Effective descaling: how to clean an automatic washing machine with citric acid, user reviews about this product

Almost every washing machine owner is faced with the problem of scale formation, which leads to damage to things and equipment failure. Hard water contains salts that make it difficult for structural elements to work. To avoid equipment breakdowns, household appliance repair technicians recommend regular maintenance. In today's review we will look at how to clean an automatic washing machine with citric acid. User reviews regarding this tool are not always clear, so we will try to find out all the advantages and disadvantages of this method.

Scale on the heating element of the washing machine

Reasons for scale formation in a washing machine

Scale forms on the structural elements of the washing machine as the water used for washing heats up. Salts and dirt settle on various surfaces, resulting in a dense sediment.

In addition, hard water contains solid particles such as sand, rust and other impurities, which together with salts form scale. This is also facilitated by the use of washing powder. Over time, the internal surfaces of the washing machine become covered with a hard crust, which entails negative consequences. These include:

• long-term water heating;
• excessive consumption of electricity;
• wear of bearings and shock absorbers;
• the appearance of fungus and mold;
• failure of the heating element.

Formation of fungus in a washing machine
Frequent washing of clothes at high water temperatures also leads to the formation of carbonates, which destroy the heating element and drum of the machine. Timely descaling of equipment will help you avoid costly repairs and overpayments for utilities.

Dirt in the car: where does it come from?

Most owners of washing machines are interested in scale. What is she like? Scale is solid deposits that accumulate on heating elements (for example, the heating element of a washing machine). It appears due to the fact that tap water always contains a lot of impurities: various salts, calcium, magnesium, small particles like rust. When the heating element heats the water, the salts break down into carbon dioxide and a water-insoluble residue. This is what forms the scale. Moreover, the heating element becomes overgrown with scale crust at a rate directly proportional to the water hardness in your region.

This heating element is definitely not capable of heating water

In addition to scale, there is other dirt in the washing machine. Over time, the water filter may perform its function worse, and therefore contaminants washed from clothes and linen may settle in the drain hose, as well as on the internal parts of the machine. Over the course of several years, a decent amount of dark, rotten-smelling mass can accumulate. The same dirt can accumulate in the perforations of the drum and in its rubber plug, which is why the laundry after washing can look even worse than before.

Due to high humidity, this dirt can quickly begin to mold and smell unpleasant.

Signs that your washing machine needs cleaning

Every owner of a washing machine should know what signs can be used to independently determine that the equipment needs cleaning. The easiest way is to visually inspect the equipment elements.

For example, using a flashlight you can see whether there is scale on the surface of the heating element. The presence of solid deposits on the heating element indicates that it is time to prevent it.

Table 1. Signs indicating the need to clean your washing machine.

Advice! Another way to find out that a machine needs urgent maintenance is to check for water heating. If it remains cold when the equipment is operating, this fact indicates the formation of scale or complete failure of the heating element. To determine the quality of heating, just put your hand on the glass of the hatch. Low temperature indicates the need for urgent cleaning of this element.

Is it possible to clean a washing machine with citric acid?

To answer this question, it is necessary to consider the features of using the product. The chemical composition allows you to quickly and effectively remove solid deposits, as well as give surfaces an attractive appearance.

Citric acid for cleaning the washing machine

The price of this product is low, so everyone can inexpensively clean their washing machine with citric acid to remove scale. Its use is safe, since after washing, not only salt deposits are completely eliminated, but also the unpleasant odor.

Citric acid also perfectly dissolves limescale on machine mechanisms and elements. Using this product, you can clean the glass of the hatch and the surface of the drum, giving it its original shine.

Video: how to clean a washing machine with citric acid

Advice! Among the disadvantages of citric acid, it is necessary to highlight the possibility of irritation of the mucous membranes of the eyes and mouth. For this reason, you should use the equipment prevention product very carefully.

Reviews from real people about the use of citric acid indicate the high effectiveness of this product. It is easy to use and is available in most stores. Here is the opinion of a consumer who used citric acid to clean his car:

What do people think

Probably, most housewives have already tried citric acid as a means to combat scale, and some are just thinking about giving it a try. They will benefit from people's feedback, that's what they say.

Anna Anikina

To get rid of scale in the washing machine, I use citric acid, which is sold in all grocery stores. This product was recommended by a car repairman. It is necessary to add 150 grams of lemon juice and run a washing program with water heating to 60 degrees, and also set an additional rinse.

Since tap water is hard, I do this regularly, about once every few months. This procedure saves the heating element from premature wear. My assistant has worked for 8 years without failure. And most importantly, I never bought any advertised expensive products. With citric acid, everything is quite cheap and without problems.

