Calgon or washing soda?

I left baking powder in the machine whilst I was away, I did this with the dishwasher also and added a bit and ran them on my return. This worked a treat.

About once a month, I run the washing machine empty on hot with about half a pack of washing soda and a small bottle of white vinegar.. seems to do the trick

I have used Dishwasher tablets saw as a Mrs Hinch suggestion. Worked for me.
Spoke to a friend she said she's been doing that for ages.

Visgirl - where do you stick the dishwasher tabs - drum or drawer?

I use soda crystals in every wash. Machine is never smelly because build-up of scum never happens.

I have never used Calgon.

I use soda crystals in every wash. Machine is never smelly because build-up of scum never happens.

Me too - we have very hard water and the soda crystals act as a water softener, so I need less detergent. I never use fabric conditioner and I think that helps prevent smells too.

Dogsmother, how much baking powder? Was it left in the bottom of dry drum?

Agree with all above but we always leave washing machine door open after a wash This prevents a lot of trouble around the rubber ring on the door.

I sprinkled it into the drum.

I agree Baggs that’s what I do too

Baggs

I use soda crystals in every wash. Machine is never smelly because build-up of scum never happens.

I have never used Calgon.

Same here. Soda crystals in the drawer and only ever powder in the drum. Stopped using pods and conditioner some years ago - they gum up the machine with gunge.
My WM never smells any more.

What is the difference between washing soda and Calgon? I always assumed it was the same stuff but you paid extra for Calgon because it had a fancy name.

Calgon is supposed to remove limescale, which washing-soda in my experience considers beneath its notice to tackle.

I leave my washing machine open after use - so it never smells.

And wash it twice yearly empty on a hot cycle using hexaphophate against limescale.