The effectiveness of the automatic machine depends not only on its proper operation, but also competent care for its components. Constant contact with tap water, powder, and dirt from clothing increases the risk of mold, mildew, and mineral deposits inside it. Timely cleaning of the drum of the washing machine will relieve premature equipment breakdowns, significantly increasing its life.
What is the danger of a "dirty" drum
Scale and mold, as we have already found out, are the main “enemies” of the automatic machine, which must be actively fought. It is the drum that is the most vulnerable part of SMA in terms of the deposition of similar formations on it.
Moisture and heat, which are constantly present in it, create ideal conditions for the propagation of harmful microorganisms inside the device and the further appearance of mold. The unpleasant smell on the washed clothes is the first sign that the washing machine needs disinfection. This situation is not dangerous for the washing machine itself, but sooner or later it will affect the health of its owners in the form of an allergic reaction.
The potential threat to SMA components comes from scale. Its formation is facilitated by the use of water with a high content of mineral salts. Limescale, striking the main functional units of the SMA, reduces the efficiency of its work, and hence the quality of the wash itself. The problem will be solved by elementary cleaning of the device with special cleaners or substances that can remove harmful formations.
Effective drum cleaning methods
Cleaning of this part of the automatic machine consists in processing its surface with special means. To remove mold, disinfection will be required. To get rid of mineral deposits, use substances that can dissolve them or at least soften them.
Any means of cleaning the machine should meet the following basic requirements:
- Effectively remove scale, mildew.
- Be safe for clothes to be washed and the person who will wear them.
- To be harmless to the technology itself.
How to effectively clean the washer and at the same time not harm it, we will tell further.
Use of industrial cleaners
Special cleaning products for descaling and germs, which are more than abundant in the departments of household chemicals, effectively cope with their task. Well-established antibacterial cleaners such as Kaneyo and Nagara.
The first is produced in the form of a liquid substance, the second in tablets. They effectively remove dirt, unpleasant odors, soap deposits, as well as molds. Suitable for all drum type SMA.
Use products (especially highly concentrated ones) according to the instructions on the packaging. Wrong dosage can damage the internal mechanisms of the device.
Many manufacturers of SMA produce their own drugs. So, the Bosch and Mile companies developed the Topperr 3004 descaling agent. According to the developers, it perfectly cleans limescale deposits on the inside and outside of the washing machine.
Information on the method of use and dosage of a drug of industrial production is set out in the instructions. Therefore, in terms of their use, no difficulties arise. But the use of folk remedies, especially their dosage, must be treated with utmost care.
The use of folk cleaning methods
In the fight for cleanliness - all means are good. But in the case of the use of food additives, such as acetic and citric acid, you need to consider the possible risk of harm to the device. Their regular use with the wrong dosage can cause:
- clogged drain filter and further breakdown of the pump;
- deformation of the cuff of the hatch;
- damage to the metal part of the drum;
- wear of internal plastic parts.
The likelihood that cleaning with such substances will cause the technique more harm than good is greater. But opponents of household chemicals, who are used to fighting pollution with the help of nutrients, will solve this problem by folk methods.
How to make a drum cleaner at home, read below.
Method one: descaling with acetic or citric acid
Any acid, reacting with salts, effectively copes with mineral plaque. Lemon is used in the following way:
- Take 100 grams of substance for every 6 kg of loading washer.
- Pour a measured amount into a powder cuvette.
- Choose a long washing cycle with a temperature of at least 60 ° C.
- After the end of the cycle, an additional rinse is set.
The use of acetic acid implies the same actions as with a lemon: 50-100 ml of vinegar is poured into the powder receiver and the longest washing program is set.
For greater efficiency, you can suspend the operation of the machine in the middle of the cycle for 1 hour, and then continue washing.
The second method: cleaning baking soda from mold
To prepare soda powder, you need to take 250 grams of soda and dilute it in 250 ml of warm water.
On a note! Today you can find ready-made soda solutions for domestic use. Look for liquid soda on shelves with household chemicals.
Then they act as follows:
- The prepared mixture is applied to the internal contaminated parts of the drum and is actively wiped with a sponge.
- Leave the machine in this condition for 30-60 minutes.
- Launch the wash with a maximum temperature of water heating.
- Expose a double rinse.
If all dirt and mold have not been removed the first time, the procedure should be repeated.
Any cleaning of the washing machine is carried out on a “blank” (without laundry inside) washing.
Such simple folk cleansers really solve the problem of plaque and mold. But you can use them no more than once every 2 months, but it is better to abandon them altogether in favor of proven special drugs.
Using Auto Clean
Many manufacturers of washers equip their equipment with an additional program - auto drum cleaning.
It’s called “Lji” in the Direct Drive series"Cleaning the drum". Its task is to maintain cleanliness inside the MCA by removing small particles that are not soluble in water (sand, fabric fibers, pile, etc.).
The program cycle lasting 1.5 hours takes place in stages. First, preliminary cleaning starts, then the main one (while the water temperature is heated to 60 ° C). The third stage is double rinsing and spinning at maximum speed.
How to enable the cleaning function in the LG washer? To activate it, you should simultaneously press and hold for two seconds two buttons that are marked with an asterisk on the control panel.
As soon as the corresponding inscription or symbols appears, you need to click on Start / Pause to start the cycle.
When starting the program, do not use any additional means (descaling powders, conditioners to remove odors) - there is a risk of excessive foam formation and its escape through the cuvette.
The manufacturer recommends using the additional mode at least 1 time per month.
There is a similar function in the Samsung brand technology -Eco Cleaning.
The principle of its operation is the same as in the LG washing machines. But the manufacturer has provided one interesting additional function - "Alert". The appearance of a characteristic icon with an asterisk indicates that the machine needs Eco cleaning. With such a convenient option from Samsung, it is impossible to miss the moment of cleaning.
Beko washing machines also have a self-cleaning program -Self clean. It provides hygienic processing of equipment at temperatures above 70 ° C.
The principle of operation of auto-cleaning in any SMA is simple - it is a cycle of “idle” washing at high temperature and double rinsing in a large amount of water.
If the machine is in a state of neglect, then no auto-cleaning will help her, alas. Such an option will be effective only if it is used regularly.
Prevention is the best care for your washing machine.
Systematic maintenance of the equipment will eliminate the need to choose between these or other cleaners. It’s better to prevent a problem than to fight it. Therefore, in order to prevent the formation of scale and pollution should:
- If possible, install a filter to soften tap water.
- Use a special descaling agent at the intervals specified by the manufacturer in the device instructions.
- Wash periodically at the maximum permissible water temperature.
- After the operation of the device, leave the hatch door ajar (it is desirable that in this position it stays constantly).
- After each wash, wipe the hatch of the hatch with a dry cloth, removing excess moisture.
Such simple rules for caring for the CMA drum will save you from many unpleasant moments during the operation of the equipment and will certainly extend its service life.