Instructions for Calgon Gel

Tap water in most regions of Russia is characterized by increased hardness. This factor negatively affects washing machines. Scale forms on equipment elements. Solid salt deposits reduce the thermal conductivity of the heating element, and then provoke a short circuit in the electrical circuit, which often leads to breakdown of the main control module.

This is why it is so important to use special water softeners. One of the most popular is Calgon. Let's look at the instructions for Calgon Gel and tell you how it helps prevent the formation of scale on the 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.

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 causing harm to either things or human health.

How to use Calgon?

Before adding the product to the washing machine, you should study the instructions for Calgon Gel. The manufacturer recommends using the composition every time you wash. The dosage is determined depending on the hardness of the water. It is easy to measure this indicator yourself by purchasing an express test at a pet store (it is used for aquariums).

Each product release form has its own dosage:

• tablets - regardless of the level of hardness, add 1 piece per cycle;
• gel – taking into account water hardness, 1 or 1+2/3 measuring caps;
• powder - up to 6 tablespoons, depending on the salt content in the water.

Calgon must be placed or poured into the tray along with the main detergent. Opened packaging should be kept in a dry, warm place, away from food. The pack should be inaccessible to children.

Home remedies instead of Calgon

If you don’t have extra money to buy a softener, you can use the most simple and inexpensive means available in every home. Instead of Calgon Gel, baking soda or soda ash, table vinegar or citric acid are suitable for the washing machine.

The first method is to clean the washer with vinegar. To combat scale, you can only use 9% acid; a 70% essence will damage the “insides” of the machine and “corrode” the rubber seals.

When cleaning the machine with vinegar, there should be no laundry in the drum.

The algorithm of actions will be as follows:

• pour 200 ml of 9% vinegar into the powder receptacle in the main wash compartment;
• run the longest high-temperature program (heating water to 90-95°C);
• 25-30 minutes after the start of the cycle, pause the wash;
• leave the automatic machine in this state for an hour and a half, then resume the program;
• wait for the loop to complete;
• clean the drain filter. Pieces of scale may get stuck in it.

Next, you need to pour 100 ml of 9% vinegar essence into two liters of water, moisten a napkin in the solution and wipe it with the inner surface of the drum, the hatch seal and the door glass.

Then you need to “rinse” the automatic machine with clean water. To do this, you should run it again idle, but without adding any funds, selecting the shortest program. Be sure to connect the “Additional rinse” option to the main mode. At the end of the process, you need to wipe the inside of the washing machine with a clean cloth and check the drain filter again.

Citric acid is an equally popular anti-scale agent. Its use is permitted no more than once every six months.“Limonka” effectively copes with existing limescale and prevents the appearance of new deposits. The drum must be empty during the cycle. A long high-temperature wash program starts.

To clean a 6 kg machine you will need only 100 grams of citric acid.

Baking soda can be used on its own or as an additive to the main powder during the next wash. It is important that the water temperature is above 50°C. For a cycle, it is enough to pour three tablespoons of sodium bicarbonate into the tray.

A “nuclear” mixture of soda and vinegar will help you achieve maximum results. You need to pour 200 ml of 9% acetic acid into the drum, and a soda solution (1 spoon per 100 ml of water) into the powder receiver. Then run a long high-temperature cycle. The effect of this treatment is stunning.

Reader comments

• Share your opinion - leave a comment