How to avoid limescale build-up in your washing machine
Limescale build-up is a nuisance – a pesky presence in any of your kitchen appliances, and if you’re not cleaning their parts regularly and efficiently, it can leave lasting damage.
Why does it happen?
Limescale prominently features in areas where hard water is gathered.
When the water evaporates it leaves behind deposits of calcium carbonate creating limescale, and affects any surface that comes into contact with it. Once touching a particular surface, the amount of limescale can increase at a rapid pace, leading to one substantial cleaning job.
Why should I remove it?
The substance of limescale is not a major issue, however it can take its toll on your trusty kitchen appliances, especially your washing machine.
Not only can it have a negative impact on the machine itself, but the clothes inside it can get damaged too. Over time, the amount of limescale in your washing machine can affect its life span and eventually lead to a hefty bill for repairs
Depending on the amount of limescale in your home, it can have a detrimental effect on its overall appearance, including your tapware, kitchen surfaces, silverware and glassware.
How to remove it:
If you have an issue with limescale in your washing machine, here are few ways to remove it:
Soap Drawer.
Firstly, to remove limescale from your soap drawer – or soap tray, and soak it in a bowl.
This feature is the most prone to limescale and will require regular cleaning depending on how often you use it. This is due to the jets that force water into the drawer, making it a hotspot for limescale build-up.
If your appliance doesn’t have a removable tray however, then it’s time to get creative. Begin by creating an acidic mixture and rubbing it throughout the drawer, before leaving it exposed for around 45 minutes. Then you will be able to tackle the most aggressive build-ups.
Inside the unit
To avoid limescale build-up in your washing machine’s unit, reduce the amount of low temperature washes you do each month, especially if you use detergent.
As detergent doesn’t contain any bleach, low water washes don’t allow the cleansing agent to work to its full capacity and descale your washing machine.
If you’re guilty of doing too many low temperature washes, then the best way to tackle your washing machine limescale, is performing maintenance washes once or twice a month.
Any other areas
If you thought that limescale can only build up in your washing machine’s draw or unit, then you’re wrong.
Limescale can also wreak havoc on your machines hose, making them corrode overtime, ultimately leading to the complete breakdown of your washing machine.
Cleaning the washing machine hose
To clean your hose, begin by unplugging your machine at the mains and turn off the water supply to the machine. Once you’ve carefully removed it from the wall, unscrew the back panels on your machine before locating the outlet pipe.
Place a bucket underneath the hose to collect any excess water. To complete the clean-up, push a thin drain and tube cleaner throughout the instrument, but not too hard, to avoid damaging the pipe.
Pour a quarter cup of baking soda into the hose via a funnel, before filling it with vinegar. After they’ve worked their magic, pour hot water into the funnel to clear away any baking soda and vinegar residue.
Reconnect the hose to the back panel and test whether it’s working. You can do this by filling the drum, ever so slightly, with water. If the water doesn’t drain away, then you may have reconnected it incorrectly.
If you’re trying to keep your washing machine in tip-top condition, continue cleaning your appliance and removing lime scale from it on a regular basis to help preserve it.
However, if the damage has already been done and your machine isn’t working, then you’ll require a quality washing machine repair service to get your appliance up and running again.