Calgon substitute for washing machine
When it comes to prolonging the performance of a washing machine, Calgon immediately comes to mind, because they never tire of advertising this miracle product on TV. However, reality may differ from the picture: on forums and websites, reviews about this drug are extremely contradictory, while it costs a lot. Is it possible to somehow replace Calgon at home so as not to overpay?
What should I use instead of Calgon?
First, it’s worth figuring out why the controversy surrounding this product does not subside on the Internet? After all, if you look at it, it performs its functions perfectly, namely, it softens the water, which prevents the formation of scale and limescale on the internal parts of the machine. So what's the catch?
It's actually simple. Buyers consider the high cost of Calgon to be unreasonable. More than $3 per kilogram, but such a package lasts, at best, for a month. Of course, there is no sign of saving here. In addition to all this, if you carefully look at the composition of the product, you can find out that it contains the simplest elements: soda and sodium tripolyphosphate, due to which the water is softened.
Important! These components are contained in one proportion or another in any other water softener. The preparations differ from each other only in some decorative or aromatic elements.
There are less expensive complete analogues of Calgon on the Russian market. Let's give examples.
- Antiscale. The most popular product among Russian users. The quality is in no way inferior to advertised brands, and costs about $0.3.
- Alphagon. A package of half a kilogram of powder costs $0.7.However, the proportion of the main substances is designed in such a way that the consumption is halved.
- There is no scale. The half-kilogram package is consumed extremely economically. Not only softens water and prevents scale, but also effectively helps get rid of it.
- Luxus Professional. The peculiarity of this domestic product is that after using it, a pleasant light aroma of lemon remains in the machine. Well, it copes with its main task at 5.
- Top House. Product made in Germany. Quite budget friendly. Well suited for cleaning scale and deposits not only from washing machines, but also from other household appliances.
- Magic Power. This is a liquid gel cleanser that is sold in ¼ liter dosages. It works “pointwise” and is very effective; it is produced in Germany.
Thus, Calgon has no shortage of competitors. They are not inferior to it in efficiency, but they differ very favorably in cost. As a means to combat dirt on the insides of SM, instead of Calgon, you can use ordinary citric acid in the following proportion: 200 grams of product per machine with a load of 4-5 kilograms.
The powder should be placed in the detergent tray. Then the idle wash mode is activated. In this case, the water temperature should be as high as possible, the optimal being 90 degrees. As a result, you will get a machine without scale and lime, as well as excellent disinfection and elimination of unpleasant odors.
Attention! Don't get carried away with using this method. It is enough to carry out the procedure no more than once every six months. It is also not advisable to abandon the periodic use of other softeners.
Is it possible to do without Calgon?
Many people underestimate the importance of softening hard water.It would seem, what harm can scale cause to machine parts? Surely everyone has seen the Calgon advertisement, in which the washing unit breaks down during the washing process, and all due to the breakdown of the heating element. Over time, hardness salts settle on the part, forming a layer that becomes thicker and thicker. As a result, the heating element fails. To avoid such a fate, you need to add softeners to your washing machine.
As is already known, Kalgon is precisely designed to solve such problems. Manufacturers claim the following objectives of the product:
- with regular use, Calgon can reduce the amount of powder that is consumed during washing;
- the powder improves the quality of washing, lime stains do not form on things;
- The drum is disinfected and unpleasant odors disappear.
Important! Of course, Calgon is an excellent remedy. It copes with all the assigned tasks with a bang, as many users note. However, you should not abuse it, as the active substances can have a bad effect on the machine parts if used frequently.
It is better to wash with Calgon at a high temperature, not lower than 60 degrees. In the name of economy, you can alternate Calgon with other, cheaper substitutes and periodically resort to citric acid. Then the washing machine will last a long time and will not require repairs.
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1 reader comment
What does it mean not to abuse Calgon? The advertisement says to add it every time you wash. In general, the truth cannot be found.You need to take the oil seal, put it in a concentrated Calgon solution for several days (or better yet, a month) and see if it is damaged. And then it will be clear whether Kalgon destroys the “internal parts of the machine” or not.