One of the advertised descaling cleaners for washing machines is Kalgon. Manufacturers claim that this product extends the life of equipment. But consumers dispute that the product is truly effective in fighting scale. And its cost is too high. Therefore, it is important to figure out whether it is possible to replace Calgon for a washing machine without significant costs?
Purpose of the product
Watching the advertisements for this product, the masses are presented with a picture of a washing machine breaking down without finishing the wash. As a result, water flows out of the housing. This occurs due to a breakdown of the heating element covered with scale. Its formation is caused by the deposition of salt deposits contained in hard water on the heating element.
During the operation of the equipment, the salt coating begins to thicken. As a result, the electric heater begins to use more power to heat the water. This leads to overload of the heating element.
To avoid the formation of scale, which contributes to the breakdown of the heating device in automatic washing machines, it is recommended use of Calgon. Its action is directed:
- to reduce the concentration of detergent;
- to increase washing efficiency and prevent the accumulation of salt deposits on things;
- to keep the drum clean and protect it from unacceptable odors and mold.
Product components
To find an alternative to an anti-plaque component, it is important to study its chemical composition. Instructions for use of the product contain a description of the ingredients of the powder. It consists of the following substances:
- sodium polyphosphate containing acid polyphosphorus salts;
- polycarboxylates, which contain aggressive acids up to 35%;
- technical soda;
- polyethylene glycol;
- microcrystalline cellulose.
The listed bottom two positions of the list do not participate in the protection heating element from scale. Polyethylene glycol is used for the aromatic effect, and cellulose as an absorbent component increases the structure of the product.
At first, manufacturers used soda and sodium polyphosphate as softening components. In the process of expanding technology, additional mixtures in the form of fragrances and flavors were added to the product. Gradually the composition was improved, but the main elements remained unchanged. Therefore, the advertised product can be replaced with similar substances.
Search for cheap analogues
Having studied the composition of Calgon, it is quite possible to replace it with substances of similar content, manufactured in industrial production or available at home. Similar industrially produced cleaners include the following:
- "Alfagon" - Turkish anti-scale powder. Designed specifically for washing machines. The cost of 500 g of the drug is 70 rubles;
- "Yplon Anti-Calc" is an anti-plaque agent of Belgian origin. Available in powder and tablet form. The price of 950 g of the product is 170 rubles;
- "Antinakipin" is a softener produced by a domestic manufacturer. Its cost for 500 g is indicated at 80 rubles;
- “Magic Power” is a German-made product used to remove salt deposits on the internal parts of the washing machine. Produced in the form of a 250 ml liquid;
- “Top House” is a universal German liquid designed for cleaning various types of household appliances. Available in liquid version with a volume of 0.5 l.
Manufacturers of household appliances It is not recommended to use water softening products that are used for other devices. But, given their composition, we can come to the conclusion that cleaners for dishwashers are also suitable for washing machines. One of such drugs on the market is Finish. The active ingredients are sodium tripolyphosphate and polycarboxylate components. These same elements are also contained in Calgon, so the effect will have the same properties.
In addition to chemical mixtures, citric acid is used for hard water. This food ingredient removes scale that has already formed and helps prevent it further. To clean a washing machine with acid, add 100 g.powder into the drum and set the longest wash cycle. It is not recommended to place laundry at this point. As a preventative measure, the procedure should be performed every six months.
No less effective water softener Soda ash is considered. A small amount of the mixture is poured along with the powder into a special hole during each wash. The heating temperature should not exceed 50 degrees. When placing white items in the drum, a whitening effect is achieved.
Table vinegar has proven itself well in the fight against limescale. One application is enough to dissolve deposits on the tank and drum. The product copes well with unpleasant odors and germs. To clean the drum with vinegar, you need to: pour the product into the powder compartment, run the wash cycle for no more than 1 hour, and additionally select the rinse function.
Bleach is considered one of the most economical cleaning agents. Its greatest disadvantage is its high toxicity. Therefore, it is permissible to carry out cleansing with its help no more than 2 times a year. The solution is diluted with water in equal proportions, and the same manipulations are carried out as with vinegar.
It is worth noting that there are a sufficient number of Calgon analogues, but it is necessary to choose a product based on the price-quality ratio. As practice shows, there is no need to focus on high-cost goods.Before choosing a cleaner, it is important to study the chemical composition of the mixture.
