The Best Washing Machine Cleaners – The Complete Guide

Does your laundry room have a weird smell?

No Time To Read? Here Is Our Best Pick!

Sale
Affresh W10501250 Washing Machine Cleaner, 6 Tablets: Cleans...
Septic tank safe. Excellent for all machines. Hassle-free. Dissolve and remove odor-causing residue. Recommended by machine brands.

Paid Links / Last update on 2020-12-09

Do your freshly-washed clothes have bits and pieces of fiber, paper, and other gross stuff stuck to them?
But, have you ever given a thought to cleaning your washing machine?
In this blog post, we will go through the TOP 6 Washing Machine Cleaners to choose from on the market, and review each of them in detail so that you get nothing but the best!

Let’s get started.

Best Washing Machine Cleaner: A Quick Peek

In this section of the blog post, we will go through and quickly compare our top five picks for the best washing machine cleaner.
Here’s a peek.

Affresh W10501250 Washing Machine Cleaner, 6 Tablets: Cleans...
Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters, 8 Count
Clorox Washing Machine Cleaner, 30 Ounce Bottle (Package May...
Elaco Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler Deep Cleaning Remover...
Washing Machine Cleaner by Tide, Washer Machine Cleaner Tablets...
[LG H&h] Mr.homestar 99.9 Washing Machine Cleaner Bubble Wash...
-
Dissolves slowly and works effectively. Hassle free. Recommended by Whirlpool and other machine brands.
Odor blasters. Doesn’t harm septic tanks. Excellent for all machines. Phosphate-free. Odor Blasters.
Highly effective on residues. Removes build ups and stubborn stains. Works for both standard and high-efficiency machines.
Doesn’t use harsh chemicals. Reaches to the deeper parts of the machines. Solves the root of your machine’s residual problem. Needs to be used only once a month.
Effectively washes out scales, buildups, and residues. Works well on tough stains. Relatively pocket-friendly..
Effectively washes out scales, buildups, and residues. Works well on tough stains. Fights odor effectively.
Editor's Choice
Affresh W10501250 Washing Machine Cleaner, 6 Tablets: Cleans...
Dissolves slowly and works effectively. Hassle free. Recommended by Whirlpool and other machine brands.
Odor Blasters
Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters, 8 Count
Odor blasters. Doesn’t harm septic tanks. Excellent for all machines. Phosphate-free. Odor Blasters.
Excellent All-in-One
Clorox Washing Machine Cleaner, 30 Ounce Bottle (Package May...
Highly effective on residues. Removes build ups and stubborn stains. Works for both standard and high-efficiency machines.
Good-Bye Bacterias!
Elaco Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler Deep Cleaning Remover...
Doesn’t use harsh chemicals. Reaches to the deeper parts of the machines. Solves the root of your machine’s residual problem. Needs to be used only once a month.
Worldwide Trusted Brand
Washing Machine Cleaner by Tide, Washer Machine Cleaner Tablets...
Effectively washes out scales, buildups, and residues. Works well on tough stains. Relatively pocket-friendly..
Cleaner from LG
[LG H&h] Mr.homestar 99.9 Washing Machine Cleaner Bubble Wash...
-
Effectively washes out scales, buildups, and residues. Works well on tough stains. Fights odor effectively.

Paid Links / Last update on 2020-12-09

Best Washing Machine Cleaners
Let’s review each of these in detail, shall we?

1. Affresh Washer Machine Cleaner – Best Overall

Sale
Affresh W10501250 Washing Machine Cleaner, 6 Tablets: Cleans...
  • Cleans and freshens washer...
  • Foaming tablet dissolves...

Paid Links / Last update on 2020-12-09

The Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner works its magic slowly, but effectively on your machines.
Among the crowd of cleaners on the market, you won’t have to waste your time selecting. This cleaner will be perfect for flushing out all the unwanted debris from your washers within minutes!
Best part? It works on all kinds of machines! No discrimination.

FYI: best dishwasher cleaners TOP 5.

Works Well

The Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner is made to penetrate your washing machine, dissolve and remove odor-causing residue.

Slow-dissolving

One of the key features of the Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner is that it is slow-dissolving. The tablet lasts throughout the wash cycle and breaks the residue up better than bleach can!
This is also safe to use with Top Load and Front Load Washing Machines.

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Dissolves slowly and works effectively
  • Hassle free; one tablet is enough for one use
  • Recommended by Whirlpool and other machine brands
  • Effective for all types of washers
Cons
  • May have to be used repetitively, thereby using extra water and electricity
  • Does not focus on getting rid of machine odor

Affresh Video Guide

Moving on.

