How to Clean Limescale from Your Washing Machine

Remove limescale from a washing machine to keep it running efficiently.

Many homeowners see the result of hard water deposits on a variety of surfaces around the home including washing machines. Limescale leaves whitish spots and crusty buildups on the inside of a washing machine. Excessive limescale buildup leads to plugged drain holes and fill hoses. Limescale also interferes with soap or detergent's ability to break down and wash away, leaving a thick residue inside the washing machine. A limescale-laden washing machine offers dull and dingy clothes rather than returning vibrant colors and clean fabrics.

Things You'll Need

• White vinegar
• Spray bottle
• Scrub brush
• Microfiber cloth
• Baking soda
• Bowl
• Rag
• Sponge
• Borax
• Limescale remover

Instructions

White Vinegar

1. Add an equal mixture of hot water and white vinegar to a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto the limescale deposits.

2. Spray a stiff nylon scrub brush with white vinegar and water. Scrub the inside of the washing machine including soap or fabric softener dispensers.

3. Fill the washing machine with hot water. Turn off the washing machine.

4. Add 4 to 6 cups white vinegar. Let the white vinegar remain in the washing machine for one to two hours.

5. Turn on the washing machine and let it run through the wash cycle.

6. Dry the inside of the washing machine with a microfiber cloth.

Baking Soda

1. Pour 1/2 cup baking soda into a bowl. Slowly add water to the baking soda while stirring to make a paste.

2. Apply the baking soda paste to the limescale deposits with a rag. Rub the baking soda into the limescale with a damp sponge until the limescale disappears.

3. Rinse the inside of the washing machine with hot water or run the washing machine through a short cycle.

4. Dry the inside of the washing machine with a microfiber cloth.

Borax

1. Wet a sponge and dip it into borax.

2. Scrub the inside of the washing machine with the sponge.

3. Rinse the washing machine with hot water or run the washing machine through a short cycle.

4. Dry the inside of the washing machine with a microfiber cloth.

Limescale Remover

1. Apply a commercially available limescale remover to the inside of the washing machine with a rag or sponge. Let the limescale remover remain on the hard water deposits for as long as the manufacturer recommends, usually 10 to 20 minutes.

2. Scrub the inside of the washing machine with the sponge or rag.

3. Flush the inside of the washing machine thoroughly with hot water or run the washing machine through a short cycle.

4. Dry the washing machine with a microfiber cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Dry the inside of the washing machine after each use to limit limescale buildup.

• Consider adding a water softener to your home to prevent limescale deposits.

• Avoid using water conditioners that contain phosphates to remove limescale because phosphates are harmful to the environment.

References

• "2,001 Amazing Cleaning Secrets"; Jeff Bredenberg; 2004
• "Heloise from A to Z Updated"; Heloise; 2004
• "New Fix-It-Yourself Manual: How to Repair, Clean, and Maintain Anything and Everything In and Around Your Home"; Reader's Digest Editors; 1996