There are conflicting opinions among Internet users about using the acclaimed tool for a Calgon automatic machine. Great interest in the product is, rather, the result of quality marketing, rather than its “miracle properties” in the fight against scale. The high cost and unproven effectiveness of this softener for water prompts users to search for cheaper "anti-scale" means for washing machines. What can be used as an analogue of Kalgon, we will tell in this article.
Is it possible to do without Kalgon?
To understand whether this cleaner needs a washing machine, it is necessary to find out what properties it has. According to the manufacturer, the addition of the drug to the machine when washing clothes operates as follows:
- prevents the formation of limescale on the elements and nodes of the washer;
- saves washing powder;
- maintains cleanliness in the drum;
- eliminates unpleasant odor inside the SMA.
You should not consider Calgon as a method of solving the problem of already formed plaque in the washing machine. It is only a water softener, therefore it is intended exclusively for the prevention of the formation of calcareous deposits.
For maximum effect, the manufacturer recommends using an anti-scale agent for the automatic machine with each wash.
Skeptics, however, give arguments that speak of its futility and inefficiency for the machine. They explain this with the following:
- The composition of high-quality powder already includes emollients, which weaken the negative impact of an aggressive environment.
- A water softening filter (polyphosphate or magnetic) installed on the water pipe, which is several times cheaper, automatically eliminates the need for additional chemistry.
- Most programs wash clothes at a temperature of 40 ° C or lower, while active scale formation occurs at least 60 ° C. Therefore, Calgon, if it protects the equipment from scale deposits, is only subject to the launch of washing programs with high water temperatures.
Manufacturers of washing machines do not deny the fact that appliances need prevention of scale formation. But you need to do this much less often and not necessarily with the use of advertised drugs.
What is a part of Kalgon
To find out what there is an alternative to Calgon, you need to deal with its chemical composition. In the instructions for use, a description of the main active ingredients of the drug is as follows:
- sodium polyphosphate (polyphosphoric acid salt);
- polycarboxylates - a set of aggressive acids (make up 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 flavor, and cellulose, which has absorbent properties, gives the structure a structure.
The main active ingredients are precisely the first three components - carboxylates, soda and sodium tripolyphosphate. They bind ions of calcium and magnesium salts, thereby preventing the deposition of calcareous deposits on important sites and elements of the MCA.
Initially, only soda and sodium polyphosphate were the components of the softener. Over time, new components were added (perfumes, other flavors), their proportions changed, but the main active ingredients remained the same.
Therefore, instead of "Kalgon", you can safely use cheaper, but no less effective substitutes with a similar chemical composition. It is about them that we will discuss later.
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 purifiers of industrial production, we note the following:
- Alfagon - anti-scale powder of Turkish origin. 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. Price - 170 rubles for 950 grams.
- "Antinakipin" - domestic softener. It costs about 80 rubles per 500 grams.
Manufacturers do not recommend using preparations for SMA that are designed to clean other types of household appliances. But if you start from their composition, then, for example, a cleaner for dishwashers "The finish" can be safely used for washing.
All its main active ingredients (sodium tripolyphosphate and polycarboxylates) are present in Kalgon, which means that the effect of their use will be the same.
In addition to household chemicals, an ordinary scale cleaner is also used limonnand I acid.
This food substance effectively copes with the existing scum, and also prevents its formation in the future. To clean their washing machine, it is enough to pour 100 grams of powder into the cuvette and set the idle wash mode (i.e. without laundry).
The amount of citric acid depends on the maximum load of MCA. If its capacity is up to 6 kg, it is enough to take 100 grams of lemon.
This method of prevention is recommended not more than 1 time in six months.
Another effective tool, about the properties of which not many know, 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 laundry, and the effect will not take long. Sodium carbonate not only softens water, preventing scale settling, but also enhances the effect of washing powder. If you need to wash things from delicate fabrics, it is better to refuse its use.
Such simple methods of prevention are not able to harm either technology or clothing, provided, of course, their proper application.
Protecting the machine and its important components from harmful deposits is a must. But what means to use in this case, everyone decides for himself.