Descaling your washing machine can be a very difficult process. However, if left untreated, it will emit a foul smell that will pass on to your fabrics as well.
Most of the people are unaware of this process and blame the washing machine for not working properly.
Instead of shelling out your money on a professional, you can complete the task efficiently within few minutes.
If you are unaware of the process, you can follow the simple step-by-step guide mentioned in this article.
This process can be followed for any washing machine, irrespective of the brand and model.
Table of Contents
How to Descale your Washing Machine?
Depending on the model of your washing machine, the descaling process may vary. Let us explore the ways to descale both top and front-load washing machines.
How to Descale a Top-Loading Washing Machine?
Below are the steps that will help you to descale your top-loading washing machine easily and without any hassle.
This is all you need:
- Vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Cleaning Brush or Scrub
- Clean Cloth
- Dry Cloth
Instructions to follow:
Step 1: Choose the hottest and longest cycle settings
Turn on your washing machine and choose the largest load size to fill the machine with water. Also, set the temperature to the maximum and choose the longest cycle.
Step 2: Add vinegar and baking soda
After choosing the wash cycle settings, add white vinegar and baking soda to the water. These ingredients will react with each other to remove the scales and residue.
Alternatively, you can also use branded descaling powders instead of vinegar and baking soda.
Step 3: Start the cycle
Now, start the cycle and let your washing machine run for some time. This will allow the chemical to mix thoroughly and get your cleaning solution to the entire drum.
Now, open the lid to pause the cycle. Some machines will require you to pause the cycle before opening the lid.
Step 4: Use a cleaning brush or scrub
The limescale and the stains would have become dampened and soft. Now, use a cleaning brush or scrub to clean the sides of the washing machine. Pay attention to areas with hard limescale depositions when cleaning.
After you finish cleaning, use a dry cloth to wipe away the residue.
Step 5: Resume the cycle
After removing the residue with a cloth, allow the cycle to resume. Some machines will automatically resume once you close the lid. However, other machines may require you to press the play button to resume the cycle. This time, allow the cycle to finish.
Step 6: Use a dry cloth to remove residue
Once the cycle completes and the water drains off completely, repeat step 4. Use a dry cloth, to wipe the inner sides and bottom of the washing machine. This will remove any residue stuck to the surface.
Now, your top-load washing machine is free from limescale and good as new.
How to Descale a Front-Load Washing Machine?
If you are using a front-load washing machine, follow the below-mentioned steps.
This is all you need:
- Vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Sponge
- Bristle Brush
- Stiff-bristle Scrub
- Clean Cloth
- Dry Cloth
Instructions to follow:
Step 1: Use a sponge to remove mildew
Take a sponge and apply some vinegar to it. Wipe the inner surface of the washer and also around the door with this dampened sponge to remove mildew. Since the door comes surrounded by plastic, it is prone to accumulating mildew. If the mildew is very hard, use a bristle brush to get rid of it.
Step 2: Pour vinegar and baking soda into the machine
Pour half a litre of white vinegar directly into the washing machine. After that, mix baking soda with warm water and put the solution into the detergent dispenser to clean it as well.
Alternatively, you can pour branded descaling powder into the detergent dispenser instead of baking soda solution.
Step 3: Start a cycle
Choose the hottest temperature and the longest cycle. When the chemicals are mixed with hot water, they will loosen the scales. Allowing the cycle to run for a longer time ensures that even hard limescale and loosened.
Step 4: Wipe off the scales and residue
Once the cycle is complete and the water drains off completely, wipe the inner surface of the machine using a clean dry cloth. This removes the scales and residue. For scales that are hard to remove, apply extra pressure on them or use a stiff bristle scrub to remove them.
Repeating this process monthly once will ensure that there is no sedimentation of limescale in your washing machine.
How do I descale a washing machine With Descale Remover?
Descaling your washing machine is quick and easy when using a descale remover. To know how to use a remover, follow these simple instructions:
- Pour the contents of the sachet into the detergent dispenser.
- Select a full wash cycle at a temperature of 60 degrees.
- Ensure the appliance is empty and do not use any additional detergent.
- Allow the wash cycle to run completely.
How often should I descale my washing machine?
We recommend descaling your washing machine monthly. By regularly cleaning your appliance you can prevent the build-up of limescale, grease, and dirt. Furthermore, you can keep your machine in top condition.
The benefits of descaling your washing machine monthly are plentiful. It removes limescale to ensure your machine is working at maximum efficiency. When used regularly, it will prevent the build-up of limescale on the internal parts, such as the heating element, and increases the life of your appliance in the process.
By frequently descaling your machine, you can ensure that your appliance is as hygienic as possible.
What Are The Tips to Maintain your Washing Machine?
If you want to make the most out of your washing machine, you need to maintain and care for it regularly. Here are some useful tips to follow:
- Remove the load as soon as you finish the washing. Leaving the clothes in the washing machine leads to a musty smell.
- Do not overload your washing machine. If you overload, it will lose its lifespan.
- Clean the washing machine monthly once to prevent the accumulation of limescale and other residues.
- Keep the door of your washing machine slightly open after every wash. This will allow air circulation inside and dry the washing machine.
- Clean the exterior of the washing machine using a damp cloth.
- Regularly clean the hose filters and ensure they are not clogged.
- After every wash, clean the dispenser drawers and leave them open to dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pour vinegar and baking soda solution into your washing machine. Now, allow it to run at the highest temperature to remove limescale deposits. If there are hardened limescale deposits, apply extra pressure to them using a dry cloth and wipe them.
Different brands of limescale removing solutions are available in the market that are strong enough to remove the limescale. Alternatively, you can use vinegar or lime solution, as well, to get rid of the limescale.
Yes, you can use coke to remove limescale. It has an acidity level of 2.8, which acts on hardened limescale and loosens it. You can then remove it by using a dry cloth.
You should clean your front load washing machine at least once in 3 months. However, if you use the machine frequently, you need to clean it monthly once to prevent the sedimentation of debris and limescale.
There are different descaling solutions available in the market. However, both the descaling solution and vinegar are equally effective in treating limescale.
Conclusion
You need to descale your washing machine regularly to ensure there is no limescale sedimentation. It also prolongs the lifespan of the machine and washes clothes neatly. Follow the steps mentioned in this article to make the descaling process easier and get effective results.
If you are facing any specific difficulties in descaling your washing machine, let us know in the comments sections. Also, write to us if you have any questions or need more information on this topic. We would love to hear from you and help you.
