The cleanliness of the washing machine should come first when it comes to care. The main problem of SMA is hard water, which provokes the appearance of scale, leading to breakdown of mechanisms. You can fix the problem using special products or citric acid.
But there is another excellent method that will prevent breakage of the heating element and eliminate scale. From this article you will learn how to clean a washing machine with vinegar without spending a lot of money, time and effort.
Why does scale form?
Only three factors affect the formation of scale and plaque on the inside of the washer:
- hard and polluted water;
- regular use of the automatic machine in the intensive washing mode;
- poor-quality washing powder, which contains many chemical components.
Very often, scale forms in places with limited access. After considering how to clean the washing machine from limescale with vinegar, you will understand that the cleaning process is accessible and understandable.
Why is cleaning a washing machine important?
Many SMA owners do not understand how much damage can occur on the details. Consider several factors that pose a danger not only to the machine, but also to the health of its owners:
- With prolonged buildup of plaque, fungal infections and mold form inside the machine. This can lead to unpleasant consequences.
- Scale puts a strain on the heater, which subsequently can lead to damage to the heating element. Replacing it is an expensive process.
- Hard plaque on the heating element leads to a large consumption of electricity. In this case, the heating of water slows down significantly.
In order for the equipment to work properly, it is recommended to resort to such an effective method as cleaning the washing machine with vinegar.
Advantages and disadvantages of using
Before proceeding with cleaning, we will figure out whether it is possible to add vinegar to the washing machine, is this method safe for the technician.
Of the advantages of this cleaning method, five factors stand out:
- Safety. Subject to proportions and recommendations, this method will not affect the functionality and performance of the CM.
- High efficiency. Vinegar is an aggressive substance with a large amount of acid. Cleaning the machine with vinegar will lead to the breakdown of scale into small particles that will be washed during the operation of the washer.
- Get rid of bad smell. Processing the machine with vinegar completely neutralizes the “swamp”, “rotten” and other odors generated in the filtration system and water discharge.
- Sanitation. The liquid is an excellent disinfectant, therefore it is used to corrode scale and remove mold. Eliminates fungal microorganisms and bacteria.
- Thrift. Vinegar is much cheaper than various cleaning products designed to clean the machine, and is always at hand.
There are only two drawbacks:
- Pungent reagent odor. It is quite easy to fix: turn on the washer for an additional rinse, and then ventilate the tank.
- Risk of damage to silicone or rubber parts. To exclude this possibility, it is recommended to follow all the rules for cleaning the AGR.
If you use vinegar for a washing machine, the negative consequences are minimal!
Instructions for cleaning the washer
So, we come to an important procedure for cleaning the washer. For security, follow the recommendations and follow all the steps in the correct order:
- Open the drum for ventilation. Washing with vinegar in the washing machine is prohibited, therefore, if there are things in it, they must be removed so as not to spoil it.
- How much vinegar to add to the washing machine? It is enough to pour 200-250 ml of 9% liquid into the powder tray.
Important! Before cleaning the machine, be sure to wear rubber gloves to prevent liquid from getting on your skin - this will result in dry hands!
- Turn on the machine and select the longest time mode by setting the temperature to 60-90 degrees. Launch.
- When heating the water in the drum, stop the washing process for 1-1.5 hours by pressing the “pause”.
- After the required time, turn on the machine so that the washing mode ends.
- Clean the drain filter of scale deposits.
- Dilute vinegar and water in a ratio of 0.5: 1. Dampen a cloth in the solution and wipe the drum and rubber seal.
- Run the shortest flushing program.
- Wipe all internal parts of the CM with a dry cloth.
Important! If you have 70 percent vinegar, to get 200 ml of a 9 percent liquid, take 5 teaspoons of vinegar and add 12 tablespoons of water (24 ml and 176 ml) to it.
We suggest using another method such as cleaning the washing machine with vinegar and soda. It is often used for preventive purposes. This technique guarantees easy and effective descaling and removal of rotten odor from the washing drum.
Add a glass of vinegar and a pinch of soda. Follow the same guidelines as when cleaning with vinegar.
Knowing how to rinse the washer and remove scale from the heating element, you can forget about the breakdown of the heater.
Watch the washing machine and do not forget to take care of it.
We examined how to wash a car with vinegar. Follow the rules and take care of the washer so that it will serve you for many years.