Calgon for washing machines: instructions for use and what to replace, how to use

Characteristics and composition

Calgon product consists of several active components. The most active ingredient is sodium tripolyphosphate. It is this that immediately begins to enter into a peculiar reaction with calcium ions contained in the water. Due to this effect, the level of liquid hardness is normalized, and scale stops forming.

Other components include:

polycarboxylates;
microcrystalline cellulose;
surface-acting substances.

It is important that the smell of this product is light, not overwhelming and even pleasant. So Calgon additionally helps fight unpleasant odors that the washing machine begins to emit over time.

Calgon release forms

Calgon is available in several different forms. This allows you to choose the most suitable option for convenient use. Some people like to use the product in the form of a gel, while others choose the tablet form.

Powder

Calgon product in powder form is packaged in packages of different weights. This allows you to first purchase a small amount of the drug just to test it in action. The only negative is that it is not always convenient to measure the powder, as it can spill onto the floor.

Pills

Calgon tablets are packed in boxes. There can be a different number of them in one package, ranging from twelve pieces to more than fifty. This form of release is very convenient to use, since you can always measure the required dosage of the drug.

Gel

Liquid Calgon is presented in the form of a gel. It is sold in bottles of different capacities. The largest is two liters. Many housewives like this form of release. The gel is convenient to use and can be stored compactly. And thanks to its structure, such a product quickly penetrates the necessary elements of the machine.

Composition and release form

The main active ingredient of Calgon gel is sodium tripolyphosphate. Due to the active action of the component, hard water is softened and no longer harms the washer parts.

Calgon Gel for washing machine consists of 15-30% polycarboxylates. These substances prevent the formation of carbonates that form scale. About 5-15% of the composition is microcrystalline cellulose, up to 5% is polyethylene glycol. The product also contains surfactants that help remove contaminants more effectively.

Despite the not very “friendly” names of the components, Calgon is absolutely harmless to the human body if used correctly, in the right dosage. It is important to observe basic precautions when using the product - avoid getting it in the eyes, mouth and stomach.

On store shelves you can find Calgon in the form of powder, gel and tablets.

The release form does not affect the composition - the main active ingredients are identical in all three cases. The product has a delicate, barely noticeable aroma that does not affect clean things in any way.

Purpose

In addition to preventing scale formation, this product effectively copes with other important tasks. This is achieved due to the unique composition and active substances. Other properties of Calgon include:

it protects the car from possible breakdowns;
promotes economical powder consumption;
increases the efficiency of the washing itself;
improves the operation of household appliances.

Preventing breakdowns

Since scale stops forming, it no longer settles on the internal elements of the device itself. As a result, the washing machine does not fail, works well, and thereby extends its service life.

Powder saving

Under the influence of such a product, water is significantly softened and its properties are improved several times. The powder begins to transform into rich foam. Its particles dissolve completely, thereby helping to reduce detergent consumption.

Washing efficiency

Thanks to its unique effect, Calgon really has a positive effect on the efficiency of the washing process. The fact is that in soft water all fabrics are cleaned much better. This makes it possible to remove even the most corrosive stains and old dirt.

Maintaining material characteristics

Due to the effect that Calgon has on the structure of water and on the elements of the washing machine, washing is more delicate and gentle. As a result, the material retains its softness and original color.

By ridding the washing machine of scale, this preparation protects the fabric from increased hardness and from coloring it gray.

Kalgon's appointment

Softening hard water is the main function of the product. With regular use, Calgon Gel for washing machines prevents the formation of scale on internal elements, thereby extending the “life” of the equipment. This way, solid salt deposits stop accumulating on the heating element, without causing rapid equipment breakdown.

In addition to the main goal, Calgon, by reducing water hardness, allows you to achieve:

improving the quality of washing;
reducing washing powder consumption;
maintaining the whiteness of clothes (by normalizing the amount of calcium in water);
greater softness of washed laundry.

In addition, Calgon helps neutralize the unpleasant odor emanating from the washing machine. The product is completely rinsed out of the fabric without harming either things or human health.

Instructions for use

Using Calgon is not difficult. The main thing before use is to read the instructions indicated on the packaging of this product. It is important to follow the correct dosage. It should also be borne in mind that this product is only suitable for a running washing machine. And its main task is to soften water and prevent scale formation.

Dosage

If the product is released in liquid or powder form, then a measuring cap must be attached to it. To soften water of medium hardness, thirty milliliters of Calgon will be enough. But if the water is very hard, then you will have to add two caps of this product to the machine.

If the drug is released in the form of tablets, then the single dosage is one piece, regardless of the hardness of the water.

How to use

The Calgon product, along with the powder used, is placed in a specially designed compartment. You cannot put such a drug into the drum of a machine, only into the compartment located at the top of the household appliance.

How to use Calgon

The instructions that come with any package of Calgon give recommendations on dosages and explain that this product should be used depending on how hard the tap water is. For convenience and accuracy, and therefore cost-effectiveness, each Calgon package comes with a 96 ml measuring cup. How much Calgon should be poured into the washing machine:

If the water is of medium hardness, 32 ml (a third of a measuring cup) will be enough.
When the water is hard, you will need 64 ml (two thirds of a glass).
If the tap water is very hard, you will have to add 96 ml (a full glass).

Tablets are easier to use. One tablet is added per wash for any degree of water hardness.

When it is determined how much Calgon is needed for one wash, housewives often have a reasonable question: where to pour Calgon in the washing machine (pour in the gel or put in the tablets)? After all, a washing machine has more than one compartment. Calgon needs to be poured into the main (largest) compartment - in the same place where the powder is poured. You can simply add it to the powder. It is not recommended to pour the substance directly into the drum of the machine where the laundry is placed.

The manufacturer also points out that for maximum efficiency, Calgon must be used constantly, without missing a single wash.
See also -
How to descale a washing machine: useful tips, review of special products

What can be replaced

If you don’t have such a product at hand, and when washing you want to protect your washing machine from scale formation, then you can use analogues that are similar in their effect. This can be not only store-bought products, but also handy home remedies.

Vinegar

You can try using vinegar 9 percent. This product should be poured into the compartment intended for the main wash. It is important to choose a high temperature mode. But it is not recommended to reload the drum itself.

Soda

Ordinary soda will help reduce the hardness of the water used at home, and thereby protect internal parts from possible deposits. There are two ways to use it:

In the first case, you need to pour the soda along with the powder. This will make it possible to soften the water.
In the second case, you need to pour a little soda into the compartment intended for washing powder, and then run the shortest wash, without loading things into the machine. The operating time of the device should be forty minutes, and the temperature should not be below sixty degrees.

Lemon acid

Citric acid is quite effective. Sixty grams of it is poured into the compartment intended for powder. In this case, you need to select a washing mode with a temperature of at least 70 degrees, but you do not need to load things into the machine. This method will dissolve accumulated scale.

Antiscale Nast

This is an effective remedy at an affordable cost. But the effectiveness is less than that of Calgon. It will be able to prevent the formation of scale, but will not improve the quality of washed laundry.

Alfagon

Alfagon is an excellent and cheaper substitute that has properties similar to Calgon. It also softens hard water, but this product will not be able to rid machine parts of existing scale.