Today, in household chemical stores and the corresponding departments of supermarkets, there is such a variety of products that it was impossible to even dream of before. However, such abundance can play a cruel joke on the buyer, because in reality it turns out that it is not at all easy to determine which product is really needed. In this article we will try to figure out whether Calgon is needed for washing machines. You will also find reviews from consumers and professionals here.
Let us immediately note that the many positive comments that you may have already encountered more than once are not always proof of the quality of the product, because they can simply be fabricated.
Advertising company
Each of us has at least once heard about such a “savior” of washing machines as “Kalgon”. Even those who have nothing to do with laundry and housekeeping in general remember the sensational commercial. Indeed, “Kalgon”, reviews of which are very contradictory, is an extremely promoted product. Many people have been using this product with every wash for years, simply believing the convincing advertising. Everyone is familiar with the problem of scale, and Calgon, according to the manufacturer, can save us from these inconveniences forever and extend the life of the washing machine.
Needless to say that in just a few years the company's sales have increased more than 20 times? So should you believe the advertising of Calgon? Reviews indicate that it is not easy to answer this question unequivocally. There are very different opinions on this matter, and one contradicts the other.
Characteristics and composition
Calgon product consists of several active components. The most active ingredient is sodium tripolyphosphate. It is this that immediately begins to enter into a peculiar reaction with calcium ions contained in the water. Due to this effect, the level of liquid hardness is normalized, and scale stops forming.
Other components include:
- polycarboxylates;
- microcrystalline cellulose;
- surface-acting substances.
It is important that the smell of this product is light, not overwhelming and even pleasant. So Calgon additionally helps fight unpleasant odors that the washing machine begins to emit over time.
Advantages of Calgon
Among the main advantages of this product, the manufacturer names:
- scale protection;
- ensuring cleanliness inside the machine;
- preventing the appearance of unpleasant odors;
- longer service life of the washing machine;
- saving detergents and energy;
- difference in forms: tablets, powder, Calgon gel.
Reviews about each type, although slightly different, generally indicate that you can safely do without this product.
Purpose
In addition to preventing scale formation, this product effectively copes with other important tasks. This is achieved due to the unique composition and active substances. Other properties of Calgon include:
- it protects the car from possible breakdowns;
- promotes economical powder consumption;
- increases the efficiency of the washing itself;
- improves the operation of household appliances.
Preventing breakdowns
Since scale stops forming, it no longer settles on the internal elements of the device itself. As a result, the washing machine does not fail, works well, and thereby extends its service life.
Powder saving
Under the influence of such a product, water is significantly softened and its properties are improved several times. The powder begins to transform into rich foam. Its particles dissolve completely, thereby helping to reduce detergent consumption.
Washing efficiency
Thanks to its unique effect, Calgon really has a positive effect on the efficiency of the washing process. The fact is that in soft water all fabrics are cleaned much better. This makes it possible to remove even the most corrosive stains and old dirt.
Maintaining material characteristics
Due to the effect that Calgon has on the structure of water and on the elements of the washing machine, washing is more delicate and gentle. As a result, the material retains its softness and original color.
By ridding the washing machine of scale, this preparation protects the fabric from increased hardness and from coloring it gray.
How to use?
The manufacturer claims that the product can be applied to any type of laundry: white, colored, etc. “Calgon” is combined with any powder and liquid laundry gels. It is recommended to use it every time. The product must be poured into the main compartment of the dispenser after you have already put the powder there. It is best to use Calgon 2 in 1. Reviews from some customers say that it not only prevents the formation of scale, but also neutralizes the salts present in the water.
Is scale really that bad?
When you see the spiral from the Calgon advertisement covered with a huge layer of scale, you involuntarily feel worried about your own machine. Following this, there is a desire to prevent the formation of plaque and purchase a miracle cure. In fact, it turns out that a layer of scale of such thickness simply cannot form in a washing machine. That insignificant amount of it, which, one way or another, appears during the washing process, can be easily removed with ordinary powder.
It turns out that the problem is not as terrible as it is made out to be. Reviews from experts demonstrate that this product is not as necessary as it seems at first glance.
Calgon release forms
Calgon is available in several different forms. This allows you to choose the most suitable option for convenient use. Some people like to use the product in the form of a gel, while others choose the tablet form.
Powder
Calgon product in powder form is packaged in packages of different weights. This allows you to first purchase a small amount of the drug just to test it in action. The only negative is that it is not always convenient to measure the powder, as it can spill onto the floor.
Pills
Calgon tablets are packed in boxes. There can be a different number of them in one package, ranging from twelve pieces to more than fifty. This form of release is very convenient to use, since you can always measure the required dosage of the drug.
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Gel
Liquid Calgon is presented in the form of a gel. It is sold in bottles of different capacities. The largest is two liters. Many housewives like this form of release. The gel is convenient to use and can be stored compactly. And thanks to its structure, such a product quickly penetrates the necessary elements of the machine.
Main causes of breakdowns
Despite the fact that advertising for the product names scale as the main reason for machine failure, experts dealing with repairs note that this is not the case. According to them, most often the device stops functioning properly due to:
- wear of parts and elements;
- blockages (small metal parts, such as paper clips, buttons, stones, slip through the drum);
- breakdown of the heating element (this is already related to scale).
As we can see, the malfunction of the heating device due to the accumulation of scale on its surface is only the third most common cause of breakdowns, which is at odds with the opinion. Consumer reviews indicate that plaque forms even with constant use of the product. Therefore, we can safely say that he is helpless in dealing with this problem. Experts also note that the use of the product not only does not have a positive effect on the washing machine, but, on the contrary, has a negative effect on it. Rubber parts become unusable due to some components included in the Calgon product.
