How to clean the washing machine drum from scale. How to descale an automatic washing machine

In order for your washing machine to last a long time, you need to take proper care of it.

Regular cleaning of scale and mold will help maintain the functionality of the unit.

Immediately after purchase, you should study cleaning methods; you should not use the machine for 2–3 years and not wash internal details. This will cause the heating elements to wear out faster or even have to be replaced.

How to clean an automatic device without damaging the family budget and quickly?

Baking soda cleanses any dirt. It is used to remove stains from clothes, clean electric kettles and microwave ovens, and remove scale from a washing machine.

Car care with this product is simple and easy. You don't need any special skills to properly clean your drum.

How to clean a washing machine with soda:

1. Inside. A pack of baking soda is divided into two parts. The first is poured into the detergent container, the second into the drum. Washing mode - fast (15–30 minutes) with the maximum permissible water temperature.
2. Outside - you will need dishwashing gel, 1 liter of water and 100 g. baking soda. How to clean: apply the mixture to the surface walls with a sponge, the dirtiest Clean areas with a toothbrush. Rinse with clean water and wipe dry, otherwise water drops will remain. the machine will be still look dirty.

Baking soda can be used to clean the entire inside of the unit.

It’s also useful to know how to clean the heating element of washing machines.Scale, formed on this element, does not allow the water to heat up to the required temperature, which affects not only the quality of the wash.

Thanks to soda, this can be done. It is enough to carry out 1 washing cycle with this product and the scale will be removed. from drum and heating element.

Stronger than vinegar, so it is used if cleaning It hasn't been done for a long time and a lot of scale has accumulated.

Can also be used with baking soda to help eliminate odors faster.

For cleansing you will need 1 glass acids and ½ cup baking soda (optional). Acid can be replaced with citrus juice, but not store-bought, but freshly squeezed. The juice should not contain dyes or other additives.

Table. How to clean an automatic washing machine with citric acid.

There is no need to scrub anything off after finishing the procedure. Scale will come off on its own. All that remains is to wipe the washer clean.

Will be cleaned when washedheating element, drum, sealing rubber and other elements.

Vinegar

You can clean your washing machine naturally by using distilled white vinegar and baking soda.

The first substance kills mold, second - . Both are safe to use and help remove scale.

Vinegar and soda complement each other and are suitable for cleaning the washing machine drum at home.

To do this you will need ½ cup of baking soda and 1 liter of vinegar. It is recommended to use alcohol-based white vinegar, but if you can’t find it, you can use 9% table vinegar.

Table. How to clean a top-loading and front-loading washing machine using this method.

The drum rotation speed should be maximum to get the best result.

Having finished the first cleaning of the automatic washing machine, the result will already be visible. The drum will be cleaner. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated.

Chlorine bleach or oxygen bleach?

How to clean the washing machine drum from dirt?

To implement the following method, you will need to buy chlorine bleach. It can only be used with warm or cold water as it loses effectiveness at high temperatures.

Chlorine bleach does not remove scale , but suitable for .

How to clean a washing machine? To carry out the procedure you will need 1 liter of chlorine bleach, gloves, a protective mask and goggles (optional, but recommended)

Table. How to clean dirt from automatic washing machines with bleach.

Better results can be achieved if you use products from Amway. The bleach from this company does not contain chlorine, it is oxygen, so it is more gentle on the device.

Amway products perfectly remove scale, mold and soap deposits. Heeffective, economical to use.

Thanks to oxygen bleach, not only the drum, but also the heating elements are washed well. Clean the machine in this way no more than once a quarter.

Hydrogen peroxide

Instead of chlorine bleach, try using hydrogen peroxide. The cleaner is sold as a 3% diluted liquid solution, looks like for cleaning the washing machine.

Hydrogen peroxide removes scale, kills mold and is antibacterial. It can also be used to clean dirt from your washing machine at hot temperatures.

Peroxide is safer to use than chlorine bleach because it leaves no toxic fumes or residue, is environmentally friendly, and breaks down in oxygen and water.

The negative side of the application is that it takes more time to get a good result. Therefore, you need to leave it in the car for at least three hours. Otherwise, you won’t be able to clean out all the dirt.For front-facing machines, the procedure is carried out twice.

How to clean a washing machine:

1. Hydrogen peroxide is poured into a spray bottle. No need to add water. It is better to use a concentrated composition.
2. Peroxide is sprayed onto the internal surfaces of the equipment and left for 10 minutes.
3. After 10 minutes, start cleaning the washing machine with soda.
4. Then you need to wash the rubber seal from the inside. Peroxide is also used for washing. Mold always accumulates in this place.
5. Then select a long wash cycle, temperature - 90ºC.
6. Add an additional rinse cycle. Thanks to it, all hard-to-reach places are well cleaned from residues of soda and peroxide.

