The design of modern washing machines necessarily has a heating element, which, unfortunately, sometimes fails due to scale that forms over time. The chemical industry does not remain aloof from this problem, creating new means for removing solid deposits on the surface of heating elements. However, the cost of these funds is quite high, and their effect cannot be verified. Experienced housewives know how to remove limescale with simple and cheap folk methods, including how to clean a washing machine with citric acid.
Why does scale form?
One of the main characteristics of water is its hardness, which consists of a combination of chemical and physical properties, namely, how much dissolved calcium and magnesium s alts it contains. Naturally, the more thesecomponents, the harder the water. Before cleaning the washing machine with citric acid, it is worth talking about the mechanism of its action on s alt deposits. By the way, acid is the main component in the composition of any specialized descaler.
It is also available in powders for automatic washing. So, in the process of heating water with heating elements, s alts are split into two components, one of which is carbon dioxide, and the second is a solid precipitate (limescale), and the acid softens the water and, reacting with this precipitate, dissolves it.
How to clean a washing machine?
Cleaning should be done when the machine is idle. In the linen tank you need to fill up 200 gr. citric acid, and then turn on the main wash program with the boil function. Thus, it is possible to completely clean the washing machine from scale, i.e. not only the heating element itself, but also the surfaces of the tank and drum. Adding 200 grams of bleach solution (whiteness) to citric acid will help enhance the effect. However, when using this tool, it is necessary to ensure high-quality ventilation in the apartment, because. when the water is heated, caustic chlorine vapors will begin to rapidly emit, which have a harmful effect on the respiratory tract and mucous membranes. Here's how to clean your washing machine with citric acid and chlorine so that all of its elements shine with a pristine shine. Cleaning will also have a positive effect on the quality of washing. It is recommended to repeat this procedure every two months.
By the way, there is one “minus” in this method: the fact is that after repeated cleanings there is a risk of corrosion of rubber parts, therefore, before cleaning the washing machine with citric acid, you should also think about the possible consequences.
Alternative cleaning options for automatic washing machine
There are many ways to keep the heating elements in good working order. For example, it is recommended to use different water softeners in the form of special filters. The magnetic filter softener will remove calcium and magnesium s alts from the water, preventing the formation of scale on all elements of the machine that come into contact with water.
