Do you want to extend the trouble-free operation of your washing machine by cleaning its main elements? Agree, it’s great when the washing machine works like a clock: load the laundry, pour in the powder, press start. To do this, it is worth remembering the most important thing: any equipment needs care.
But the range of detergents is very rich and you don’t know which of them can cope with the task? We will help you figure out how and how to clean your washing machine from a variety of contaminants - from scale to banal dirt and the ubiquitous fungus.
The article discusses effective methods of cleaning the heating element with an overview of the most effective means. To avoid breakdowns of expensive appliances, floods and other consequences of oversight, we offer step-by-step instructions on how to perform comprehensive cleaning of all important components and elements of the washing machine.
We have selected photos depicting important stages of the process, as well as useful videos demonstrating the prevention and maintenance of the unit on our own.
Which brand of washing machine cleaner is best to choose?
The presented rating of products includes products from well-known manufacturers.
The TOP included the following brands:
- Reckitt Benckiser is a large British company that owns the Calgon brand. This is the most famous brand that specializes in producing water softeners.
- Topperr is a German brand. The products offered by the company have a patented formula that provides high-quality care.
- Magic Power is a German brand of European. In total, the product catalog includes more than 200 items.
- Techpoint is a company founded in 1988. Its leading direction is the production of cleaning products for household appliances. The brand offers high-quality products made from natural ingredients.
- Sandokkaebi is a South Korean manufacturer of household chemicals. The brand was registered in 1986. Its peculiarity is high quality products at an affordable price.
- Nagara is a Japanese brand founded in 1960. The line of products represented by the company includes toiletries and detergents.
- Un Momento - his product line is popular with European consumers, and it is also known in Russia.
The companies included in the rating are known not only in Russia, but throughout the world.
The best washing machines
Calgon Powder
Calgon powder is considered one of the top cleaners for washing machines. It is aimed at softening water and neutralizing metal salts. This not only removes scale, but also prevents its formation.
The peculiarity of the product is that it can be used even in cold water. The powder is poured into the drum along with the laundry detergent. All recommended volumes are written on the packaging, which makes it easier to select the dosage. Calgon powder prevents limescale and also eliminates unpleasant odors in the washing machine.
Among the advantages:
- softens water well;
- eliminates unpleasant odors;
- protects against scale;
- economically used;
- Can be used even for old washing machines.
Of the minuses:
- the dosage is prescribed in grams;
- high price;
- inconvenient packaging.
Rating of the best washing machine cleaning products
When choosing the best cleaning product for a washing machine, VyborExpert experts relied on reviews from users and specialists. The following characteristics were used to determine the nominees:
- Cost-effective;
- Release form - powder or liquid;
- Effective against scale, biological deposits, soap scum;
- Prevention of re-formation of plaque/scale;
- Ease of use;
- Frequency of use;
- Possibility of use during the laundry process;
- The presence of a deodorizing and disinfecting effect;
- Compound;
- Safety for rubber and metal parts.
One of the points that was paid attention to was the price-quality ratio.
Tips and tricks
- It is important to regularly remove plaque, as it makes it difficult for the drum to rotate and can lead to its failure;
- A clean heating element (heating element) will reduce electricity consumption, as it will heat water more efficiently;
- Using special products for washing water to soften, for example, Calgon, will not bring the desired effect - their active ingredient, sodium tripolyphosphate, is not able to remove salt deposits, but can lead to the formation of plaque due to excessive softness of the water;
- The use of acids should not be carried out more than 2 times a year - this can lead to damage to the device.
The best products for cleaning your washing machine from odors
The cause of the smell is scale, various contaminants on the walls of the drum and the internal surfaces of the washing machine, as well as mold. That is why it is advisable to choose universal products that can eliminate all potential causes at once. After studying consumer reviews and product compositions, 2 nominees were selected.