Hydrogen peroxide can be used to clean the drum and heating element in a washing machine in tablet form. To do this, place 10 pills and 200 grams in the powder tray. baking soda.

It is necessary to clean the machine using this method within 2 hours at a temperature of 90ºC.

Deep cleaning

This method is suitable if the machine has not been cleaned for a long time.. This method is very aggressive, will require a lot of time and cannot be performed more than once every 3-4 months.

Front washing machine - how to clean (advice from an experienced housewife):

1. You will need a borax solution or natural oxygen bleach, 2 tbsp. l. sodium bicarbonate, 2 cups white vinegar, 20 drops tea tree essential oil to fight bacteria.
2. I remove the tray dispenser and let it dry, then completely submerge it in hot, soapy water. As soon as the plaque softens, I clean the container with an old toothbrush. I wash it with clean water and return it to its place.
3. Place baking soda and borax (or oxygen bleach) into the drum. Set the highest temperature setting for the maximum amount of water. If your machine has a cleaning cycle, use it.
4. Once the cycle is complete, pour the vinegar and essential oils into the rinse container and turn on the extra rinse option.
5. Remove and clean the filter at the bottom with hot water or vinegar. You can use a soap solution.

When finished washing, dry the drum with a clean microfiber cloth.

As you can see, caring for an automatic washing machine is not difficult, even with heavy soiling. But it is better not to bring the device to this state.

How to care for your washing machine? This is one of the most frequently asked questions.

Proper care will extend the life of the unit and protect the heating elements and drum from scale, mold and soap deposits.

How to care for automatic washing machines:

1. If moisture remains in the door gasket, mold will begin to grow rapidly. Wipe it with a dry cloth after each wash.
2. Mold grows in damp places, so leave the washing machine door open after cleaning. It also helps prevent unpleasant odors.
3. Wash at low temperatures- problem , when it comes to germs and bacteria that accumulate in the car. Carry out at least one wash per month at a temperature of at least 60ºC, preferably 90ºC to disinfect equipment.
4. Those with hard water should. Add a water softener such as Calgon Water Softener every time washing and follow the dosage instructions for hard water detergents.
5. Using too much laundry soap or fabric softener causes accumulation of soap deposits. Take the correct amount (gel or powder, see the dosage on the package) and run an additional rinse after, if necessary.
6. Wipe front-loading units with an antifungal cleaner in the area of ​​the rubber seal, for example, vinegar mixed with tea tree essential oil. It is enough to carry out this procedure once a week.
7. Use powders designed for automatic washing. If used manually, excess foam will remain on the outside of the drum and the electric heater tube.

Cleaning your machine inside and out at home is easy and inexpensive.

But do not forget that this must be done once a week with regular use of the unit or deep cleaning once a quarter.

The unpleasant odor emanating from the washing machine tank transfers to clean clothes. Calgon saves the machine from scale, but not from mold. Don't buy expensive tablets; run to the store for citric acid.

Important! Citric acid comes in two types: specialized and household.

In industry, a special concentrated liquid is used, the concentration of which is more than 10%. Store-bought lemon juice does not contain more than 3% acid.

Each brand of washing machine has its own structural features. Brands LG and Bosch produce models with very wide rubber bands between the door and the drum.

In which socks often get stuck and things disappear. The rubber seal of the Samsung is not so wide, but this makes the task more difficult when cleaning.

How to rinse an automatic washing machine with citric acid? You will need about 300 g of food-grade lemon, which you need to pour into a container for the powder. Turn on the children's mode with boiling or set the maximum temperature in the settings.

The main requirements for such cleaning:

• Use citric acid 3%, which is sold in a grocery supermarket. Not to be confused with lemon juice, which is not useful as a cleanser.
• Do not add washing powder.
• Do not wash clothes this way.

After carrying out the descaling procedure, check for dirty residues in the drain and in the washer drum. At the end of the cycle, add an additional rinse.

This method saves your money and is safe and does not shorten the service life of the assistant.

It is better to observe the nuances when using:

1. The method of cleaning the drum with lemon is simple., but you should not carry out the procedure often, as this will affect the washer’s spare parts.
2. When the water temperature in the drum is high, the temperature sensor may be damaged.
3. Clean your car yourself so that large pieces of scale do not get stuck in the parts of the device.

