A washing machine makes our work easier by taking on the most difficult household chores. The washing device is considered an important world-class invention; it saves a lot of time, but requires special care to last. Today we will figure out what means to prevent washing machines.
What is the need for preventive measures?
The answer is simple - open the water tap. Everyone knows how dangerous it is to drink untreated water, but it can also cause some harm to household appliances, one of which is a washing machine.
Naturally, it is not the liquid itself that is dangerous, but what it contains – lime and salts. Such substances accumulate on the mechanisms of the machine, after some time forming a strong scale. The situation is threatening disaster. Because water heating element covered with scale, begins to supply heat to itself, reducing the heating of the water, which consumes additional electrical energy. After some time, the heating element burns out due to the scale that has formed.
Dirt in the water supply system causes premature wear of the moving parts of the water intake valve and soon makes it completely unusable.
How to avoid malfunctions?
We are not insured against the fact that the automatic washing machine does not have a defect allowed under factory conditions, or its parts are not subject to natural wear. Even the highest quality equipment for washing clothes is not able to work for a long time, because it is influenced by numerous factors:
- quality of water;
- electrical network;
- operational features;
- assembly;
- various accidents.
But if you adhere to the rules for operating laundry devices , and promptly perform preventive measures to remove scale, etc., the machine will work much longer than the manufacturer guarantees. True, you will have to devote a little more free time to your washing machine, which is quite justified.
It is not necessary to do this yourself - you can invite a technician who will check all the main units.
Acid descaling agents
Let's consider several ways to prevent scale formation for a washing machine at home.
Citric acid
For this cleaning you will need a soft cloth and citric acid. Clothes are removed from the washing machine and it starts in idle mode. To remove scale, from one hundred to two hundred grams of product is poured into the powder tray. It is recommended to select the longest operating mode and set the water temperature to within ninety-five degrees.
Please note that lemon juice should not be used for this type of descaling operation. Its concentration is much lower, and you will not get the desired effect from such a product.
Chlorine and citric acid
Another effective means of prevention. We put two hundred grams of acid in the powder tray, pour a glass of bleach into the drum, set the operating mode for washing cotton products and activate the machine.
A similar procedure is performed once every three months so that chlorine does not corrode elements made of rubber materials.
Acid and soda
Place about one hundred and fifty grams of acid and two to four spoons of soda. Having set the operating mode with the maximum water temperature, we start the unit for washing things.
Note that such a product perfectly cleans the mixer from lime deposits.
Vinegar
When you decide to wash your clothes, pour nine percent vinegar to the very top into the rinse aid tray. Determine the minimum operating mode for the washing machine, set the water temperature to sixty degrees.
Three ways to deal with scale
There are three options for fighting scale:
- chemical;
- physical;
- technological.
Let's look at each of them in more detail.
Chemical
The basic idea is that a product containing acid is placed in the washing machine to remove scale deposits. The machine is activated without laundry, and due to a chemical reaction, the water heating element and the walls of the tank are cleaned.
One of the anti-scale options is Kalgon. But such a remedy does not create an instant effect, especially in cases where the scale is quite strong. The solution turns out to be rather weak and has to be used repeatedly.
The second method is citric acid, the methods of use of which are discussed above. Although the method is popular, it removes scale efficiently. It is recommended to use this product once a year.
Physical
This involves installing a magnetic liquid softener - a filter or converter. Install the elements into the water supply system or into the hose of the washing machine.
The manufacturer presents to your attention the following options:
- magnetic softener – removes calcium and magnesium from water. The work is carried out by special magnets that split molecules and prevent scale formation. Such a softener is expensive, but guarantees long-term operation of the machine;
- There are devices that resemble mechanical cleaning filters.One of the varieties is a sedimentation device with a replaceable cartridge, where grains of sand, rust and dirt settle.
Technological
This method of preventing scale formation is recommended for owners of washing machines of the latest releases that have new software - contaminants are removed from them already at a temperature of forty degrees, which helps save electrical energy.
A set of preventive measures
Preventative measures to protect the washing machine from scale and subsequent breakdowns are constantly taken. All housewives know about them. But it would not be superfluous to recall all the points of this complex:
- Before putting dirty things into the drum, you should carefully check all pockets and remove small objects from them that could cause malfunctions;
- Stowing items must be carried out strictly by weight. Distributing them throughout the drum. Overloading or uneven laying will result in breakage;
- Do not get carried away with the “boiling” mode - this will make the washing machine last much less;
- all things that pose a potential danger in the form of metal objects on them are washed in special bags. For shoes this condition is mandatory;
- A running washing machine should not be left unchecked for a long time - in case of leaks, you will take emergency measures or recognize signs of breakdowns. Therefore, it is best to wash clothes on those days when you are constantly at home;
- as soon as the washing process is completed, you should fully open the loading hatch of the machine, remove and wipe the tray for washing powders dry;
- It is recommended that after the next use of the machine, clean the filter and drain the remaining liquid through the emergency hose;
- The rubber cuffs are wiped with a dry cloth to remove any water remaining inside them.
How to extend the life of your washing machine
It is best to take all measures to soften the water. The process of installing cleaning devices has already been described above, and it is recommended to entrust such work to experienced professionals. In addition, a flask should be installed between the machine and the tap, inside of which there is a special salt added monthly. But this method will lead to success if you start using it from the moment of the first wash.
If you do not clean the filter, unpleasant odors caused by mold and rotting processes will soon appear. Prevention does not take much time - the filter is located below, under the front panel of the machine. The element can be unscrewed without any problems, cleared of blockages, washed with water and returned to its place.
Conclusion
Each owner of a washing machine will be able to independently carry out preventive measures using special means that remove the scale that forms. You should treat this process with full responsibility, and then your machine will delight you with high-quality washing for a long time.
