Is your water hard? If it is, and if you use a carbonate type non-phosphate detergent, you will most probably notice
limestone* deposits on your clothes and washer surfaces. The hardness of your water and your washing frequency
will determine how rapidly the limestone will build up. If your water is VERY HARD (11 or more grains) and if
you wash just a few loads a week, you may see limestone buildups in just a few months.
Effech on Clothes
Although limestone buildup occurs more rapidly on
“
Causes spot-fading of bright colors as a result of
cotton, it will eventually affect various fabrics in the
direct contact with detergent.
following ways:
“
Reduces wrinkle-resistance of permanent press
● Gives a stiff, harsh, rough feel to fabrics such as
fabrics.
toweling.
Q
Destroys effectiveness of flame-retardant finishes on
● Causes colors to fade and become dull and dingy.
cottons such as children’s
sleepwear.
●
Causl>s
graying of fabrics.
● Increases fabric wear because of the scrubbing action
●
Leav{;s
a white, powdery residue on dark-colored
between limestone deposits on the fabrics during
items.
washer agitation.
Effecb on Washer
Recommended Methods to Reduce
● Unsightly buildup on all washer surfaces exposed to
Limestone Buildup
the wash solution.
● Use a powdered phosphate detergent or a liquid
● Mat-like, crusty formations caused by lint adhering to
detergent if these are available in your area.
the sticky limestone deposits.
● Install a home water softener. This will significantly
“
Increased service calls because of limestone deposits
reduce limestone buildup.
in
the
pump, recirculation water hoses, filters and
● Use a packaged non-precipitating water softener,
other washer parts.
such as
Calgon
brand with phosphate.
● Reduced useful life of washer.
Goodl
Washing Practices May Delay Limestone Damage to Clothes
The following recommendations will temporarily delay
● Increase amount of detergent. See guide on opposite
the effects of limestone on your clothes. These are
page for recommended detergent amounts in relation
generally good washing practices and will give better
to water hardness.
soil removal whether or not you have hard water or use
● Increase use of bleaches, presoaks, packaged water
carbonate detergent.
conditioners, prewash soil and stain removers to
“
Use hotter wash water, for example up to
150°F.
help in removing stubborn
soils
and stains.
(65°C.)
for cottons. This
also
improves oily-soil
● Use greater care in sorting loads. Wash very dirty
removal.
loads separately and increase detergent to help
● If you wash in cooler water to save energy, use
keep dirt from redepositing on less soiled items.
more detergent to promote better washing. Also
Wash delicate items separately to prevent damage
be sure to use bleach on
bleachable fabrics. Use
from heavy, sturdy clothes.
hot water whenever possible.
Q
Wash smaller loads to increase cleaning action of
● Add detergent and
allow
washer to fill and agitate
washer.
for
three or four minutes to dissolve detergent before
adding clothes.
● Use fabric softener to counteract stiffness or
harshness in clothes.
*LIMESTONE-technically called CALCIUM
CARBONATE–!S
caused by the
reaction of
the
calcium
in
the hard water with the sodium carbonate in the detergent.
(cc>ntinue~
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