Calgon substitute for washing machines

When it comes to extending the life of a washing machine, Calgon immediately comes to mind, as this miracle product is constantly advertised on TV. However, reality can differ from the image: reviews of this product on forums and websites are extremely mixed, and it's quite expensive. Is there a way to replace Calgon at home without overpaying?

What to use instead of Calgon?

First, it's worth understanding why there's so much controversy online about this product. After all, it does its job perfectly, softening water, which prevents scale and limescale from building up on the machine's internal components. So what's the catch?

It's actually quite simple. Customers find Calgon's high price unreasonable. It costs over $3 per kilogram, and a single package lasts, at best, a month. Of course, there's no sense of saving money here. Furthermore, a closer look at the ingredients reveals that it contains simple ingredients: baking soda and sodium tripolyphosphate, which soften the water.

Important! These components are present in varying proportions in any other water softener. The products differ from each other only in some decorative or aromatic elements.

There are less expensive, complete alternatives to Calgon on the Russian market. Here are some examples.

1. Antinakipin. The most popular product among Russian users. It's just as good as advertised brands in terms of quality, yet costs around $0.30.
2. Alfagon. A half-kilogram package of powder costs $0.70. However, the proportions of the main ingredients are designed in such a way that the consumption is halved.
3. No scale buildup. The half-kilogram package is extremely economical. It not only softens water and prevents scale buildup, but also effectively removes it.
4. Luxus Professional. This domestic product is unique in that it leaves a pleasant, light lemon scent in the machine after use. It also does its job perfectly.
5. Top House. A German-made product. Quite affordable. It's great for removing limescale and deposits not only from washing machines but also from other household appliances.
6. Magic Power is a liquid gel cleaner sold in ¼-liter bottles. It has a targeted action and is highly effective, and is made in Germany.

Thus, Calgon has no shortage of competitors. They are equally effective, but are very competitive in price. As a means of combating contamination on the inside of the washing machine, instead of Calgon, you can use ordinary citric acid in the following proportion: 200 grams of the product per machine with a load of 4-5 kilograms.

Place the detergent in the detergent dispenser. Then run the washer dryer on an empty cycle. The water temperature should be as high as possible; 90 degrees Celsius is ideal. This will ensure a limescale- and scale-free machine, as well as excellent disinfection and odor removal.

Caution! Don't overdo it with this method. It's sufficient to perform the procedure no more than once every six months. It's also recommended to continue using other softeners periodically.

Is it possible to do without Calgon?

Many people underestimate the importance of softening hard water. It would seem that limescale could harm machine parts. Surely everyone has seen the Calgon commercials where a washing machine breaks down mid-cycle due to a faulty 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 this, you need to add fabric softeners to your washing machine.

As is already known, Calgon is designed to solve precisely these problems. The manufacturers claim the following goals:

• With regular use, Calgon can reduce the amount of powder used during washing;
• the powder improves the quality of washing, no limescale stains form on clothes;
• The drum is disinfected and unpleasant odors disappear.

Important! Calgon is certainly an excellent product. It handles all its intended purposes with flying colors, as many users have noted. However, it should not be overused, as the active ingredients can adversely affect the machine's components with frequent use.

It's best to wash with Calgon at a high temperature, at least 60 degrees Celsius. To save money, you can alternate Calgon with other, cheaper alternatives and periodically use citric acid. This will ensure your machine lasts a long time and won't require repairs.

   

1 reader comment

1. April 15, 2021 at 11:07 PM

   Michael:

   What do you mean, don't overuse Calgon? The ad says to add it every time you wash. But there's no real answer. You need to take the oil seal, soak it in a concentrated Calgon solution for several days (or better yet, a month), and see if it gets damaged. Then you'll know whether Calgon is damaging the "internal parts of the machine."

   Answer