Despite not being able to look inside and see what effect it's having, I'm fairly positive that Calgon is doing its job and helping to reduce the build-up and keep my machine going. Read and we’ll explain how often you should clean your washing machine, how to investigate problem areas for dirt and build-ups, and of course, how to tackle these deposits when you find them.

Calgon Hygiene Plus Washing Machine Water Softener, 13 Tablets

Calgon has a unique formulation with active ingredients being polycarboxylates which softens hard water, preventing limescale from forming in the first place. If your detergent containers need a deeper clean, pull them out gently (checking the manual for instructions if necessary) then wash them in hot soapy water, using a clean toothbrush to get rid of any residue or mould. Finally, people who live in hard water areas risk a build-up of limescale, reducing the efficiency and working life of the machine. Many modern washing machines just don’t last long enough for limescale to cause a problem these days. If left untreated, this can start affecting your washing machine, either by causing damage to the components, causing a nasty smell, or even transferring grime onto clothing in the wash cycles too.Calgon gel is safe to use on all types of fabric, so won’t damage your clothes, and it can be used in every wash cycle. Make sure you leave it in the pipe overnight for best results, and on your next wash you should find the pipe completely free-flowing again, even just the following morning.

Calgon Gel 3-in-1 Refills, Washing Machine Cleaner, Removes Calgon Gel 3-in-1 Refills, Washing Machine Cleaner, Removes

Advice to owners – Pour a 250ml dose into the detergent drawer and wash without any laundry in the drum at 60°C. Bosch advises owners of its washing machines to run the drum clean program at 90°C, where it’s available, and to do this with washing powder but without any clothes in the drum. The tablets actively protect against limescale, dirt residue, odours and rust from the very first seconds of the wash cycle.The short answer is clearly the products must work as advertised but it’s more complicated than that. Unlike Calgon, you only have to use one tablet once a month (or every three months in soft water areas) on a hot wash and it gently removes limescale from all key areas, including the heating element, pumps and pipes. Cleaning your washing machine is one of those jobs that is essential, however, it's often overlooked. Many dishwasher repairers warn that the acidity of this could erode at the drum bearings and make your washing machine eventually leak or become very noisy. Vamoosh claims to dissolve hair – and says it’s the only cleaner to do so – so this product is a no-brainer for pet owners or those with long (human) hair.

Alternatives to Calgon in the UK Best Alternatives to Calgon in the UK

If you do use borax around the home, you should treat it in the same way as other household chemicals, such as bleach.There are no chemicals in play here either, and as it also helps to soften clothes you might not need fabric softener.