Does your washing machine sometimes smell a little… off? Even though it washes your clothes clean, the inside of the tub can collect all sorts of yucky stuff like mold, mildew, and soap scum. This can make your laundry smell less than fresh and even transfer onto your clothes. It’s a problem many people face, and choosing the right cleaner for your washing machine can feel like a puzzle with too many pieces.
You want a clean washing machine, but with so many different brands and types of cleaners out there, where do you even start? Some promise miracles, while others seem to do nothing. It’s confusing and can make you wonder if you’re wasting your money. But don’t worry! By the end of this post, you’ll have a clear understanding of what to look for and how to pick the best washing machine tub cleaner for your needs.
We’ll dive into the different kinds of cleaners available, what ingredients work best, and how to use them effectively. Get ready to say goodbye to musty smells and hello to truly fresh laundry!
Top Washing Machine Tub Cleaner Recommendations
No. 1
Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner, Helps Power Away Odor Causing Bacteria & Grime Deep Inside Pump, Valve & Hoses, 6 Time Release Tablets, 6 Month Supply
- NO. 1 WASHING MACHINE CLEANER TABLET*
- TIME-RELEASE DEEP CLEAN. Affresh tablets are scientifically designed to deliver extended cleaning action throughout the wash cycle, helping power away bacteria, grime and soap scum deep inside the washing machine’s pump, drum and filter to help optimize performance.
- STINKY PET ODOR? Affresh washing machine cleaner helps remove residues that can trap odors from pets, sweat and mildew that can transfer onto clothes and sheets.
- ONE TABLET, ONCE A MONTH. Avoid the twice-monthly cleaning cycles of other appliance cleaners and cut your machine cleaning maintenance time in half.
- TRUSTED BY APPLIANCE EXPERTS. Backed by over 100 years of appliance innovation, affresh is the washing machine cleaner brand recommended by Whirlpool, Maytag, and Amana.**
No. 2
Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler 24 Pack - Deep Cleaning Tablets For HE Front Loader & Top Load Washer, Septic Safe Eco-Friendly Deodorizer, Clean Inside Drum and Laundry Tub Seal - 12 Month Supply
- 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.
No. 3
OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters, 4 Count
- 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
No. 4
Washing Machine Cleaner by Tide, Washer Machine Cleaner with Oxi for Front and Top Loader Washer Machines, Deep Cleaning Residue & Odor Eliminator, 5 Month Supply (Packaging May Vary)
- 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
No. 5
Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner, Helps Power Away Odor Causing Bacteria & Grime Deep Inside Pump, Valve & Hoses, 12 Time Release Tablets, 1 Year Supply
- 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.
No. 6
Tide Washing Machine Cleaner 52 Week Supply with Oxi for Front and Top Loader Washer Machines, Deep Cleaning Residue & Odor Eliminator, 12 Month Supply (Packaging May Vary)
- 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
No. 7
ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner for Pet Owners Enzymatic Deep Clean Descaler for Cat & Dog Hair, Urine, Odor, Residue, 24 Septic-Safe Tablets for Top Load, Front Loader, HE Washer Tub - 1 Year Supply
- 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. 8
Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets 24 pack Powerful Descaler -Deep Cleaning for HE Front Loader & Top Load Washer Septic Safe Eco-Friendly Deodorizer Clean Drum & Laundry Tub Seal- Year's Supply
- 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.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Keep Your Washing Machine Sparkling Clean
Your washing machine works hard to keep your clothes fresh and clean. But did you know the tub itself needs a good cleaning now and then? Over time, soap scum, mineral deposits, and even mold can build up inside. This can lead to smelly clothes and a less efficient machine. That’s where washing machine tub cleaner comes in!
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a tub cleaner, keep these important features in mind.
Powerful Cleaning Agents
Look for cleaners with ingredients that can break down tough grime.
- Enzymes: These are natural cleaners that eat away at organic matter like body oils and food stains.
- Acids: Like citric acid, these help dissolve mineral deposits from hard water.
- Bleaching agents: These can kill mold and mildew, making your tub smell fresh.