Cleaning the washing machine from scale and dirt with vinegar

Another acid that can be used to remove scale and dirt is acetic acid.

Take regular table vinegar 9% and follow the instructions:

1. Pour 100 ml of vinegar into the powder compartment. This organic cleaning method can also be used for vertical loading machine models.

   Check the drum to make sure there is no clothing in it. Wear gloves to protect your hands.

2. Select High Temperature Mode and run the wash for an hour. You can use a special program to clean the drum.
3. After working for an hour, put the machine down into standby mode for 1.5 hours. Start cleaning again, turn on super rinse.
4. Treat the cuff with a soda solution, tray, do not forget to clean the drain hose.

Pros and cons of cleaning with vinegar

Features of cleaning with soda

Soda is a universal remedy with which you can not only bake a cake, but also descale household appliances.

You can use more than just baking soda, but also calcined, which is more often used for industrial purposes.

Use a simple technique:

1. Dilute baking soda with water in proportions 1:1.
2. The soda porridge should be rubbed into the rubber folds and onto the drum. Protect your hands from getting the product on your skin, wear gloves.
3. Let the baking soda sit for 30 minutes and remove dirt and scale with a damp cloth.
4. Run the program in accelerated mode without clothes.

This method will protect parts from scale formation.. To achieve the best effect, set the temperature to more than 50 degrees.

How to clean the filter and other elements in a washing machine with your own hands

To remove salts from individual parts of a household appliance, you can use specialized products, not just organic acids.

Cleaning products will help you remove limescale. from Candy, Electrolux, Bosch. Use domestos or whiteness.

Cleaning the heating element and drum

A heating element is a heating device for a washing machine. Without this spare part, the machine turns into an unnecessary thing.

The secret of the cleaning method is simple: pour the product into the drum and into the powder container. One of the best organic methods at home is with baking soda and vinegar.

Take:

• Vinegar – 100 ml.
• Water – 20 ml.
• Soda – 20 g.
• Hard sponge.

Mix baking soda with water and pour into a tray. Pour vinegar into the tank and set it to idle without clothes or powder. At the end of the program, wipe the drum with a hard cloth.

Cleaning the rubber cuff

After completing the self-cleaning mode, get rid of accumulated debris and dirt on the connecting elastic.

Use any disinfectant. Use an old toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach areas. Acids of more than 10% cannot be used, as they corrode the material of the part.

Important! Wipe the elastic from the outside and inside. Do not pull the edge too much to avoid damaging it. Wipe the clean cuff with a dry cloth and leave the machine door open.

Cleaning the container

The powder tray is easier to clean than all other parts, since it is a removable part. In modern models whirlpool, beko, candy, etc. a special button is built in for quick removal of the compartment.

Without such a system (Electrolux, Zanussi, Atlant), simply pull the container towards you, swinging it left and right.

Cover the container with your chosen product and leave/soak it for 30 minutes, or preferably a couple of hours.

Cleaning the drain pump

Don't forget to clean the filter. At the bottom of the case, unscrew the cap from the drain pump, remove the pump and place a container into which the dirty liquid will drain.

Usually, little garbage accumulates there, and to clean it, you only need to clear the blockage, wipe the hole with a rag and close it.

Prevention

• Do not use too much powder and conditioner when washing; give preference to gels and concentrated liquid products.
• Do not leave small toys or objects in your pockets.
• After finishing washing, do not leave wet laundry in the drum.
• Open the machine door to naturally dry the drum and prevent mold formation.

Useful video

The service life of a washing machine directly depends on proper care. Scale is a terrible enemy that can damage even the most expensive equipment. Today we will determine the reasons for the appearance of limescale, talk about how to clean a washing machine from scale, and consider ways to extend the performance of the unit.

Reasons for the appearance of scale in the washing machine and possible consequences

Cleaning is truly necessary and inevitable. If you take a closer look at a machine that has been in use for a year or two, you will see a coating of dirt on the metal and plastic elements, particles of which have already crystallized and cannot be removed with a rag. The reasons for the appearance of plaque are as follows:

• Tap water initially comes in “dirty” and hard. It contains a lot of calcium and magnesium salts, which form a hard crust on the heating element. It increases over time, which disrupts the thermal conductivity of the device; accordingly, more time and energy are spent on heating.
• Washing powder contains a large amount of chemical impurities.
• The machine most often operates in the quick wash mode at high temperature.
• The unit lasts for 3-4 years, and prevention of deposits has never been carried out.
• There are interruptions in the water supply in the system, and work is being carried out to repair the water supply.
• Accumulating in hard-to-reach places, scale causes wear of parts, increased energy bills, and deterioration in the quality of washing. Over time, small particles break off and clog the drain filter. The expected outcome is a breakdown of the machine.

