Calgon for washing machines is a water softener. It is recommended to use it in addition to the main washing powder. But not all owners of washing machines know how to use this product. This article contains brief instructions for Calgon, as well as its composition.
How to use Calgon?
The powder packaging contains instructions for use. In it, you can find out how much powder to use for 1 wash cycle.
According to these instructions:
- For medium hardness, it is enough to pour in a third of the measuring cup. This is approximately 32 ml;
- For hard water, pour in two thirds of the measuring cup (64 ml);
- For very hard water, add the entire glass of powder.
It is recommended to pour Calgon into the main compartment of the machine tray along with the powder. The main compartment, as a rule, has the largest dimensions compared to the other two. It does not have a negative effect on fabrics, but you still should not pour it into the drum of the machine along with the washed items.
It should be noted that Calgon is sold not only in powder form, but also in tablet form. One tablet will be quite enough, regardless of the level of hardness.
Compound
Previously, we found out where to fill Kalgon to soften, and also figured out the dosage. Next, we’ll try to find out why it softens water.
The main component of this substance is sodium tripolyphosphate. It reacts with calcium ions found in water. Due to this, rigidity is reduced.
Calgon also contains the following substances:
- Polyethylene glycol;
- Microcrystalline cellulose;
- Polycarboxylates;
- surfactants.
Regardless of the form, they all have the same composition. The choice in this case depends on the preferences of the washing mashine owner. It should be noted that Calgon, made in tablet form, has a more convenient dosage.
Purpose of the product
Calgon for washing machines is a water softener. It also prevents the appearance of scale on the heating element.
Scale accumulation on the internal parts of the washing machine may cause it to malfunction. Therefore, equipment manufacturers advise using a special powder when washing to soften hard water. One of the most popular softening powders is Calgon.
Calgon must be used for the following reasons:
- When softening, the consumption of washing powder for one wash cycle decreases;
- Scale does not form on the internal parts of the washing machine, causing malfunction of the device;
- During the washing process, scale does not settle on the laundry;
- Things are washed better in softened water. This is especially true for clothes with difficult stains.
The instructions for Calgon for the washing machine indicate that Calgon should be stored in a dark place out of reach of children. Calgon should also be kept away from food. If the product gets into your eyes, mouth or nose, they must be rinsed.
Is Calgon effective?
There is an opinion that the product is not as effective as the manufacturers say. According to some consumers, using Calgon does not provide any effect.
The fact is that the composition of this product largely coincides with the composition of ordinary powder. In other words, the softening components are identical to the elements present in any washing powder for an automatic machine.
Experienced owners of washing equipment confirm this fact. There are also doubts about the protection of the washing machine parts. Some people claim that scale forms on the heating element both with and without Calgon.
Proponents of the use claim that the product has a positive effect on laundry. White items last longer after washing with Calgon and do not turn gray under the influence of scale. So, the choice is yours: to use this remedy or not.
Other water softeners
In addition to Kalgon, there are also other means, used to soften the water in the machine. They are less popular and cheaper.
Instead of the advertised product, you can use Alfagon. When using it, the cost of washing clothes is halved. You can even soften it with baking soda. In this case, the costs will be minimal.
If there is already scale on the heating element of the machine, it can be removed using means intended for this purpose. Also a substitute is “Eona anti-scale”. It softens and acidifies water. This prevents scale formation and increases washing efficiency.