Odor Elimination
A good cleaner doesn’t just clean; it also gets rid of bad smells.
- Some cleaners have special ingredients that neutralize odors, not just cover them up.
Machine Compatibility
Make sure the cleaner is safe for your washing machine type.
- Front-load vs. Top-load: Some cleaners are made specifically for one type.
- High-efficiency (HE) machines: These need special cleaners that don’t create too much foam.
Ease of Use
You want a cleaner that’s simple to use.
- Look for products that come with clear instructions. Many just require you to pour them in and run a cycle.
Important Materials
What’s inside the bottle matters!
Natural vs. Chemical Ingredients
Some cleaners use plant-based ingredients, while others use stronger chemicals.
- Natural cleaners: Often gentler and better for the environment. They might take a little longer to work.
- Chemical cleaners: Can be very effective at tackling tough buildup quickly. Always follow safety instructions.
Foaming Agents
For HE machines, you want a low-foaming cleaner.
- Too much foam can damage HE washing machines.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a tub cleaner work better or worse.
Brand Reputation
Trusted brands often make reliable products.
- A well-known brand might have better quality control.
Customer Reviews
See what other people say about a product.
- Positive reviews usually mean the cleaner works well.
Concentration of Active Ingredients
A higher concentration can mean a more powerful cleaner.
- However, it might also mean you need to use less product.
Shelf Life
Some cleaners lose their effectiveness over time.
- Check the expiration date if one is listed.
User Experience and Use Cases
How do people use these cleaners, and what are the results?
Frequency of Use
How often should you clean your tub?
- Most experts suggest cleaning your washing machine tub every 1-3 months.
- If you notice a musty smell or your clothes aren’t getting clean, it’s time for a cleaning.
How to Use Them
Using a tub cleaner is usually straightforward.
- Top-load machines: Pour the cleaner directly into the empty tub. Run a full wash cycle on the hottest setting.
- Front-load machines: Some cleaners go in the detergent dispenser, while others are poured directly into the drum. Follow the product instructions carefully.
- After the cycle: You might want to wipe down the rubber seal (on front-loaders) and the detergent drawer.
Common Problems They Solve
Tub cleaners tackle a variety of issues.
- Musty smells: This is the most common problem.
- Visible mold or mildew: Especially around the door seal of front-loaders.
- Soap scum buildup: This can make your machine less efficient.
- Mineral deposits: From hard water, these can leave white streaks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How often should I use washing machine tub cleaner?
A: You should use tub cleaner about once every 1 to 3 months. If your machine smells bad, clean it sooner.
Q: Can I use regular detergent to clean my washing machine tub?
A: No, regular detergent is not designed to clean the inside of the washing machine tub. Tub cleaners have special ingredients for this job.
Q: Will tub cleaner damage my washing machine?
A: When used as directed, tub cleaners are safe for most washing machines. Always follow the product’s instructions.
Q: What if my washing machine has a strong odor?
A: A strong odor usually means you need to clean the tub. Use a good tub cleaner and run a hot water cycle.
Q: Can I use tub cleaner on both front-load and top-load machines?
A: Yes, most tub cleaners work on both types. Some are made for specific machines, so check the label.
Q: How do I know if I need to clean my washing machine tub?
A: You need to clean it if you notice a musty smell, mold, or if your clothes don’t smell fresh after washing.
Q: Are there natural options for washing machine tub cleaner?
A: Yes, some brands offer natural cleaners made with ingredients like vinegar or baking soda. These are good for the environment.
Q: Can I clean the washing machine door seal with tub cleaner?
A: Yes, you can often use tub cleaner on the door seal, especially on front-load washers. Wipe it down after the cleaning cycle.
Q: How long does a tub cleaning cycle usually take?
A: A cleaning cycle usually takes as long as a normal wash cycle, typically 30 minutes to an hour.
Q: What should I do if the tub cleaner doesn’t remove the smell?
A: If the smell persists, you may need to run another cleaning cycle or try a different brand of tub cleaner. Make sure you are using the correct amount.