Calgon
Calgon 2 in 1 water softener in powder form is used with every wash. The composition is an odor remover in the washing machine and copes with two tasks at once. The first one prevents the formation of scale on internal surfaces by softening the water. The second one prevents the settling of dirty soap deposits, eliminating the appearance of an unpleasant odor. Its use allows you to save washing powder by an average of 25%.
Calgon contains nonionic surfactants, zeolites (over 30%) and polycarboxylates (less than 5%). The product may cause an allergic reaction. The dosage of Calgon depends on the water hardness. The manufacturer gives the following recommendations for using the powder: very hard water - 6 measuring spoons (90 g), hard water - 4 measuring spoons (60 g), medium hard water - 2 measuring spoons (30 g).
Advantages
- Suitable for washing delicate fabrics;
- Long shelf life;
- Provides high-quality washing at low temperatures;
- Pleasant, non-aggressive aroma;
- Improving the quality of laundry washing.
Flaws
- Not a very low price.
Calgon is added to the laundry detergent compartment. The manufacturer does not recommend pouring it directly into the drum, as the granules may not dissolve completely.
Topper
“...The manufacturer indicates that Topperr can be used for washing dishwashers. We tested the nominee. He coped with the task perfectly..."
Expert opinion
The cleaning agent for the automatic washing machine “Topperr” is intended for disinfection and cleaning of the internal surfaces and parts of the unit. The product is a joint development of two leading brands - Bosch and Miele. Topperr copes with scale deposits covering the heating element and filter in one application. The powder also has a deodorizing effect, removes biological contaminants and hardened soap scum. It is recommended to use it once every 3 months. Topperr does not destroy rubber seals and other elements. The weight of the package is 100 g, which is enough for one
Advantages
- Complex effect – disinfection and deodorization;
- Complete removal of dirt;
- Dissolving scale;
- Affordable price;
- Ease of use;
- No pungent odor.
Flaws
- The cleaner is not suitable for first use.
After using the powder, the smell from the drum goes away. But quite often you have to clean the protective rubber manually, since dirt remains in it.
The best children's washing powders
What causes the swamp smell?
It seemed that the machine was working properly, without breakdowns, but suddenly, out of nowhere, the smell of stagnant rotten water appeared, which soaks washed clothes. Why did it arise?
There are three causes of stench:
- The door is always closed. The moisture remaining on the drum gradually evaporates, and the resulting greenhouse effect leads to the formation of fungus and mold.
- After washing, moisture remains under the rubber seal. It is possible that small fibers are stuck there. This is an excellent environment for mold to grow and smell disgusting.
- Some owners, not taking care of a basket for dirty laundry, put their worn clothes in the “washer’s” mouth, they say, they still need to wash. Dirty laundry placed in a humid, warm atmosphere is an excellent solution for the growth of mold and all that comes with it, including the formation of a nauseating stench.
Bacteria can also multiply in a poorly washed dispenser, clogged filter, or drain hose, so you need to keep them clean. It’s easy to get your car in good shape with your own hands, without calling a technician. You just need to arm yourself with time, take the necessary cleaning product and put on rubber gloves.
The best products for starting a washing machine for the first time
The inner surface of the drum of a new unit may contain residual factory oil. For this reason, it is necessary to perform the first launch in order to remove all existing contamination and prepare its parts for further work. After studying reviews from consumers and experts, the 2 best products were selected.
Magic Power
Magic Power washing machine cleaner for the first start completely removes all remnants of factory oil and other components from the surface of the drum. The powder itself is odorless. When first starting, it is recommended to set the water temperature to at least +40 degrees. You must select a full wash cycle and allow it to complete. Magic Power contains only two components - a complexing agent and an organic acid; there are no petroleum products.
Magic Power can be used to clean scale that has formed on the surface of the heating element and other elements of the washing machine. In this case, it is loaded directly into the drum. Then you need to select a mode with high water heating - at least +70 degrees and run the full cycle. It is recommended to use it when the water is very hard, as well as when it contains a high content of salts and impurities.
Advantages
- Contains citric acid;
- Application once every six months;
- Good cleansing effect;
- Does not leave a pungent odor;
- Affordable price.