"Kalgon 2 in 1": reviews
Most people who constantly use the product in the hope of keeping their washing machine safe and sound end up disappointed. It all happens like this: the car breaks down, a specialist arrives, and it turns out that some parts have become unusable due to scale. The surprise of the owners knows no bounds, because they used Calgon! Please note that plaque appears on the elements of the machine if you often wash at high temperatures. It turns out that even Kalgon 2in1 cannot cope with this problem.
Reviews indicate that the product is simply a waste of money. Those who have often encountered the problem of scale formation are advised not to throw their finances down the drain by buying various products like the supposedly life-saving Calgon. In their opinion, you should pay attention to the water hardness and the most frequently used washing mode.
Of course, there is another side to the coin. Some people who use the product are quite satisfied with the effect. Buyers whose cars do not break down for a long time are happy and praise the properties of the product. However, in most cases this is not due to Calgon at all, but to the fact that the owner uses the device correctly, takes care of it, chooses washing modes wisely, or simply the water in his apartment is less hard than some. That's the whole secret!
Various tests conducted by scientists demonstrate the ineffectiveness of the product. Reviews from experts compare its use to adding sugar to honey, that is, completely useless. It turns out that positive consumer reviews are nothing more than their blind faith in the effectiveness of Calgon.
Prices
On average, a pack of Calgona can be purchased in the price range from 150 to 200 rubles per 500 grams. With constant use, this amount of product will last you for a month. Thus, you will spend about 2,000 rubles per year. At first glance, not so much, but if you think about the real effect of the product, it turns out that the amount is impressive. If you consider that replacing a heating element will cost you less, on average no more than 1,300 rubles. Let us note that without any cleaning or maintenance, the heating element will serve properly for 3 to 5 years. It turns out that it is easier to change the heating device once every three years than to spend money on useless Calgon.
However, if you still want to somehow protect your machine from scale, you can make the product yourself at home. To do this, just mix sodium tripolyphosphate and soda.
conclusions
Summing up, we can conclude that Kalgon products are not so necessary. Reviews from consumers and professionals in the repair and production of washing machines indicate that the product not only does not cope with the task, but also has a negative impact on the quality of some important rubber parts of the machine. In any case, only you can make the final choice. It's up to you to decide who to believe - the words of manufacturers interested in increasing sales and providing all sorts of certificates supposedly guaranteeing quality, or, perhaps, the comments of real people who have used the product for a long time and can objectively judge its properties and talk about costs that were not justified. .
In any case, with or without Calgon, you need to take care of your washing machine and use it correctly. Before you start washing, check if there are any small parts in your clothing pockets that could slip through the drum and damage the “insides” of the machine. Pay attention to water hardness; if the level is much higher than normal, appropriate measures may need to be taken. And of course, it is important to choose the right washing mode. It is not at all necessary for things to spin in boiling water; average temperatures are enough for everything to be washed efficiently.
Procedure for using anti-scale agent
When talking about the procedure for using the anti-scale agent “Antinscale”, it is impossible to unify the instructions. After all, anti-scale is not one product, but a group of products, and they are all different, produced by different manufacturers in various forms and used to clean different materials and surfaces. Let's look at the types of anti-scale products for washing machines
And let’s focus on the order of their use.
Antiscale for washing machines under the Furman brand. A specialized anti-scale agent that protects the drum and heating element of the washing machine from scale and salt deposits. The product does not harm the rubber parts of the machine after a single use. Packaging – 50 g sachet. Dosage – 1 sachet, 1 application. Frequency of use – once every 6 months. Directions for use: pour the contents of the sachet into the empty drum of the machine, select any mode (only with a temperature of 30-40 C) and wash.
Anti-scale for washing machines and dishwashers from Greenfield Rus. The product is intended for quickly cleaning parts of the washing machine and dishwasher from limescale. Packaging – pack of 250 g. Dosage – 60 g per application. Frequency of use – once every 6 months. Directions for use: pour 60 g (no more) of the product into the empty drum of the machine, select a mode with intensive rotation of the drum and a temperature of 40 C and wash.
Liquid anti-scale agent “Cinderella”. Multifunctional liquid product designed for cleaning kettles, pots, dishwashers and washing machines from limescale. When used correctly, the product does not damage the rubber parts of the washing machine. Packaging – 250 ml bottle. Dosage – 2 caps per 1 application. Frequency of use – once every 6 months. Directions for use: mix 2 caps of the product with 1 glass of water, pour the mixture into an empty drum of the machine and start the wash with intensive rotation of the drum and a temperature of 40 C, wait for the end of the washing program.
When planning to clean your washing machine with anti-scale agent, first wear rubber gloves. The product is caustic and may cause a chemical burn if it comes into contact with the skin. If antiscale comes into contact with your skin, eyes, nose or mouth, thoroughly rinse the affected parts of your body with plenty of water.
Pros and cons of using anti-scale in a washing machine
Like any chemical agent, anti-scale agent has its advantages and disadvantages. Our task is to objectively consider these pros and cons and evaluate them. Let's start with the advantages.
- Anti-scale removes lime deposits from the drum and heating element of the washing machine quite quickly. The scale comes off clean on average in 30-40 minutes.
- When used correctly, anti-scale components do not harm the rubber and plastic parts of the washing machine.
- The product is economically used, inexpensive and only needs to be used twice a year.
Antiscale manufacturers and experts themselves point out the following as disadvantages:
- an error in the dosage of the product can have adverse consequences for the washing machine;
- if the product gets on the skin or mucous membranes of the human body, it can be harmful to health;
- When using an anti-scale agent, large pieces of scale may fall off the heating element of the machine. They may well get stuck in the moving parts of the machine and contaminate the laundry.