How to determine the extent of the problem:

• Shine a flashlight into the hole at the bottom of the drum. The heating element is located in the center.
• While lightly pumping the drum, inspect the heating element. This will help you determine if the heating element needs cleaning.

Chemicals for descaling

To choose a descaler for washing machines, you need to study the whole variety of professional chemistry. The following drugs have proven themselves to be excellent:

• Bubble Ice powder, liquid Astonish, Filtero.
• Antiscale is poured into the drum, after which the longest-term program is launched. The downside is that if the dosage is exceeded, parts of the machine may be damaged, and the seals will begin to leak. In the process, acid evaporates, which can also negatively affect the health of household members.

• Calgon contains sodium polyphosphate, which reduces the hardness of tap water, which reduces the degree of lime accumulation on the heating element. However, it should be remembered that this remedy cannot eliminate already built-up calcium-magnesium deposits. It has been noticed that after long-term use of Calgon, the service life of the machine only decreases. We have already written about how to replace calgon.

• Magic Power is a product from Germany that has established itself as one of the best products for cleaning all hard-to-reach equipment parts.

• Luxus Professional is successfully used to clean limescale deposits not only from automatic machines, but also from irons, kettles and other equipment. After it, all equipment has a light lemon aroma. You should strictly adhere to the dosage and instructions for use.

• Top House - suitable for any appliances, successfully removing scale. 1 jar is enough for 5 cleaning procedures.

• Among budgetary, but less effective means, we note Topper 3004, Bork K&P, Breeze, etc.

Traditional recipes for limescale in washing machines

Proven folk recipes will help you effectively descale your washing machine at home.

Impact of lemongrass

Removing scale with citric acid is as easy as pie. It acts as a solvent for hard plaque, in addition, it kills the smell of mold and dampness. To influence the heating element, you need:

• Pour 50-100 g of lemon into the powder compartment.
• Set the temperature to 90 degrees and turn on the mechanism.
• When heated, the acid enters into symbiosis with solid particles on heating element and other parts, dissolving them. The wash starts without items and without a spin function.
• Set the machine to pause for an hour and a half, then resume the process and bring it to completion.
• To prevent scale from appearing in your washing machine again, repeat the procedure 1-2 times every 6 months. This method is not only effective, but also completely safe. As a bonus, it has an antifungal effect and eliminates unpleasant odors.

Cleaning with vinegar

Vinegar is an excellent scale remover. No worse than lemon juice, vinegar will help dissolve lime and other types of dirt.

• Pour 2 cups of vinegar into the powder compartment.
• Run the longest possible program with high temperatures.
• Click "Start", wait 25 minutes, pause for 1 hour, and complete the procedure.
• To remove all residual particles, you need to turn on the rinse.
• The downside is the strong vinegar smell, which not everyone likes.

Using baking soda and vinegar

Baking soda in combination with vinegar can help remove scale and dirt inside. Here are the rules for cleaning contaminated equipment with baking soda:

• Combine a quarter glass of water and a couple of tbsp. spoons of soda, and move the mixture into the powder compartment.
• A glass of vinegar is poured directly inside.
• Select the longest washing program and run the machine idle.

Important! It is necessary to strictly follow the indicated dosage, since a large amount of vinegar or its increased concentration leads to damage to the elements of the mechanism.

Bleach + lemon

Cleaning a washing machine from scale with bleach has significant disadvantages in the form of a strong chlorine smell. To avoid poisoning from chlorine fumes, you need to ventilate the room while working. If you replace bleach with bleach, the smell will not be so poisonous. The cleaning process follows the scheme described in other recipes. Pay special attention to repeated rinsing.

Mechanical cleaning

If you don’t want to clean your machine with folk remedies and household chemicals, then mechanical action will help to effectively remove plaque from the internal parts. What is the advantage of this method?

• If the part is removed and you clean it outside the machine, then there is no risk that large pieces of scale will not dissolve and will remain inside.
• During the dismantling process, you can at the same time check the parts, determine the degree of wear and possible malfunctions. We advise you to change the rubber seals that do not cope with their assigned functions during each disassembly.
• After mechanical exposure, you can use homemade cleaning methods: usually lemon juice or vinegar.