Flaws
- The contents of the box do not correspond to its total volume.
Magic Power may not dissolve completely when poured into the washing powder tray.
Techpoint
Techpoint is a “2 in 1” product designed for starting a washing machine for the first time. The powder contains sodium sulfate, alkali, foam suppressants, surfactants, complexing agents, and corrosion inhibitors. Thanks to this composition, Techpoint completely dissolves factory oil residues, dust and various types of contaminants from the inner surface of the drum. The components included in it also provide protection for the heating element and prepare the unit for operation.
Techpoint powder can be used for preventive purposes after every 30th wash. It copes well with calcium and salt deposits, biological deposits and soap, and prevents the formation of rust and blockages. You need to pour 50 g into the tray - in the department for washing powder. Then the “Cotton” mode is set at a temperature of +60 degrees. The machine must work for the entire required time until it comes to a complete stop.
Advantages
- Suitable for washing machines and dishwashers;
- Long shelf life;
- Affordable price;
- The packaging weight is quite large;
- "2 in 1".
Flaws
- The powder should not be heated.
Techpoint should be stored in a dry, dark place, without spilling from the manufacturer's packaging. If the powder gets damp, it will lose effectiveness.
Best water softeners
Frau Schmidt cleaner tablets
In order for the machine to serve for a long time, it must be carefully looked after. Another descaling product in the rating, but from France, is Frau Schmidt cleaner in tablets.
There are only six tablets in the package. Each is designed for one use. If the device is heavily soiled, the manufacturer recommends using two pieces at once.
Depending on the hardness of the water, tablets are used with different frequencies. If the water is soft, to prevent scale formation and remove contaminants, it is enough to use the product once a quarter. If hard water flows from the tap, the frequency of application must be tripled.
Each tablet is packaged in an individual package. When removed from the package, the round briquette gives off a pleasant lemon aroma. The compressed powder dissolves quickly and easily in hot water. It foams a little during use.
To clean the machine, one or two doses of scale remover must be placed directly into the drum and run the device on a regular wash cycle at a temperature of 60 degrees.
The cleaner effectively removes dirt, removes unpleasant odors, deodorizes, and leaves behind a pleasant lemon aroma. After using the product, the machine runs quieter and with less stress.
Pros:
- Convenient format.
- Cleans the machine perfectly.
- Easy to use.
- Has a deodorizing effect.
- Budget product among analogues.
Minuses:
- If it is heavily soiled, it may not work the first time.
The best descalers for washing machines
When choosing, you must carefully read the composition. It must contain acid and components that protect the parts of the washing machine from corrosion and damage. The presence of disinfectants and disinfectants is desirable. The nominees selected by Vyborexperta.ru experts fully meet these requirements.
Sandokkaebi
Anti-scale agent for washing machines “Sandokkaebi” from a Korean manufacturer. The instructions indicate that the powder should be used once every 2 months, but according to reviews, 1-2 procedures throughout the year are quite enough. The packaging is quite large - 450 g, but it is designed for only one treatment. Its price is low - does not exceed 200 rubles. The product is intended for front-loading and top-loading washing machines.
If you need to clean a unit with vertical loading, you need to fill the tank with warm water (+40 degrees) to the top level, dissolve the amount of powder in it, run the machine for 5-10 minutes, turn it off, leave it for 90 minutes, and then let the machine run at full capacity cycle. With front loading, the powder is poured into the drum, and the equipment is started for a standard cycle.
Advantages
- Affordable price;
- Large volume of powder;
- Fully Russified label;
- Effectively removes plaque from hard water;
- Suitable for front and vertical loading.
Flaws
- An unpleasant odor may appear.
Sandokkaebi perfectly dissolves scale in machines with any type of laundry load.
Nagara
This product is designed to remove scale from your washing machine. It comes in tablet format, which makes it very convenient. You just need to put the circle in an empty drum and run the equipment on a wash cycle. The main requirement is that its duration should not exceed 5 hours. But according to reviews, a regular rinse is quite enough for high-quality cleaning; you can do it twice.
