Best Washing Machine Cleaners
By Annabelle Evans
| Updated 3 Days Ago
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Washing machines are household essentials, but over time they can accumulate dirt, soap scum, and residue that affect their performance. That’s where washing machine cleaners come in, designed to break down buildup and eliminate odors, leaving your washer clean and fresh. Available in tablets, powders, and liquids, these cleaners help extend the life of your machine and improve its efficiency. When choosing a cleaner, consider your machine type—some are formulated for high-efficiency washers, while others work best for standard top-loaders. We tested various washing machine cleaners to find the most effective options for cleaning and deodorizing without leaving residue behind.
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Affresh Washer Cleaner
We think Affresh Washer Cleaner is a must-have for keeping your washing machine fresh and functioning at its best.
We think Affresh Washer Cleaner is a must-have for keeping your washing machine fresh and functioning at its best.
We’ve been using Affresh Washer Cleaner in our machines for months now, and the results are impressive. These small tablets pack a big punch when it comes to cleaning. We just pop one in the empty washer and run a hot cycle. The foam gets into all the nooks and crannies we can’t reach.
Our clothes come out smelling fresher since we started using Affresh. The musty odor that used to linger in our washer is gone. It’s nice knowing we’re not just masking smells, but actually getting rid of the gunk that causes them.
We like that Affresh works in both top-load and front-load washers. It’s also safe for septic systems, which gives us peace of mind. The monthly cleaning routine is easy to remember and helps keep our machine in top shape. While it costs a bit more than some other cleaners, we think the results are worth it.
Affresh Washer Cleaner- Designed to penetrate, dissolve and remove odor-causing residue that can occur in all washing machines
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Active Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets
We recommend these cleaning tablets for their eco-friendly formula and powerful descaling action that keeps washers fresh and efficient.
We recommend these cleaning tablets for their eco-friendly formula and powerful descaling action that keeps washers fresh and efficient.
We tested these Active washing machine cleaner tablets in our front-loading washer, and the results were impressive. After one use, we noticed a significant reduction in odors and a visibly cleaner drum. The tablets dissolved quickly and didn’t leave any residue behind.
The eco-friendly formula is a big plus. We appreciate that these tablets are septic safe and come with less packaging compared to liquid cleaners. This makes them a great choice for environmentally conscious users.
One of the best features is the bulk pack of 24 tablets. It’s enough for a full year of monthly cleanings, which is perfect for keeping on top of washer maintenance. We found this much more convenient than having to reorder smaller packs frequently.
SaleActive Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets- 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)
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Mighty Clean Washer Tablets
We recommend these tablets for their effective cleaning power and ease of use.
We recommend these tablets for their effective cleaning power and ease of use.
We put the Mighty Clean Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets to the test, and we’re impressed with the results. These tablets are a breeze to use – just toss one in the empty washer and run a normal cycle. No need for extra scrubbing or harsh chemicals.
After using these tablets, we noticed a big difference in our washer’s smell and cleanliness. The “Ocean Fresh” scent left behind is pleasant without being overpowering. We found that monthly use keeps our machine running smoothly and smelling great.
One thing we really like about these tablets is their versatility. They work well in all types of washers, including HE models. The septic-safe formula gives us peace of mind, knowing we’re not harming our plumbing system. With 24 tablets in a pack, it’s nice to have a year’s supply on hand.
Mighty Clean Washer Tablets- UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY: These washer cleaner tablets work with all types of washing machines, including front-load washers, top-load washers, and HE machines
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Tide Washing Machine Cleaner
We recommend this Tide cleaner for its effective odor elimination and deep-cleaning power.
We recommend this Tide cleaner for its effective odor elimination and deep-cleaning power.
We put Tide’s Washing Machine Cleaner to the test, and we’re impressed with its performance. The powder packets dissolve quickly, creating a foamy action that gets to work right away. We noticed a big difference after just one use – our washer smelled fresher and looked cleaner inside.
The Oxi formula really tackles tough grime and buildup. We saw less soap scum and residue in the drum and detergent tray. It’s nice knowing this cleaner is safe for septic systems too. The fresh scent is pleasant without being overpowering.
