How much citric acid for SQ FL?

Are meant to deal with hard mineral deposits and powdered detergent residue along with perhaps scum created when alkaline substances are in contact with alkaline substances. They do not per se deal with "lard", grease or oil residue.

For dealing with oils or fats you are actually going to want something that is base/alkaline pH. If you are worried about any waxy or whatever coating inside your washer from the liquid detergent, just start using any good powdered product. After several washes things should be fine.

OTOH if you still want to go the acid route I'd look for a dishwasher/washing machine cleaner. They are usually combinations of acids and surfactants designed to deal with a wider range of residues/substances than just mineral deposits.

Failing this there is the old standby of baking soda and acid (vinegar or citric). Has been years since have done it so cannot recall the ratio but you can "Google" for more information.

The idea is that when the base and acid meet the chemical reaction causes a frothing which does most of the cleaning.


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Post# 917530 1/25/2017 at 14:46 (2,639 days old) by rebar (Iowa)
Checkrate/Likes 1 I'm real happy with my SQ FL. Can anyone tell me how much citric acid, and what cycle to use when cleaning it? Thanks!

Post# 917571 , Reply# 1 1/25/2017 at 19:33 (2,639 days old) by rebar (Iowa)
Checkrate/Likes *Found this..* I guess I could use these instructions.. 1 cup of citric acid Set water temperature to 90�C (194�F) or turn up your water heater. Add the citric acid into the drum of the machine not the dispenser and begin the cycle.

Post# 917574 , Reply# 2 1/25/2017 at 19:43 (2,639 days old) by gansky1 (Omaha, The Home of the TV Dinner!)
Checkrate/Likes 2 You don't need that hot of water to clean the washer - longest wash cycle and hot water temp selection should do just fine. Are you having hard water deposit problems or just for maintenance cleaning? If it's not too bad, you could even get by with less citric acid.

Post# 919676 , Reply# 3 2/6/2017 at 12:31 (2,627 days old) by rebar (Iowa)
Checkrate/Likes *Thanks gansky1* Just maintenance cleaning is all. I used one bottle of liquid tide when I first bought it, and want to be sure the lard is cleaned out.

Post# 919781 , Reply# 4 2/6/2017 at 20:18 (2,627 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There�s a Lady on Stage)
Checkrate/Likes *Acids for dishwasher or washing machine cleaning* Are meant to deal with hard mineral deposits and powdered detergent residue along with perhaps scum created when alkaline substances are in contact with alkaline substances. They do not per se deal with "lard", grease or oil residue. For dealing with oils or fats you are actually going to want something that is base/alkaline pH. If you are worried about any waxy or whatever coating inside your washer from the liquid detergent, just start using any good powdered product. After several washes things should be fine. OTOH if you still want to go the acid route I'd look for a dishwasher/washing machine cleaner. They are usually combinations of acids and surfactants designed to deal with a wider range of residues/substances than just mineral deposits. Failing this there is the old standby of baking soda and acid (vinegar or citric). Has been years since have done it so cannot recall the ratio but you can "Google" for more information. The idea is that when the base and acid meet the chemical reaction causes a frothing which does most of the cleaning.

Post# 919958 , Reply# 5 2/7/2017 at 19:09 (2,626 days old) by rebar (Iowa)
Checkrate/Likes Thanks I found a recipe calling for a ratio of two to one CA and BS. So something like four table spoons CA and two BS mixed and added to the dispenser might work well.. I hope.

Post# 919992 , Reply# 6 2/7/2017 at 21:53 (2,626 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There�s a Lady on Stage)
Checkrate/Likes 1 *IIRC* Depending upon what you are about doing it might be better to put the baking soda in wash tub; then as machine fills add vinegar. This way when acid and base meet the frothing action will take place mostly inside the tub. Doing it via the dispenser is good for cleaning that area and or leading down into the drum, but much of the "ummph" may be gone by the time things reach the drum. Remember this is a rather instant chemical reaction as the base and acid will to some extent neutralize each other out (hence the foaming). What you will eventually end up with is the same each time a base and acid meet; a salt and water.