How to prevent limescale from appearing in your washing machine

• The salt elements that make water hard and crystallize into limescale are activated at temperatures of 75 degrees or more. Operating the machine at temperatures below 75 degrees will significantly reduce the risk of equipment damage.
• Carry out cleaning activities periodically, at least once every six months. If the device is used intensively, clean it once every 2-3 months.
• Buy water filters. This is a useful purchase as they can protect your washer from unnecessary deposits and limescale. They soften water, which is useful for both equipment and households. Also, due to the fact that the filter is installed at the inlet, softened water reaches all equipment. We have already published an article about.
• Don't skimp on detergents and powders. If the amount of chemical impurities in the composition is too high, the condition of the heating element worsens significantly. It is better to choose products that have a softening effect on water.

Household appliances with proper care will serve the whole family for a long time. How do you deal with scale in your washing machine? Write about it in the comments below.

Video: Cleaning the heating element of a washing machine from scale

Tap water is not ideal. It is usually hard, smells like bleach, and contains impurities. In addition, chemical components are constantly added to washing machines. And technology reacts negatively to this, demanding cleansing. This procedure will help extend the life of the device. How to descale a washing machine is described in the article.

Causes of pollution

It is important to ensure that cleaning is necessary. You should also know what needs to be cleaned. If you look into a machine that has been working for a long time, you can find a dirty coating on the surface of the plastic and metal elements. It is usually hard and contains minerals, making it difficult to remove with a rag or your hands.

The causes of pollution include:

1. Hard or dirty water.
2. The presence of many chemicals in the powder.
3. Constant operation of the machine in the “Intensive wash” mode.

Moreover, the device necessarily has hard-to-reach corners where dirt accumulates. Over time, it becomes so much that it leads to breakdown of the machine. And repair work is quite expensive. Therefore, all owners should know how to descale a washing machine? Thanks to this, it will be possible to extend the service life. And if you perform regular maintenance, you can avoid many problems with equipment.

Why does scale appear?

When water is very hard, it contains calcium and magnesium salts. When heated, they turn into carbon dioxide and solid sediment, which, together with dirty particles, remains on the heating element and the tank of the device. After being coated with a layer of scale, the metal heating part does not conduct heat well. As a result, water takes a long time to heat up, and more electricity is needed. Dirt from the water causes clogging of the intake valve, the parts of which quickly deteriorate.

You can determine whether there is scale on the heating element or not yourself. Usually the heating part is located under the drum or slightly off-center. You need to take a flashlight, point it at the hole in the drum, and examine the heating element. In this case, you need to shake the drum a little to ensure uniform illumination. Often this does not work out right away - you need to experiment with the speed of swinging.

Use of chemicals

What is the best way to descale a washing machine? There is a special product for this - “Antinakpin”. It contains acid that dissolves the layer of deposits. After pouring the product into the device, you should turn on the “wash without laundry” function. The effect occurs quickly - a chemical reaction due to heating removes scale from the elements of the machine.

But this method also has disadvantages. If you add more powder than normal, the rubber parts of the device may deteriorate. And inhaling acid fumes is harmful. But this method is very simple and cheap. Just do not confuse it with softeners added when washing clothes. They definitely don't remove scale.

Lemon acid

If washing is carried out frequently, then cleaning should be done every quarter. And with rare use of the device, once every six months will be enough. How to descale an automatic washing machine with citric acid? It is necessary to set the washing mode “without laundry”, temperature 60-90 degrees, and then add citric acid (50-100 g) to the powder connector. This method is high-quality and affordable, and it will also help you get rid of foreign odors. This prevention does not cause any harm to the elements of the device.

Vinegar

Experts consider this method to be one of the most effective. How to descale a washing machine with vinegar? This procedure is performed according to the following instructions:

1. You need to pour 2 cups of vinegar into the car. Then add hot water and you can wash without laundry or powder for the longest cycle.
2. After 5 minutes you need to pause the program for an hour. This is required for the solution to penetrate into various corners of the tank.
3. After this, you must continue the washing program to the end.
4. To rinse off the cleaning solution, add water and turn on the short cycle wash function.
5. Dip a cloth in a weak vinegar solution, and then wipe the inside of the machine door. Seals should be treated especially carefully.

How to prevent scale from appearing

Housewives need to know not only how to descale a washing machine. Contamination can be prevented. Various magnetic water softeners are used for this purpose. They can be located both in the inlet hose of the device and at the entrance of the pipeline to the apartment. They are called filter softeners.

