Does your washing machine smell… less than fresh? You wash your clothes to make them clean, but sometimes the machine itself gets a little grimy. Over time, soap scum, mold, and mildew build up inside. This gunk can actually make your clothes smell musty, even right out of the wash!
Figuring out which washing machine cleaner truly works feels like a chore in itself. You see dozens of bottles on the shelf. Which one tackles tough mold? Which one is safe for your machine? Reading endless labels and reviews can be confusing and frustrating. You want a clean machine without wasting money on a product that doesn’t deliver.
This report cuts through the confusion. We break down the top washing machine cleaners based on real testing. You will learn exactly which products eliminate odors best and which ones offer the best value for your money. By the end of this guide, you will know the best cleaner for your specific needs.
Ready to banish those funky odors for good? Let’s dive into the results and find the perfect cleaner for your laundry room!
Top Washing Machine Cleaner Consumer Reports 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
- 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.
- 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
- Effortlessly Deep Clean Your Washing Machine: Completely refresh your drum, valves, hose pipes, seals, and filters with a single wash cycle using our advanced washer machine cleaner tablets.
- Eliminate Pet Odors for Good: Uproot Clean washing machine cleaning tablets combine Tea Polyphenols & other ingredients to destroy bad odors, leaving every laundry load perfectly fresh.
- Reduce Excessive Pet Hair Accumulation: Specially formulated for homes with pets, the special blend of active enzymes in our washer cleaner tablets helps dissolve hair and fur, reducing clogs and accumulation!
- Prolong Your Machine's Life: Perfect as a washing machine cleaner front loader, top loader, or HE machine cleaner, our wash machine cleaning tablets provide lasting protection with minimal effort.
- Easily Dissolve Built Up Grime & Residue: Uproot Clean wash machine cleaner tablets effortlessly cut through built-up fats, grime, & other residue thanks to symbiotic ingredients that simply work.
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Washing Machine Cleaners
Your washing machine works hard. It keeps your clothes fresh. But over time, soap scum, mold, and mineral buildup can make it dirty. A clean machine washes clothes better. This guide helps you pick the best washing machine cleaner.
Key Features to Look For
Good cleaners have special features. Look for these when you shop.
1. Cleaning Power and Formula Type
- Descaling Agents: These fight hard water stains and mineral buildup. They make your machine last longer.
- Odor Eliminators: Strong cleaners remove bad smells caused by mildew.
- Compatibility: Ensure the cleaner works with your machine type (Top-Load or Front-Load). Some cleaners are safer for High-Efficiency (HE) machines.
2. Ease of Use
The best cleaners are simple. You should not need a science degree to use them. Look for pre-measured packets or easy-pour bottles. A clear instruction label is important.
Important Materials in Your Cleaner
What is inside the bottle matters for safety and effectiveness.
Active Ingredients
- Citric Acid: This natural ingredient is great for removing mineral deposits. It is usually safe for most machines.
- Bleach Alternatives (Oxygen Cleaners): These lift grime without the harsh smell of chlorine bleach. They are often good for general cleaning.
- Surfactants: These help water and dirt mix, allowing the cleaner to wash away gunk effectively.
Avoid cleaners with very harsh chemicals if you have sensitive skin or allergies. Check the ingredient list carefully.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make a cleaner work better. Others can cause problems.
What Improves Quality?
- Deep Penetration: A quality cleaner reaches hidden areas like hoses and pump seals where mold loves to hide.
- Residue-Free Rinse: The best formulas rinse away completely. Leftover cleaner can sometimes cause suds issues later.
What Reduces Quality?
- Too Much Foam: If a cleaner creates too many suds, it might not rinse out properly. This is especially true for HE washers.
- Corrosive Ingredients: Very strong, unbuffered acids can potentially damage rubber seals over many uses if not used correctly.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use the cleaner and what results you expect.
When Should You Clean?
- Monthly Maintenance: For busy households or those using a lot of fabric softener, cleaning once a month keeps things fresh.
- Seasonal Deep Clean: If you notice a musty smell, a strong cleaner once every three months provides a necessary deep scrub.
User Feedback
Always read reviews. Real users tell you if the product actually removed stubborn black mold or if the smell came back quickly. Good user reports usually mention clear results after one cycle.
Washing Machine Cleaner Consumer Reports: 10 FAQs
Q: How often should I use a washing machine cleaner?
A: Most manufacturers suggest using a cleaner once a month. If you use your machine heavily, consider cleaning it every three weeks.
Q: Can I use regular bleach instead of a special cleaner?
A: You can use bleach for sanitizing, but it does not remove mineral scale as well as dedicated cleaners do. Also, never mix bleach with other cleaners, especially those containing ammonia.
Q: Are these cleaners safe for my HE (High-Efficiency) machine?
A: Yes, many cleaners are specifically made for HE machines. Always check the label to make sure the product is low-foaming and safe for your specific washer type.
Q: What are the main Key Features I should look for?
A: Look for strong descaling power, good odor elimination, and clear instructions. Compatibility with your machine is also key.
Q: Will this cleaner fix a machine that is already badly moldy?
A: A good cleaner helps a lot. For very bad mold, you might need to run the cleaning cycle two times in a row for the best results.
Q: What materials are usually found in these cleaning packets?
A: Common materials include citric acid, sodium percarbonate (an oxygen cleaner), and specialized surfactants that help break down soap scum.
Q: Does the cleaner need hot water to work best?
A: Yes. Most cleaners work best when run on the hottest possible wash cycle your machine allows. This heat helps activate the cleaning agents.
Q: How do I know if the cleaner is working?
A: You will know it is working if the water looks cloudy or dirty during the initial rinse cycle. After the cycle finishes, your machine drum should look visibly cleaner and smell fresh.
Q: Can these products damage the rubber seals on my front-loader?
A: High-quality, recommended cleaners are formulated to be safe for seals. Very cheap or overly harsh chemicals might cause wear over a long period.
Q: Should I clean the dispenser drawer too?
A: Yes! Always remove and scrub the detergent and softener drawers separately before running the machine clean cycle. The cleaner inside the drum cannot reach the gunk stuck in the drawer.