A laundry washing machine includes a washing tube, a water supply an a decalcifier for receiving water from the water supply and for discharging softened water. A metering tank is at an upper position in the machine to receive softened water from the decalcifier. A brine tank at a lower position in the machine receives softened water from the metering tank and generates brine. An electrochemical cell is provided to generate chlorine gas. Valves are provided to selectively pass brine from the brine tank to the electrochemical cell or to the decalcifier. Chlorine gas generated in the cell is absorbed and then passed to the washing tube.