Calgon is a product that is added to the washing powder, or to the drum if Calgon gel is used. It makes no sense to wash things without powder with Calgon, since it is used to prevent washing machines. Not everyone knows how to use Calgon correctly, when to use it and when it is better to abstain, whether the product is effective or not, and how it generally works. Let's look at all these factors below.
What is Calgon and how to use it
Advertisers and as an effective means of maintaining the washing machine. The use of Calgon reduces the amount of basic detergents (powder, soap) that needs to be taken per wash.
The product prevents the appearance of scale on the heating element of the washing unit, as well as on its other parts. This helps extend the life of the device, protecting it from premature breakdowns.
Also protects things from scale. It settles on the laundry during washing, causing it to turn gray each time. Allows you to better remove stains, especially those that are difficult to remove. Additional advantages include:
- maintaining cleanliness inside the drum;
- removing unpleasant “damp” smell from the drum;
- water softening;
- reducing the consumption of laundry detergents.
Advertising company
Each of us has at least once heard about such a “savior” of washing machines as “Kalgon”. Even those who have nothing to do with laundry and housekeeping in general remember the sensational commercial. Indeed, “Kalgon”, reviews of which are very contradictory, is an extremely promoted product. Many people have been using this product with every wash for years, simply believing the convincing advertising. Everyone is familiar with the problem of scale, and Calgon, according to the manufacturer, can save us from these inconveniences forever and extend the life of the washing machine.
Needless to say that in just a few years the company's sales have increased more than 20 times? So should you believe the advertising of Calgon? Reviews indicate that it is not easy to answer this question unequivocally. There are very different opinions on this matter, and one contradicts the other.
Types of Calgon
The product is presented on the market in three forms - liquid Calgon (in the form of a washing gel), powder and tablets. The most convenient form factor is a tablet. Tablets are added without taking into account the level of hardness. The number of tablets in packages varies greatly - from 12 pcs. and more.
"Calgon" gel is supplied in bottles of various capacities, the minimum volume is 0.75 liters. The liquid should be poured directly into the drum. The downside is that it is easy to spill if you accidentally drop the bottle on the floor. The advantage is that it starts working immediately, instantly dissolving in water.
Powder Calgon is the most common and popular. It is mixed in one tray along with washing powder, entering the bowels of the machine.
Mode of application
There are detailed instructions on the packaging of the product, and according to it:
If the water is of medium hardness, then the drug should be added to 1/3 of a glass, the volume of which is 96 ml. Measuring cup included. That is, only 32 grams of powder should be added per wash;
If the water is hard, then you need to pour in 2/2 cups, that is, 64 g; If the water is very hard, then you need to fill a full glass
Important! If Calgon is not in powder form, but tableted, then, regardless of water hardness, use one tablet per wash cycle.
Instructions for use
It is recommended to pour Calgon into the washing machine every time you wash it, regardless of the temperature and type of fabric. Information on how to use the product correctly is placed on the packaging by the manufacturer.
The dosage is calculated according to the table taking into account the level of water hardness. The indicator is measured at home with a rapid test, which can be bought at a pet store (the test is used for aquariums). Depending on the release form, the manufacturer's recommendations are as follows:
- tablets - 1 pc. per cycle (at any level of rigidity);
- gel - 1 or 1+2/3 caps, taking into account the hardness indicator;
- powder - 2, 4 or 6 spoons depending on the level of hardness.
Washing powder with Calgon is placed in the main tray (softener on top of the powder). If you add Calgon to the drum, it may not dissolve completely.
The packaging should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place, out of reach of children and animals, and away from food products.
How to determine water hardness
It is not difficult to determine the hardness of home water and the presence of large amounts of chlorine, calcium and magnesium in it. Just take a piece of laundry soap and crumble it into a glass of cold water. If the soap crumbs do not dissolve after half an hour, then the water is extremely hard and saturated with magnesium and calcium, which will cause scale when washing in a machine without Calgon.
Or use rapid tests that many manufacturers offer. You can easily find such a rapid test in a pet store.
Is Calgon effective?
There is an opinion that the product is not as effective as the manufacturers say. According to some consumers, using Calgon does not provide any effect.
The fact is that the composition of this product largely coincides with the composition of ordinary powder. In other words, the softening components are identical to the elements present in any washing powder for an automatic machine.
Experienced owners of washing equipment confirm this fact. There are also doubts about the protection of the washing machine parts. Some people claim that scale forms on the heating element both with and without Calgon.
Does Calgon soften water?
The main purpose of Calgon is to soften water, but even here a logical question arises: “does the product help fight water hardness?” The answer can be seen in the composition. Here only regular soda and mediocre washing powder are listed. Indeed, the first ingredient is capable of softening, and the second is able to complete what was started with comprehensive surface cleaning. But this does not explain the high cost of the advertised product, because the market price of baking soda is several times lower.
Calgon contains cheap baking soda.
Despite the meager composition and the lack of the declared effect, many continue to trust Calgon, arguing their choice with the fact that you still need to add something, otherwise the machine will not last long. This is misleading for many reasons.
- Almost all modern powder mixtures contain special chemical water modifiers, and some also contain special softeners.
- Really hard water that threatens scale is rare.
- Adding Calgon every time you start the machine is very unprofitable. Over the entire period of operation, a decent amount will accumulate, which will be enough for a second machine.
- You can fight scale cheaper by using soda or citric acid.