A magnetic water softener removes magnesium and calcium. The absence of these salts eliminates various problems. With this method, scale will not appear on the tank and heating element. The disadvantages of the method include its high cost. The softener has a price of about 1,500 rubles, which is much more expensive than Antiscale. But it is more convenient to use, and the filter lasts for about 50 years. Having spent once, you no longer have to worry about how to clean the heating element of a washing machine from scale.

In addition to magnetic ones, there are also mechanical cleaning filters. They remove rust and sand. This serves as protection against pipe blockages and saves household appliances from damage. Plumbing fixtures with such filters will work longer.

Technological anti-scale protection

How to descale your washing machine in other ways? One method is as follows: the more hot water the equipment requires to wash, the more scale deposits on its parts. Manufacturers of modern equipment take this fact into account, so they equip the unit with new washing programs. The water heats up only to 40-50 degrees, and dirt is removed perfectly. This way you can get rid of scale and save on electricity.

The heating element can work much longer or break down quickly. The reason for this may not be a defect - it all depends on the washing regime and loads. If you frequently wash worn-out items, their particles will lead to scale. Counterfeit washing powders also have a negative impact, leading not only to the breakdown of the heating element, but also to the entire machine.

Therefore, to save money, you should choose a softener filter or use Antiscale. Don't forget about the mechanical filter, which removes dirt particles. And when washing, you need to choose those modes in which the water heats up less.

Calgon

Calgon will help you quickly descale your washing machine. But this is a regular water softener. The composition contains soda and sodium triphosphate. The cost of a package weighing slightly more than 0.5 kg is over 150 rubles. You can take these substances and create a mixture yourself.

But as it turns out, this softener cannot be a reliable protection for the heating element; on the contrary, it worsens the situation. With constant use of the product, the surface of the tubular electric heater will become hard, similar to cemented. As a result, the heating element quickly burns out.

High-quality washing powders add softener and other components that provide gentle care for the machine. But experienced craftsmen do not recommend using Calgon. You can clean the washing machine from scale using more affordable and effective methods.

Soda

You can descale your washing machine with baking soda. This product will also help remove mold. Soda and water must be mixed in equal quantities. The prepared mixture must be used to treat the internal surfaces of the drum, including the rubber seal on the door, because this is where a lot of mold accumulates.

Soda can be used in another way. The product must be poured into the powder container and run a long wash cycle with hot water. If the dirt turns out to be very persistent, you can combine cleaning methods, for example, using vinegar and soda.

Cleaning the filter

It is important to know not only how to clean the washing machine drum from scale, but also how to treat the filter. To avoid breakdowns, work must be done regularly. Before the procedure, you need to place a rag under the equipment so as not to remove dirty water. You will also need a container where you can remove water using a drain hose, which should be lowered into it. The filter is located in a special hatch at the bottom of the machine. The procedure is performed as follows:

1. You need to open the hatch.
2. The filter must be removed after the water has drained. This is done by turning counterclockwise.
3. It is necessary to remove existing dirt, fluff, and hair. The filter is then installed in place.
4. The filter base also needs to be cleaned.

Other folk remedies

Other means can be used:

1. White must be added to citric acid. You need to run a long wash cycle at 90 degrees. With this method, room ventilation is recommended. You should also ventilate the remaining rooms. Chlorine vapors affect human mucous membranes.
2. Chlorine-containing products help get rid of mold spores. You will need 100 ml of liquid, which must be poured into the drum and run a wash cycle at a temperature of 90 degrees. The procedure requires half an hour of washing.
3. Cleaning is carried out with copper sulfate. You will need 50 g of the product, which must be filled with water (100 ml). The solution should be mixed and poured into the drum. You need to start the wash at 90 degrees.

All cleaning is done without laundry. These are the main methods regarding the question of how to descale a washing machine. Each of them allows you to save equipment by extending its service life.

Choosing washing powder

You need to choose high-quality powder for your washing machine. Each product contains surfactants - surface-active components that combine with fats and other contaminants, and also wash them out of clothes. This is the main substance that ensures washing of things. The rest consists of additives, dyes, flavors, fragrances, bleaches, anti-scale additives, and defoamers. The exception is children's powders, where there are less surfactants.

It is recommended to choose powders according to the type of clothing that is to be washed. For example, you should not purchase standard products for a down jacket. Usually, more expensive powders wash better, although their composition is not too different from cheaper ones.

Pollution prevention

Cleanliness of equipment is the key to the fact that it will work for a long time. You should not leave things inside for a long time. This can lead to the formation of fungus and mold, and the operation of the machine also deteriorates. Therefore, laundry should be hung or placed in a certain container.

