When you were planning to purchase a washing machine, you probably hoped that it would last a long time and would not require repairs ahead of time. However, few people think that to ensure this it is necessary to properly care for the equipment and from time to time to clean it. Indeed, scum occurs on the elements of the device during operation, and the water from the water tap is not very clean. In some areas, it is very stiff, contains a huge amount of iron, as well as salts and other components.
When they heat up in water, they turn into deposits, which can only be removed with acid. The higher the temperature during washing, the more scale will form on the inside of the machine. If pure water flowed from the tap, then such problems would not have arisen, but today it is of rather poor quality, but it is still possible to cope with the problems that have arisen. Some solve this problem by installing a polyphosphate filter, with which you can soften the water and reduce the likelihood of scale formation on the tubular heating element.
Scale problems
Scale is not dangerous, but has a detrimental effect on those processes that occur inside the washing machine. This can lead to increased energy consumption. Normal heating of the water will be inhibited, because the upper part of the heater will be covered by foreign elements, and this will entail additional energy consumption.
You will be able to find out that the heating part is covered with scale, when the time for heating the water increases. However, other reasons may indicate this. Scaling can lead to equipment damage, because the heating element has to work in heavy duty, which will certainly disable it, sooner or later you will encounter the need to replace this spare part. If the replacement is not completed on time, then the machine may break even more seriously, because sometimes even the software module burns down. Scale can cause fungus formation; it causes even more problems.
Cleaning the machine with citric acid
Many housewives today wonder whether it is possible to clean the washing machine with citric acid. Not always at hand are tools that can be used to solve the problem. And there is no need at all to buy expensive chemical compounds when you can buy cheap citric acid. Means "Calgon" can not cope with the scum, because it only softens the water. It is necessary to use food acid for this, lemon juice will not help.
Having visited the store, you can find household or special acid. The first option is sold at any grocery store. As for special acids, they are usually used in industry, they help to clean mechanisms. The concentration of hydrochloric acid should be prepared from the ratio of the percentage of the product to the millimeter of scale. If you prepare a solution with a concentration of more than 10%, this can cause corrosion of parts. But if you use a three percent composition, then this tool will not be effective.
Citric Acid Recommendations
Cleaning with citric acid from the scale of the machine is carried out according to a certain method. This tool can have a negative effect on the rubber elements of the drum. The technique should not be used too often, in which case you may encounter leaching of the oil seal. If acid is dissolved in hot water, it can cause significant damage to the temperature sensor. However, as practice shows, this happens quite rarely. During cleaning, it is necessary to add a means for dissolving lime, only then you can ensure that the large elements do not clog the parts.
Cleaning technology
Cleaning with a citric acid automatic machine can be carried out at home; for this, approximately 300 g of citric acid must be poured into the powder compartment. Then the machine turns on, its work is set to the washing mode of cotton clothes. The temperature can vary from 60 to 90 ° C. You do not need to use powder, there should be no laundry in the drum.
There is no need to switch the machine to spin mode. In order to rid the device of scale deposits, the machine must be scrolled at low temperature again. It is important to check the rubber component of the drum. In the sink you can find large parts of the scum. You can remove them with your hands or a sponge, while using rubber gloves. Such processing can be carried out every four months.
Anti-scale citric acid in an automatic machine allows you to get rid of deposits inexpensively and simply. If you used to spend impressive amounts on emollients, then this time you can resort to almost free technology.
The use of chlorine and citric acid
Cleaning will be more effective when bleach is added to citric acid. To do this, take a glass of acid and the same amount of chlorine. The latter enhances the action of the first ingredient, this will achieve a radiant shine of the internal elements of the machine. Before you clean the automatic machine with citric acid and chlorine, you need to familiarize yourself with the minus of this technology, which manifests itself in an unpleasant odor during work. Such cleaning can be done once every three months, thereby eliminating the corrosion of rubber parts.
How to deal with mold
If you notice that the drum is covered in some places with black mold, then you can use the same citric acid for this. The top cover is preliminarily removed, but for this the machine must be turned with the back. The cover is mounted on 3 screws, which can be hex or cross, depending on the model. The screws are loosened to open the cover. If you are thinking about how to clean the automatic machine with citric acid, then at the next stage you need to pay attention to the pump, which is located at the bottom of the equipment. A hose passes from it to the fitting. The fitting, which acts as a fastener for this hose, is often quite transparent. Therefore, you can see mold traces on it. The hose must be removed, inspected, and if there are dark spots, then rinse it well with a solution of citric acid.
A putrid odor can occur when mold goes down the hose and reaches the bottom of the equipment. According to the same principle, it is necessary to unscrew the fastening of the front cover of the machine, under it you will see a hose fixed to the pump. If it is not transparent, then it should be disconnected and inspected for the presence of mold deposits, pliers should be used for this.
Recommendations for removing black mold
If you are faced with the question of how to clean the automatic machine with citric acid from black mold, then you should take citric acid and install a fan in the machine so that it promotes the circulation of air masses. It is necessary to comply with this condition if the equipment is in a humid room, this can include the basement. The hose can be replaced if necessary.
Tips for preventing deposits
Prevention of the machine should be carried out approximately once every six months, but the more frequent procedure, which is carried out once every 2 months, will not harm. Instead of citric acid, you can use decalcine or vinegar. Each machine has a filter on the bottom, after washing it will be dirty, so it should be cleaned regularly. How to clean the automatic machine with citric acid, you could find out if you read the information presented above. It is important to remember that the scale crystallizes when water is heated to 75 ° C. Experts advise not to reach this temperature level, stopping at 70 ° C. The heater remains clean, so you should choose the appropriate program. Cleaning with citric acid may be more frequent than recommended above, but this tip is more relevant for those who use equipment frequently. Using acid, you can remove not only scale, but also eliminate odors, if any. Prevention does no harm to the details, it is tested in practice.
Conclusion
Before you clean the automatic machine with citric acid, you should also consider other ways of carrying out such work. White vinegar acts as an alternative solution, which must be poured in the amount of 2 glasses. Then hot water is added, the washing mode without laundry and powder is turned on. The cycle should choose the longest. Before you clean the washing machine with citric acid, you should familiarize yourself with the technology of the work. It says that after completing the washing process with acid, the machine must once again be put on a short program.