Our top pick is the Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner because it’s affordable, easy to use, and can thoroughly clean all parts of your washing machine. Here are the best washing machine cleaners for keeping your laundry routine fresh. The cleaning power of the Affresh tablet is designed to get into the washer pump, valve, basket, drum, wash tub, agitator/filter, and drain hose. Take note that if any residue is left after the clean cycle is complete, you should wipe it out before running a load of laundry. We recommend running at least one or more cycles to make sure all residue is rinsed away, especially from the areas that are hard to see. This can increase your water usage if you need to clean your washing machine often, but it will ensure that your dirty clothes become sparklingly clean when it’s time to do laundry. The Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner Value Pack includes six tablets, so you can purchase a pack and not have to think about it again for several months. This cost-effective cleaner is easy to use (just throw it in) and works for just about every machine. This versatility and ease make it a great choice for any household. Each box comes with 24 tablets, which is enough to last an entire year. The tablets themselves are quite small so you will likely need to use two each time you clean your machine, but even with this slight inconvenience, this pack will still likely last you through the year. These tablets don’t have a strong smell, which is also a nice change from other chemical-based cleaners. Liquid washing machine cleaners are a bit trickier to use than tablets. The Lysol container has a twist-top lid to help with easy pouring, but if you’re prone to spilling laundry ingredients, take extra caution. It may require two hands and careful measuring. One bottle is enough for two cleanings, which is a bit pricier than some of the other options on our list. Also if you have a septic system, you may want to opt for a different cleaner since it isn’t specifically listed as safe for septic systems. However, for the convenience of a toss-in tablet that can be used for multiple appliances in your home, this cleaner can’t be beat. It is septic safe and can be used on all types of washing machines, so its versatility makes it an excellent option for those short on cleaning supply space or anyone who loves a multi-tasking cleaner. The OxiClean powder is safe for all washing machines and septic systems, so you won’t need to worry about any damage to your existing setup. However, you should wipe out any extra residue from the washer drum before running a load with clothes to keep it from tarnishing your laundry. It’s best to have a towel designated for this purpose, as it might get stained or discolored by the powder. Also, be sure to keep the pouches away from kids and pets. This cleaning solution is safe for septic systems but you should not flush the wipes. Instead, discard them in the garbage. These wipes can clean out the washing machine drum but can’t reach the inner workings of your machine, so you are limited by what you can reach. If you have a particularly big or deep washing machine drum, it could be difficult to reach all of the surfaces to clean them well. If this is the case, opt for a tablet or liquid cleaner. This cleaner has a fresh lemon scent that might be strong for those who don’t particularly love a citrus scent, and not suitable for feline friends living in your household. Katie Berry, The Spruce’s Cleaning Review Board member, notes, “Citrus is harmful to cats, so they tend to avoid it.” As a result, “they may start using other spots in your home as a restroom every time you clean your washer,” if their litter box is located in the same room. Like many washing machine cleaners, this pick also can leave a residue. You can use the included wipes to buff away residue left behind, though, or run extra cycles of water through the machine. You can use this on all washing machines as well, but Lemi Shine does recommend using two pouches per cleaning on non-HE machines. These are a tad pricey for 6 tablets but considering the size, they are a great value. You won’t need to use more than one tablet per cleaning, even for non-HE washing machines. Renuv recommends using one tablet per 30 laundry cycles. Depending on the size of your household and how often you do laundry, this may be once a month, once every two months, or more. One of the best parts of the Glisten cleaner is that it doesn’t leave behind residue. It can even clean the washing machine door gasket and detergent tray. This means less scrubbing and wiping for you after the cleaning cycle is done. It is a liquid cleaner, so be ready for some maneuvering to actually pour it in. Depending on your washing machine setup, this may be more difficult than using a toss-in tablet. This cleaner is also more expensive than most tablets, but the great performance is worth the high cost if odors are an issue for you. Tablets are the most convenient to store and use, although powders and liquids don’t take up too much room, either. Wipes take the most effort to use, but they can be used on other household appliances and messes, too.
Scent
Washing machine cleaners can have a strong scent so take note if that is something you are looking to avoid. Some cleaners come in unscented forms, but you may still find a residual odor. Eco-friendly cleaners that use essential oils for their scent are often the preferred choice for those who are sensitive to chemicals and smells.
Machine Compatibility
Many washing machine cleaners work for top-loading washing machines, front-loading machines, and high-efficiency machines but you should always double-check. Tablets tend to be the easiest to use in a wide variety of washing machines. Front-loading washing machines have door gaskets that can easily get grime, mold, and mildew built up, so look for a cleaner that targets these areas or use a wipe to manually clean them.
Plumbing Compatibility
If you have a septic system, make sure that your washing machine cleaner is septic safe. Using any chemical in your plumbing, including some washing machine cleaners, can cause damage to your septic system which will result in potentially smelly, and often very expensive, problems for you. Septic safe washing machine cleaners will almost always state that they are septic safe on the packaging.
Why Trust The Spruce
This article was written by Katie Begley, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. She has been writing for The Spruce since 2019, and is passionate about finding the best ways to keep her home clean and organized without spending all day doing chores. For this article, she researched products currently on the market that are effective, easy to use, and affordable. She also spoke with Marisol Wilkens, who has been cleaning residential spaces professionally for over 20 years. For liquid or powder washing machine cleaners, pour the cleaner directly into the drum of your washing machine. You should still run a rinse cycle after washing the machine and before using it to clean laundry. Cleaning your washing machine with wipes takes more effort since you will manually wipe the inside of the machine. You may even need to get a small step stool to reach all of the interior portions. Like with the other types of cleaners, you should run a rinse cycle before washing clothes or linens to make sure any residue is rinsed away. Katie Berry, The Spruce’s Cleaning Review Board member, additionally notes that, if you have a top-loading washing machine, “you’ll need to wipe the underside of the lid and the space at the top of the drum, even if you use a tablet.” If your washing machine also has a central agitator with a built-in detergent cup, she recommends wiping that cup clean, as well. Many companies that make washing machine cleaners also make dishwasher cleaners. If you find a product that you like, look for one from the same manufacturer.