2. Oxi Clean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters

Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters, 8 Count
  • One 4 count box of OxiClean...
  • Helps remove odor causing...

Paid Links / Last update on 2020-12-09

The Oxi Clean Washing Machine Cleaner is all that you’d need for your machine.
One pouch every month will ensure that your washing machine is squeaky clean from the inside.
A product that has been loved by users worldwide, this washing machine cleaner will not only flush away the debris and residues from your machine but also make sure your clothes smell fresh and nice again!

Removes Odor

The machine cleaner comes with ‘odor blasters’ that help remove all the odor-causing residuals in your washer so that your machine smells clean and fresh.

Effective Wash

A clean and odor-free washing machine helps the detergent work more effectively and ensures your clothes smell fresh and clean.

One Machine Cleaner for All!

One of the notable things about the Oxi Clean Washing Machine Cleaner is that it works with high efficiency (HE) as well as standard washing machines, which is excellent.

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Odor blasters
  • Doesn’t harm septic tanks
  • Excellent for all machines
  • Phosphate-free
Cons
  • After clean smell can be powerful

OxiClean Video Review

3. Clorox Washing Machine Cleaner – Excellent All-in-One

Paid Links / Last update on 2020-12-09

If reducing the buildup of dirt and gunk in your washing machine is a priority, this liquid-based machine cleaner is one option you should look at.
Being a liquid, you don’t have to worry about traces being left behind, and all you need is a simple wash.
Clorox Washing Machine Cleaner will leave behind a pleasant smell after its work is done and you can have your fresh, residue-free, sweet-smelling clothes back!

Deodorizes Your Machine

The formula is designed to fight all the questionable odors in your washing machine by killing the bacteria and buildup.

Ease of Use

All you have to do is to pour this liquid cleaner into your empty washing machine and start a wash cycle. The product will take care of the rest.

You can use it on the manual as well as the maintenance cycle of your washing machine, which is excellent.

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Highly effective on residues
  • Removes build ups and stubborn stains
  • Leaves behind a pleasant fragrance
  • Works for both standard and high-efficiency machines
Cons
  • May leave behind chlorine type smell for a while

Clorox Video Guide

On to the next one.

4. Elaco Washing Machine Cleaner – Good-Bye Bacterias!

Elaco Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler Deep Cleaning Remover...
  • ⭐⭐ Keep your whole family...
  • ⭐⭐ Washing machine...

Paid Links / Last update on 2020-12-09

With new and improved technologies, you can now have the ease of cleaning your stinky washing machine tubs by just a tablet! And not just any tablet, an effective one; that will not only scrape away any residue and blockages in your machine but also fight the odor that daily washing can leave behind in the tub.
It looks like your washing machine’s sickness is just a tablet’s cure away, too!

Cleans the toughest areas

With the Elaco Washing Machine Cleaning Tablets, you can be confident that it will clean every nook and cranny of your washing machine. These tablets help in removing buildup in the cracks and crevices of your machine, ensuring a deep and thorough cleaning.

Addresses the heart of the problem

These tablets don’t mask the smell of gunk and buildup. They address them by breaking them down to eliminate the funky smells and detoxes your machine.

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Reaches to the deeper parts of the machines
  • Doesn’t use harsh chemicals
  • Solves the root of your machine’s residual problem
  • Needs to be used only once a month
Cons
  • May soften out some stubborn residues that you can wipe off

Now, let’s take a look at the next one.

5. Tide Washing Machine Cleaner – Worldwide Trusted Brand

Washing Machine Cleaner by Tide, Washer Machine Cleaner Tablets...
  • Penetrates & lifts away - with...
  • Freshens washer leaving behind...

Paid Links / Last update on 2020-12-09

Coming from a brand that is trusted worldwide for cleaning our clothes and leaving them fresh and clean, Tide Washing Machine Cleaner just had to be on this list!
This cleaner has a pack of several pouches that can last for months together, giving you a shiny, scale-free machine that smells fresh!

What’s more? It’s completely affordable and worth it.

Surface Active Ingredients

The active ingredients in the Tide Washing Machine Cleaner contain surface active ingredients that help remove residues and deposits in your washer, leaving it with a clean and fresh scent.

One Solution for All

One of the things that I appreciate about the Tide Washing Machine Cleaner is that it works on non-high efficiency as well as high-efficiency machines.

