Does your washing machine sometimes smell a little… well, less than fresh? You work hard to keep your clothes clean, but what about the machine that does the washing? Over time, gunk, soap scum, and mildew can build up inside your laundry workhorse, making your clean clothes smell a bit off. It’s frustrating when you think everything is sparkling, but the source of the smell remains hidden.
Choosing the right cleaner for your machine feels tricky. Should you use vinegar, a store-bought tablet, or a special liquid? Each product promises amazing results, but it’s hard to know which one truly tackles the hidden dirt in your specific type of washer—whether it’s a top-loader or a front-loader. You want something effective without damaging your appliance.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down what laundry machine cleaners actually do and highlight the best options available right now. By the end, you will know exactly which cleaner fits your needs and budget. Get ready to give your washing machine the deep clean it deserves so your laundry always smells fantastic!
Top Laundry 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.
- Efficient Cleaning: Our washing machine cleaner gel is rich in nano-active substances, which can clean and remove discoloration, black spots, and scale in appliance seals. Deep cleaning in a short time can also form a protective film on the surface to keep your washing machine clean for a long time.
- 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
- 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.
- Complete Tablet Pack – Lasts Up to 6 Months: Get lime-scent tablets for up to 6 months of deep cleaning. Each tablet delivers a powerful cycle that removes residue and keeps your washer fresh without frequent repurchasing. Ideal for easy, long-term maintenance.
- Powerful Deep Clean: Active foaming tablet breaks down odor-causing residue and stubborn grime buildup from the drum, pump, valve, and hose. Delivers a thorough clean without leaving behind harsh chemical traces or scents. Is friendly to waste water.
- Cleans Odors and Residue Build-Up: Targets hidden dirt, soap scum, limescale, and detergent film that cause unpleasant smells. Leaves your washing machine drum clean, fresh, and ready for hygienic laundry every time.
- Powerful Odor Control: Active, effervescent formula cleans musty smells and powers away stinky grime hiding deep inside the pump, valve, filter, and rubber gasket for a truly fresh clean.
- Deep Descaling Time Release Tablets: Time-release tablets break down tough hard water buildup, limescale, and detergent residue, ensuring your machine runs at optimal performance and efficiency.
- 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
Choosing the Best Laundry Machine Cleaner: Your Ultimate Buying Guide
Your washing machine works hard. It cleans your clothes, but over time, it collects gunk, mold, and smelly residue. A good laundry machine cleaner keeps your machine running smoothly and ensures your clothes come out truly fresh. Picking the right one can be confusing. This guide helps you choose the best cleaner for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, look for these important features:
- Deep Cleaning Power: The cleaner must dissolve soap scum, mineral buildup (like limescale), and mold deep inside the drum and hoses.
- Odor Elimination: Good cleaners don’t just mask smells; they destroy the bacteria causing them.
- Compatibility: Ensure the product works safely with your machine type—front-loader, top-loader, or high-efficiency (HE).
- Ease of Use: Simple instructions are best. You want a quick, hassle-free cleaning cycle.
Important Materials in Cleaners
The ingredients determine how well the cleaner works and how safe it is for your machine and the environment.
Active Cleaning Agents
- Citric Acid or Lactic Acid: These are natural acids. They are great at breaking down hard water stains and mineral deposits. They are often preferred because they are gentler on machine parts.
- Sodium Percarbonate (Oxygen Bleach): This material releases oxygen when mixed with water. It helps lift stains and disinfects without the harshness of chlorine bleach.
- Surfactants: These help the cleaner penetrate grease and soap scum, allowing the dirt to be washed away easily.
Warning: While some cleaners use strong chemicals, many modern machines require gentler formulas. Always check the label.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of the cleaner affects how long your machine lasts and how clean your laundry becomes.
What Makes a Cleaner High Quality?
- Concentration: Highly concentrated formulas often mean you need less product for a powerful clean.
- Residue Check: A quality cleaner leaves behind no noticeable residue in the drum after the cleaning cycle finishes.
- Tested Safety: Products tested to be safe for rubber seals and plastic parts generally last longer without causing damage.
What Lowers the Quality?
- Excessive Foaming: Too much foam can trick HE machines into thinking they are overloaded, leading to poor rinsing.
- Strong Chemical Smells: If the cleaner leaves a harsh smell that lingers even after rinsing, it might mean the active ingredients were not fully flushed out.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the cleaner matters. Think about *why* you need to clean your machine.
Common Use Cases
- Routine Maintenance: Use a cleaner monthly or every 30 cycles to prevent buildup. This keeps your machine running efficiently.
- Mold/Mildew Removal: If you notice black spots or a persistent musty smell, use a powerful, mold-targeting cleaner.
- Hard Water Areas: If you live where the water is very hard, use a cleaner high in descaling agents (like citric acid) every few weeks.
A positive user experience involves simple steps. You usually just drop a tablet or pour a liquid into the empty drum and run the hottest, longest cycle available. Good cleaners do the work without you needing to scrub anything.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Laundry Machine Cleaners
Q: How often should I clean my washing machine?
A: Most experts suggest cleaning your machine once a month. If you use your machine heavily or have hard water, you might clean it every two to three weeks.
Q: Can I just use vinegar and baking soda instead of a dedicated cleaner?
A: Yes, vinegar and baking soda work for light cleaning and deodorizing. However, dedicated cleaners often have stronger agents to break down tough soap scum and mineral buildup better than basic household items.
Q: Are these cleaners safe for my HE (High-Efficiency) washer?
A: Most modern, high-quality cleaners are specifically formulated to be low-sudsing and safe for HE front-loading and top-loading machines.
Q: Will this cleaner damage the rubber seals around the door?
A: If you use a reputable brand, no. Poor quality or very harsh chemical cleaners *can* degrade rubber over time, so always check that the product is seal-safe.
Q: Where do I put the cleaner in my machine?
A: For most products, you place the tablet or pour the liquid directly into the empty washing machine drum. Avoid putting it in the detergent dispenser unless the instructions specifically tell you to.
Q: My machine smells worse after the first cleaning cycle. Why?
A: This sometimes happens when a lot of trapped grime is loosened up. Run a second rinse cycle immediately to flush out all the loosened debris and residue.
Q: Should I use hot water for the cleaning cycle?
A: Yes. Always select the hottest water setting your machine allows. Heat helps activate the cleaning ingredients and dissolves buildup more effectively.
Q: Do I need to clean the detergent dispenser drawer?
A: Yes! While the main cleaner works on the drum, you should manually remove and scrub the dispenser drawer, as gunk builds up heavily there too.
Q: Can I wash clothes immediately after using the cleaner?
A: It is best practice to run one extra rinse cycle (or a short, empty wash) after the cleaning cycle finishes. This ensures all cleaner residue is gone before your next load of laundry.
Q: What is the difference between a tablet and a liquid cleaner?
A: Liquids often work faster because they dissolve immediately. Tablets are convenient, usually pre-measured, and sometimes contain stronger descaling powders that need the full hot cycle to activate fully.