More than 60% of the UK is a hard-water area, and if you live in one of these areas, then dealing with limescale can be no easy feat. Scale-like deposits can impact your appliances, making them less efficient, and unable to do their job. The British Water Authority believes even a 1.6mm coating of limescale can make the appliance up to 12% less effective. This could result in wasting up to £200 worth of energy each year. Limescale can significantly reduce the lifespan of your appliances, and so tackling the issue may stop you from having to deal with costly repairs.
Dishwasher or Washing Machine have Limescale build-up
However, by checking and cleaning your appliances regularly, you can stop limescale from forming in its tracks – helping you to avoid appliance problems before they start and the damage is done.
Cleaning: How to remove limescale from your dishwashe
Since hard water contains more dissolved minerals, when heated or left to stand, they can form limescale. Limescale can then coat your heating element or other parts of your dishwasher, making it work less efficiently. To stop limescale from becoming an issue, we recommend purchasing a dishwasher limescale remover or making your own homemade version, of which you can run through a cycle.
Either vinegar or lemon juice will do an excellent job of removing limescale and freshening up your machines. Pour the liquid into the base of the dishwasher and run a normal washing cycle – without dishes.
In your washing machine, you can use a large cup of vinegar or lemon juice in place of your usual detergent and run a normal washing cycle – without clothes. In addition to removing limescale, this will help freshen up your appliance.
If you want to go the extra mile and clean your washing machine, then check out “How to look after your washing machine” which has full details on how to do a deep clean.
Salt and rinse aid
Salt and rinse aid
Always make sure that your dishwasher is topped up with the right amount of salt and rinse aid. Salt has a water softener inside it that will help to combat the issue.