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Effectively washes out scales, buildups, and residues
  • Works well on tough stains
  • Fights odor effectively
  • Relatively pocket-friendly
Cons
  • Leaves behind a considerably strong smell

Tide Washing Machine Cleaner Video

6. Mr.homestar 99.9 Washing Machine Cleaner Bubble Wash – The Best Solution

Paid Links / Last update on 2020-12-09

Coming from the LG H&H brand that is trusted worldwide for Home Cleaning Integrated Solutions, Mr.homestar 99.9 Washing Machine Cleaner Bubble Wash just had to be on this list!
This cleaner has a pack of 2 pouches that can last for months together, giving you a shiny, scale-free machine that smells fresh!
What’s more? It’s completely affordable and worth it.

Surface Active Ingredients

The active ingredients in the Mr.homestar 99.9 Washing Machine Cleaner contains surface-active ingredients that help remove residues and deposits in your washer, leaving it with a clean and fresh scent.

One Solution for All

One of the things that I appreciate about the Mr.homestar 99.9 Washing Machine Cleaner is that it works on non-high efficiency as well as high-efficiency machines.

Now, it’s time to take a look at the pros and cons:

Pros
  • Effectively washes out scales, buildups, and residues
  • Works well on tough stains
  • Fights odor effectively
  • Relatively pocket-friendly
Cons
  • Not ideal for Highly Efficient washing machines

And now, to get absolute clarity about what we have been talking about, read on.

Here’s What to Consider When Buying the Best Washing Machine Cleaner!

You have browsed through our best picks of washing machine cleaners, you have overviewed their pros and cons, you know what works best.
But does all of that information mean anything if you don’t understand what exactly is going on with your machine?
A washing machine is a big investment we make.

To keep it sound and functioning for years, for our investment to bear the best of fruits, we need to invest some more in the maintenance, just like we do for other things.

That is where Washing Machine Cleaners step in.
Confused?
Worry not.
This section will cover everything for you!

Understanding Why Your Machine Needs Cleaning – It’s Nasty!

When trying to choose the best machine cleaner for you, you have to understand what it is that you have to clean in your machine.

In layman’s words, frequent use of washing machines, regular washing of clothes using detergents, fragrance liquids, and other cloth care products can take a toll on your washer’s health.
The products labeled ‘Matic’ are as easily harm to your washing machine like any other products.
The key is not avoiding them, however, but observing what it does to your machine and taking appropriate action for the same.
In the conditions that washing takes place, it is only natural to find build-ups and residues stuck here and there.
These residues then pass on to your clothes, which even make your clean clothes look dirty.
Now when you are choosing the best cleaner, try to search for cleaners that claim to work best on these commonly found ‘dirt’ in your machine that you need to wash away.

1. Build Up of Limescale

Limescale is the minerals and residues that are left behind due to hard water.

If you use hard water from your water supply to wash clothes in a machine, it is going to start showing limescale and mineral build-ups here and there.
This can harm your clothes and start producing odor.

2. Build Up of Bacteria

Washing machines work in damp conditions, an ideal environment for bacterias to thrive.

Coupling that with the number of chemicals that participate in the washing process, it is common to have bacterias building up in the crevices and corners.

3. Residual Detergent

We all use detergents to wash clothes.

Although chemicals from liquid detergents too can be a cause of build-ups in machines, powder detergents are the main culprit.

So if you’re finding yucky lumps of white stuck here and there in your machine, detergents are to blame!

4. Residual Lint

Lint is the accumulation of loose fibers from clothes.

These are nasty in sticking back to your clean clothes and spoiling the washing process.
The accumulation of lint in the machine also hinders with its efficient functioning.

5. Residual Mould

Just like bacteria, mold thrives in cool and moist environments too.

However, unlike bacteria, molds are visible formations that look repulsive in a setting that’s supposed to clean your clothes!

Molds can also cause a nasty odor in your machine.

A Quick Peek: What Do Washing Machine Cleaners Do?

Now you know what’s causing that unbearable smell to emanate from your machine and why you can see disgusting looking lumps and residues all over.
You have also realized these formations can ruin the entire concept of washing machine cleaning, and thus, it is necessary to clean your machines.
What next?

Now you must be wondering what do washing machine cleaners do that an ordinary cloth and water can’t do?

A common question that occurs in every mind.
Well, read on to know.
As mentioned earlier, the problems that we are dealing with your machines involve bacterias and chemicals.
These, even if it appears to be solved on the superficial level, will keep harming your machine and clothes until solved from the roots.
Washing machine cleaners do just that.
They reach to the root of the problem.
With the use of surfactants in their ingredients, they scrape off whatever residues and buildups are clogged up in difficult to reach places in your machines.

