Kibkom North Cyprus Forum

Hi I just wondered if you all use calgon or something similar in your washing machines. Is it necessary ? I have been using calgon but its pretty expensive
Would the hard water damage the machine if I did not use it?

Thanks

I have never used Calgon and my washing machine is still going strong. has anyone other thoughts|?

I always used Calgon until I discovered that some of the soap powders have a descaler in the powder.

Hi, the hard water will have an adverse effect on your machine, as the heating element furs up it will take longer for the water to heat, and the spin speed will not be as good, these things are not immediately obvious.

I agree, Kalgon is expensive, I use QUICK, at the minute it is 6tl for 540grms, it is specially 'geared' to the water in the TRNC, and has a map on the box giving the degrees of water hardness in each area.

Girne is a medium hard water area, so 2 kasik, or 2 teaspoons of Quick added to your usual detergent should stop the build up.

i also use Quick or any other local brand its a lot cheaper then calgon, i make sure that i use it once a week not on every wash, it helps keep the machine calac free and also helps the lecky bill the more the elements are covered in calc the longer it takes to heat as pointed out above !

Locals have told me to use 'Limon Tuz' (it's basically granulated citric acid) which you can buy very cheaply in 1 Kg packets at all supermarkets - you'll find it in the 'herbs and spices' section as it is 'food grade'. There are smaller packets, just an ounce or two, but they work out much more expensive.

A level teaspoon is all you need, added to the wash powder.

Works wonders in the dishwasher too - I usually put one level teaspoon direct into the machine, and one in with the dishwasher powder.

If you try tasting it, your mouth puckers up and you think "Ah - Lemons!"

That makes sense. Lemon juice can be used for getting rid of the scale round taps etc., and mixed with salt for cleaning brass and copper (although its a bit messy).

Does it make the washing smell of lemons, Keith?

Have had no problems with ordinary washing powders, same machine over 10 yrs. As it's getting on a bit am going to start Limon Tuz to be on the safe side.

Rambling Rose wrote:
Does it make the washing smell of lemons, Keith?

NO!

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I once put Calgon in the washing machine on boil wash without any clothes in the machine.After it had finished cleaned out rather a lot of scale out of the filter.Used it regulary after that.

Thanks for all replies

I will try your options

Keith you made me laugh, did it smell good enough to eat so had to try it