It is important to ventilate the machine - this will remove excess moisture from it. Wet stains inside the equipment are wiped with a dry cloth. The machine must be cleaned every six months. Prevention doesn't hurt. It is advisable to carry it out every 2 months. To do this, you can use the above methods.

Each machine has a filter that becomes dirty after washing. It should be cleaned regularly. Scale crystallizes when water heats up to 75 degrees. If the temperature is up to 70 degrees, then the tank and heating element will be clean.

A washing machine, like any other household appliance, requires careful care. Regular descaling significantly extends the life of the equipment.

Regular cleaning of your washing machine not only helps keep it looking its best, but also helps it run efficiently. The fact is that washing machines tend to accumulate:

• Fungus and mold in the sealing gum and, accordingly, the appearance of unpleasant odors;
• Scale on the heating element;
• Residues of powder, rinse aid and other additives inside the machine;
• Dirt and small things in the drain pump filter;
• Rust and sand in the inlet hose filter.

Therefore, over time, you may notice that your clothes (especially light ones) after washing are no longer sparkling clean as they were before. And external dirt that quickly covers the door, countertop and protruding parts of the machine spoils the appearance of the room.

How often do you need to clean your washing machine from scale and dirt? Optimally – once every 2-3 months. If you have a pet at home or you often wash woolen items in a machine, then major cleaning needs to be done more often.

From this material you will learn how to properly clean a washing machine as a whole, namely:

• How to clean the drum of a washing machine, and most importantly, the heating element;
• How to clean the pump in a washing machine (drain filter);
• How to clean the tray and powder receiving compartment;
• How to clean the inlet hose filter;
• How to remove external dirt on the car body and door.

And at the end of the article you will find some tips on prevention and care for your assistant.

Step-by-step instruction

Well, shall we begin? To make the instructions clear, we decided to try the theory in practice and cleaned a Bosch automatic washing machine. Looking ahead, we present you with a photo of the result.

Step 1. Cleaning the drum and heating element of the washing machine from scale

At the first stage, we need to clean the machine from the inside, namely, remove mineral deposits on the heating element and drum. How to descale a washing machine? The secret of all methods is simple and uniform:

Since scale consists of magnesium and calcium salts, it must be treated with organic or inorganic acids. What acids are in every home and cost mere pennies? That's right, ordinary vinegar or citric acid.

Method 1. How to clean a washing machine with vinegar and soda

You will need:

• 2 cups of spirit white vinegar (preferably) or regular table vinegar 9%;
• 1/4 cup baking soda;
• 1/4 cup water;
• A sponge with a hard side.

To get a 9% bite, we diluted 70% acetic acid essence with water in a ratio of 7:1

What should be done:

Mix baking soda and water in a small bowl, add the soda mixture to your machine's detergent drawer, and pour the vinegar into the drum. Idle the car at the highest temperature for the longest time possible.

Method 2. How to clean a washing machine with citric acid

Cleaning a washing machine with citric acid is even easier.

You will need:

• 1-6 packs of citric acid. Exactly how much citric acid to sprinkle depends on the volume of the washing machine and the degree of contamination.

What should be done:

Add citric acid powder to the laundry detergent compartment. Start the machine at maximum temperature and operating time.

How much citric acid to pour in - 1, 2 or 6 packs at once, depends on the volume of the washing machine and the degree of contamination

Step 2. Clean the cuff (sealing rubber)

Hooray! The machine has finished washing and self-cleaning and we can start washing the rubber seal. This dark and damp place is where dirt and mold like to accumulate, so it needs to be cleaned especially carefully. This can be done using any cleaning product, for example Pemolux or soda. If you see too much mold, which also emits a strong unpleasant odor, then take a more powerful product, for example, Domestos, Utenok, Comet (pictured) or Whiteness. But keep in mind that it is not advisable to use chlorine-containing products too often, otherwise it risks deforming the rubber.

What should be done:

Apply a little of the chosen product to a damp cloth or sponge, gently pull the rubber towards you and wipe the metal part of the case.

Also be sure to clean the rubber seal itself in the same way.

The bulk of the dirt accumulates in the lower part of the hatch, but it is worth cleaning its entire circumference.

Be careful not to pull the rubber too hard to avoid damaging it. Finally, wipe the entire cuff clean with a damp cloth.

Step 3. Clean the tray (container/bath/dispenser)

Find your machine's owner's manual at home or online for instructions on how to remove the laundry detergent tray. Most often you can do this like this:

• Pull the tray out until it stops. If you see that there is a blue part built into its middle compartment (in modern machines from Bosch, Samsung, Veko, etc.), then you need to press it and pull it forcefully towards you, while simultaneously supporting the container itself.

