Should I add Calgon to my washing machine?

A reliable washing machine costs a pretty penny, and happy owners of Samsung, Candy, or Bosch devices strive to go longer without breakdowns. That's why many turn to a special product called Calgon. It's constantly advertised on TV, promising to soften water and actively combat scale. But now the need for this product is being questioned. Let's try to figure out whether Calgon is necessary in a washing machine and whether it's worth the price.

Will the heating element break if I don’t use Calgon?

The advertisement warns that without Calgon, the heating element will become coated with a destructive layer of scale in a matter of days, the machine will break down, and the owner will sadly shake his head. The image shown is so realistic and frightening that a persistent myth has been created around the product, which has evolved into the regular addition of the mixture to every wash. The company is raking in a lot of money, while experts confidently state that this is a common misconception.

Firstly, Calgon doesn't guarantee the long-term operation of the washing machine. It's just as impossible to predict which tire will puncture faster – a dirty one or a clean one. Scale buildup isn't directly related to the functioning of the heating element, so relying on a single magic solution isn't worth it. The condition of the heating element is more significantly affected by proper operation, initial quality, and a reliable power supply, with scale being the last factor to be considered. It's also important to understand that hard tap water will still cause scale buildup, albeit at a slower rate. It's much safer to take care of filters right away, although they are expensive, as is Calgon.

Secondly, there are more reliable and effective ways to combat scale. For example, annual cleaning with a special solution or replacing the heating element with a new one every five years. This will be two to three times cheaper than wasting money on Calgon.

To prevent scale build-up, it is enough to run the machine through an empty cycle once every six months with the addition of a special cleaner.

Your washing machine's heating element needs to be taken care of, but Calgon isn't a panacea for all heating element problems. Adding Calgon to your washing machine is very expensive and won't protect it from scale buildup. It's more economical to save up for the money you don't spend on the product and buy a new one immediately if it breaks.

Does Calgon soften water?

Calgon's main purpose is to soften water, but even here a logical question arises: "Does it help combat water hardness?" The answer can be found in the ingredients. They list only regular baking soda and a mediocre laundry detergent. Indeed, the first ingredient is capable of softening, while the second is capable of completing the job with comprehensive surface cleaning. But this does not explain the high cost of the advertised product, since the market price of baking soda is several times lower.

Calgon contains cheap baking soda.

Despite its meager ingredients and lack of claimed effectiveness, many continue to rely on Calgon, arguing that something needs to be added anyway, otherwise the device won't last long. This is a misconception for several reasons.

• Almost all modern powder mixtures contain special chemical water modifiers, and some also contain special softeners.
• Truly hard water that poses a risk of scale formation is rare.
• Adding Calgon every time the machine starts is very unprofitable. Over the life of the machine, it will add up to a considerable amount, enough to buy a second one.
• You can fight scale more cheaply by using baking soda or citric acid.

Detergent manufacturers are not standing still, but are actively working on a single-use product that can wash, clean, and soften water. This will make using a washing machine much more convenient.

   

1 reader comment

1. May 25, 2021 at 2:38 AM

   Vova:

   Calgon is useless.

   Answer