How to use Calgon for washing machines?
Everyone knows about the famous Calgon washing machine protector. But not everyone knows how to use it properly. Therefore, it's important to read the Calgon washing machine detergent instructions. It's important to know where and how much to add. It's also important to understand its ingredients and what makes it effective. This and much more will be discussed in this article.
Instructions for use
The Calgon detergent packaging includes instructions for use, which specify the amount of detergent needed for one wash cycle. According to these instructions:
- for medium water hardness, it is enough to fill 1/3 of the measuring cup, the volume of this cup is 96 ml, which means that in this case you only need 32 ml of powder;
- for hard water, you need to fill 2/3 of the glass, that is, 64 ml;
- If the water is very hard, you need to add a full glass of powder.
Where do I put Calgon in the washing machine? The answer to this question is also in the instructions. 
Use Calgon. Pour Calgon along with your laundry detergent into the main compartment of your washing machine, which is typically larger than the other two. There's no need to add it to the drum with your laundry, even though it doesn't have a negative effect on fabrics. You can skip the hassle of choosing which compartment to pour it into; just mix it in with your laundry detergent.
If you use Calgon in tablet form rather than powder, one tablet is sufficient, regardless of the water hardness.
Furthermore, this product will only be effective if used with every wash. The instructions also state that when using Calgon,When adding washing powder to your clothes, you need to take into account that you are washing in soft water.
Characteristics and composition of Calgon
So, now that we know where to add water softener and how much to use, let's look at the ingredients in Calgon that soften water.
Calgon's main component is sodium tripolyphosphate, which interacts with calcium ions in water, thereby reducing its hardness. It also contains polycarboxylates (up to 30%), microcrystalline cellulose (up to 15%), polyethylene glycol (up to 5%), and surfactants. Calgon has a light, pleasant scent. This product is available in three forms:
- powder;
- pills;
- gel.
They are all identical in composition, so the choice depends on personal preference. The only advantage of tablets over gels and powders is convenient dosing.
Calgon's wide product range provides a wide selection. It is available in various dosages:
- the powder is packaged in 0.55, 1, and 1.6 kg;
- tablets are packaged in boxes of 12, 15, 32, 35, 40, 70 pieces and others;
- The gel is packaged in bottles of 0.75; 1.5; 2 liters and others.
What is Calgon used for?
Calgon for washing machines is a product designed to soften hard water and prevent scale buildup on the machine's heating element during the wash cycle. Scale buildup on the internal components of the machine can lead to malfunctions. This is why machine manufacturers recommend adding a water softening powder to the wash cycle. Calgon is perhaps the best-known of these powders, which is why it's the focus of our discussion.
The advantage and necessity of using Calgon is as follows:
- Firstly, by softening the water, the amount of washing powder required for one wash cycle is reduced;
- secondly, it prevents scale from forming on the machine parts, which can lead to its breakdown;
- thirdly, it prevents scale from settling on the laundry, which can cause white laundry to turn grey after just a few washes;
- Fourthly, soft water helps wash clothes better, especially for stubborn stains.
Despite the benefits and advantages of Calgon, some people wonder if it has any health effects.According to some experts, the substances it contains do not have a negative impact on human health. You don't need to wear gloves when pouring Calgon into a car. However, precautions should still be taken.
Most importantly, store Calgon in a dark place, out of reach of children, and away from food. If the product gets into your nose, eyes, or mouth, rinse with plenty of water.
Calgon's effectiveness: fact or myth?
There's a perception that Calgon isn't as effective as its manufacturers claim. Judging by some consumer reviews, it's not effective at all. These claims of Calgon's ineffectiveness have been confirmed by recent laboratory tests. It turns out that Calgon's composition is very similar to regular laundry detergent. Its water softening components are identical to those found in any automatic laundry detergent.
Experienced homemakers have long confirmed this fact, observing the results of washing with Calgon. Regarding the protection of washing machine components, not everything is clear here either. There are reports of scale buildup on the heating element of washing machines, both with and without Calgon. Moreover, in some cases, Calgon can even cause washing machine failure.
Proponents of using Calgon point out that its components have a beneficial effect on laundry. With it, white things do not turn grey and generally wear out more slowly. So, whether you need Calgon for your washing machine is up to you. Do some simple calculations and determine how much you'll spend on Calgon over five years. This money could easily be used to buy a new washing machine.
You can watch a video to see how effective Calgon is.
What can replace Calgon?
If you're a fan of using water softeners for your laundry, you don't have to spend a fortune on the much-hyped Calgon. You can find cheaper chemical alternatives. Alfagon is a good example of a Calgon substitute. Using Alfagon, you can cut your laundry costs in half. And if you soften your water with baking soda, you don't even need to worry about costs.
In case scale has already formed on the heating element of the machine, you can use means for its removalOtherwise, breakdowns cannot be avoided.
What can replace Calgon, since Alfagon is not the only substitute? You can find a product called "Eona Anti-scale" on store shelves. It contains ingredients that soften and acidify water, preventing scale buildup and improving washing efficiency.
To summarize, the question of how to use Calgon may not be the most difficult one. Experts advise that if you use Calgon, use it for the entire life of the washing machine and never use it occasionally. Occasional use of such products will irreparably damage the washing machine.
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I use Calgon, and it's truly a more pleasant experience. The clothes are softer and wash better after washing. I didn't get that effect with regular detergents. So I prefer to keep an eye on the machine and the clothes.
And if it’s a liquid powder, where should I pour the Calgon?
Lydia, I buy Calgon gel and add it to my cleaning gel.