hard water area

[rsvp]

have been on several forums to get an answer - nothing conclusive so far! I live in a hard water area - regularly descale kettle and steamer by scraping but would like to sort washing machine too - have got various suggestions like lemon juice, malt vinegar and the expensive calgon - what are AB's suggestions please. thanks

[bednobs]

get a water softner

[rsvp]

don't have the money to do that bednobs

[ladybirder]

I bung a handful of soda crystals in with my wash to soften the water but if you've already clogged it up I've no idea.

[bednobs]

personally i feel my water softner has saved me money (especially on my boiler) in the last 7 years

[AlBags]

Put a hard water softener device in the washing machine supply line, and leave the washing machine alone. It will gradually impprove itself.
Stripping out is about the only thing can be done to do it properly.
OTT would be to remove element and clean or replace.
I have been inside quite a fe washing machines .. and the only place to find excess scale is on the element, or in the filling system ducting/nozzles. You can clean out that by again a partial strip and sticking the box and nozzle plate in a bucket of hot descaler.

[shaneystar2]

Our water is like iron filings .It's revolting and furs up everything
I put a scoop of washing soda crystals in the washing machine drawer along with the powder each time I do a hot wash .Or you can buy cheaper descaler type tablets for the washing machine in Lidl or Wilkinsons .You pay for the name with Calgon .

[AlBags]

If no money, then collect rainwater in sheeting and bucket system, and fill machine manually.

[gingejbee]

Calgon doesn't descale your machine - it prevents deposits forming in the first place. There are proprietary descalers avaliable for washers, but the cheapest option is to use white vinegar (not malt!)- about half a bottle in a hot wash. Then, keep it clear by using Calgon or cheaper alternatives. And the lower the temperature that you wash at, the less scale forms.

[DTCwordfan]

Common problem in the US or Canada

(i) an ion exchange water softener (need to understand your vol requirements)

(ii) polyphosphate system is your water usage is low

(iii) be careful of claims about electro/magnetic systems......

(iv) move to a soft water area.

[gingejbee]

....in fact, if you wash at 30C and 40C mainly, you won't get scale at all. Though you should do an occasional hot wash.

[rsvp]

thanks very much for all the answers - will have a try with the vinegar and/or washing soda crystals option. Appreciate the input

[boxtops]

Once you've stripped it, make sure you use Calgon (or stores' cheaper similar) in every wash. We are in a very hard water area and I have solved the kettle problem by putting in one of those little aluminium balls which you just rinse out every few weeks.

[4getmenot]

unfortunately the vinegar can make your machine and clothes stink. Do an empty wash after on high temp.

[rsvp]

gingejbee - what's the principle behind this - that's really interesting

[AlBags]

It's below the temperature where most scale is precipitated out of the water.

[gingejbee]

rsvp; the calcium and magnesium bicarbonates (or more correctly the bicarbonate ions) only break down to carbonates (the scale deposits) at higher temperatures. Keep below 45C and there will be little scale formed.

[JonnyBoy12]

I have asked this question before and was told that you can get kettle descalers from Poundland but make sure you clear this out before making a cup of tea again.

Hope this helps.

[rsvp]

then I'll was at a lower temp! thank you for the explanation and for all the other useful info - everything has so far appeared okay (have been here for two years) but just wanted to keep it that way. Am really grateful to everyone who has replied - thank you.

[jamesnan]

My mum was advised by an engineer to put a large handful of washing soda in the machine and then run a boil wash, that would give the whole machine a good clean out and keep everything in good order. She lives in a hard water area.

[Old_Geezer]

I don't want to wash the bugs and other nasties all clean, disappoints me modern clothes can't cope with a proper boil wash.

I use Calgon (occassionally other brands) but not always. Did wonder why the filter still had scale all over it, and resisted being pulled out. Another disappointment. So a couple of pints of Sarson's and some whiskey & soda it is then.