How to Remove Limescale from Your Washing Machine

Limescale. It’s the silent culprit that can slowly ruin your washing machine. If you live in a hard water area, it’s even more of a problem. This chalky residue builds up in your machine over time, affecting its performance and the freshness of your laundry. The solution? Regular descaling. 

Let’s break down how to descale a washing machine and stop limescale from taking over.

Why Descaling Your Washing Machine Matters

If you live in a hard water area, your washing machine is dealing with a lot more than just dirty laundry. Limescale is what's left behind when minerals like calcium and magnesium settle after each wash. It sticks to the drum, pipes, and heating elements, making your machine work harder than it should.

The result of limescale in your washing machine? A machine that takes longer to heat up, and clothes that don't come out as clean as they would in a soft water area. If you don't descale regularly, you could shorten your machine's lifespan. Descaling helps to break down and remove the limescale that's causing all these issues.

How to Descale a Washing Machine: Step-by-Step

1. Get Your Cleaning Supplies

Before you begin, gather everything you’ll need to descale your washing machine properly. Having the right tools on hand will make the process smooth and efficient. 

Here’s what you’ll want to have ready:

• White Vinegar: A natural alternative that works wonders on limescale. You’ll need around two cups to get the job done. It’s a budget-friendly option, but it's not as effective on limescale as Calgon. 
• Commercial Descaler: If you’re dealing with heavy limescale build-up, you might prefer a commercial descaler. These products are made specifically for washing machines, formulated to target limescale effectively.
• Microfibre Cloth or Sponge: After running your cleaning cycle, you’ll need something to wipe down the drum and other parts of the machine. Microfibre cloths are soft yet effective at removing excess residue without scratching the drum.
• Soft-Bristle Brush: Sometimes, stubborn limescale or dirt can cling to tight spots, like inside the drum holes or around the door seal. A soft-bristle brush, like an old toothbrush, works perfectly to scrub those areas clean.
• Measuring Cup: If you're using vinegar or a descaler, a measuring cup will help ensure you're adding the right amount to the machine.

2. Run an Empty Cycle

Set your machine to 20°C with no clothes inside. Pour two cups of white vinegar inside. 




3. Wipe Down the Drum

Once the cycle's finished, get a damp cloth and wipe down the drum. You might find some leftover residue or spots of limescale, just scrub them away with vinegar or the cleaning solution.

How Often Should You Descale a Washing Machine?

A good rule of thumb is to descale every 3 to 6 months. You might want to do it more often if you live in a hard water area. Regular descaling keeps your machine running smoothly and helps avoid costly repairs. Using Calgon regularly helps prevent limescale build-up.




Tips for Stopping Limescale In a Washing Machine Before It Starts

It's one thing to descale your machine regularly, but wouldn't it be easier to stop limescale from building up in the first place? 




Here's how to prevent limescale in your washing machine, as you can see, it doesn’t take much effort!


• Use Calgon 4-in-1 gel: Adding Calgon to every wash in your detergent drawer makes it harder for limescale to form.
• Pick the right detergent: Highly efficacious detergents designed to work in hard water can also help reduce limescale build-up.
• Wipe down your machine: Regularly clean the drum and detergent drawer to stop soap residue and dirt from building up, which can contribute to limescale.




Using these tips to descale your washing machine will keep it clean and running efficiently — and save you a bit of cash in the long run! Limescale is one of the biggest culprits behind washing machine breakdowns, but with regular descaling and a few preventive measures, you can stop it in its tracks.




Don't wait for the limescale to cause problems. By descaling your washing machine regularly and using the right products, you'll ensure your washing machine stays in top condition for longer. 

FAQs

How to clean limescale from the washing machine?

Run the washing machine on a hot, empty cycle with white vinegar or a descaling product inside the drum. This breaks down and flushes out the limescale.


How do I prevent limescale in a washing machine?

Use a water softener like Calgon in every wash.


How do I clean limescale from the drum?

Wipe the drum down with a microfibre cloth and some vinegar or your descaling product to remove any mineral deposits left behind.