allows washing at maximum temperature.
- Then activate the extra rinse mode.
- At the end of the procedure, the plastic powder dispenser should be rinsed under running water (if it is removable) or wiped with a damp and then dry cloth.
- It is also recommended to wipe the drum dry with a soft cloth and check the cuff of the machine for scale and cleaning agent residues.
After the process of cleaning the washer with citric acid is completed, the device can be immediately used for its intended purpose.
If nothing helps, how to remove it with special means?
The use of special means for removing scale will solve the problem quickly and at a high level. Such preparations are developed specifically to combat scale and deposits by exposure to the acid that is present in their composition.
Dr. Beckmann
The drug is made in Germany . The product is available in liquid form. The product is intended for high-quality cleaning of the washing machine from unpleasant odors, scale, and also to prevent the development of mold.
Using gel and powder is not difficult: they are poured (poured) into the powder compartment and the wash is started at a temperature of +60°C.
A package weighing 0.25 kg costs about 300 rubles.
Contains:
- citric acid (up to 15%);
- glycerin (up to 5%);
- Non-ionic surfactants and other components.
Topper
The powder is intended for descaling dishwashers and washing machines. This product destroys lime deposits on machine parts, but at the same time is gentle on elements made of rubber. Package weight – 125 grams. Price – from 200 rubles.
Application is very simple:
- You must pour the entire package of product into the empty drum.
- Set washing to +60°C.
- Start the cycle.
The prewash should not be run.
MAGIC POWER
The product is intended for removing scale from the drum, tank and heating element. The manufacturer of the product is Germany.
Available in two forms:
- powder (price - from 100 rubles per 0.5 kg);
- gel (price from 200 rubles per 0.5 l.).
The powder contains organic acid. The product in powder form is used according to the following scheme:
- The empty drum is closed with a door.
- An anti-scale agent is poured into the detergent compartment.
- Set the washing temperature to +40°C.
- They start the machine.
Application of the MAGIC POWER gel form:
- Pour gel into the machine (a whole bottle if there is a lot of scale, and ½ bottle if there is not enough).
- Start the washing process at a temperature of +60°C.
How to clean a drum with citric acid
To descale the tank and drum, follow these instructions:
- The cleaning agent concentrate is placed directly into the drum. For one procedure, 100 g is enough.
- The device is set to perform a washing mode that provides a temperature of at least 60°C.
- 10-15 minutes after the start of the program (when the heating element heats the water), the device is paused, and after an hour of “soaking” the program starts again.
- At the end of the program, it is recommended to run an additional rinse cycle.
- After cleaning, the drum and cuff are wiped with a dry soft cloth.
Important!
Do not use the concentrate more often than once every 2-3 months or exceed the dosage - this may adversely affect the cuff or plastic parts of the washing machine.
