How to Descale and Clean Your Washing Machine

Limescale

Hard water leaves calcium and magnesium deposits on the drum, pipes and heating element.

Detergent residue

Extra detergent and fabric softener stick to the hidden side of the drum.

Lint and dirt

Fibres, hair and dirt collect in filters, the rubber gasket and the detergent drawer.

Mould and bacteria

Warm, damp residue is the perfect place for mould and the musty smell it brings.

Musty or sour smell from the drum or clothes

White clothes turning grey or dull

White powdery marks or residue on clothes

Black spots on the door rubber (front load)

Hot wash cycles taking longer than before

White scale visible on the drum or detergent drawer

Empty the machine. Remove all clothes. Descaling is always done with an empty drum.

Add the descaler. Put the washing machine descaler directly into the drum, or into the detergent drawer, in the amount given on the label.

Run Tub Clean. Select the "Tub Clean" or "Drum Clean" programme. If your machine doesn't have one, run the hottest, longest cycle.

Clean the drawer and gasket. While it runs (or after), pull out the detergent drawer and wash it in warm water. On front loaders, wipe inside the folds of the door rubber.

Clean the filters. Empty the lint filter (top load) or the drain pump filter at the bottom front (front load). Keep a towel and tray ready, as water will come out.

Rinse and air out. Run one empty rinse cycle, then leave the door or lid open for a few hours to dry the drum completely.

✔ Do

• Descale monthly in hard water areas, every 2–3 months otherwise.
• Use the right amount of detergent. Front loaders need low-foam detergent.
• Leave the door or lid open after every wash so the drum can dry.
• Take wet clothes out promptly.
• Wipe the door rubber and drawer regularly.
• Check your machine's manual for its own cleaning advice.

✘ Don't

• Never mix descaler with bleach in the same cycle.
• Don't descale with clothes in the machine.
• Don't use toilet cleaner or strong acids. They can damage rubber seals and metal parts.
• Don't overdose detergent or fabric softener. Extra leaves residue.
• Don't open the drain filter while the water is hot.
• Don't keep the door shut on a wet drum.

After every wash

Leave the door or lid open and wipe the door rubber dry.

Weekly

Rinse the detergent drawer and empty the lint filter.

Monthly

Descale with Tub Clean, especially with hard water.

Every 3 months

Clean the drain pump filter and check the inlet hose.

3-in-1 action

Descale, deep clean, deodorise

• Removes limescale from the drum and heater
• Cleans detergent residue and grime
• Eliminates musty odour

For front load, top load and semi-automatic machines.

Home to bulk

Choose your pack size

Small jars for homes; 25 kg and 50 kg for laundries, hotels, hostels and service centres.

How often should I descale my washing machine?

Once a month if you have hard water (borewell or tanker water), and every 2–3 months with softer water. Descale sooner if you notice a smell or white residue.

My machine still smells after cleaning. Why?

The smell often hides in the drain pump filter, the folds of the door rubber or the detergent drawer. Clean all three, and leave the door open after each wash.

Will descaling damage my machine?

No, a washing machine descaler used as directed on the label is made for this job. Avoid harsh acids like toilet cleaner, which can harm rubber seals. Always check your machine's manual too.

Do I need to descale a semi-automatic machine?

Yes. Scale and residue build up in the wash tub and pipes of every machine. Fill the tub with warm water, add descaler, run, soak and drain as per the label.