Many cleaners have pH adjusters that maintain the pH level to exactly the required amount, enough to kill the bacterias and prevent other formations.

These cleaners reach out to the most intricate holes, cracks, and corners of your machine so that you can be sure of squeaky clean results!
Moreover, the foul smell that all the formations leave behind is attacked by washing machine cleaners using different ingredients.
Some may use bleach, some may use oxygen techniques, or some may use fragrance.
The result, however, is the same: a fresh smelling machine and therefore, clothes!
fresh-smelling cleaning machine

Here’s Why Investing in Washing Machine Cleaners Is a Good Idea

When you are browsing for solutions on the net, we realize you are overwhelmed with information. Surely, washing machine cleaners aren’t the only solution you may find when trying to search for options to clean your machine.
You may have come across several home remedies that involve a wash cycle with hot water or maybe vinegar solutions.
But as I have explained in the sections above, these are superficial solutions to problems that are quite deep, literally!

Hot water may soften some of the residues; vinegar may be useful to scrape off some buildups and maybe even tackle the foul smell to an extent, even bleach may seem to work.

However, the fact remains that these are only cost-effective solutions and not effective in solving the root cause of the problem.
The ingredients that the washing machine cleaners have, the polymers, the organic compounds, and the specialized technologies are all exclusively made for this purpose.

They can reach where your hot water can’t penetrate the formations, break up the buildups, scrape off the residues, and fight the bad smell like any home remedy can’t.

And if you are against using harsh chemicals that may indirectly harm the environment, well here’s some good news for you.
There are several products on the market with the same principles as yours!

Our list of best washing machine cleaners includes such products too that use safe, biodegradable and lighter chemicals that won’t harm your environment or your clothes.

The Right Way To Use a Cleaner For Your Washers

Let’s say you are convinced that a washing machine cleaner can help you and your washer problems, you get the right one for yourself, and it’s time for action.
That’s when you realize; you are not sure just how to go about the process.

Should you follow the instructions on the manual?
Or should you go on another research spree to find the right method?

Well, like always, we are here with a solution before you can think of the problem!
In most cases, following the instruction on the back of the package covers most of the parts.

The kind of machine cleaner you choose also matters in this case; it can be a liquid cleaner that you are supposed to pour in, a cleaning powder just like your detergent or a tablet that is supposed to dissolve in lots of water.

Your cleaners pack would know best how their product needs to be treated.
The temperature that their product will best work in, the duration of the cycle that their product needs to work and other important things.
However, to master any cleaning process, there are some basic tips you must remember, no matter what cleaner you use.
Firstly, every cleaning cycle should be done in an empty tub.
Make sure you remove all loads, all clothes, and fabrics from the machine. If you have a good supply of water and electricity, do a quick rinse cycle in hot water with a temperature of about 40 degrees.
This step is completely optional and only to soften the debris.
Follow the instructions on your packet and accordingly clean your washer. A rule of thumb to avoiding a strong after clean smell is to keep the door of your washer ajar for a while.
This makes sure the smell doesn’t concentrate, and the air circulation dries the machine.
Make sure to clean other parts of the machine with a wet cloth and remove any leftovers using a toothbrush.
Frequency of cleaning also matters.

Cleaning your machine once a month will keep it in its best conditions.
Cleaning washing machine

How to Keep Your Washer Clean: 8 Tips

If you are the sort of person that has mold or mildew in your washing machine, if your clothes don’t come out smelling fresh, if your washing machine itself smells, then this information is for you. And these tips will really help.
Moreover, when there are mold and mildew, the spores in the atmosphere are really bad for your children. Exactly the same with their clothes in your washing machine: mold and mildew will linger on their clothes, their blankets, their baby grows, their bibs, all that. It’s really important that you clean and maintains the cleanliness of your washing machine.

Step №1

Clean your washing machine inside

Clean your washing machine inside. Some washing machines have settings for that, there’s washtub, clean mode, all that sorts of stuff. Have a look for it and do that. Take one of our Washer Cleaners Top 6 and give your washing machine a good clean. And if you don’t have those settings then do it on your highest temperature and highest spin and watch your washing machine get all the gunk and dirt out. It is insane how dirty your machine is if it’s the first time you’re going to do it.

Step №2

Stop using fabric conditioner in your washing machine
Stop using fabric conditioner in your washing machine. Any fabric conditioner creates a waxy residue, which makes it harder to clean. That leads to a bad smell in your washing machine. So instead of using fabric softener, the best and more natural alternative is vinegar. This is something that you can buy in every supermarket, but make sure you get white vinegar. It does exactly the same thing that a fabric conditioner does. If your towels have that smelly, moldy, mildew smell, vinegar will eliminate it. And you will still get fluffy towels.

