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Cleaning a washing machine

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MimiJane
MimiJane Posts: 7,963 Forumite
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in Old style MoneySaving
I'm sure I've read on this board that vinegar can be used as a descaler for washing machines by running it through one cycle (a bit less expensive than Calgon ::)).

Can someone help me with a couple of queries about this :

Is it white or brown vinegar that should be used?
How much is it necessary to put in the machine?

Thanks. :)
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  • jaybee
    jaybee Posts: 1,556 Forumite
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    I use White Vinegar - about a cupfull.
  • MimiJane
    MimiJane Posts: 7,963 Forumite
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    Thanks jaybee.

    ;D
    Wins since 2009 = £17,600

    MANY THANKS TO ALL OPS
  • Caterina
    Caterina Posts: 5,919 Forumite
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    Doesn't the large amount of water wash away the vinegar before it can take effect?

    I presume you put it on a wash cycle, no?

    Caterina
    Finally I'm an OAP and can travel free (in London at least!).
  • rach
    rach Posts: 5,476 Forumite
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    does it need to be a very hot wash? and where do you put it in the machine? my machine could do with a good clean out...poss cos it only usually gets run at 40o. tried using soda crystals on a hot wash the other day but didn;t really seem to work....eg the drawer etc still looks really scummy... ???
    Mum to gorgeous baby boy born Sept 2010:j
  • Chris25
    Chris25 Posts: 12,918 Forumite
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    I've started using a fabric-softener capful of white vinegar (after seeing a post here somewhere) to each wash load. I use it instead of the fabric softener. The clothes don't come up luxuriously soft but they're fine and they don't smell of vinegar - no-one's complained yet :).
    I've just thought - I wonder if I should be doing the same to the dishwasher ???

    Rach, can't you take out your dispenser drawer?
  • Lillibet_2
    Lillibet_2 Posts: 3,364 Forumite
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    I too use a capful of white vinegar in each & every wash instead of fabric softner. Can't say it honestly softens the laundry too much but it kills germs & bacteria (good for pet bedding, sheets & towels etc), it removes sweat stains & smells (Good for hubby's work clothes) & it keeps the washing machine limescale free. Oh, and I only ever do a cold wash!
    Post Natal Depression is the worst part of giving birth:p

    In England we have Mothering Sunday & Father Christmas, Mothers day & Santa Clause are American merchandising tricks:mad: Demonstrate pride in your heirtage by getting it right please people!
  • 16011996
    16011996 Posts: 8,313 Forumite
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    one cupful, white vinegar, about once every 6 weeks is what i do. had to have engineer out the other week, and he was amazed at how little limescale was in it, for such an old machine. ;D
  • rach
    rach Posts: 5,476 Forumite
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    where do you put it 160?
    Mum to gorgeous baby boy born Sept 2010:j
  • MimiJane
    MimiJane Posts: 7,963 Forumite
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    Wouldn't have thought it matters ... it'll end up in the drum whatever. Personally, I'd put it directly into the drum.
    Wins since 2009 = £17,600

    MANY THANKS TO ALL OPS
  • 16011996
    16011996 Posts: 8,313 Forumite
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    where do you put it 160?


    half in the soap bit of the drawer, half in the fabric bit, so it sort of gets done twice in a wash.
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