Does your washing machine sometimes smell a little… funky? You might think your clothes come out clean, but the machine itself can hide a secret world of grime, soap scum, and mildew. It’s true! Over time, all that washing builds up gunk inside your appliance.
Choosing the right cleaner can feel like a maze. Should you use vinegar? A store-bought tablet? Which one actually tackles tough mold without damaging your machine? Many people buy the wrong product and waste money, or worse, they skip cleaning altogether, leading to smelly laundry and a shorter machine lifespan. It’s frustrating when you want a sparkling clean without the guesswork.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the best types of washing machine cleaners available today. You will learn exactly what ingredients work best for deep cleaning and how to choose the perfect product for your specific machine—whether it’s a top-loader or a front-loader. Get ready to banish those hidden odors for good!
Top Washing Machine Cleaner Recommendations
- One 4-count box of OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters to help remove odor-causing residues from your washing machine
- This washing machine cleaner and odor eliminator helps keep your machine looking and smelling clean, coming in a pre-measured, no-mess pouch, so cleaning your laundry machine is a breeze
- Standard and HE washer cleaner and odor remover works in all washing machines; not intended to be used with clothing or other laundry items
- Simply remove clothes and items from machine, toss one appliance cleaner pouch into washer, run on Clean Washer Cycle or in a normal hot water cycle; wipe away any remaining residue with a towel when cycle is complete
- Use this septic tank-safe washing machine cleaner once a month to help maintain a clean washing machine; for existing odors or residue, use once a week for three consecutive weeks, then once a month for maintenance
- NO. 1 WASHING MACHINE CLEANER TABLET*. *Whirlpool Corporation calculation based on US Whirlpool (Synd) database for the Washing Machine Cleaner category for 52 Weeks Ending 3/22/2025 time period. Copyright 2025, Nielsen Consumer.
- HELPS POWER AWAY SMELLS created by odor causing bacteria, soap scum and stinky grime hiding deep inside the washing machine’s pump, valve, drum, basket/tub and filter to help optimize appliance performance.
- TIME RELEASE TABLET. Affresh time release tablets are scientifically designed to deliver extended cleaning action throughout the wash cycle, working deep inside important washer components for an exceptional clean.
- TRUSTED BY APPLIANCE EXPERTS. With over 100 years of appliance innovation, affresh appliance care gets the tough jobs done right!
- SAFER FOR PEOPLE. SAFER FOR PLANET. Affresh washing machine cleaner is EPA Safer Choice Certified and is septic safe.
- Works With All Washers - Perfect For High Efficiency Or Standard Toploader, Front Loading Compatible With GE, LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, Maytag, Electrolux, Etc. (Not For Dryer)
- Eco-Friendly Tabs - Natural Effervescent Foaming Tablets Are Septic Safe And Made With Less Packaging . Compare To Liquid Descaler And Wipes That Create Unnecessary Waste
- Instant Cleaning Power - Active Self Wash Tablet Cleans So You Don't Have To Brush And Wipe Your Washing Machines. When Exposed To Water, They Break Down Into Deep Scrubbing Powder Cleaners That Breaks Down Grime And Hard Water Build Up
- Bulk 24 Kit - Each Package Includes 1 Year Supply (24 Pods) Vs. Competitor 5 or 6 Tablet Packs Or Liquid Treatments Which Run Out Quickly
- Odor Eliminator- No More Smelly Washer. Descaler Will Freshen Your Laundry Machine Basket, Rubber Gasket, And Internal Parts So Your Clothes Will Come Out Clean And Smelling Fresh.
