scrubflex
Well-known member
Is it possible to get rid of 'hard water' stains in your washer tub? If so, what do use, how do you go about removing them?
Hard water stains
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dj-gabriele
Well-known member
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What are hard water stains? It's never happened to me even if I live in an area of very hard water
Are you talking about iron/rust stains? You could try some lemon juice or white vinegar or one of the commercial products in the cleaning section of home improvement stores on a cloth. Rinse with clear water immediately. Most calcium-magnseium despsoits are relatively white to gray, although they will pick up color from other sources, like in coffee makers and tea pots. Bleaching removes the stains, but not the deposits. You need an acid for that, but you have to be careful because acid will damage porcelain. Is the tub porcelain, plastic or stainelss steel?
scrubflex
Well-known member
It's a Maytag A712 for sale which has a porcelain enamel tub.
Washing Machine Magic
Or "Dishwasher Magic", or any of the various other products sold to remove limescale deposits, soap scum build-up and "clean" insides of washing machines and dishwashers ought to do the trick. However as previous poster stated porcelain enamel is harmed by acids (it was desgined to resist alkaline laundry products), thus you may loose or damage some of the tub finish.
Being as the above may, when my Whirlpool arrived, gave it a cleaning using two bottles of "Dishwasher Magic" settng the washer on high fill and using hottest water the taps could provide. IIRC let the machine agitate for 10 mins, then soaked for one hour, then let the machine drain followed by several rinses. Tub was clean, pump and between the tubs was flushed out, however the surface of the inner tub felt slightly "rough", almost like fine sandpaper after this treatment. Several subsequent wash loads with powdered detergent has restored the smoothness, and won't be doing that again any time soon.
If you do use the above treatment, use gentle agiation to prevent the acid treated water from splashing up onto the inside of the lid and onto painted surfaces around the opening of the tub.
Again, IIRC, some memembers recommened a type of polish one could apply to porcelain enamel tubs after cleaning to keep them smooth and protected.
Or "Dishwasher Magic", or any of the various other products sold to remove limescale deposits, soap scum build-up and "clean" insides of washing machines and dishwashers ought to do the trick. However as previous poster stated porcelain enamel is harmed by acids (it was desgined to resist alkaline laundry products), thus you may loose or damage some of the tub finish.
Being as the above may, when my Whirlpool arrived, gave it a cleaning using two bottles of "Dishwasher Magic" settng the washer on high fill and using hottest water the taps could provide. IIRC let the machine agitate for 10 mins, then soaked for one hour, then let the machine drain followed by several rinses. Tub was clean, pump and between the tubs was flushed out, however the surface of the inner tub felt slightly "rough", almost like fine sandpaper after this treatment. Several subsequent wash loads with powdered detergent has restored the smoothness, and won't be doing that again any time soon.
If you do use the above treatment, use gentle agiation to prevent the acid treated water from splashing up onto the inside of the lid and onto painted surfaces around the opening of the tub.
Again, IIRC, some memembers recommened a type of polish one could apply to porcelain enamel tubs after cleaning to keep them smooth and protected.
CLR
You might also try a product called CLR (Calcium, Lime & Rust) Remover. I have used this on windows and glass for hard water deposits, as well as on porcelain sinks and bathtubs for rust stains, and have had good results.
The description on the product web site lists a use for this in washing machines, but I do not have any experience in this particular application.
Here is a link to the product web site. According to the stores listed on the "Where To Buy" link, CLR appears to be available in your area.
You might also try a product called CLR (Calcium, Lime & Rust) Remover. I have used this on windows and glass for hard water deposits, as well as on porcelain sinks and bathtubs for rust stains, and have had good results.
The description on the product web site lists a use for this in washing machines, but I do not have any experience in this particular application.
Here is a link to the product web site. According to the stores listed on the "Where To Buy" link, CLR appears to be available in your area.
scrubflex
Well-known member
Thanks guys, the washer is a 1985 Maytag A712. A little over 25 years old so I wouldn't use a treatment that may be too harsh for the tub. I'm familiar with CLR and Limeaway.
Qsd-dan, I'm waiting for a response from your Craislist "712 set" posting. I offered him $200.00 for the washer only including delivery.
Qsd-dan, I'm waiting for a response from your Craislist "712 set" posting. I offered him $200.00 for the washer only including delivery.
frigidaireguy
Well-known member
If it has iron stain there is a product called "Iron Out" you can get it at Ace Hardware - Worked great on my Maytag
bobbyderegis
Well-known member
Be careful of CLR and Limeaway on Maytag tubs. It takes the glaze off. I would recommend starting with plain old baking soda in a paste, then try rubbing lemon on the stain.
Bobby in Boston
Bobby in Boston
whirlaway
New member
Hard water
Ive tried both limeaway and clr on old glass decanters and did not have very good results either.They call it sick glass when this happens and there really isnt anything you can do.I actually tried a little brasso and got better results than any of the others.Thanks Bobby
Ive tried both limeaway and clr on old glass decanters and did not have very good results either.They call it sick glass when this happens and there really isnt anything you can do.I actually tried a little brasso and got better results than any of the others.Thanks Bobby
