Washing machine drum "dull" after drum clean

[xyz123]

Hi, we have a bosch washing machine and I ran a drum clean cycle with washing soda. After the wash the drum finish has changed from shiny to dull. Have done few more normal washes with clothes and still the same dull finish..

What have I done wrong here?

Thanks

[zb]

Edit, on reflection, I don't think chemical etching has occurred here, it's likely the mechanical action of the crystals that has removed the shine.

Edited by zb on Wednesday 16th July 18:29

[JoshSm]

If it's the usual basic chemistry from washing soda, most likely you've got calcium carbonate deposited onto the stainless surface tarnishing it. Basically limescale.

The machine safe solution should be running a wash with citric acid in it which should clean the deposits off without being harmful to any of the seals. Don't be tempted into using vinegar.

Easy to test with a wipe over with a little bit of vinegar on a cloth as that should prove it even if it wouldn't be be sensible to run the machine with any vinegar in it.

Edited by JoshSm on Wednesday 16th July 19:02

[bitchstewie]

I wouldn't worry about it but if you want to be on the safe side buy a tub of this and run it through on a 90 degree cotton wash.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bosch-00311925-Genuine-Or...

[Regbuser]

Edit: on reflection you maybe shoulda changed your log-in

Nothing to see here..

Edited by Regbuser on Wednesday 16th July 19:37

[JoshSm]

bhstewie said:

I wouldn't worry about it but if you want to be on the safe side buy a tub of this and run it through on a 90 degree cotton wash.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bosch-00311925-Genuine-Or...

These things are usually either sodium percarbonate (oxy powder/Vanish) with maybe some washing soda, or citric acid. One is good for removing soap residue, the other descaling. You can look at the MSDS to check!

Bosch has two cleaners consisting of the above, not sure which one of the two options the linked one is.

Plain citric is fine.

[zb]

Regbuser said:

Edit: on reflection you maybe shoulda changed your log-in

?

[JoshSm]

zb said:

Regbuser said:

Edit: on reflection you maybe shoulda changed your log-in

?

Think they've read your edited post like it was a reply to yourself as OP.

[zb]

JoshSm said:

zb said:

Regbuser said:

Edit: on reflection you maybe shoulda changed your log-in

?

Think they've read your edited post like it was a reply to yourself as OP.

Tsk, I hope not. Known Reg long enough on here, be disappointed if he thought I was up to that nonsense.

I originally posted that I thought a saturated washing solution (too much soda crystals) in warm water, led to chemical ething of the steel drum.

I have a background i metal etching, although it is some years since I did any. I initially recalled using soda crystals (Sodium carbonate) ,in one method, made my post, then thought about it and remembered Sodium carbonate, was used as an inhibitor (modifier/buffer), not as a primary etchant.

Hence my fumbled edit.

[Regbuser]

zb said:

Tsk, I hope not. Known Reg long enough on here, be disappointed if he thought I was up to that nonsense.

I originally posted that I thought a saturated washing solution (too much soda crystals) in warm water, led to chemical ething of the steel drum.

I have a background i metal etching, although it is some years since I did any. I initially recalled using soda crystals (Sodium carbonate) ,in one method, made my post, then thought about it and remembered Sodium carbonate, was used as an inhibitor (modifier/buffer), not as a primary etchant.

Hence my fumbled edit.

Apols zb ! xx

[zb]

Regbuser said:

Apols zb ! xx

No bother Reg, all good.

[xyz123]

Thanks for your replies. I will try citric acid 1st. Cheers.