Hard Water and Borehole Water: Protect Your Washing Machine
Updated by Washing Machines Kenya
Borehole silt blocks the inlet valve and hard water leaves scale on the heater and drum. Fit an inlet filter, clean the filter mesh every month, run a hot drum clean every month and use cooler programmes for everyday washing. These steps prevent the most common washing machine repairs in borehole areas of Kenya.
Signs water is damaging your machine
- The machine fills slowly or shows a water inlet error
- White or brown crust on the detergent drawer and door seal
- Clothes feel stiff and colours look dull
- Longer wash times on hot programmes
How to protect a washing machine on borehole or hard water
- Fit an inlet filter. A hard water inlet filter catches silt before it reaches the valve.
- Clean the mesh. Turn off the tap, unscrew the inlet hose and rinse the small mesh filter every month.
- Descale monthly. Run an empty hot drum clean with a descaler or a drum cleaner pack.
- Wash cooler. Scale forms fastest at 60°C and above. Use 30°C to 40°C for everyday loads.
- Use the right detergent dose. Hard water needs slightly more detergent; too little leaves residue.
Which machine type suits borehole water?
Twin tubs have no inlet valve to block and no heater to scale, so they cope best. Top loaders handle variable pressure well. Front loaders work fine with a filter and regular descaling.
Machine already struggling? Book a repair.