The washing machine is one of the household appliances we cannot do without since it saves us a lot of work since it washes a large amount of clothes for us in a short time. Precisely because of its excessive use, however, it easily tends to become dirty and prone to limescale build-up, which, over time, could impair its functionality. Therefore, today we will see together how to remove limescale from the washing machine and get back to having fragrant laundry using some ingredients that you already have in your pantry or, in any case, easy to find!
Baking soda
The first remedy we propose is baking soda, which is known for its cleaning, whitening, degreasing and anti-scale properties. In addition, it is also able to neutralize the unpleasant odors that often arise in this household appliance! All you will have to do, then, is to add a teaspoon of baking soda to the washing machine drawer, taking care to dilute it with water so as not to clog the pipes, and proceed, then, with an empty wash. For a more effective effect, you can also add baking soda to each wash, so that all bad odors, given by lime scale and detergent residues, are also eliminated.
White wine vinegar
Another ingredient that can come to your rescue in case of limescale in the washing machine is vinegar, which is considered a natural limescale remover. Also, like baking soda, it is able to remove bad odors. Not surprisingly, it is also used to remove the smell from the refrigerator! So, pour one quart of white wine vinegar into the drum of the washing machine and start an empty wash at about 140°F: your appliance will be as good as new! We recommend that you repeat this operation once a month!
Citric acid
If you want to try a more environmentally friendly alternative to vinegar, but just as effective, we recommend citric acid, which is also good for ridding the dishwasher of limescale! Then pour 1/3 lb of citric acid into the basket of the washing machine and run an empty wash cycle, preferring higher temperatures so the remedy is more effective. Alternatively, you can also dilute the same amount of citric acid in 1 quart of water and pour, then, the resulting mixture into the detergent tub. Limescale in the washing machine will be just a bad memory!
Salt
After vinegar and baking soda, there is another pantry ingredient that can come to your rescue in case of limescale in the washing machine. What are we talking about? About salt, which is able to reduce the hardness of the water thus limiting the blockages given by limescale. In addition, it is also useful for absorbing bad odors and moisture! All you need to do is pour 2 pounds of salt into the drum of the washing machine and run a long wash at high temperatures. Goodbye limescale in the washing machine! To keep the results consistent over time, we recommend that you perform this operation regularly once a month.
DIY limescale remover
If the limescale seems to be very stubborn and struggles to go away with the remedies seen so far, then it is a case of combining several ingredients together to make a DIY limescale remover. Equip yourself, then, with:
- 2 tablespoons of coarse salt
- 1 tablespoon of baking soda
- 1 glass of water (better if demineralized)
All you have to do, at this point, is to pour all the ingredients one by one into the drawer of the washing machine and run an empty cycle at at least 140 °F. Now wait and you will notice that the limescale will be gone and your washing machine will be as good as new!