Nagara is an excellent product for cleaning dirt from your washing machine. The manufacturer claims that the tablets effectively destroy almost 100% of mold and fungal spores that cover the outside of the drum, and also removes all clogs invisible to the eye. That is why, after using them, any unpleasant odors disappear and a characteristic aroma of freshness appears.
Advantages
- Easy-to-use format;
- Dissolves scale;
- Disinfects;
- Disinfects;
- Affordable price.
Flaws
- There are only 5 tablets in the package.
During treatment and after its completion, a strong smell of chlorine appears.
Un Momento
This is an encapsulated product in the form of a liquid superconcentrate for dissolving scale on the heating element. The composition of the capsules includes food acids of organic origin, water that has undergone special preparation, and food salts of alkaline metals. Thanks to its gentle but effective formula, Un Momento removes limescale deposits and does not destroy working elements.
The capsules must be used without laundry, i.e. with the drum unloaded. You need to put 3 pcs in it. and start the wash. The manufacturer advises selecting a program with a water temperature of +60 degrees. Pre-wash must be turned off. The cycle must be completed completely. Un Momento, due to high-quality descaling, improves the heat transfer of heating elements and reduces energy consumption.
Advantages
- Safe for humans;
- Non-toxic;
- Increases the service life of the unit;
- Convenient disposable packaging (capsules);
- Suitable for regular preventative cleaning.
Flaws
- A small number of capsules per package.
“Un Momento” capsules do not cause destruction of rubber and plastic parts.
Why should you clean your washing machine?
Although the purpose of the machine is to “give” us clean things, the condition of the device itself may be far from sterile.
Dirt removed from clothing during washing accumulates on the internal elements. Black spots of mold can often be replaced on the sealing gum and the edges of the drum, because heat and moisture are ideal conditions for the development of fungal organisms.
And the heating element and other parts are gradually covered with a coating of salts that are in the water.
If you do not carry out preventive cleaning, an unpleasant odor will appear in the machine, which it will “transfer” to clean things, and in the worst case, the device will stop working altogether and will require expensive repairs.
Main sources of pollution:
- high mineralization of water;
- use of aggressive chemicals and low-quality detergents;
- improper operation of the device;
- washing heavily soiled items - overalls with residues of mortar or machine oil, clothes after gardening work, etc.
So, in order to bring your assistant into a perfectly clean appearance, it’s time to do some general cleaning, starting from the body itself and ending with the internal parts.
To wash away obvious external contaminants (stains of gel, conditioner, traces of powder), warm water and a sponge are enough. But you will have to work hard with the parts hidden in the depths of the unit.
Which washing machine cleaning product is best to buy?
When choosing the best cleaning product for a washing machine, you need to decide on its primary purpose. If you just need prevention, then the composition should not include aggressive components. For a new machine that has not yet been used, they buy a product for the first launch. They will wash away any remaining factory contaminants and prepare the parts for further work. For thorough cleaning of limestone deposits and other contaminants, you need to choose universal formulations containing well-cleaning components.
When choosing a product, you can use our recommendations:
- If your place of residence supplies water with high hardness and a high content of various types of impurities, choose a Calgon water softener;
- If you need to clean not only your washing machine, but also your dishwasher, then Topperr will be an excellent choice;
- Can't stand strong aromas because you suffer from allergies, but need to prepare a new unit for use? We recommend choosing Magic Power;
- If you need a “2 in 1” product that can be used both for the first start and as a preventive measure for the accumulation of scale and dirt, choose Techpoint;
- Sandokkaebi will provide high-quality dissolution of the layer of scale and dirt in “machines” with vertical and horizontal loading of laundry at a budget cost;
- Do you need to descale the unit and get rid of mold and mildew? Buy Nagara tablets;
- Those who need to clean their automatic machine for preventive purposes should pay attention to the UnMomento capsules.
Choosing the “right” product that solves existing problems will improve the quality of the wash itself and extend the overall service life of the unit.
