-
The citric acid trick can be very useful if you've got limescale build up that is harbouring smelly bacteria but you need to use loads of it. More than a typical kitchen pot of it.
When I realised that kettle descaler sachets are just citric acid solution, I started buying 2kg bags of citric acid for descaling our kettle, coffee machine, washing machine, dishwasher, shower heads etc etc. Much cheaper that way.
I tend to run an empty citric acid load through our washing machine once every three or four months or so.
Stonehedge-
How much do you use in your kettle?
So far I feel like vinegar did a better job.
-
Good point. We have soft water where we live so no issue with limescale buildup
-
When I realised that kettle descaler sachets are just citric acid solution
Are they all citric? I got the impression that some of them are tartaric acid (I can't remember why). After I've run one through my espresso machine it goes into my kettle and then to descale the sink, so they're pretty effective. Hadn't thought about putting one in my washing machine.
-
+1 for bulk buying citric acid
I also buy acetone (for cleaning anything that needs solvents), and toluene (for cleaning anything wax / fat / oil-based, like the sticky crap in shirt armpits).
Mixing xanthan gum, glycerine and citric acid makes a gel that can be slapped on things to dissolve limescale too. And it costs magnitudes less than branded stuff.
If you want vinegar, a litre of acetic acid + water is going to be way cheaper, although just as smelly.
hugo7
kboy
ffm
NotThamesWater
We had this a while ago. Tried all those things - citric acid, squeezed lemons, sodium, vinegar - you name it. Gave up and went to our local white goods store to buy a new washing machine but ended up with free advice instead.
This has worked wonders for us, our washer went from stinky to fresh in two empty washes