Do I Need Calgon?

If you haven't already read Washerhelp's article Should I use Calgon anti limescale tablets or other such products?

it gives a perspective.

I also calculated how much it would be, and it ended up around the same ballpark figure of £70

The Hotpoint machine can cost less than £300 or about £277 from Dixons during their February promotion, which is the same price as using Calgon tablets for 4 years. Ariel has built in softners which work if you use the correct dosage.

If the Ariel softeners and limescale protection doesn't work (which I would find pretty slim)

assuming limescale death arrives at 4 years on, then it's prudent to replace the Hotpoint with another of the same as

a. you replenish the warranty for a year

b. it will be (arguably) more reliable than a 4 year old machine.

c. it's 'FREE!' - paid for by put aside Calgon costs

We didn't use Calgon with our Philips washing machine and that lasted 20 years... It did stop working and I had to remove the filter to clean it out... admittedly it hadn't been cleaned for 10 years!!. I released a load of limescale and other junk which was clogging up the filter, then it worked again!

We use Persil non bio and now follow the instructions to the letter regarding dosage so for a hard water area this is normally three tablets.

OK this is now one more than we used before (who reads instructions anyway) and in the opinion of Lever Brothers should give a clean wash and prevent limescale build up. The extra tablet probably equates to buying a water softer but if I use a water softener do I drop back to two or one tablet as the water is now "soft" Either way the cost is probably roughly the same.

Personally I will stick with the Persil theory rather than add a softener, will post the results in 10 years time.

Hi Richard I live in North Norfolk and according to the recent test I did the water here was the highest on the hardness scale. (it was a paper strip test similar to ones used to test blood sugar levels). I've never used calgon because of the high cost but have been using Tesco's own limescale prevention tablets whic are a fraction of the cost. They used to be £2.95 for 30 they have now come down to £2.35 for 30. It does seem to make a difference in thatbefore without anything using the recommended amount of detergent would show no signs of suds at all. Hope this helps. I had been think of getting a water softner but for the moment due to lack of funds I'll be sticking to the tesco's limescale tabs .