Musita

Citric acid is an excellent, budget-friendly home remedy. After the washing machine broke down, the repairman told me to use citric acid instead of Calgon. This cleaning must be done once every 2-3 months. In addition to the washing machine, I also clean the kettle, microwave, and tiles. Just be sure to wear gloves.

[email protected]

Very often I use citric acid for baking, sometimes I clean the kettle with it. But not so long ago I found out that you can also clean your washing machine with it. I tried lemon in action. I bought a couple of bags and poured them into the powder tray. Next, I turned on the longest wash at high temperature, and after finishing, started rinsing.

I saw the result of cleaning with my own eyes, since the hose from the machine goes into the bathtub. Scale particles came out in the waste water, the removal product works much better than the store-bought one. Now after a certain time I carry out such cleaning. And the heating element began to work noticeably better. I can't help but recommend it.

JaneM

Like many people, after purchasing a new machine, I started adding Calgon powder along with it. Moreover, I poured as much as indicated in the instructions for hard water, it turned out to be very expensive. But one day a relative recommended citric acid. You need to pour 200 grams of lemon into the machine and turn on the wash with hot water. I've been washing my machine using this recipe for 5 years now. I just didn’t suspect such effectiveness. I tried to clean the kettle with lemon and saw how all the scale was washed off. This means that everything in the machine is perfectly clean.

RosaLi

For me, citric acid is simply irreplaceable. I add it to compotes, clean the kettle and tiles, as well as the washing machine. Our Zanussi washing machine is already 10 years old, after replacing the heating element, on the advice of the master, we began to use citric acid. For a machine with a volume of 4.5 kg, I take 125 grams of lemon and start the wash at 90 degrees, the result depends on the temperature. In this case, the drum must be empty. This cleaning is enough for six months. It turns out cheap and effective.

Jula267

I have never tried cleaning a washing machine with citric acid. All because I saw the result of such cleaning among neighbors. After several washes with lemon juice, all the rubber fell apart and they had to replace the machine with a new one. So you don’t know whether to believe in a miracle or not. Maybe it's all about the dosage of acid...

Nastenish

So I decided to share my experience of cleaning a washing machine with citric acid. My washing machine is already 5 years old, I haven’t used any cleaning products. But lately, white things have become gray after washing, and colored ones have become pale. In addition, the drum became covered with a slippery coating and an unpleasant odor emanated from the machine. So I decided to take lemon juice, which my mother recommended to me. You need to take 2 packs of citric acid and pour them into the drum, and then turn on the wash at 90 degrees. After such cleaning, it is better not to wash white and new clothes. And don't forget to clean the drain filter. It was possible to completely get rid of scale only after 4 procedures with lemon juice. The drum shines like new.

To use citric acid correctly, be sure to read the instructions!

Properties and effectiveness of citric acid against scale

Often people are faced with the question of how to clean a washing machine at home. You should know that citric acid is widely used for preventive purposes to remove scale on various heating elements. The product has proven its effectiveness and can be used to clean:

• washing machines;
• boilers;
• electric kettles and samovars;
• Heating elements of boilers and water heaters.

The acid composition has a destructive effect on salts, as a result of which solid deposits disintegrate. Even a small dosage of the product can rid your equipment of scale.

Advice! If the owner of household appliances does not know how to wash an automatic washing machine with citric acid safely, it is necessary to apply the product with rubber gloves, and also use various devices (brushes, sponges, rags). This will prevent the possibility of a chemical burn on the skin.

Safe Use of Citric Acid

How to treat a drum

First - preparation. Before the procedure, make sure that there is no laundry in the drum: acid can damage the fabric. Check to see if there are any small items left inside: buttons, paper clips, paper napkins. Wipe the rubber cuff with a soft, dry cloth or sponge to remove any water droplets or visible dirt.

Don't be afraid to run your washing machine without any laundry. Household appliance repair specialists recommend regularly performing “idle” starts to clean the machine and prevent the formation of solid deposits.

Next, start cleaning the drum:

• Calculate the dosage depending on the size of the machine's tank.
• Pour citric acid into the powder compartment, and if there is mold or an unpleasant odor in the drum, then put the acid directly into the tank.
• Set the mode, turn off the spin and select double rinse.
• Make sure that there are no grains of citric acid left in the drum, and that there is no white residue on the rubber seal.
• At the end of the cycle, open the hatch and thoroughly wipe the powder compartment, drum and door rubber with a rag or sponge soaked in clean water.
• Leave the hatch open and do not use the washing machine for 24 hours to allow all parts to dry.

Be sure to check for damage to the machine parts. There should be no water or citric acid residue anywhere. Inspect the powder and conditioner container, tank, door rubber, all holes and filter screens in front of the drain pump. You can get the mesh by opening the cover on the front panel of the machine.

