"Calgon" - a means to protect washing machines from scale

The world is divided into three parts - one part claims the effectiveness of the Calgon tool, the second part is sure of its uselessness, while the third part observes the first two and has never used it at all and is not going to. The chemical composition of Calgon for a washing machine is simple - it is sodium tripolyphosphate with a small amount of auxiliary components. The product, according to the manufacturer, protects washing machines and linen from the negative effects of scale. Let's see if this is true and how to use this product.

What is Calgon for?

Calgon for the washing machine is a protective agent that has the property of softening water. For this, it contains a special salt. By adding a product with each wash, consumers can avoid such an unpleasant phenomenon as a breakdown of the washing machine. Let's see what effect Calgon has:

• Prevents the formation of harmful whitish scale on the heating element, the drug softens the water, replacing calcium ions with sodium ions. Thus, it prevents the formation of water-insoluble salts.
• The tool does not allow limescale to settle on rubber seals - this significantly extends their service life.
• "Kalgon" improves the quality of washing, helping to remove difficult stains.

Everything is clear with limescale - it really settles on the insides of washing machines, causing breakdowns. For example, under its influence, heating elements break down, sensors fail, corrosion of metal elements is provoked. In some cases, it leads to serious breakdowns that require an injection of funds.

Both metal elements and rubber ones suffer from plaque. Corrosion centers form on the metal covered with scale. It begins to thin, in the same metal tank there is a real risk of leakage. Rubber from contact with scale becomes brittle, it is easily destroyed, which also causes water to flow. Therefore, in this regard, "Calgon" for washing machines is necessary.

"Calgon" is not only a remedy for limescale, but also a drug to improve the quality of washing. Here you can draw a small analogy with dishwashers, where salts are used to soften water without fail. Under such conditions, detergents are most effective. The same thing happens in the bowels of washing machines, where softened water makes powders more effective. Thanks to this, the washing of complex contaminants is improved - you can wash what could not be washed.

Instructions for use "Calgon" for washing machines

Let's figure out how to use Calgon for washing machines and where to put this product. The manufacturer claims that if you add a dose of a suitable volume with each wash, this will extend the life of the equipment. It should be poured into the same compartment into which the washing powder is poured.

Follow the manufacturer's recommendations and always add "Calgon" where it is recommended by the instructions for its use. How much to pour into the washing machine depends on the hardness of the water. That is, before use, it is necessary to check with a special test. After that, it will be clear how much to add to the detergent compartment.

According to the results of the test, the water may be soft. This is an ideal option, since it is not necessary to use Calgon, which consists of softening salts - their presence will lead to nothing. If the water is of medium hardness, add a third of the measuring cup that comes with the powder to the powder. For hard water, the dosage is 2/3 cup, for very hard water - a full cup.

The last option looks the worst - in very hard water, even soap does not want to lather, not to mention the fact that we can see the salts contained in it even with the naked eye, letting it settle (a visible film forms on the surface). When heated above +60 degrees, a huge amount of scale will begin to stand out from it.

Varieties of "Kalgon"

This tool is presented on the market in three forms - it is liquid "Calgon" (in the form of a gel), powdered and tableted. The most convenient form factor is a tablet.The thing is that tablets are added without taking into account the level of hardness. The exception is situations when soft water flows from the tap - in this case, nothing needs to be added, no matter how the manufacturers say otherwise. The number of tablets in packages is very different - from 12 pcs. and more.

"Calgon" gel is supplied in bottles of various capacities, the minimum volume is 0.75 liters. The liquid detergent should be poured directly into the drum and is also suitable for use in washing machines running on liquid detergents. Its disadvantage is that it is easy to spill if you accidentally drop the bottle on the floor. The advantage is that it starts working immediately, instantly dissolving in water.

Powder "Calgon" is the most common and popular. It is mixed in the same tray with washing powder, entering with it into the bowels of the machine. Considering that very hard water is rarer than any other types of it, one large package is enough for a huge number of washes.

Alternatives and analogues

You can replace "Calgon" for a washing machine with hard water - there are plenty of substitutes. A typical example of this is soda. Ordinary soda instead of Calgon does not fit well, but soda ash is much better. It costs a penny, comes in nondescript packaging, but in terms of its effectiveness, this substitute is not inferior to its original.

Antinakipin Nast is another effective remedy that is an analogue of Calgon. It is precisely a prophylactic, and not a cleaning agent, allowing you to prevent the formation of limescale on various elements of washing machines. Its manufacturer is the domestic company "Aist". Its cost is 150 rubles per pack weighing 500 grams.

Replace "Calgon" at home will help traditional washing powders. The thing is that many manufacturers add “additives” to them that soften water and prevent the formation of limescale in washing machines. Some of them have a corresponding mark that "Calgon" has already been added, so you do not need to add it in even larger quantities.

Instead of "Calgon", a filtration system can be installed in the water supply system to a house or apartment. Here are the benefits of this approach:

• high efficiency of water softening;
• comprehensive protection of household appliances (washing machines and dishwashers);
• lack of limescale on sinks and faucets;
• no plaque in teapots and pans;
• Always clean tap water.

Yes, a good filtration system with good performance will be very expensive. But the results are worth it.

Reasoning about the effectiveness of "Calgon"

After reviewing the description of this wonderful tool, we can conclude that it is vital for every washing machine.Television commercials also add fuel to the fire, showing the horrors that equipment can undergo - these are kilograms of scale hanging from the heating elements in pieces and covering the washing machines with a thick layer from the inside. In practice, there are many cases when equipment works for 10-12 years with rather hard water, and nothing happens to it.

Reviews of experts in this regard are ambiguous. Many experts say that adding Calgon to washing machines is an overkill, since the powders already contain softening components. We can conclude that it is enough to use a good powder to protect equipment - and this will be the right choice. There are also opinions that it is impossible to do without the addition of Calgon.

And the best way to deal with scale is one cheap, proven and effective way - with the help of citric acid. It costs a penny, and in terms of efficiency it surpasses specialized tools. It is very easy to use it - just put 2-3 packs of lemons into the tray and start the washing machine for washing at a temperature of + 90-95 degrees. To speed up the process, it is recommended to turn off extra rinses.