Can Soda Crystals do any harm to your washing machine?

[napkin]

I was told by one engineer never to use them as they cause problems. I put some in my machine on its own on a hot wash to flush out the machine and ever since my washing seems to come out more worn looking and bobbled. Could it have done any damage at all do you think?

[mamij]

Watching with interest as have just bought a bag of soda crystals for the washing machine and dishwasher (thanks MNetters!) to give them a good clean out. But wouldn't want to damage the machines in any way.

[CoolaSchmoola]

I've been using them to clean my machine every month for the last ten years, also using white vinegar monthly to remove limescale.

My machine works and looks as it did when new.

Soda crystals are gentle on laundry and recommended for delicates.

[ilovepowerhoop]

even the soda crystals bag tells you they are for use in washing machines so I doubt they would have a detrimental effect on them.

[MousyMouse]

they shouldn't if not using too much.
they are a great stain remover.

[ilovepowerhoop]

from soda crystals website:

Soda Crystals have been around for generations, and before the invention of modern washing powder, were one of the most popular laundry products around, renowned for their ability to cut through tough stains and dirt on grubby clothes. Useful in a variety of laundry tasks, Soda Crystals are the versatile one bag solution for all your laundry needs!

Soda Crystals in your wash?

Soda crystals are so useful; they really are all you need to tackle all your dirty, grubby clothes and tough stains! They can be used to:

Shift organic stains from clothes by using as an in-wash additive. Simply add a tablespoon of Soda Crystals to the normal detergent.

Remove tough stains from clothes by using as a pre-soak. Make a strong solution of Soda Crystals and warm water and soak garment for 1 hour before washing normally.

Save money! Soda Crystals soften water in the washing machine meaning less detergent is needed.

Prolong the life of your washing machine by preventing limescale build up.
Soda Crystals should be used in every wash. Simply add the required amount to the detergent drawer, along with your usual washing powder, or directly in to the drum. Alternatively, use liquid Soda Crystals on tricky areas, such as grubby collars, cuffs and underarms!

Clean your washing machine

To clean the drum, remove smells and kill bacteria add two cups of Soda Crystals to the detergent dispenser on an empty cycle and run on the longest hottest wash.

Once the cycle is complete, add 500ml of White Vinegar to the drum, and run another empty cycle on the longest hottest wash. This will eliminate any limescale and detergent from the pipes, leaving your washing machine sparkling and working more efficiently. This should be repeated every 4 - 8 weeks to ensure unpleasant odours and bacteria do not accumulate.

[ilovepowerhoop]

p.s. maybe the engineer was talking about caustic soda rather than soda crystals as that would be bad for the machine

[NotSoNervous]

I've used them

[VerySmallSqueak]

Was the engineer trying to sell a different product?
Perhaps some firms are allied to certain brands and would want to dissuade you from using something as cheap,effective and universally available as soda crystals.

[ilovepowerhoop]

when I got my washer drier fixed recently they tried to sell me a washing machine cleaner product but I told him I used my own stuff instead.

[napkin]

I think the engineer must of not known what an earth he was talking about and made me worry. Thanks everyone for your replies. Does anyone add them to every wash for hard water and does it seem to help?

[BeCool]

I add them to every wash (hard water area).
It means I can use less detergent, which is win win. I've not noticed any special stain remover powers, but I do only use Ecover & similar products (not great for stains) and I find together they work well & get out most stains.

[PigletJohn]

I have a water softener but occasionally use them on a hot hot hot service wash to clean away any residual soap sludge. Some people use them on a white wash especially if very dirty or greasy.

I've never heard of them damaging a washer, but if it had aluminium parts it might cause corrosion.

The wet parts are generally made of stainless steel and hard plastic though so I wouldn't expect that.

[randomtask]

According to a plumber I know, soda crystals are the main ingredient in all washing machine cleaning products but cheaper...

[K8Middleton]

Well my washing machine is almost 6 years old and seems fine.

I use them in a white wash and for a service wash. I'm in London so hard water area.

I bet he was trying to sell you something else.

[SisterMonicaJoan]

Roughly how much do soda crystals cost? I do a maintenance wash like any good MNer (!) but it sounds like the soda crystals would be a good idea too.

TIA

[BornToFolk]

About £1 a bag. Bargain!

[SisterMonicaJoan]

Ooo, thanks Born! No excuse not to get some then!!

[Saltire]

He was maybe trying to get you to buy a product from the company. I use soda crystals all the time. just before christmas the brushes went on my machine and the engineer came out. Whilst I was making the appointment the sales person is poke to tried to tell ,me that soda crystals were no good and that I should only be using their special jsut for washing machines product. The engineer tried to sell me some too

[BeCool]

I'm pretty sure soda crystals are to Calgone, what baby oil is to Bio Oil.

[Carochinha11]

Hi, soda crystals also damaged my machine and all clothes come out warned out. Anyone knows what to do? No matter hoe much softener I use!

[lljkk]

engineer was making thinking of caustic soda.

We have used soda crystals for 15+ yrs without any apparent problem (as part substitute for washing powder)