Manufacturers of detergents do not stand still, but are actively working on a disposable product that can wash, clean, and soften water. Then using the machine will become much more convenient.
Interesting:
- How to use Calgon for washing machines?
- Reviews of Calgone for washing machines
- Instructions for Calgon Gel
- Calgon composition for washing machine
- Calgon substitute for washing machine
- Is Calgon good for washing machine?
Reader comments
- Share your opinion - leave a comment
When using Calgon does not make sense
The use of Calgon is not justified in all cases. It is useless to use this drug if:
- the house has a water filtration system with softening;
- a washing mode with a temperature below 60 degrees is used, since at a low temperature scale particles are not formed.
In addition, any modern detergent in automatic washing machines already contains water softening additives. And if the water hardness in the region is moderate, these additives are enough to prevent scale formation. If the water is hard, then additional softening agents should be used.
"Kalgon 2 in 1": reviews
Most people who constantly use the product in the hope of keeping their washing machine safe and sound end up disappointed. It all happens like this: the car breaks down, a specialist arrives, and it turns out that some parts have become unusable due to scale. The surprise of the owners knows no bounds, because they used Calgon! Please note that plaque appears on the elements of the machine if you often wash at high temperatures. It turns out that even Kalgon 2in1 cannot cope with this problem.
Reviews indicate that the product is simply a waste of money. Those who have often encountered the problem of scale formation are advised not to throw their finances down the drain by buying various products like the supposedly life-saving Calgon. In their opinion, you should pay attention to the water hardness and the most frequently used washing mode.
Of course, there is another side to the coin. Some people who use the product are quite satisfied with the effect. Buyers whose cars do not break down for a long time are happy and praise the properties of the product. However, in most cases this is not due to Calgon at all, but to the fact that the owner uses the device correctly, takes care of it, chooses washing modes wisely, or simply the water in his apartment is less hard than some. That's the whole secret!
Various tests conducted by scientists demonstrate the ineffectiveness of the product. Reviews from experts compare its use to adding sugar to honey, that is, completely useless. It turns out that positive consumer reviews are nothing more than their blind faith in the effectiveness of Calgon.
Composition of Calgona
The substances included in Calgon help improve the quality characteristics of water for washing in a washing machine. It consists of the following components:
- sodium tripolyphosphate - reacts with calcium ions contained in water and is the basis of a water softener;
- polycarboxylates - make up 30% of the composition;
microcrystalline cellulose - content does not exceed 15%;
- polyethylene glycol - the product contains no more than 5%.
Preventive use of the product
As a preventative measure, carried out independently and regularly by the car owner, simple rules should be followed:
- Use high-temperature washing mode less often. At temperatures above 75 degrees, the salts contained in the water crystallize and turn into harmful lime deposits on its parts;
- At least once every six months it is necessary to clean the machine and wash the filters. If you wash it frequently, then you need to clean the unit at least once every two to three months;
It is advisable to install water filters. They will protect the washing machine from lime and harmful deposits. Water softening is a necessary measure not only for the car, but also for the people living in the house.
What is the remedy for?
Many people firmly believe that Calgon is a descaling product. But that's not true. The main purpose of the drug is to prevent scale formation, that is, if there are already salt deposits on parts of the washing machine, then use will be useless.
Thus, Calgon is a water softener. Its one-time use will not give much results; it must be used every time you wash. The product “binds” salts that are present in hard water and prevents their deposition on the machine elements.
Additional functions of the drug:
- laundry is washed better in soft water;
- due to the decrease in calcium content in water, white things do not turn gray;
- the consumption of the main detergent is reduced;
- things remain soft even without use
- Eliminates unpleasant odor from the drum.
The use of Calgon does not harm tissues and does not harm human health.
Benefits and harms of Calgon, reviews
Proponents of the product believe that using Calgon means it has a beneficial effect on laundry. According to their observations, white things retain their pristine whiteness. Yes, and wear occurs more slowly. We have already talked about getting rid of scale in washing machines.
At the same time, other opinions about Calgon are being expressed on the Internet. Skeptics consider Calgon useless and of little effectiveness. If the water undergoes rough cleaning and then filters, this product will not be needed. In addition, a good and expensive washing powder itself contains a substance that softens the water and prevents scale in the washing machine.
Some even claim that a thin layer of scale is even beneficial. It cements microcracks, and in the event of sudden temperature changes, it protects heating devices from destruction.
There are also counter-arguments from an economic perspective regarding the price, which does not correspond to the effect obtained from the product. There are even calculations for 5-10 years. The money spent on purchasing Calgon is enough to buy a new washing machine (depending on the brand). The old one will still be in service.
It is better not to wash some things with Calgon - clothes, towels, bedding for newborns, things for people with allergies.
Packaging
- Powder packages are produced in packs weighing 0.55 kg, 1 kg, 1.6 kg.
- Tablets are packaged in quantities of 12, 15, 32, 35, 40 and 70 tablets per pack.
- The gel is bottled in plastic bottles of 0.75, 1.5 and 2 liters.
Regardless of the release form, as long as the dosage indicated on the package is observed, the concentration of active substances in the water of the washing machine will be the same.
Summarize
If you are worried about the condition of your washing machine and want to protect its internal parts from scale formation and at the same time save your family budget, then here are some recommendations:
- Wash less often on modes with temperatures above 40 degrees;
- Use high-quality washing powder;
- Clean with citric acid every 3-6 months.