Nagara
This effective drum cleaner is available in the market in tablet form. They need to be thrown into the drum, and then start the “Rinse” mode. Cleaning is carried out within 4 hours. The number of tablets used to clean a washing machine depends on the volume of the drum. Therefore, please read the instructions first to find out the exact quantity.
The benefits of the product include:
- ease of use;
- fights not only scale, but also germs and mold;
- Removes invisible dirt so your laundry always stays clean.
The only drawback of the product is that there are only 5 tablets inside the package. Therefore, you will have to buy with a reserve.
Algorithm for cleaning a washing machine
The process of cleaning the machine itself must be carried out in the following order:
First, carry out mechanical cleaning of various buttons, lumps of dirt, hair and other foreign objects. To do this, you should thoroughly clean :
- Filter element.
- Drain hose.
Rubber rim in front of the machine door.
- Rinse the powder tray after removing it from the machine. It is better to do this with liquid products and under running warm water.
- Next, you can begin cleaning the hard-to-reach parts of our unit.
Criterias of choice
The cleaning product works in different ways. Before purchasing, you should consider some recommendations from experts:
- Read the instructions online and read customer reviews. Additional information will help you find out whether a particular chemical product is really able to cope with its function. Also, a person will additionally learn about the sequence of cleaning and the advantageous components in the composition.
- Take a closer look at the packaging in the store. If you choose a concentrated liquid product, it is advisable to purchase it in a bottle with a handle or with an anti-slip layer. Instead of a liquid product, you can use powder.
- The choice is to choose products with dispensers or a measuring cup.
- At home, objectively assess the degree of contamination of the machine. If tap water has a soft composition, then reactive products should be discarded. You need to take a closer look at preventative agents and add them to the powder before washing.
- The liquid product helps to cope with plaque if the water is hard. The substance is added separately by turning on the unit without clothes.
- Calculate in advance how many times you will need to use the descaling agent, its cost and dosage for one procedure.
You cannot clean the device constantly, otherwise chemical particles will have a negative effect on the material of the unit. Cleaning is carried out 2 or 3 times a year.
How to remove mold
To eliminate mold and foul odors in the washing machine, chlorine bleach is often used. The substance is poured into the detergent compartment and the washing mode is turned on. At the same time, the laundry is not folded into the drum. When the machine has heated up, the program is paused for 1 hour and then the cycle is resumed.
To flush the system, it is useful to sometimes run an empty rinse cycle and pour vinegar diluted with water into the air conditioner compartment. This cleaning has a disinfecting effect and eliminates the unpleasant aroma of mustiness and dampness.
Reviews
Maria, 25 years old:
I prefer to clean my washing machine with commercially available ready-made cleaners. Anti-scale agent shows itself well. Plus it's inexpensive.
Lilia, 48 years old:
I don't trust household chemicals. All my life I have been using citric acid to remove scale. This is a safe, natural product, cleanses well and leaves a pleasant aroma.
How to prevent pollution
To ensure that the automatic machine gets less dirty and does not grow mold, after each use it is wiped with a clean rag from the outside and the surface of the drum. Also wipe the rubber seals of the hatch and the removable tray. To prevent clogging of the drain filters, before putting things into the drum, check all pockets and folds, removing foreign objects.
To prevent scale from covering the heating elements, special water softening tablets or bulk substances are regularly used. For cleaning, use special household chemicals or safe natural substances.
Master FRESH
This is a universal remedy for combating scale. It is suitable for all types of washing machines, regardless of the type of load or manufacturer. If you need to change household appliances, you won't need to buy another product. The peculiarity of Master FRESH is that it does not destroy the structure of tissues. Therefore, it can be used even with colored laundry.
The product is used to soften water. This prevents the accumulation of hardness salts on the heating elements, which has a positive effect on the quality of washing. When heating elements are cleaned, they use less electricity. In addition, the service life of the washing machine increases. The disadvantages of the product include the lack of a measuring spoon and the high cost.
