Among Internet users, there are conflicting opinions about the use of the sensational tool for the Calgon automatic machine. Great interest in the product is more likely the result of quality marketing than its “miracle properties” in the fight against scale. The high cost and unproven effectiveness of this water softener encourages users to look for cheaper “decalcifier” products for washing machines. What can be used as an analogue of Calgon, we will tell in this article.
Is it possible to do without Calgon?
To understand if the washer needs this cleaner, you should find out what properties it has. According to the manufacturer, adding the drug to the machine when washing clothes works as follows:
- prevents the formation of limescale on the elements and assemblies of the washer;
- saves washing powder;
- maintains cleanliness in the drum;
- eliminates unpleasant odor inside the SMA.
You should not consider Calgon as a solution to the problem with already formed plaque in the washing machine. It is only a water softener, therefore it is intended solely for the prevention of the formation of lime deposits.
For maximum effect, the manufacturer recommends using an anti-scale agent for the automatic machine with each wash.
Skeptics, on the other hand, give arguments that speak of its uselessness and inefficiency for the machine. They explain it like this:
- The composition of a high-quality powder already includes emollients that weaken the negative impact of an aggressive environment.
- Installed on a water pipe water softening filter (polyphosphate or magnetic), which is several times cheaper, automatically eliminates the need to use additional chemicals.
- Most programs are designed to wash laundry at 40°C or lower, while active limescale formation occurs at a minimum of 60°C. Therefore, Calgon, if it will protect equipment from scale deposits, it will only be provided that washing programs with high water temperatures are launched.
Manufacturers of washing machines do not deny the fact that appliances need to prevent scale formation. But this should be done much less frequently and not necessarily with the use of advertised drugs.
What is included in the “Calgon”
To figure out what alternatives there are to using Calgon, you need to understand its chemical composition. In the instructions for use, the description of the main active ingredients of the drug is as follows:
- sodium polyphosphate (salt of polyphosphoric acid);
- polycarboxylates – a set of aggressive acids (about 30–35%);
- technical soda;
- polyethylene glycol;
- microcrystalline cellulose.
The last two components from the list have nothing to do with anti-scale formation. Polyethylene glycol acts as a flavoring agent, and cellulose, which has absorbent properties, gives structure to the product.
The main active ingredients are precisely the first three components – carboxylate, soda и sodium tripolyphosphate. They bind the ions of calcium and magnesium salts, thereby preventing the deposition of limescale on important nodes and elements of the CMA.
Initially, the softener components were only soda and sodium polyphosphate. Over time, new components (perfumes, other flavors) were added, their proportions changed, but the main active ingredients remained the same.
Therefore, instead of Calgon, you can safely use cheaper, but no less effective substitutes with a similar chemical composition. It is about them that will be discussed further.
How to replace Calgon?
The simple composition of the drug makes it easy to replace it with cheaper analogues, both industrial production and folk remedies.
Among these industrial cleaners, we note the following:
- “Alphagon” – Turkish-made anti-scale powder. Suitable for all types of washers. Its cost is about 70 rubles per 500 grams.
- Yplon Anti-Calc – Belgian anti-lime drug. Release form – powder and tablets. The price is 170 rubles for 950 grams.
- “Antinakipin” – softener of domestic production. It costs about 80 rubles for 500 grams.
Manufacturers do not recommend using products for CMA that are designed to clean other types of household appliances. But if you start from their composition, then, for example, a cleaner for dishwashers “Finish” can be safely used for washing.
All of its main active ingredients (sodium tripolyphosphate and polycarboxylates) are present in Calgon, which means that the effect of their use will be the same.
In addition to household chemicals, the usual one is also used as an anti-scale cleaner. лimoth acid.
This food substance effectively copes with existing scale, and also prevents its formation in the future. To clean the washing machine with it, it is enough to pour 100 grams of powder into a cuvette and set the idle washing mode (that is, without laundry).
The amount of citric acid depends on the maximum load of CMA. If its capacity is up to 6 kg, it is enough to take 100 grams of lemon.
This method of prevention is recommended to be carried out no more than 1 time in six months.
Another effective tool, the properties of which are not known to many, is soda ash (not to be confused with food), or sodium carbonate.
At home, it is used for many purposes, including as a water softener. Soda ash, unlike citric acid, can be used during washing, while the temperature should be at least 50 ° C.
It is enough to put 3 tablespoons of soda to the linen, and the effect will not be long in coming. Sodium carbonate not only softens water, preventing scale build-up, but also enhances the effect of washing powder. If you need to wash things from delicate fabrics, it is better to refuse to use it.
Such simple methods of prevention are not capable of harming either equipment or clothing, provided, of course, that they are used correctly.
It is imperative to protect the automatic machine and its important components from harmful deposits. But what means to use in this case, everyone decides for himself.