Step №3

open the door immediately

After you’ve done a load, open the door immediately. I know it’s sometimes difficult for mums to get the load out straight away. But it would be brilliant if you at least open the door of your washing machine and get some air in to dry out the moisture. It would reduce the chances of mold and mildew brewing in moisture.

Step №4

Open the detergent tray as well
Open the detergent tray as well. You can either take it out and leave to dry overnight or just leave it open. Every two weeks give the whole tray a good scrub down with the toothbrush and washing up liquid and get the entire mold and all the black bits out. Then let it air dry completely before you put it back into the tray. Whilst the detergent tray getting dry, clean the inside of the slot where the tray goes into because that would be filthy and covered in black mold as well.

Step №5

pay attention to the rubber lining

After you’ve taken the load out and left it to dry, it’s really important to pay attention to the rubber lining. If you pull back the rubber lining and see this mold in there, get your vinegar and give it a good old scrub. If the vinegar is not working, then put some bleach in there and give it a scrub. But if you are trying to be more natural and finding alternative, then soak the cloth in vinegar and leave it in the lining for 15, 20 minutes and then give it another good scrub. It should get the mold out. If that doesn’t work, then do the same process with bleach. If you will dry out the rubber lining once a week, that will really help to minimize the mold and mildew in your washing machine.

Step №6

use white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda
One of the main reasons why I didn’t get mold and mildew in my washing machine is because I use white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda in my washes and I do that maybe two or three times a week. So that really helps to eliminate the mold and mildew. So if you can, with your washes, chuck in soda and vinegar and it really helps the cleaning process of your washing machine.

Step №7

clean and scrub to the washing machine door

After every wash, it’s really important to give a good clean and scrub to the washing machine door as well. Literally, you can just use vinegar spray with water or even your glass spray. Make sure you’ve cleaned the bottom of the window because that’s where the pool of water is most likely to sit and that’s where a lot of dirt will be.

Step №8

twist the lid off and all the dirt and gunk will come out
After all, if your washing machine is still not smelling great, take off the panel at the bottom of your washing machine and put it like a tray underneath. There’s going to be a little box, twist the lid off and all the dirt and gunk will come out. Let it come out, sit in the tray and just clear it away. But always make sure there’s a flat tray to catch the water and all the dirt.

We hope these steps are really helpful in maintaining a clean washing machine.

And here is usefull infographic for you

how to keep clean your washer infographic
Download better quality (feel free to share it with the link to my website).

Summing Up

If you have stayed with us until this point, I’m sure this article has given you the confidence to master your washing machine cleaning.
You not only have the best cleaners that you can trust and choose from but, you also have links provided right there, in case you make a decision and want to waste no more time!
All you have to do is a scroll, read, and choose.

With all the information that we have provided, I’m sure you will be able to make the right choice.
For information on any such concepts or products, you can drop your questions in the comments section, and we will get back to you at the earliest!
Contents

10 thoughts on “The Best Washing Machine Cleaners – The Complete Guide

  1. Tub Clean cycles were created to sell washing machine cleaner and are a waste of time, energy, water and money.
    The best way to clean any washer is by using a cleaner during regular use. The added bulk of laundry will raise the water level to clean above the splash area and throughout the entire tub where Clean cycles can’t reach.

    1. yep, I put a scoop of citric acid in with my soap every load. My stainless steel tub dishwasher works and looks like new still after 8 years of use!

  2. I don’t put food in ours (rinse all dishes beforehand), and I run a cup of vinegar through it every week since we are on well water.
    * I only rinse them beforehand because we only need to run the machine once per week. It would be AWFUL if dishes sat there with food on them that long, and it’s 90% coffee cups and silverware lol.

  3. You can use a small packet of lemon koolaid, it’s all citric acid that cleans it and probably cheaper then the “cleaners” some also have a food trap you can unscrew and hand wash.

  4. Excellent article Peter. My older front load washing machine recently started smelling musty so I tried vinegar & baking soda but I didn’t really notice a difference.
    It also began stopping MULTIPLE times during cycles, flashing an error code. I didn’t think the 2 were related. I recently purchased the Tide product & the tub smells a lot better. Also, the cycle stoppages are much less frequent so I assume the cleaning product helped in that regard.
    I’ll purchase the OxiClean product next time…based on your recommendation.
    Thanks again & have a great day!! 😁

Comments are closed.