We like how easy these packets are to use. Just toss one in and run an empty hot water cycle once a month. For extra dirty machines, you might need to use it more often at first. While it costs a bit more than some basic cleaners, we think the results are worth it for keeping your washer in top shape.
Tide Washing Machine Cleaner- YOU WILL RECEIVE: 1 box of 5 individually packaged Tide Washing Machine Cleaner powder packets designed to activate 20% faster than tablets, enough for 5 months of cleaning from Tide, the #1 Laundry Brand. Brought to you by Nehemiah Manufacturing.
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True Fresh Washer Tablets
We think these tablets are a great choice for anyone looking to keep their washing machine clean and fresh with minimal effort.
We think these tablets are a great choice for anyone looking to keep their washing machine clean and fresh with minimal effort.
We tested the True Fresh Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets in our own machines and were impressed with the results. The tablets dissolved quickly and produced a lot of foam during the cleaning cycle. After it finished, we noticed our washer’s drum looked noticeably brighter and cleaner.
One thing we liked was how simple these tablets are to use. We just tossed one in the empty drum and ran a normal hot water cycle. There was no need to measure out powder or worry about spills. The tablets are also septic-safe, which is great for those of us with septic systems.
We found these tablets worked well on both our front-loader and top-loader test machines. They helped remove built-up detergent residue and eliminated some funky smells. While they did a good job on the interior, we still needed to wipe down the door seal and other external parts by hand. For best results, we think using these tablets once a month as part of regular washer maintenance is ideal.
SaleTrue Fresh Washer Tablets- 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.
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OxiClean Machine Freshener
We recommend OxiClean’s Washing Machine Cleaner for its powerful cleaning and odor-fighting abilities.
We recommend OxiClean’s Washing Machine Cleaner for its powerful cleaning and odor-fighting abilities.
We tested OxiClean’s Washing Machine Cleaner in our own machines and were impressed by its performance. The pre-measured pouches make it super simple to use – just toss one in and run a cycle. No messy powders or liquids to deal with.
Our washers smelled noticeably fresher after just one use. The product tackled lingering odors and left behind a clean scent. We also noticed less gunk and residue inside the drum and gaskets.
For really smelly machines, we found it works best to use it weekly for a few weeks. After that, monthly treatments kept things fresh. It’s safe for both standard and HE washers, which is a big plus. While it costs a bit more than some brands, we think the results are worth it for a cleaner, better-smelling laundry room.
SaleOxiClean Machine Freshener- One 4-count box of OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters to help remove odor-causing residues from your washing machine
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Tide Washing Machine Cleaner
We think this Tide cleaner is a great choice for most people looking to keep their washing machines fresh and clean.
We think this Tide cleaner is a great choice for most people looking to keep their washing machines fresh and clean.
We tried out Tide’s Washing Machine Cleaner in our test laundry room, and we were impressed with its performance. The powder formula got to work quickly, tackling the buildup and grime that can accumulate in hard-to-reach areas of our machines.
One thing we really liked was how versatile this cleaner is. It worked well in both our front-loading and top-loading machines, including HE models. We noticed a big difference in the smell of our washers after just one use – no more musty odors!
The Oxi and TAED formula seemed to give this cleaner an extra boost. We found it especially effective in our area’s hard water, which can sometimes leave behind stubborn mineral deposits. While we did need to use it monthly to maintain the freshness, we felt the results were worth it for cleaner, better-smelling laundry.
Tide Washing Machine Cleaner- YOU WILL RECEIVE: 1 box of 3 individually packaged Tide Washing Machine Cleaner powder packets designed to activate 20% faster than tablets, enough for 5 months of cleaning from Tide, the #1 Laundry Brand. Brought to you by Nehemiah Manufacturing.
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Renuv XL Washing Machine Tablets
We recommend these tablets for their effective cleaning power and long-lasting supply.
We recommend these tablets for their effective cleaning power and long-lasting supply.
We tried out these Renuv XL tablets in our front-loading washer and were impressed by how well they cleaned. The 40-gram size is bigger than most, so we only needed one tablet per cleaning cycle. This means the 6-pack lasts a full 6 months if you clean monthly.
