How to clean rust from a washing machine?

Rust on the washing machine body and the surface of its components appears as a result of mechanical damage—scratches, dents, and improper operation of the equipment. Gradually, the corrosion spreads, leading to premature failure. Let's look at how to remove rust from a washing machine and how to prevent damage to plastic and metal.

We clean the case from the outside

If you scratch your automatic washing machine, you may notice that the damaged area begins to rust over time. The rust can be removed if the body isn't completely corroded. After removing rust from the walls of the washing machine, it is important not to forget to prime and paint the affected area. The procedure for cleaning the car body from rust and subsequent painting will be as follows:

• Sand the area with peeling paint and signs of corrosion. You can also do this with a sander;
• Remove rust stains with a special solvent called "Cyanovka." The solvent comes in a spray. Spray the solution onto the affected area, scrub with a toothbrush or shoe brush, and rinse off any remaining chemical with a clean cloth.
• Close the drum door and cover the parts of the washing machine body that haven't been corroded with plastic film. This is to prevent paint from getting into unwanted areas. Only the affected areas should be visible.
• Use a hair dryer and heat the treated areas. Applying primer and painting is much easier when the surface is hot;
• apply the primer, wait about 15 minutes for the mixture to dry, then apply the second layer;
• After the primer has dried, paint the washing machine body. Use enamel paint suitable for metal.

To repair a washing machine, it is better to use primer and spray paint.

It's recommended to choose quick-drying formulations. The automatic machine can be used within 24 hours of application.

If the walls of the washing machine have rusted through in some places, there are two options:

• completely replace the metal body of the machine;
• weld the holes, prime and paint the panels.

Rust marks are often visible on plastic parts of appliances. Brown or orange streaks and stains may indicate corrosion of the metal casing or poor tap water quality. You can remove rust from plastic using special products:Domestos», «Cillit Bang», «Comet", "Mr. Muscle". Before use, be sure to read the instructions on the product packaging.

Internal details

Rust can occur both on the outside and inside of the appliance. This usually occurs due to improper operation of the equipment. It can also occur when the manufacturer cuts corners on the material used to make the drum and the bolts that secure the main components of the washing machine.

Low-quality drums and spare parts that are corroded by rust should be replaced with more reliable components, otherwise it will not be possible to stop the corrosion.

When talking about improper use of a washing machine, we mean poor-quality tap water that doesn't meet the manufacturer's requirements. High levels of calcium, phosphorus, and iron in the water lead to rust on the internal components of the machine. Salts, when exposed to high temperatures, are released from the liquid and deposited on the outer surface of the drum, the heating element, the walls of the detergent drawer, and the tub, forming limescale.

Cleaning the insides of your washing machine from limescale and rust should be done regularly. You can use specialized household chemicals or home remedies. Regular citric acid or vinegar will do the trick. Pour 100 grams of citric acid into the detergent drawer and run a high-temperature, long-duration wash cycle. The limescale will be gone.

How to detect rust without disassembling the equipment?

It's easy to tell if the internal components of your washing machine are rusted. After finishing a wash cycle, inspect the laundry. Particles of rust, along with the soapy water, end up in the drum and on your clothes. As a result, brown rust stains may appear on clean items.

In addition, you can find out that the washing machine is rusting inside by the following signs:

• rusty streaks in the detergent drawer and tray;
• brown-orange stripes and spots on the hatch door cuff;
• red streaks on the surface of the drum.

A washing machine that's decaying internally produces an unpleasant odor. Dirt and debris accumulate, preventing water and detergent from being completely removed from the system. The aggressive environment that forms inside the machine causes oxidation of metal parts and components. If the drum isn't made entirely of stainless steel, but only has a protective coating, signs of corrosion may appear.

Preventing rust

Rust on a washing machine occurs due to improper operation or mechanical damage to the housing. Proper care and maintenance of the machine will prevent this problem. To ensure your "home assistant" continues to function smoothly for as long as possible, it's important to follow a few simple guidelines.

1. The room where the washing machine is installed must have working ventilation. It's important to keep the humidity in the room low.
2. Handle the unit with care – do not drop heavy objects on the body or scratch the walls.
3. Keep the washing machine door slightly open to allow air to circulate through the machine and prevent excess moisture from accumulating inside.
4. Don't forget to leave any foreign objects in the pockets of clothes being washed. Sharp, metallic objects can scratch the drum, creating the potential for rust.
5. Descale your machine regularly.
6. If your tap water is extremely hard, use special water softeners. Even better, install an additional filter at the inlet of your washing machine.
7. Be sure to periodically clean the inside of the appliance to remove debris, dirt, pet hair, hair, and lint, and don't forget to wash the drain filter.

So, if you notice signs of corrosion on your washing machine's body, you should clean it off as soon as possible, prime it, and paint the area. This will stop the deterioration of the metal and plastic. After repair, your machine will be as good as new and will serve you for a long time. The sooner you address the problem, the less damage your machine will suffer from corrosion.

   

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