Does your washing machine sometimes smell a little… less than fresh? You might be surprised, but your trusty appliance needs a good cleaning too! We rely on our washing machines to make our clothes sparkle, but over time, soap scum, mildew, and trapped dirt can build up inside. This gunk can actually make your clothes smell worse, not better!
Choosing the best way to clean your washing machine can feel overwhelming. Should you use vinegar? Bleach? A special store-bought cleaner? Each method has its fans, and figuring out what works best for your machine—whether it’s a front-loader or a top-loader—can be confusing. You want a clean machine without damaging it.
Don’t worry! This post cuts through the confusion. We will show you simple, effective steps to deep clean your washing machine, making it smell great and work like new again. Get ready to banish those funky odors for good. Let’s dive into how to give your washing machine the spa day it deserves!
Top Cleaning Washing Machine Recommendations
- 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.
- Includes: One 4 count box of OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters to supercharge your washing machine cleaning
- Washing Machine Cleaner: Helps remove odor causing residues in any washer
- Easy to Use: Pour one pouch into the drum of your washer without any other items and run using hot water, wiping away any leftover residue with a towel after the cycle is complete
- For All Washing Machines: For use with both standard and HE washing machines, not intended to be used with clothing or other laundry
- Septic-Safe: Won't harm septic tanks so you can keep your peace of mind
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- YOU WILL RECEIVE: Tide Washing Machine Cleaner powder packets, activating 20% faster than tablets, for 12 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
- powder
- Made in US
- Designed to penetrate, dissolve and remove odor-causing residue that can occur in all washing machines
- Specially formulated tablet dissolves slowly, lasting throughout the entire wash cycle and breaking up residue better than bleach
- TYH. LI”N RSHBRM ZY”U
- 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
Your Guide to a Sparkling Clean Washing Machine
A clean washing machine means cleaner clothes! Over time, soap scum, mold, and mineral deposits build up inside your machine. This guide helps you choose the right cleaner to keep your washer running smoothly and smelling fresh.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a washing machine cleaner, look for a few important things. These features make the cleaning job easier and more effective.
- **Type of Cleaner:** Do you want tablets, liquid, or powder? Tablets are very easy to use—just drop one in! Liquids often work fast. Powders might be best for deep, tough buildup.
- **Compatibility:** Make sure the cleaner works with your machine type. Some cleaners are best for High-Efficiency (HE) front-loaders, while others suit traditional top-loaders. Always check the label!
- **Odor Elimination:** The best cleaners don’t just remove gunk; they fight bad smells too. Look for labels that promise “odor-eliminating” or “deodorizing” power.
- **Frequency Indicator:** Some packages tell you how often to clean your machine (usually once a month). This helps you keep a good schedule.
Important Materials and Ingredients
The ingredients inside the cleaner matter a lot. They do the hard work of breaking down dirt and grime.
Many effective cleaners use **citric acid**. This natural ingredient helps dissolve hard water stains and soap residue. Others use **baking soda** (sodium bicarbonate). Baking soda is a gentle scrubber and a great deodorizer.
Be careful with very harsh chemicals. While some strong cleaners use bleach or powerful degreasers, these can sometimes damage rubber seals in newer machines if used too often. Gentler, enzyme-based formulas are often safer for long-term use.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one cleaner better than another? It often comes down to strength and safety.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- **Deep Penetration:** A high-quality cleaner sinks into the hard-to-reach areas, like the drum gasket (the rubber seal around the door).
- **Residue-Free Formula:** The best products rinse away completely, leaving no sticky film behind.
- **Machine Protection:** Some formulas include ingredients that protect metal parts from rust and corrosion.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- **Weak Concentration:** If the cleaning agents are too diluted, they will not fully remove tough mold.
- **Strong, Lingering Scent:** A cleaner that leaves behind a very strong chemical smell defeats the purpose of cleaning!
- **Packaging Issues:** If the packaging is hard to open or measure, it reduces the good user experience.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the cleaner affects how happy you are with the results.
Most cleaning cycles are simple. You run the cleaner through an empty hot wash cycle. For a standard monthly clean, the process takes about an hour. If your machine has been neglected and smells very bad, you might need a double dose or two consecutive cleaning cycles.
**Use Cases:**
- **Maintenance Cleaning:** Use a cleaner once every 30 days to keep smells away.
- **Deep Cleaning (New Machine):** Run a cycle before using a brand-new machine if it has sat on a shelf for a long time.
- **Post-Detergent Buildup:** If you notice white, slimy residue on your clothes, it is time for a deep clean to clear out old soap.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Washing Machine Cleaners
Q: How often should I clean my washing machine?
A: Most people should clean their machine once a month. If you use a lot of fabric softener, clean it every three weeks.
Q: Can I use laundry detergent instead of a special cleaner?
A: No. Laundry detergent is designed to clean clothes, not the machine itself. Special cleaners have stronger ingredients to break down mineral scale and mold inside the machine parts.
Q: Will a cleaner damage my rubber seals?
A: Good quality cleaners will not harm the seals. Avoid using harsh household chemicals like straight vinegar or bleach every week, as these can dry out the rubber over time.
Q: Should I use the cleaner with clothes inside?
A: Never. Always run the cleaning cycle on an empty machine. The cleaner needs full contact with the drum and hoses to work correctly.
Q: Which cycle setting is best for the cleaner?
A: Use the hottest water setting available, often labeled “Tub Clean” or “Sanitize.” Hot water helps dissolve grease and soap scum better.
Q: Are liquid or tablet cleaners more effective?
A: Both can be very effective. Tablets offer convenience, while liquids might mix into the water faster. Choose based on what you find easiest to use.
Q: What does the “HE” symbol mean on the cleaner package?
A: “HE” means High Efficiency. These cleaners are safe for modern, low-water-use front-loading machines. If you have an HE washer, you must buy an HE-compatible cleaner.
Q: Can I use this cleaner on my dryer?
A: No. These products are specifically made for the wet environment of a washing machine. They do not clean lint traps or heating elements in a dryer.
Q: Why is there white residue after the cleaning cycle?
A: This usually means the cleaner did not fully rinse out. Run a second, short rinse cycle with just plain hot water to wash away any remaining cleaner.
Q: Can I smell mold even after cleaning?
A: If the smell returns quickly, you might have heavy mold growth in the drain pump or hose. You may need to run a second, stronger cleaning cycle, or call a repair person to check hidden areas.