Descaling the Washing Machine.

Cleaning the Washing Machine

We wash our dirty clothes in the washing machine so we have nice, clean clothes to wear again and again. But how do you keep your washing machine running well and smelling fresh so that your laundry keeps coming out fresh and clean?

You have to give your machine a little TLC. Our washing machines are regular workhorses, with some of us doing a load or more of laundry every day.

So it’s fair to say that some machines will benefit from a regular cleaning.

Why Do You Need to Give Your Washing Machine a Good Cleaning?

From the time you start using your washing machine, lime scale can start to build up. This is caused by hard water, particularly water that contains high levels of calcium and magnesium.

Lime scale can accumulate in the water filter, heating element, on the inside of your washing machine pipes, and the drum. It can cause poor water pressure, shorten the overall lifespan of your appliance, and reduce the performance of the washer.

If there is buildup, you’ll notice your clothes going from soft and fresh to rough and not so fresh. It’s worth it to invest a little time to do a routine cleaning. Your clothes and pocketbook will thank you.

How to Treat and Help Prevent Lime Scale Buildup?

Here are the steps you can take to descale your washing machine. Do this at least once a month. These treatments will help dissolve and loosen the lime scale on your machine.

Step 1 – Run a Hot Water Cycle

Run an empty hot water cycle. Make sure you set the temperature to the highest load size and hottest water temperature.

While the machine is filling with water, take the time to clean the fabric softener well or dispenser, liquid bleach well, around the edges of the lid, top of the drum, knobs, etc. Use an old toothbrush to get in tight spots.

Step 2 – Add Baking Soda

After the washer has filled with water, add 1 cup baking soda to the washing machine and finish the cycle.

Step 3 – Clean the Tub

When the cycle has finished, wipe down the inside of the tub.

Step 4 – Repeat with White Vinegar

After you have wiped down and cleaned the inside of the drum, repeat the above steps, using 1 cup white vinegar instead of the baking soda.

Once you’ve done this, you’ll see it doesn’t take much time out of your day at all and it’s super easy to do. You may also notice an improvement in how the water drains.

Commercial Lime Descalers

If you don’t want to use baking soda and vinegar for whatever reason (although they are completely safe and natural products), here is a list of things to consider when purchasing a commercial lime descaler.

1. Look for organic or natural products. Don’t just look for organic-“based” products, as they are usually incorporated with more harmful chemicals. Completely natural or organic products are safer to use, as your clothes won’t be contaminated by harmful chemicals.
2. It should work effectively in removing lime scale. Check out reviews to find out what people are saying about the efficacy of the product in removing lime buildup.
3. You should be able to use the product with your other appliances as well. An all-purpose lime descaler is the perfect solution for budget-conscious home owners.
4. It should not leave residues. You should be able to wash the product off without a hitch.

Below are two lime descalers to get you started on your search for a good product.

Durgol Express Multipurpose Decalcifier

This product helps get rid of calcium and lime buildup in appliances and other areas of your house. It is safe and it doesn’t leave traces of chemicals even after rinsing. It can be used to decalcify your tea pot, coffee maker, washing machine, faucet, and shower heads.

If this is your first time cleaning your washing machine, add this solution after running an empty water cycle. Pause the cycle for about 15 minutes to allow the cleaning solution to completely eliminate lime scale.

If you are regularly descaling your washer and you need this as maintenance, just add it to your empty washing machine and let it run.

Miele Laundry Washing Machine Descaler

Miele is one of the leading global washing machine manufacturers and distributors . Their washers are known for their cleaning abilities and their durability. But even their washers are not immune to the bad effects of lime and calcium buildup.

Miele can clean your washer and get rid of the lime and calcium left behind by the hard water running through your pipes.

Just add this product to an empty hot water cycle and let it run. It gets rid of lime like magic.