- YOU WILL RECEIVE: Tide Washing Machine Cleaner powder packets, activating 20% faster than tablets, for 5 months of cleaning. Made by Nehemiah Manufacturing. Certain trademarks used under license from The P&G Company or its affiliates
- ODOR ELIMINATOR: Tide Washing Machine Cleaner lifts away & eliminates odor causing residues and deposits with its specially designed surface active ingredients and the cleaning power of Oxi plus TAED
- POWDER WORKS MORE EFFICIENTLY THAN TABLETS: Tide Washing Machine Cleaner is a powder that creates a cleaning action that gets to work faster than tablets. Deep cleaning and septic safe formula
- OXI + TAED FORMULA: Tide Washing Machine Cleaner has the cleaning power of Oxi + TAED, to boost the cleaning action on your washing machine by over 20% .TAED creates a cleaning superboost that works even in hard water which other cleaners can’t do
- AN EVEN BETTER, MILDER, FRESH CLEAN SCENT: The same supercharged cleaning power in a new scent to leave your washer clean and fresh
- UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY: These washer cleaner tablets work with all types of washing machines, including front-load washers, top-load washers, and HE machines
- POWERFUL CLEANING ACTION: Our washing machine cleaner front loader and top load formula delivers a deep clean, effectively removing stubborn dirt, residue, and grime build-up
- ELIMINATES ODORS: This laundry machine cleaner targets and removes odor-causing residues and grime, leaving your washer smelling fresh and clean with every cycle
- SEPTIC-SAFE FORMULA: Designed to be septic-safe, this front load washer cleaner is a responsible choice for maintaining your washing machine without harming your septic system
- EXTENDS WASHER LIFESPAN: Regular use of this washing machine cleaner helps prolong the life of your washing machine by preventing damaging build-up over time
- Specially Formulated for Pet Owners: ACTIVE Pet Hair Remover Washing Machine Cleaner with Ultra-concentrated 5-in-1 Active Enzyme Blend powers away pet hair buildup, sludge, oil, soap, limescale, effectively reducing drain clogs and hair accumulation! Keep clothes Fresh & Clean without pet fur clinging
- Pro Washer Pet Odor Eliminator: ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner and Deodorizer gets to the root of bad odors, removing stinky gunk, odor-causing grime, debris from washer drum, drain, seal, valves. Effortlessly eliminate washing machine odor for good
- Suitable for All Washers: ACTIVE Washer Machine Cleaner Tablets are Safe for Septic Systems, HE, Front-Loading Washer, Top-loader, Front Load, Compatible with Whirlpool, LG, Samsung, GE, Speed Queen, Maytag, Amana
- Safe Choice for Pets & Household: Enzyme Washing Machine Cleaner uses Simple ingredients & natural enzymes that are tough on grime, but gentle on machines. Compare pet hair dissolver products with harsh chemicals that leave harmful residue and fragrances
- Best Value Washing Machine Enzyme Cleaner: Bulk 12 Month Supply in each 24-Tablet Pack. Use ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaning Tablets monthly to Protect your washer, Extend its lifespan, Save over time. Compare Trusted Heavy Duty Washing Machine Cleaner to brands with less tabs and low quality formula
- Powerful Cleaning: The Bastion Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets effectively eliminate dirt, grime, and limescale from your washing machine, ensuring a thorough clean every time.
- One-Year Supply: With 24 tablets in each pack, our one-year supply ensures you have enough tablets for bi-monthly use, keeping your washing machine fresh and efficient all year long.
- Easy to Use: Simply drop one tablet into the drum, run a hot cycle without any laundry, and let the tablet dissolve to release a cleansing foam that reaches every corner of your machine.
- Extends Machine Lifespan: Regular use of these cleaner tablets prevents residue buildup, optimizing your washing machine's performance and extending its lifespan.
- Versatile Compatibility: Suitable for all types of washing machines, including front-loading, top-loading, and high-efficiency models. Tested and approved for GE, LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, Maytag, Electrolux machines & More.
- High-Quality: Our heavy-duty washing machine cleaner tablets are professionally made to be of high-quality to change your washing machine cleaning experience for the better.
- Fast Cleaning: Our washer machine cleaner tablets breakdown easily into deep scrubbing powder when exposed to water. The tablets clean your washing machine Quickly
- Perfect For All Washers: The washing machine deep cleaning tablets are designed to work for all types of machine washers. You don’t have to worry about the type or brand. Our clean washing machine cleaner front loader works perfectly for any machine regardless of size, type or brand. The washing machine tablets are suitable for Standard or High Efficiency Top loader, Front Loader washing machines compatible with LG, GE, Whirlpool, Samsung, Electrolux, Maytag and much more.
- How To Use: Our washing machine cleaning tablets are very easy to use. Just drop one tablet into the washer tub and run a normal cycle. After the cycle is completed, use a towel to wipe away any leftover residue.
- Use our Descaler and cleaner tablets once a month to keep your machine clean and fresh.
The Ultimate Buying Guide to Sparkling Clean Washing Machines
Your washing machine works hard to keep your clothes fresh. Over time, though, it can build up soap scum, mold, and grime. A good washing machine cleaner brings back that new-machine sparkle. This guide helps you choose the best one.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a cleaner, look for these important features:
- Deep Cleaning Action: The cleaner must break down tough residue inside the drum and hoses. Look for products that mention ‘deep cleaning’ or ‘limescale removal.’
