What Is Scaling and How Can You Descale Your Washing Machine?

What Is Scaling in a Washing Machine

Scaling in a washing machine is a common issue, and it refers to the build-up of minerals and limescale, which results from the usage of hard water. Scaling can make your laundry look dull and can also affect the washing machine’s performance. It can cause corrosion and can reduce the life of your washing machine.  

Causes of Scaling in Washing Machines

When hard water minerals like magnesium and calcium start to build up in your machine, they form limescale on various machine components, which can then lead to appliance damage. Scaling can also occur when detergents, fabric softeners, or lint accumulate. Regardless of the type of accumulation, if you do not descale on time, the machine’s cleaning efficiency reduces, and the energy consumption may increase. 

Signs Your Washing Machine Needs Descaling

Some common signs indicating the need for washing machine descaling are as follows:

• If your laundry gives off an unpleasant scent after being washed, it may be due to a buildup.

   

• You may notice white deposits on the inside of the drum or in the detergent drawer, which indicates mineral buildup.

   

• Your machine's drainage may slow down, or you may hear unusual noises during cycles. 

   

How Scaling Affects Washing Machine Performance

If your washing machine uses hot water or hard water, lime deposits likely accumulate over time. This leads to the clogging of internal components. This can create issues, such as reduced water flow; the equipment may have to work harder, which increases energy consumption. Scaling affects the structure of machine components and washing results.

Step-by-Step Guide to Descale Your Washing Machine

Here is a step-by-step guide that will teach you how to descale a washing machine:

• Remove lint and dirt from the filter and use hot water to run a wash cycle without laundry.

   

• After debris is eliminated from the drum, put a descaling agent like vinegar in your detergent drawer and start another hot water wash cycle.

   

• After the cycle, clear the detergent drawer and fill it with a litre of water.

   

• Run a final hot water wash cycle to get rid of residues. 

   

• Lastly, wipe all surfaces in your machine with a damp cloth. 

   

Best Descaling Products for Washing Machines

• IFB Descale Powder: This easy-to-use descaler helps remove Limescale and increases machine longevity. 

   

• BOSCH Liquid Descaler: It helps remove limescale and stalls calcium build-up. It eliminates odour and can increase the lifespan of the appliance. 

   

• LG ScaLGo Descaling Powder: This descaling powder can be used for front and top-load washing machines.

   

   

Natural Remedies to Descale Your Washing Machine

Some washing machine cleaning remedies or descaling remedies are:

• You can use a bottle of natural vinegar to descale your washing machine. You can run a hot water cycle after you empty the bottle in your washing machine.

   

• You can use half a cup of soda for descaling and run a hot water cycle after. 

   

• Using half a cup of lemon juice can also help with the process. 

   

How Often Should You Descale a Washing Machine

It is best to descale your washing machine every three to six months. The frequency of descaling also depends on the water's hardness, the detergent being used, and the frequency of usage. 

Tips to Prevent Scaling in Washing Machines

• You should remove your clothes from the machine as soon as the cycle finishes to avoid odour and build-up.

   

• You can use natural descaling remedies from time to time.

   

• You should wipe down doors and clean the detergent drawer. 

   

Conclusion:

Scaling is a common issue that can be solved cost-effectively. If ignored, it not only reduces your machine’s longevity but also negatively affects wash quality. You can use home remedies, descaling powders or liquids as preventative measures.