What is included in Calgon for the washing machine

Calgon acts as water softener. It is sold in tablet, gel and powder form. The main active ingredients are soda and sodium tripolyphosphate. These components have been used since the first days of the product's appearance. Laundry detergent was created in the 1950s. The composition of Calgon for the washing machine was improved, new components and fragrances were introduced.

Powder composition

The chemical components of Calgon laundry detergent look like this:

Na₂CO₃ – soda ash;
Na₅P₃O₁₀– sodium tripolyphosphate.

Sodium carbonate, also known as soda, perfectly cleans and disinfects things. It removes unpleasant, old and stale odors. With its help, the water becomes soft.

Sodium tripolyphosphate is a salt of polyphosphoric acid. The component is used in the food industry. It is found in cleaning products and fights fats.

In addition, the composition contains polycarboxylates, which are a set of aggressive acids, their volume is about 30-35%. The substances are strong electrolytes; they conduct electricity. Calcium caroxylate dissolves in liquid. Polyethylene glycol is a polymer compound that acts as a flavoring agent. It is used in the following formulations:

ointments;
nutritional supplements;
laxative;
solvents.

Microcrystalline cellulose contributes to the formation of the powder structure.Plant fiber is presented in its pure form. It is extracted from cotton. Three main components - soda, carboxylates and sodium tripolyphosphate - combine ions of calcium and magnesium salts and prevent the formation of limescale on important parts and components of the washing machine.

Calgona release forms

The tablets are presented in a compact size, they are sold in boxes of 12-70 pieces. The main advantage of the form is the ease of dosage calculation. The gel is sold in 1.5 and 2 liter bottles. The powder is packaged in bags and boxes.

Directional action of Calgon

Tap water consists of many salt impurities that settle inside on the walls of the washing machine. The second layer is applied to the first layer and so on. To function well, an electric heater needs to generate more energy, so it works with overloads and often fails.

Calgon will help prevent breakdowns. Usually you have to change a part, or a group of elements. The costs will be significant, so regular water softening will cost much less.

Instructions for use of Calgon

On any package it is indicated, how to use the product machine washable. The manual explains what dosage is needed for a certain water hardness. For convenience and accuracy of measurement, a 96 ml measuring cup is included. How much product should be poured into the washing machine:

with average water hardness, pour 32 ml - 1/3 of the container;
for hard indicators use 64 ml;
very hard water requires the use of 96 ml.

The tablets are easy to use - add one tablet per wash. The degree of water hardness is not important. Next, you should find out where to put Calgon, in which compartment.The product is mainly placed in the main compartment of the washing machine. Some people add it to the powder. Calgon cannot be poured into the drum compartment where laundry is loaded.

Important! The manufacturer makes a note that to achieve maximum efficiency, the composition must be used every time you wash it in a machine.

How does Calgon work?

The product not only softens water. It prevents the appearance of scale on the heating element of the washing unit. If it appears on an element, you will need the help of a specialist. To prevent machine damage, it is recommended to add powder with each wash. The main advantages of the product are:

less washing powder is needed, Calgon softens the water, so it requires a small amount of detergent;
prevents the appearance of scale on the internal elements of equipment and components, ultimately increasing the service life;
maintains the clean condition of the drum compartment;
Helps remove stubborn stains from clothes;
maintains the brightness of colors because scale does not settle on the fabric.

Many users wonder if it is safe use detergent, won't it do any harm? Despite the fact that the powder contains chemicals, experts say it is no more dangerous than simple powders. When immersing Calgon in the washing compartment, you do not need to wear gloves. But there are some recommendations for using the powder:

must be stored in a place protected from light and difficult to reach for children;
If the product accidentally gets into the eyes, mucous membranes - mouth, nose, then immediately rinse with plenty of water.

In the latter case, tablets will eliminate the risk of the drug getting into the eyes. Calgon acts on scale with active components.If a layer of lime more than 1 mm thick is found on the heating element and in the drum, electricity consumption in the house will increase by 10%. But the powder can cope with the problem. It will quickly eat away the accumulations.

Calgon's analogs

Having familiarized yourself with the composition, it is worth finding out what types exist similar products. Thanks to the simple components included in the product, it can be replaced with industrial analogues and folk compositions. Store-bought drugs:

"Alfagon" is an anti-scale powder. Made in Turkey. It is used for different types of washes. A 500 g package costs about 80 rubles.
Yplon Anti-Calc is an anti-limescale product produced in Belgium. Form – in the form of powder and tablets. The cost for 950 g is 170 rubles.
Antiscale is a Russian softener. Price – 90 rub. for 500 g. The manufacturer recommends not using preparations for the machine that are designed for cleaning other equipment.
Magic Power is available in liquid form. It removes scale well from equipment.
Brand Dr. Beckmann has proven itself to be an effective softener, but expensive.
Luxus Professional smells pleasantly of lemon. Softens the salts of water in the washing machine.
Top House is made in Germany. The analogue is cheaper than Calgon.

In addition to store-bought formulations, the user applies home remedies, which will do a good job of cleaning parts and getting rid of plaque. List of effective products:

Lemon acid. To remove lime from the drum and walls of the machine, add only 2-3 tbsp. l. Washing is carried out without immersing the laundry, the temperature is set to 90℃. The procedure is carried out once a year.
Soda ash perfectly softens hard water and corrodes scale. It is added with every wash.
Acetic acid will also help remove limescale.But cleaning with the product should be done more often than with citric acid. The frequency is once every 3 months.

Reviews of housewives about the effect of the product are contradictory. Some women scold the composition, believing that it is a deception. It can be easily replaced with soda ash. In addition, with regular pouring of powder inside the washing machine, plaque still appears. Other users are delighted with Calgon. Residents of city apartments especially love it. They note significant softening of water, saving of washing gel, good color of clothes, when white T-shirts do not turn gray. After washing, clothes become soft and pleasant to the touch.

The decision whether to use Calgon for the machine or not, everyone will make for themselves. We found out what the product consists of. It contains gentle components that do not harm human health. The main thing is to avoid getting the powder in the eyes and mucous membranes. The composition is designed for regular use. It is poured into the compartment with powder or a tablet is put every time during washing. Otherwise, the actions of Calgon may not be noticed.