Benefits of Cleaning with Citric Acid

On television today you can see advertisements for various cleaning products for washing machines. Many owners of household appliances purchase them at a fairly high price, without thinking about the fact that citric acid can quickly and effectively remove plaque and rust. In addition, this product can be purchased inexpensively and save money.

Table 2. Benefits of citric acid.

Cleaning individual elements of the washing machine

How to clean a washing machine drum

Owners of household appliances who do not know how to clean an automatic washing machine with citric acid need only study the simple instructions. To remove scale from the drum, you need to select the “hot” wash mode, pour the product into the powder compartment and start working with an empty tank.

Cleaning the drum with citric acid

“Idle” washing must be carried out using the “Spin” and “Rinse” modes. As for the temperature, it is enough to set it to 60°C. After finishing the machine, wipe the surface of the drum thoroughly dry.

Please note that during operation of the unit, sounds resembling crackling may occur. This indicates the destruction of sediments. During rinsing they will be removed into the drain system.

How to clean an elastic band in a washing machine

Rubber is easily cleaned of scale and salts after washing with citric acid. If dirt and impurities remain, they can be removed using ordinary detergents. To properly clean rubber, after using household chemicals, you must thoroughly wash its surface using running water and a clean cloth.

Cleaning the sealing rubber of an automatic machine

It is imperative to remove the rubber rim and check it for the absence of foreign objects and fungus. It is not recommended to use various lubricants that prevent cracks.

How to clean the filter in a washing machine

The filtration system of washing machines also needs periodic cleaning. This must be done because small objects and dirt accumulate, which leads to the flow of water with weak pressure.

In addition, the duration of the wash increases, and the machine begins to hum when pouring water. All these signs indicate the need for preventive measures. How to clean the filter in a washing machine from Indesit and other brands?

Removing the washing machine filter

First you need to unscrew and disconnect the water filling hose from the washing machine. After this, remove the filter mesh. For these purposes it is better to use pliers.

To clean the device from dirt, it is advisable to use an old toothbrush. After this, the mesh is washed in running water. If owners of household appliances do not know, for example, how to clean the filter in a Samsung washing machine, this procedure is carried out in a similar way. After washing, it is important not to forget to put the filter back.

Cleaning the heating element

When considering the question of how to clean an automatic washing machine from dirt, you should know about methods of prevention of all its structural elements. One of them is a heating element, which most often becomes overgrown with scale.

Contamination of the heating element of the washing machine

Heating elements often break due to poor water quality. The technical condition of the heating element must be carefully monitored, since most modern machines simply will not start.

Finding out that the heating element needs maintenance is quite simple. The washing machine will turn itself off during washing. The heating element must be removed and placed in a container with citric acid. When there is no scale, the heater must be thoroughly dried and installed back.

Washing the heating element

Cleaning the drain pump

Table 3. Step-by-step instructions for cleaning the drain pump.

Advice! To avoid electric shock, it is necessary to disconnect the cable from the household network before carrying out installation work.

How to get rid of mold odor and traces

Sealing rubber bands are fertile soil for the “growing” of mold. Humidity, warmth and absence of drafts are the dream of fungus. And everything would be fine, but dark spots multiply on the inner rubber, like mushrooms after rain. And if you don’t fight this phenomenon, very soon your clean linen will begin to smell disgustingly damp. The opinion that only powerful household chemicals can save you from mold is wrong. It is also possible to clean the inside of the washing machine from dirt using lemon juice: confectionery acid will cope with this task no worse than a store-bought product. Follow the four step instructions.

1. Under the cuff. Pour a little citric acid onto a sponge or rag. Using your free hand, we push away the rubber seal, exposing the metal and plastic elements located underneath. Gently wipe the surface of plastic and metal, removing traces of mold.
2. Cuff. After cleaning the body, we move on to cleaning the rubber cuff. If necessary, add acid to the sponge. To get into hard-to-reach places, we use an unnecessary brush to clean our teeth.
3. Drum. Rinse the rag with water and add a little more lemon juice to clean the washing machine drum from dirt. We wipe the inner surface of the metal in a circular motion, carefully removing any remaining mold from the recesses. The largest amount of dirt accumulates at the bottom of the washing machine hatch. However, we carry out cleaning along its entire circumference. This will help prevent mold from re-spreading.
4. Control processing. After completing the cleaning work, you can additionally rinse the washing machine with citric acid to remove odors and dirt. Pour 100 g of lemon juice into the powder compartment and turn on the washing mode for cotton fabrics at a temperature of 60 °C.

A pleasant bonus for hardworking housewives: when draining the water from the washing machine, the citric acid solution will also clean the walls of the rubber pipes, on which a lot of interesting things also accumulate.

