The drum of washing machines does not always have time to dry completely. This problem is especially relevant in large families. Therefore, it is necessary to clean the device from mold and all kinds of dirt from time to time. Some models are equipped with a special system responsible for cleaning. Or they have a drum cleaning function.
Cleaning function: operating features
The process of cleaning laundry is in many ways similar to regular washing. There are several stages in the process:
- Using the pre-wash mode.
- Switch to main mode. First, the wash is done at 60 degrees, at 150 rpm.
- The program ends when using a double rinse, together with a spin, accompanied by maximum speed.
Maintenance monthly cleaning should be enough to prevent serious gaps from forming.It is recommended to remove all debris from the drain tank before using the function.
The use of this mode does not eliminate various formations in the form of scale.
LG drum cleaning function: proper activation
In most models, the function is programmed so that only one button needs to be pressed. What actions need to be taken?
- It is necessary to remove all things and any foreign objects from the drum.
- Next, close the hatch.
- First, the start button is pressed. Next, hold and press the buttons on which the stars are displayed, and at least three seconds should pass. You need to wait until the text tei appears on the panel.
- The function starts when you press the Start button, as in other cases.
- The program usually completes in 1 hour 35 minutes. Afterwards, the drum needs to be dried completely, leaving the hatch open. This completes the cleaning of the drum in the LG washing machine.
It is not recommended to add detergents or cleaning agents during cleaning. Otherwise, a large amount of foam will form and the equipment may freeze.
Cleaning: why is the function needed?
Along with the laundry that is loaded into the machine, the following items may get inside washing machines:
- Coins.
- Pins with paper clips.
- Threads.
- Lint particles.
- Fabric fibers.
- Sand particles.
It is necessary to carefully check the things loaded inside to avoid serious damage in the future. Lumps of dirt must be removed. If you are washing a delicate item, you cannot do without using a special bag.
Using dirty water often leads to problems and blockages. The parts inside the machine collect scale due to the salt contained in the metals.An excellent solution for many problems is special compositions and filter substances for liquids. Calgon and Alfagon are one of the acceptable options.
What substances can be used for cleaning?
You can use popular recommendations to get rid of dirt if there is no cleaning function. Special chemicals also help, but they must be selected with extreme caution.
Here are just a few acceptable “helpers” in solving the problem:
- Vinegar.
- Soda.
- Lemon acid.
Each option has negative and positive sides.
Application of citric acid
This is the most common product used to remove scale, mold, and traces of grease. It is enough to take 200 grams of dry acid powder to perform one cleaning procedure. When using such tools, the advantages will be as follows:
- Possibility to use automatic drum cleaning mode.
- Safety for components.
- Availability.
- Low cost.
The disadvantage is that citric acid will not be effective if the contamination case is particularly severe. It will be difficult to clean the insides of the device if the drum has not been cleaned for many years. It will be necessary to apply citric acid several times, or choose another method that is more effective.
Using baking soda
Baking soda is suitable for getting rid of dirt accumulated on the walls. But the tank and heating elements will require other methods.
The procedure involves using only 150 grams of the substance.
The method has the following advantages:
- Safety of machine parts.
- Efficient in drum cleaning.
- Availability.
- Low cost.
The disadvantages are that the cleaning process is done manually. In addition, you need to wait a certain time for the soda to interact with water.
Using baking soda requires following the following sequence:
- The walls of the machine are slightly moistened. But you can’t moisten it with plenty of water.
- Pour a little product onto a rag.
- We wait half an hour until the active substances begin to interact with each other.
- Dirt is completely removed with a cloth.
What about vinegar?
This is a concentrated substance that can be used to clean various parts of washing machines. 50 milliliters of the product are diluted with the addition of 150 ml of water. Vinegar essence cannot be used without such dilution.
The cleansing process does not require additional actions from the user. The product has a low price. The procedure is also effective. But vinegar is quite difficult to wash out of the inside of the drum. Rubber parts of washing mashines may be damaged by the substance.
Use of household chemicals
You can use various means to solve the cleaning problem. Usually this is “Belizna” and other chlorine bleaches, or professional preparations. Chlorine-based products do an excellent job of removing contaminants of any origin. But it is worth remembering that chlorine also negatively affects any parts made of rubber. The substances also have a negative impact on human health.
Special means
Frisch Aktiv is a specialized cleaning product developed by specialists from Germany. Thanks to modern technologies, an option has emerged that can be used for cleaning without much harm, even if the procedure is carried out weekly.This solution is effective, and various parts located inside the device do not suffer from such effects.
How to use chemicals?
For a safe and effective cleansing process, it is important to know in advance how to properly use a particular product. “Whiteness”, citric acid or vinegar suggest that the following instructions will help:
- First, the product is poured into the drum.
- We set the standard washing program lasting 1 hour. Temperature regime – not lower than 60 degrees.
- After the wash is completed, the double rinse starts.
- When the device is completed, the machine is left open to dry everything.
