This post brings you the best descale powder for washing machines. These will clean the washer drum from limescale formation if any and remove detergent residue and unwanted smell.
Why use descaling powder
Hard water leads to limescale formation on the walls of the washer tub. With several washes, the scale and residue will clog the internal parts of the washing machine. These parts include the heater, motor, filter, drain pipe, etc.
This will deteriorate the efficiency of the washing machine and reduce its life.
A descaling powder can remove the scale formation and residue leftover from the washing machine.
Descaling powder is made of?
These are generally acidic in nature and react with calcium carbonates and magnesium carbonates present in the scale.
Do you need descaling?
If you receive water from the municipality then it will not be hard water and so it will not lead to scale formation.
However, if you live in a village or areas where you receive water from borewell, or from any other source which contains hard water then you will need to perform descaling of your washing machine.
You can check the hardness of water using a TDS meter. For a thumb rule, the hardness in water is half of the TDS level. Below 250 TDS you do not require descaling but above that you need it.
You can also check for grayish chalk-like formation on the tub of your washing machine. This indicates limescale and you need descaling.
Best Descaling Powder
It’s best to use the descaler powder made by the same company of which you use the washing machine. The products mentioned here can be used for both front and top load machines.
1. IFB Essentials Descal Appliance Descaler
Features
- 100 g pack
- Keep the water temperature at 40 °C
- Can also be used for dishwashers, kettles, shower heads, coffee makers
IFB is the most popular brand in front load washing machines.
They know the hard water problem faced by consumers and that is why their front load washing machines have Aqua Energie filter to tackle hard water problems.
Further, they also manufacture this descaler powder.
Follow the instructions written on the pack for descaling your washing machine.
This pack comes in size of 100 g. Use this every 4-5 months to remove lime scales from your washer drum. In one go the entire packet will get used so purchase in combos and packs.
IFB descaler can also be used with a dishwasher, kettle, shower heads, coffee makers, etc.
2. LG ScaLGo Descaling Powder
Features
- 100 g
- Pack of 3
- Can also be used with dishwashers, kettles, shower heads, coffee makers.
Do you own an LG washing machine and suffer from hard water problem? LG has made this descaling powder to be used with their fully automatic washing machines.
You can also use this powder with other washing machines too. The chemical formulation behind every descaler is nearly the same.
In LG automatic washers there is Tub Clean wash program, pour the entire packet of 100g into the tub or in the detergent tray and run the Tub Clean program.
Go away and complete your other chores as this wash program will take a long time to finish. After completion use the quick wash cycle to remove any remaining residue and smell.
3. Bosch Siemens Quick Descaler for Appliances
Features
- 250g Bottle
- Use with 60 °C
- Efficient in removing lime scales and residue.
If you use Bosch Front Loader then use this quick descaler from Bosch.
The powder comes in the pack of a bottle weighing 250g, use only half of the portion for single use.
You can also use this with dishwashers, kettles.
Read and follow the instructions written on this product. It mentions water needs to be heated up to 60 degrees celsius.
It is the most costly descale powder available in the market. You can also use this with other washing machines.
This descaler is very efficient in removing lime scales and dirt. It will remove calcium deposits and bad odor.
4. Fortune Multi Use Descaler
Features
- Pack of 3
- 100g each
- Descales & Deodorizes Appliance
- Can be used with several appliances
- Cheapest
This is a descaler designed to be used with many appliances like a washing machine, dishwasher, tiles, shower heads, etc.
If you want a cheap solution for descaling your washer then check this, it is a good option.
In terms of cleaning and limescale removal, it is not very effective like other descale powders mentioned above in the list but it justifies its price.
One packet of 100g will be completely used in one cycle.
One thing I like about this product is its biodegradable nature. it will not cause harm to mother earth.
5. Whirlpool Scalegon Descale Powder for Washing Machine
Features
- 100g
- Pack of 3
- Prevents Corrosion
Whirlpool washing machines are very popular among consumers due to their budget-friendliness and aggressive pricing.
If you own one then use this Scalegon Descale Powder to remove residue buildup and limescale from your washer.
Its formula is a combination of mild acids and corrosion inhibitors that acts instantly on dirt, limescale, and residue to flush them out with water. The acids break down the carbonates and the corrosion inhibitors prevent corrosion.
The stainless steel washer drum will shine as new after cleaning it with this powder.
One 100g sachet to be used in one go every 4-5 months.
How often to perform Descaling
Descaling every 4-5 months is a good option but if the hardness is too high in your area then every 2 months is suggested, you can also use a water softener or hard water filter in case of high levels of hardness in water.
How to use descale powder for washing machine
1. Pour the entire packet of descaling powder in the washer tub, or in the detergent tray.
2. Choose the Tub Clean wash program. If there is no such setting then use any wash cycle with the longest duration, use the water level to highest, and the temperature setting to 40-50 °C or the temperature mentioned on the descaling powder.
3. After completion of descaling, use the rinsing or quick wash program to remove the remaining residue and smell.
Note: Do not set the temperature too high or the shine of the steel drum will fade away.