Preventing a washing machine with citric acid

If the owner of household appliances does not know how to clean a washing machine with citric acid, and how often the equipment should be maintained, we note that this depends on the quality of the water. For hard water, purification should be performed at least 4 times a year.

If normal water is used, it is recommended to carry out prophylaxis once every six months, soft water – once a year. The frequency is also affected by the frequency of use of the equipment and washing modes.

When the machine is operated using programs that involve the use of water whose temperature exceeds 60°C, scale forms much faster. Long-term washing also leads to the rapid appearance of salt deposits, so the elements need to be cleaned much more often.

Cleaning reviews

Natalya, 28 years old.

— I use citric acid to clean the machine once every six months. Set the temperature to 40 degrees and turn it on for a full cycle. The product is excellent. There are no serious problems with the machine. I carry out this procedure for prevention. No scale or mold, the machine is clean inside and works properly.

Citric acid in the required quantity can be bought in any store for several tens of rubles.

Anatoly, 31 years old.

— When I used the lemonade method for the first time, I added too much acid. As a result of such errors, it began to work worse. Therefore, I recalculated the volume of acid used and reduced its amount. I use this method with caution.

Even an untrained person can carry out the cleaning procedure.

Anna is 30 years old.

— I buy lemon not in separate bags, but by weight. I simply pour the required amount of product into spoons and add it to the powder compartment. I turn on the machine and wait for the full cycle to complete. After stopping, be sure to repeat the rinsing regimen to remove traces of acid and various contaminants. I'm happy with this cleaning method.

Both citric acid and calcium citrate formed after dissolving scale are harmless to health.

With constant use of the washing machine, plaque forms inside it, on various parts, dirt accumulates, and plaque forms. All this negatively affects the quality of the machine’s operation and the duration of its operation. Therefore, it is important to monitor her condition. Citric acid for the purpose of prevention or correction of the situation allows you to solve a similar problem.

Citric acid for an automatic washing machine - something special or the most common

Many people, wondering how to clean a washing machine with citric acid, do not know what exactly to use - juice or powder. Lemon juice is not suitable for these purposes because it does not have the desired effect.

Household Citric Acid Descaling Powder

Household citric acid is sold in many stores and supermarkets in the form of packets of powder. There is also a special acid that is used in manufacturing plants to clean equipment and various mechanisms.

Precautions when cleaning with citric acid

To clean the equipment, carefully pour the contents of the bag into the powder tray. If you use a product from a weight package, it is recommended to dosage using rubber gloves. The tank must be empty when cleaning the machine.

There is no need to put a large amount of crystalline acid into the unit, as this may damage the rubber seal. Please note that the drain filter should be washed last, since it collects the remaining powder and fallen pieces of salt deposits.

How to deal with mold

Mold is a fairly common companion of washing machines, since such equipment operates using water. To remove it, you need to follow simple steps:

• treat the seal and drum with a sponge and Domestos;
• close the car hatch for 4 hours;
• load 100 g of citric acid powder into a container;
• turn on the machine in rinse mode;
• wait until the work is completed and wipe the surfaces.

It is imperative to keep the hatch open to ventilate the car.
After such a simple procedure, mold and mildew will completely disappear.

Other ways to get rid of scale

There are no less effective ways to get rid of scale. How to clean a washing machine with vinegar? To do this, you need to pour 100 mg of liquid into the “washing machine” and turn on the wash. It is recommended to carry out this procedure at a temperature of +90°C.

After 5 minutes of operation, you should pause the machine. This must be done so that the solution is absorbed into the surface and destroys the scale. After an hour, the “idle” wash should be resumed and wait until it finishes.

Baking soda works well to remove scale from machine surfaces. It is necessary to prepare a mixture with water (take in equal proportions), which is applied to places where salts accumulate. After thorough cleaning, you need to leave the solution to sour for 30 minutes, then wash the surfaces and dry.

As you can see, citric acid is an effective descaling agent in washing machines. To reduce the risk of damage to structural elements, it is recommended to use water softeners. This will extend the life of the automatic machine.

conclusions

• If the water takes a long time to heat up during washing, the drum smells unpleasant, and stains and stains appear on the clothes after washing, this is a reason to clean the washing machine.
• You can use folk remedies: citric acid, vinegar or whiteness. The detergents are poured into the tank and the washing mode is set to high temperature. After the procedure, you need to thoroughly rinse the drum and other parts of the machine so as not to damage the equipment. If you are afraid of doing something wrong, it is better to buy special household chemicals.
• To prevent the appearance of solid deposits, experts recommend washing clothes at a temperature of no more than +65–70℃ and using high-quality washing powders and gels. In regions with hard water, special store-bought products will protect you from scale.