As for the Frisch Activ development, its application will be slightly different:
- Half of the cap is placed inside the cuvette.
- The other half is poured directly into the drum.
- At high temperatures, a cold wash starts.
- The scale should soak in the water, along with the product.
- Then the rinse mode starts.
The drum can be called an indicator, which always shows how dirty other parts are. If scale accumulates on the walls of the drum, it means that it is present in large quantities on other surfaces. Therefore, cleaning can be carried out for other parts, including tanks and pulleys, heating elements, rubber hatch cuffs, and drain filters.
Regarding pollution prevention
Dampness and high humidity create a favorable environment that promotes the development of mold and fungi. The cause of bacterial growth is debris, dirt and detergent residues that settle on the following parts:
- Door seal made of rubber.
- Drain hose.
- Filter.
- The design of the tray where the powder is placed.
washing mashines also deteriorate from frequent washing of items that have been damaged by contamination from greasy substances.
Limescale is another source of contamination. An insoluble precipitate is formed due to the presence of salts and various impurities in the water. The process of precipitation formation begins when the liquid is heated to a certain temperature. The heating elements become covered with scale, which only increases in size over time. Electricity consumption increases, the heating process does not proceed correctly.
It is recommended to comply with the following requirements and rules for prevention:
- After washing, always leave the hatches open for at least one and a half to two hours.
- Carry out preventive cleaning with vinegar and citric acid. It is enough to use them 1-2 times every 2-3 months.
- Completely flush cleaning agents out of the tray.
- Use the high temperature program at least every week. The main thing is not to set the indicator above 75 degrees, otherwise scale will continue to form.
Experts confirm that the cleaning function makes the machines more reliable. Their condition remains normal for a long time.
Which machines support the cleaning function?
LG boasts a wide range of washing machines. But the function we are interested in is not present in every model. The main thing is that the cost does not change much in the presence or absence of such an opportunity.
Description of budget options
- LG F1048ND.
Supports 22 additional functions, together with 9 main programs. A narrow type of machine, the drum is cleaned automatically.
- LG F1280ND5.
Silver model. Supports 22 additional modes, main programs – 14.
- LG F1280NDS.
A model with small dimensions in width, supports steam, hypoallergenic washing.
Mid-level price category
- LG F-1296ND3.
Supports up to 1200 rpm, additional laundry loading function. Easily supports baby washing and working with delicate fabrics, removes stains. Prevents additional stains on clothes.
- FH 2A8HDS4.
Refers to narrow models. The capacity is up to 7 kilograms. There is an inverter motor, which also helps support a large number of modes and functions.
- F-14U2TDH1N.
Up to 8 kilograms of laundry can easily be placed inside the machine. The device can dry up to 5 kilograms of things, in addition to the normal cleaning function. Smart diagnostics is one of the additional useful options.
- F-10B8ND.
It can wash up to 1000 per minute, when there are up to 6 kilograms of laundry inside. There is additional protection against leaks, together with mobile diagnostics.
Tips for carrying out complex cleanings
Mold, unpleasant odor and dirt are problems that every owner of equipment faces. It is necessary to regularly maintain the cleanliness of the elements that are located inside the device.
Washing the drum
Combining disinfectants with idle running is one of the possible solutions for this problem. It is also allowed to use ordinary citric acid. It is recommended to clean the rubber band only by hand.
The simplest processing option involves meeting the following requirements:
- Carefully move the folds apart.
- Wash the cuff around the circumference. Use a sponge, soap, warm water.
- Wipe the surface of the part dry.
A solution of copper sulfate is used if the owner notices the appearance of mold stains.Another acceptable remedy is to prepare a cleaning paste that includes water and baking soda in equal proportions.
The purpose of the composition is to process not only rubber bands, but also the entire drum. The machines are kept in this position for two hours, then we wipe them with a sponge and start the long-term wash mode.
Working with filters and drainage hoses
An unpleasant odor is often caused by dirt particles that remain virtually invisible to the human eye. This is especially true for debris that could not be removed from clothing in time before being placed inside. It is recommended to clean drain filters at least once every three months. If the exploitation is active, then the work is carried out more often.
The operation involves removing the protective panel and a small container into which water flows. You can protect the floor with a cloth. The filter is unscrewed using counterclockwise movements. Then there is washing, with water under high pressure, the accumulated debris is removed from the hole.
When cleaning, the hose is simply disconnected from the parts to which it previously fits. The design and features of the part depend on which specific model of equipment is used by a particular buyer. If there are vertical models, the hose can only be reached using the side cover.
Conclusion
Thanks to the cleaning function, it is easier to protect the machine from unpleasant odors and various contaminants. This allows you to extend the overall service life. You can be sure that important mechanisms will not fail for a long time.
Prevention will be an additional guarantee of the safety of all parts. The laundry will be clean and fresh, and the device itself will remain operational in any conditions.Cleaning the drum is a mandatory operation, even when it comes to modern, high-quality equipment from well-known brands. Otherwise, additional problems arise that are not always easy to deal with.