The unscented formula is a big plus. We didn’t notice any lingering smells after running a cycle, which can be an issue with scented cleaners. The tablets dissolved fully, leaving no residue behind. Our washer’s drum looked noticeably brighter and cleaner after use.
We like that these work in all washer types. Whether you have a front-loader, top-loader, or HE machine, these tablets will do the job. The slow-dissolving formula seemed to really get into all the nooks and crannies of our washer, cleaning areas we can’t reach by hand.
SaleRenuv XL Washing Machine Tablets- Large 40-gram cleaning tablets; Cleans up to 3 times as much as smaller tabs; No need to use multiple tablets. Perfect For Front Loading or Top Loader.
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NATRUTH Washer Cleaner Tablets
We think these tablets are a solid choice for anyone looking to freshen up their washing machine without breaking the bank.
We think these tablets are a solid choice for anyone looking to freshen up their washing machine without breaking the bank.
We put these NATRUTH tablets to the test in our own washers, and we were pretty impressed. They’re super simple to use – just toss one in and run a hot water cycle. The tablets fizz up and get to work on all the gunk and buildup.
One thing we noticed is that for really dirty machines, you might need to use more than one tablet. We had to use two for our first deep clean, but after that, monthly maintenance with a single tablet did the trick.
The best part? These tablets work in all types of washers. We tried them in both front-loaders and top-loaders with great results. They left our machines smelling fresh and looking cleaner. Plus, we like that they’re unscented, so there’s no strong smell left behind.
SaleNATRUTH Washer Cleaner Tablets- EFFICIENT CLEANING - Based on the formula of reactive oxygen species and decomposing enzymes, Natruth washing machine cleaning tablet decomposes dirt and stubborn stains, effectively decontaminates and deeply cleans the washer machine drum. Natruth front load washer cleaning tablet keeps a long time clean and gives you a wonderful washing experience.
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Freshero Washer Tablets
We recommend these effective tablets for keeping your washing machine clean and fresh without much effort.
We recommend these effective tablets for keeping your washing machine clean and fresh without much effort.
We tested the Freshero Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets and were impressed by how easy they were to use. Just pop a tablet in the empty drum and run a normal hot water cycle. No scrubbing needed!
The tablets did a great job removing built-up gunk and musty smells from our test washers. After cleaning, the machines looked and smelled noticeably fresher. We liked that these tablets work on all types of washers, including HE models.
With 24 tablets per pack, you get enough for monthly cleanings for a full year. While not the cheapest option, we think the convenience and effectiveness make these a good value. The unscented formula is nice for those sensitive to fragrances, but some may miss having a fresh scent. Overall, these tablets offer a simple way to keep your washer in top shape.
Freshero Washer Tablets- Powerful Formula: Experience the unmatched power of our septic-safe cleaner tablets that remove residues, stains, grime, and limescale, guaranteeing your washing machine operates at peak performance.
Buying Guide
When shopping for washing machine cleaners, we recommend looking at a few key factors:
Cleaner Type
- Liquid
- Powder
- Tablet
Choose based on your washer type and personal preference.
Ingredients
Look for cleaners with:
- Enzymes to break down residues
- Oxygen-based bleach for whitening
- Citric acid to remove mineral buildup
Avoid harsh chemicals if you have sensitive skin.
Frequency of Use
Some cleaners are meant for monthly use, while others can be used weekly. Pick one that fits your cleaning routine.
Scent
Many cleaners come in fresh scents. If you’re sensitive to fragrances, opt for an unscented version.
Compatibility
Make sure the cleaner works with your specific washer type:
- Front-loading
- Top-loading
- High-efficiency (HE)
Package Size
Consider how often you’ll use the cleaner and buy accordingly. Larger packages often offer better value.
Eco-Friendliness
If environmental impact is important to you, look for:
- Biodegradable formulas
- Recyclable packaging
- Plant-based ingredients
By keeping these factors in mind, we can choose a washing machine cleaner that meets our needs and keeps our laundry fresh.