• If there is no blue part in the tray of your machine (the trays in Indesit machines are often designed this way), then you just need to pull the tray towards you and down, then slowly moving it left and right and pull it out completely.

As soon as you take out the tray, most likely, the following picture will appear before you - powder residues have accumulated in its compartment. Get rid of this buildup using any cleaning product and wipe the compartment clean. Keep in mind that this must be done carefully so as not to damage the rubber pipe.

Cleaning the powder receiver compartment was not easy, as there were a lot of hard-to-reach places, small protruding parts and grooves covered with rust. We deliberately did not bring the result to the ideal; it was too labor-intensive work. But you can do something more cunning: generously spray all the walls of the compartment with a cleaning agent from a spray bottle, leave the plaque to soak for a couple of hours, and only then start cleaning by hand.

• A mixture of vinegar and soda;
• Pemolux and other household chemicals;
• A mixture of hot water, vinegar and soda.

Cover the container with your chosen product and leave/soak it for 30 minutes, or preferably a couple of hours.

Next, start cleaning it with a sponge and a toothbrush (especially needed for cleaning hard-to-reach places). Finally, remove any remaining product, wipe the tray dry, and insert it back (most often you just need to insert it into the compartment and slam it shut).

• If you have a dishwasher, you can wash the tray in it. The rust may not completely disappear, but cleaning it in the dishwasher will make it much easier to remove.

Step 4. Cleaning the washing machine filter (drain pump)

It's time to clean the drain pump filter. If you run the filter too hard, the machine will sooner or later refuse to drain the water, which is why it will go up and may break out. Luckily, cleaning your washing machine filter is very easy.

You will need:

• A container of suitable height, for example, an oven tray, will do.
• Towel or rag.
• Flathead screwdriver or any hard flat tool (if necessary).

What should be done:

1. Open access to the filter, which is usually located at the bottom of the case.

• In some washing machine models, the filter is simply covered with a small panel. If this is your case, then you can open it, if necessary, prying it with a flat-head screwdriver as shown in one of the following photos.

1. So you see a closed filter. Before unscrewing the lid, lay a towel on the floor and place a container under the drain to collect water (in our case it seemed unnecessary). Please note that up to half a liter can spill out!

In our case, the pan turned out to be superfluous, since the water flowed completely past it. Therefore, we released the liquid directly onto the towel, periodically turning it over, while opening and closing the lid

1. Unscrew the cap counterclockwise and remove all accumulated debris and dirt from the hole: these could be coins, hair, wool, toothpicks and other small items.

As you can see in the photo, in our case there was very little debris in the filter

1. Clean the hole, close it, and replace the trim panel.

Step 5: Clean the water inlet filter

In addition to the drain pump filter, every washing machine has another filter - the inlet hose filter. Over time, this filter becomes clogged with rust and sand, then a malfunction occurs - the machine refuses to wash and reports that water collection is not possible.

• If all previous procedures need to be carried out regularly, then the stage of cleaning the inlet hose filter can be carried out less frequently, for example, once every six months.

You will need:

• Old toothbrush;
• Pliers or pliers.

What should be done:

1. Turn off the cold water tap to the washing machine (required!).
2. Turn the machine around to expose the rear of the machine. On the right side of the top of the housing you will see the inlet hose.
3. Unscrew the hose nut counterclockwise. Look inside the hole, do you see a small filter with a mesh? Remove it with pliers or pliers.
4. Clean the filter in water using a toothbrush;
5. Insert the filter into place and screw the inlet hose tightly in a clockwise direction.
6. Open access to cold water to the machine by turning the appropriate tap.

When you're done, you can also wipe down the back of the machine, and then unfold it and put it back in its usual place.

Step 6. Clean the body and door

Well, that's all, the inside of the car is clean and ready for work! All you have to do is restore its external beauty: wipe the control panel (especially the protruding buttons), wash the door inside and out, wipe the top and side panels.

And a little about prevention

• Use only as much powder, bleach and conditioner as you actually need (see product manufacturer's instructions). After all, excess detergents do not enhance the result, but simply settle and accumulate inside the washing machine.
• Always remove small items from pockets to prevent them from clogging the drain filter.
• Try not to delay starting the machine if you have already thrown dirty things into the drum. Well, take out clean clothes immediately after washing and send them to dry.
• Try to always keep the car open to prevent mold from growing in it due to high humidity.