- Odor Elimination: A great cleaner doesn’t just hide smells; it removes the source of the odor, usually mold or mildew.
- Compatibility: Check if the cleaner works for both High-Efficiency (HE) and standard washing machines. Most modern cleaners are safe for both.
- Ease of Use: Simple instructions are best. The cleaner should usually run through a cleaning cycle without much effort from you.
Important Materials Inside Your Cleaner
The ingredients determine how well the cleaner works and if it harms your machine. Most effective cleaners use one of two main types of ingredients:
1. Chemical Cleaners (Acids and Bases)
- Citric Acid: This natural acid is excellent at dissolving mineral deposits (limescale) left by hard water. It is generally safe for most machine parts.
- Sodium Percarbonate (Oxygen Bleach): This ingredient releases oxygen when mixed with water. It helps lift stains and kill bacteria, making it great for odor control.
- Stronger Acids/Bases: Some heavy-duty cleaners use stronger chemicals. These work fast but require careful use according to the label instructions.
2. Natural/Enzyme Cleaners
These use natural enzymes to eat away at organic matter like soap scum and body oils. They are usually gentler on the machine seals but might take longer to work.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all cleaners perform the same. Quality is affected by what is inside and how you use the product.
What Improves Quality:
- Concentration: A more concentrated formula often means you need less product for a powerful clean.
- Temperature Stability: High-quality cleaners maintain their cleaning power even in cold water cycles.
- Protective Agents: Some advanced formulas include ingredients that help protect rubber seals from drying out or cracking.
What Reduces Quality:
- Excessive Foaming: If a cleaner produces too many suds, it can actually trap dirt beneath the foam or damage HE pump systems.
- Fragrance Overload: Strong perfumes might mask odors temporarily, but they do not remove the underlying cause of the smell.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a washing machine cleaner is straightforward. You generally follow these steps:
- Place the cleaner directly into the empty drum or dispenser, depending on the product type (powder, liquid, or tablet).
- Run the machine on its hottest, longest cycle (often called the ‘Tub Clean’ cycle).
- Wipe down the door seal and dispenser drawer afterwards.
Use Cases:
- Routine Maintenance: Use the cleaner once a month to keep things fresh, especially if you wash clothes frequently.
- Odor Emergency: If you notice a musty smell, use the cleaner immediately to tackle the mold growth.
- Hard Water Areas: If your area has hard water, use a cleaner containing citric acid every few weeks to prevent limescale buildup.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Washing Machine Cleaners
Q: How often should I clean my washing machine?
A: Most experts suggest cleaning your machine once a month for regular use. If you use your machine every day, consider cleaning it every two to three weeks.
Q: Can I use regular bleach instead of a dedicated cleaner?
A: You can use bleach for sanitizing, but bleach alone does not effectively remove soap scum and mineral buildup like specialized cleaners do. Bleach can also be harsh on rubber parts over time.
Q: Are washing machine cleaners safe for my machine seals?
A: Yes, most reputable cleaners are designed to be safe for the rubber and plastic parts. Always check the label to ensure it is safe for your specific machine type (HE or standard).
Q: Do I need to use a cleaner if I have an HE machine?
A: Absolutely. HE machines use less water, which means detergent residue builds up faster. Regular cleaning is very important for HE models.
Q: Can I wash clothes immediately after using the cleaner?
A: It is best practice to run a short rinse cycle after the cleaning cycle finishes. This ensures all chemical residue is completely flushed out before you put your clothes in.
Q: Should I use the cleaner in the detergent drawer or the drum?
A: This depends entirely on the product. Powders and tablets often go straight into the drum. Liquids sometimes go into the main detergent dispenser. Read the package directions carefully.
Q: Will this cleaner remove all bad smells?
A: It removes most bad smells by killing the bacteria and mold causing them. If the smell is extremely strong, you might need two cleaning cycles.
Q: What is the difference between a cleaner and a descaler?
A: A descaler primarily targets limescale (hard water deposits). A cleaner tackles scum, mold, and odor. Many good products are both a cleaner and a descaler.
Q: Can I use this cleaner on a front-loader and a top-loader?
A: Most cleaners work for both. However, top-loaders sometimes require more product because they hold more water. Check the instructions for separate usage amounts.
Q: What should I do if the cleaner doesn’t work the first time?
A: If the grime is very heavy, let the machine sit with the cleaner solution inside for an hour before starting the hot cycle. If it still fails, try a second, stronger cleaning product.