How to use Calgon for washing machines?
Everyone knows about the famous Calgon product for protecting washing machines. But not everyone knows how to use it correctly. Therefore, you need to read the Calgon instructions for washing machines. After all, it is important to know where and in what volume the product is poured. And also understand what is included in its composition, what substances make it effective. This and much more will be discussed in the article.
Instructions for use
On the packaging of Calgon powder there are instructions for use, which indicate the amount of powder required for one wash cycle. According to this instruction:
- with average water hardness, it is enough to pour 1/3 of a measuring cup, the volume of this cup is 96 ml, which means that in this case only 32 ml of powder is needed;
- with hard water, you need to pour 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 to put Calgon in the washing machine? The answer to this question is also in the instructions as 
use Calgon. Calgon is poured along with laundry detergent into the main compartment of the washing machine tray; as a rule, this compartment is larger in size than the other two. There is no need to put it into the drum with the laundry, even though it does not have an adverse effect on the fabric. You don’t have to wonder which compartment of the machine to pour the product into, but rather mix it with the powder.
If you do not use powdered Calgon, but in tablets, then one tablet is enough, regardless of the hardness of the water.
In addition, the effectiveness of this product will only be achieved if it is used every time you wash. The instructions also say that when using Calgon, pPowder for washing things should be poured, taking into account the fact that washing is carried out in soft water.
Characteristics and composition of Calgon
So, everything is clear about where to pour the water softener and in what quantities. Let's look at what substances that make up Calgon make water softer.
The main component of Calgon is sodium tripolyphosphate, which interacts with calcium ions contained in water, thereby reducing its hardness. In addition, the composition includes polycarboxylates (up to 30%), microcrystalline cellulose (up to 15%), polyethylene glycol (up to 5%) and surfactants. Calgon has a light, pleasant scent. This product has three release forms:
- powder;
- pills;
- gel.
They are all identical in composition, so the choice depends on the personal preferences of consumers. The only advantage of tablets over gel and powder is their convenient dosage.
The range of Kalgon products is wide, which provides choice. It is available in different 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 pcs. and others;
- the gel is packaged in bottles of 0.75; 1.5; 2 l and others.
What is Calgon used for?
Calgon for washing machines is a product designed to soften hard water, as well as the formation of scale on the heating element of the machine during the washing process. Scale that forms on the internal elements of the machine can lead to breakdown. This is why machine manufacturers recommend adding powder when washing to soften the water.Calgon is perhaps the most famous of these powders, which is why it came to the center of our attention.
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 protects against the formation of scale on machine parts, which can lead to its breakdown;
- thirdly, it prevents scale from settling on the linen, which can cause white linen to turn gray after just a few washes;
- fourthly, clothes are washed better in soft water, especially for stubborn stains.
Despite the benefits and benefits of Calgon, some wonder if it affects health? According to some experts, the substances included in its composition do not have a negative effect on human health. When pouring Calgon into the machine, you don't have to wear gloves. However, precautions still need to be taken.
The most important thing is to store Calgon in a dark place inaccessible to children, away from food. If the product gets into your nose, eyes or mouth, rinse them with plenty of water.
The effectiveness of Calgon: truth or myth?
There is an opinion that Calgon is not as effective as its manufacturers claim. Judging by some consumer reviews, it is not effective at all. Opinions about the ineffectiveness of Calgon are confirmed by recent laboratory tests. It turns out that Calgon is very close in composition to ordinary powder. Its water softening components are identical to those contained in any automatic washing powder.
Experienced housewives have long confirmed this fact by observing the results of washing using Calgon.As for protecting the elements of the washing machine, not everything is clear here either. There are facts confirming the formation of scale on the heating element of a washing machine, both with Calgon and without it. Moreover, in some cases, Calgon can cause the washing machine to break down.
Supporters of the use of Calgon indicate that its components have a beneficial effect on linen. With it, white things do not turn gray and, in general, wear out more slowly. So, whether Calgon is needed for the machine is up to you to decide. Carry out simple calculations, determine how much money you will spend on Calgon in 5 years. These funds can be used to purchase a new washing machine.
You can watch a video about how effective Calgon is.
What can replace Calgon?
If you are a supporter of using water softeners when washing, then you don’t have to spend money on the much-advertised Calgon. You can choose cheaper chemicals - analogues. A good example of a Calgon substitute is Alfagon. Thanks to Alfagon, washing costs can be reduced by 2 times. And if you soften water with baking soda, then you don’t have to talk about costs at all.
If scale has already formed on the heating element of the machine, you can use means to remove it. Otherwise, breakdown cannot be avoided.
How to replace Calgon, since Alphagon is not the only substitute? On store shelves you can see such a product as “Eona anti-scale”. It contains components that soften and acidify water, which prevents the formation of scale and makes washing more efficient.
To summarize, we note that the question of how to use Calgon may not be the most difficult.Experts say that if you use Calgon, then use it for the entire life of the washing machine and under no circumstances use it from time to time. Occasional use of such products hopelessly damages the washing machine.
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But I use Calgon, it’s really more pleasant to wash with it, things are soft after washing and wash better, I didn’t have this effect with regular powders. So I prefer to keep an eye on the machine and things.
And if it’s a liquid powder, where should you pour the calgon?
Lydia, I buy Calgon gel and add it to my cleansing gel.