Issue:
- How to prevent build-up of limescale in the washing machine?
- Descaling the washing machine
Applies to:
- Front loader washing machine (integrated and freestanding)
- Top loader washing machine
Resolution:
1. If the machine’s heating element is covered with limescale deposits, it can affect the machine in a number of ways:
- It will take more time to heat up the water.
- More energy will be consumed.
- The heating element’s service life will be reduced significantly.
- The heating element may burn out.
- The machine’s main bearings may be damaged.
2. To achieve a better performance and protect the washing machine, we recommend that the limescale is removed regularly, using a descaling product.
Detailed instructions may be found in the manual supplied with our descaling products. We recommend specialized detergents available from our Webshop.
3. Limescale deposits are caused by the "hardness” of the water. The harder the water, the greater likelihood of limescale deposits forming in the machine.
- Water hardness may vary in some areas. This is due to supplies of water originating from a number of different sources, depending on the current consumption in the region. Contact your water supplier or the technical department of the local authority for assistance.
- How often the machine needs to be descaled is determined by the water’s hardness and by the number of wash cycles the machine performs daily.
- As a precautionary measure, descale the machine according (See the table below for detailed guidance), depending on the relative hardness of the water (°dH value) in your region.
Descaling frequency | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hardness in °F | Hardness in °e, °Clark | Hardness in °dH | Specifications for water hardness | < 2 wash cycle/day | 2-4 wash cycle/day | > 4 wash cycle/day |
0-7 | 0-5 | 0-4 | Extremely soft | - | - | - |
7-14 | 5-10 | 4-8 | Soft | - | - | Once a year |
14-21 | 10-15 | 8-12 | Medium hard | Every 6 months | Every 6 months | Every 6 months |
21-32 | 15-22 | 12-18 | Fairly hard | Every 6 months
| Every 3 months | Every 3 months |
> 32 | > 22 | > 18 | Hard | Every 3 months | Every 2 months | Every month |
