Boreholes keep many Harare homes running when municipal supply is unreliable. But borehole water is often hard, meaning it carries dissolved minerals, and it can contain fine sand. Both take a toll on washing machines.
How hard water affects your machine
- Scale builds up on the heating element until it overheats and fails
- Inlet valve screens clog with sand and mineral deposits
- Detergent works less effectively, leaving clothes dull
- Scale and grit wear seals and pumps faster
Warning signs
- White, chalky deposits in the detergent drawer or on the door seal
- The machine fills slowly or shows a water supply error
- Hot washes are not getting warm
- The earth leakage trips during hot washes
How to protect your machine
- Fit a sediment filter on the borehole line
- Run a descaling cycle every one to three months
- Clean the inlet screens every few months
- Use detergent designed for hard water
- Book a professional service once a year
Questions about this guide
Can I use vinegar to descale my washing machine?
Occasional use of white vinegar on an empty hot wash is fine. For heavy scale, use a proper descaler, and avoid overuse, as acids can affect rubber seals over time.
