How Effective Is a Washing Machine Descaler and How Long Does it Work?

No matter how well you maintain your washing machine, a build-up of grime and grease is inevitable in the long run. Using the best detergents could reduce the limescale deposits in your washing machine drum. But there’s no turning away from the added chore of descaling your washing machine every now and then. The good news is that you no longer need to grab a pair of sturdy gloves and prepare a mix of vinegar and bleach to descale your washing machine manually. Washing machine descalers do the job effectively with minimal effort from your end. Besides, these descalers serve several other benefits to your washing machine, which we have explored below. 

1. Removes limescale deposits in the machine

Limescale deposits in your washing machine drum result from hard water. Over time, the build-up of limescale affects the machine’s ability to function effectively. Not to forget, it leaves limescale deposits on your clothes too when you wash them in the washing machine. This might compel you to purchase a new machine every few years, which is not a cost-effective solution. Instead, you can maintain your washing machine for years by regularly descaling it and reap many benefits. For example, using the Surf Excel Descaler tablets is a super convenient method to remove limescale deposits from your washing machine and even keep bacteria at bay. Now achieving a clean washing machine drum just got easy! 

2. Eradicates grime and grease deposits

Notice dark spots in your washing machine drum? Along with limescale, grime and grease deposits in a washing machine are common and tend to dull the look of your washing machine. One of the most common solutions to this issue is manually cleaning your washing machine using vinegar to remove any remnants of grime and grease. Or better yet, simply run a washing machine cycle using descaler tablets with minimal effort on your end. The descalers will effectively clean your washing machine drum and make it appear as good as new again! 

3. Prevents damage to other machine parts

We already mentioned how limescale affects the smooth functioning of your washing machine. However, if left unchecked, the growth of limescale could also extend to the machine’s other parts. For example, the pipes and hoses in your machine could corrode and cause flooding. Similarly, internal components of the machine could also show signs of damage, or they might stop working altogether. To prevent a complete breakdown of your washing machine, we recommend descaling at least thrice a year or more, depending on the quality of water you get in your home. 

4. Prevents bacterial growth in the machine

The build-up of limescale, grime, grease and all other kinds of filth in your washing machine creates a hotbed for bacteria growth. Even if you cannot spot the bacteria with your naked eye, the bacterial spread becomes more evident when your machine emits a foul odour. Would you not want to wash your clothes in such a washing machine? This is where you can take advantage of washing machine descalers. They are effective in eradicating any bacteria present in the washing machine, giving you a more hygienic wash.

GSC Tip: Once you’re done descaling the washing machine drum, leave the door open for the moisture to escape. Otherwise, you could be looking at a mould or mildew growth in your drum!

5. Leaves behind a pleasant fragrance 

As mentioned, the build-up of limescale, grime, grease, bacteria and more will cause your washing machine to emit foul smells. Descalers can come to your rescue here. Unlike the household ingredients used to descale washing machines, descalers come in varied fragrances that not only effectively clean your washing machine but also leave behind a pleasant smell. For instance, if you are a fan of citric aromas, try the Surf Excel Descaler tablet that comes with a fresh and pleasant lemon fragrance. All you need to do is toss two tablets (40 grams) into an empty washing machine drum and run the ‘Tub Clean’ cycle on your machine. A single wash will get your washing machine to smell super fresh. 

6. Increases the machine’s lifespan

Regular descaling of your washing machine would periodically remove deposits of limescale, soap scum, grime, grease, bacteria, and other kinds of filth in your washing machine drum. This would prevent the spread of the filth to other parts of the washing machine and ensure the smooth functioning of every component for years to come. You do not want to buy a new washing machine every few years. So, it’s better to conduct regular maintenance and increase the longevity of your appliances, especially if you tend to receive hard water in your area. 

7. Prevents the machine from consuming more energy

When the machine’s heating elements and main bearings are affected by limescale deposits, they do not function optimally. This causes your washing machine to take more time to heat water and consume more energy over time. Limescale is also known to reduce the energy efficiency of your home significantly. Using descalers regularly, you can not only save on the costs of buying a new washing machine every few years but also cut down on your energy bills. 

That’s great! But how long will the washing machine really stay clean?

Of course, washing machine descalers would not help lower your energy consumption if you use them after every wash! But your machine does not need descaling that frequently either. We recommend using washing machine descalers after every three months or thrice a year would be effective in removing all signs of limescale from your washing machine drum. However, you may have to increase the frequency of descaling if your home receives hard water. 

Descaling your washing machine will ensure it works correctly, increase the machine’s lifespan, and keep your machine smelling fresh and new. So if you now learnt everything there is to know about the benefits and effectiveness of washing machine descalers, click here for an in-depth guide to descaling your washing machine. 

Did you know:

Descalers are also an eco-friendly option to clean washing machines, as they do not let out sodium or other chemicals into your sewage line or affect your septic system in any way. Using descalers, you’re making a conscious choice!

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Washing Machine Descalers: The Right Way of Keeping Your Machine Drum Clean!