Water softener for your washing machine

Descaling a washing machine

Limescale build-up occurs most frequently at high temperatures. When you heat water, the heat causes the limescale particles to clump together, forming limescale deposits. These build up on the washing machine’s heating element, amongst other places. The limescale on the heating element means it takes much longer for the water to heat up, which naturally leads to much higher energy costs. In the long run, the washing machine itself may break down.

How do you descale a washing machine?

1. Using descaling agents
You can use a descaling agent, such as Calgon, every time you do a wash. The downside is that it’s quite expensive and you have to use it every time.

2. Using vinegar, bicarbonate of soda or a dishwasher tablet.
You can also descale your washing machine using vinegar, bicarbonate of soda or a dishwasher tablet. Pour 1 litre of white vinegar into the empty washing machine and run it at 90 degrees. Please note: Washing machine manufacturers, however, recommend special descaling products for washing machines. According to them, vinegar, bicarbonate of soda or a dishwasher tablet can damage washing machine parts, such as the rubber seals.

3. Water softener
Of course, the best thing is to prevent limescale build-up altogether by washing with limescale-free water. You can get limescale-free water by using a water softener. 

Benefits of a water softener for a washing machine

A water softener offers many benefits for your washing machine. Over the years, the hard water that flows through your washing machine leaves behind a lot of limescale. As a result, it takes more energy to heat the water and you may experience blockages. It also causes your laundry to wear out more quickly and, over time, it will no longer feel soft. A water softener helps extend the lifespan of both your washing machine and your laundry.

My washing machine smells. What should I do?

It sounds strange, but using too much soap or detergent can cause your washing machine to start smelling and your clothes to lose their fresh scent. Why is this?

Because we are washing at increasingly lower temperatures, bacteria thrive more easily and grease lice can develop. Flea lice Also known as ‘soap scum’, this is caused by a build-up of soap residue, lint, skin flakes, skin oils and hair. Bacteria develop in this build-up, causing an unpleasant odour. You can often find this gunk in the rubber seals around the door of your washing machine. So, if you’re washing with soft water, make sure you use less detergent or wash with detergent for soft water.

How do you treat pubic lice?

What can you do if your washing machine smells and your laundry no longer smells fresh?

1. Use less washing powder.

2. Run an empty wash cycle, also known as a maintenance wash.

3. Clean the detergent dispenser and the rubber seal in the drum regularly.

4. After the washing machine has finished a cycle, leave the door open and allow the drum to dry thoroughly. The more damp the washing machine is, the better bacteria thrive.

Limescale also affects other household appliances

In principle, limescale affects any appliance through which water flows or which contains water. Examples include kettles, coffee machines and dishwashers. Your shower cubicle, bath and pipes are also affected by limescale. The calcium in hard water precipitates inside your appliances, leading to a build-up of this mineral. By installing a water softener at the point where the water enters your home, you remove the limescale from the water. The water you use in your household will then always be limescale-free.

Mooiwater water softener

As well as extending the lifespan of your household appliances, the purchase A water softener also offers significant savings on cleaning products and repair costs for your appliances: up to €500 a year.

Prevent limescale build-up in your household appliances and order a ‘Mooiwater’ water softener from €990. You’ll enjoy the following benefits:

•  Save up to €500 a year
• Prevent limescale build-up in your appliances
• Installation can be carried out within two weeks
• There’s a water softener to suit every household

A Mooiwater water softener saves you a lot of money

With a water softener, you can save up to €500 a year. As the limescale is removed from the tap water, you prevent limescale in your household appliances. This means your appliances will last many times longer and you’ll need to clean them less often: with a water softener, you’ll save on repair and cleaning costs. What’s more, as limescale no longer builds up in the pipes, your boiler won’t need to work as hard. This makes a significant difference to your energy bill.

Limescale-free water has many more benefits, such as leaving your skin feeling soft after a shower. Take a look at the page Benefits for all the benefits of a water softener.

Why do I need a water softener for my washing machine?

Your washing machine runs several loads each week; the larger your family, the more often the washing machine is used. Litres of water flow through the machine with every wash. If you have hard water in your area, a lot of limescale from the tap water builds up in the pipes leading to and from your washing machine. This causes blockages and creates limescale deposits that can damage your laundry. Limescale is actually a type of rock whose sharp edges can tear your clothes.

A water softener removes limescale from tap water and prevents blockages. Your washing will also last considerably longer and feel noticeably softer, as no harsh limescale residue is left behind in your washing machine.

Prevent limescale build-up with a ‘Mooiwater’ water softener

A water softener not only gives you soft laundry, it also ensures:

• Savings on your energy, cleaning and repair costs
•  Soft skin after a shower
• Longer lifespan of other household appliances
• Limescale-free water pipes

Further information about our water softeners

Would you like to find out more about the benefits of a Mooiwater water softener for your washing machine or other household appliances? Find out which water softener is suitable for your household or get in touch with us using the buttons below.

Any more descaling tips?

What applies to your washing machine applies to all the appliances in your home. See below for more tips on descaling.

– Descaling a kettle
– Descaling the Senseo unit
– Cleaning black taps
– Descaling a shower head
– Prevent limescale build-up in the bathroom
– Tips for rain showers