What is coarse salt used for in the washing machine?
When it comes to cleaning and maintaining your washing machine, you often come across tips and tricks that are little-known but highly effective.
One of these involves the use of coarse salt, a remedy that is not only inexpensive but also eco-friendly to take care of your appliance.
So let's see what coarse salt is for in the washing machine and how to use it correctly.
Limescale prevention
The main benefit of using coarse salt in the washing machine is its ability to fight and prevent limescale build-up.
Hard water, rich in minerals such as calcium and magnesium, can deposit inside the washing machine, particularly on the heating elements and in the pipes, reducing efficiency and lifespan.
Thanks to its composition, coarse salt helps dissolve these mineral residues, keeping the appliance cleaner and working better.
How to use coarse salt in the washing machine
Using salt is simple and does not require complicated steps. Here’s what to do:
- Dosage: Add about 100 grams of coarse salt directly into the empty drum of the washing machine. Do not exceed this amount to avoid leaving excessive salt residues.
- Washing cycle: Set the washing machine to an empty cycle, preferably at a high temperature, around 60°C (140°F). This will help the salt dissolve better and remove limescale deposits.
- Frequency: It is recommended to repeat this treatment once a month to keep the washing machine in good condition and prevent limescale build-up.
Additional benefits
In addition to preventing limescale build-up, the regular use of coarse salt can bring other benefits to the washing machine:
- Extends the appliance’s lifespan: By keeping the internal components clean, salt helps prolong the life of the machine.
- Energy efficiency: A washing machine free of limescale build-up requires less energy to heat water, resulting in energy savings.
- Better washing performance: A clean and well-maintained appliance also ensures better washing results, with fresher and cleaner laundry.
- Eliminates bad odours
Precautions
Despite the many benefits, it is important to use coarse salt in moderation and follow the instructions to avoid damaging the washing machine.
Moreover, if you live in an area with very hard water, you may need to combine this method with other limescale treatments.
Risks of using coarse salt
It is important to remember that using coarse salt in the washing machine is not without potential risks.
Excessive dosage or too frequent use can cause problems due to the chemical nature of salt, which contains sodium chloride (NaCl). Chlorides are known to promote corrosion on metal surfaces, especially if they remain in contact with water and metal for a long time.
Here are the main risks:
- Corrosion of metal parts: chlorides can accelerate metal oxidation, especially if the washing machine already has small abrasions or areas prone to rust. Over time, this can damage the drum or the heating element.
- Damage to seals: high salt concentration can reduce the elasticity of rubber and silicone seals, causing micro-cracks and increasing the risk of water leaks.
- Residues in the drum: if the salt does not dissolve completely, it can remain as abrasive crystals that, besides scratching the drum, may end up on clothes during subsequent washes.
- Alteration of the chemical balance: frequent use could interfere with the normal functioning of any built-in water softeners or detergents, creating an overly saline environment that provides no extra benefit.
For these reasons, it is important not to exceed the recommended doses, choose a sufficiently hot cycle to ensure complete salt dissolution and, if in doubt, use limescale prevention products approved by washing machine manufacturers.
Check out our complete guide on how to clean your washing machine.