An advertising campaign in the media advocating the use of Calgon convinced any family with a washing machine that they could not do without this product (its manufacturer is Benckiser from Germany). Did the ad makers overdo it? It is also worth figuring out how to use Calgon for automatic washing machines.
The essence of washing problems
Due to the use of hard water, at high washing temperatures, scale forms with far-reaching consequences:
- sediment appears on the walls of the pipes, reducing their cross-section;
- pumps work with greater load;
- sometimes in places where the tubes bend, the flow of water is blocked due to plugs formed;
- due to scale, the water heating process deteriorates and electricity consumption increases by 10%;
- heating elements may fail;
- the elasticity of rubber seals and insulators decreases, which is fraught with the appearance of cracks and even ruptures, which means that insulation and sealing suffer;
- corrosion processes are accelerated.
Attention! If the washing unit is damaged for this reason, the service centers do not treat it as a warranty case and are not going to repair it for free.
In addition, hardness salts, interacting with surfactants (surfactants in the composition of many washing powders), produce insoluble compounds.
Not everyone knows that scale forms if the water temperature exceeds 60°C. And if washed at 40°C, it is better to discard the product. But it is sometimes used when flushing pipes of heating systems, adding it to the coolant.
Let's analyze the composition of Calgon
You need to understand the chemicals that are part of this product. Their purpose is to soften hard water. According to the information on the packaging, the drug includes:
- sodium tripolyphosphate, which interacts with calcium ions, helps reduce hardness;
- polycarboxylate (about 30% in the substance), which prevents the appearance of carbonates in the form of limescale;
- crystalline cellulose (15%) and polyethylene glycol (5%) normalize the structure of the fabric and aromatize;
- surfactants - their concentration reduces surface tension.
Calgon is safe for humans and the natural environment as a whole. This product is available in three forms, identical in composition. Although Calgon tablets have the advantage of a convenient dosage. They are packaged in boxes (minimum quantity 12 pieces, maximum 70).
The product range includes calgon powder with different weights: 0.55; 1 and 1.6 kg. In bottles with a capacity of 0.75; The manufacturer packages 1.5 and 2 liters of liquid substance – Calgon gel.
Which option is better? Each consumer decides for himself.
How to use Calgon
Many people have heard about the popular substance that protects the washing machine. But not everyone knows how to use it. The instructions for use will teach you where to put the product and how much you will need for one wash. This information is located on the packaging.
To determine the degree of hardness of tap water (soft, medium, hard and very hard), use an express test for aquariums, which can be purchased at a pet store. Having medium hardness, it is worth taking a third of a measuring cup (gel or powder), i.e., only 32 ml. To soften hard water, you need to have more product - 2/3 cup - 64 ml. If the water is very hard, you need to add a full measure of Calgon.
Gel and powder are placed in the main compartment of the tray along with the detergent. It is not recommended to put it directly into the drum of the washing machine. If these are tablets, then one is enough, despite the hardness of the water. When clothes are washed in water softened with Calgon, less washing powder is used.
Important! The product will be highly effective if used continuously.
And a quick tip of caution: the product is stored in a dry, dark and cool place, out of the reach of children, away from food. And if Calgon gets on the mucous membranes, it is quickly washed with cold water.
Advantages and disadvantages
Proponents of the product believe that using Calgon – means it has a beneficial effect on the laundry being washed. According to their observations, white things retain their pristine whiteness. Yes, and wear occurs more slowly.
We have already talked about getting rid of scale in washing machines. And, therefore, extending the service life of these household appliances. Let's note other advantages of Calgon:
- costs are reduced due to the economical use of washing powder;
- the quality of machine washing is improved: stubborn and difficult to remove stains are easily removed in soft water;
- a bright palette of colored items is preserved.
At the same time, other opinions about Calgon are being expressed on the Internet.Skeptics consider Calgon useless and of little effectiveness. If the water undergoes rough cleaning and then filters, this product will not be needed. In addition, a good and expensive laundry detergent contains a substance that softens water and prevents scale.
Some even claim that a thin layer of scale is even beneficial. It cements microcracks, and in the event of sudden temperature changes, it protects heating devices from destruction.
There are also counter-arguments from an economic perspective regarding the price, which does not correspond to the effect obtained from the product. There are even calculations for 5-10 years. The money spent on purchasing Calgon is enough to buy a new washing machine (depending on the brand). The old one will still be in service.
To what extent Kalgon's supporters and opponents are right - time will finally put everything in its place. And since the water in different regions is different, and so are the models of washing machines, not to mention the washing powder, the result of the product’s action is also different. Let's not start a discussion. Everyone is free to make their own decision.
Is it possible to find a replacement for Calgon?
Many people are interested in whether there is an analogue of Calgon and how it can be replaced? Today, indeed, cheaper means of similar action have been created. This list includes Alfagon, Antiscale, “No Scale”, Luxus Professional, Svod-TVN. For example, with Alphagon, washing costs are reduced by 2 times. If the water is softened with baking soda (also an option! - 100 mg is added along with laundry detergent or idling operation takes place), then the costs are minimal.
A proven folk remedy has been introduced into many homes. Pour half a glass of 9% vinegar into the main wash compartment and turn on the maximum temperature setting.
Citric acid also provides a cleaning effect.It is also added (60-100 mg) along with washing powder. The scale dissolves completely. For prevention, only 25 mg of citric acid is enough. Temperature within 70-80 °C – washing without laundry.
To summarize, we note that it is necessary to regularly use Calgon or its analogues, according to the dosage, in order to extend the life of the home assistant. Using this remedy occasionally is ineffective.
