Does your washing machine sometimes smell a little… musty? You work hard to get your clothes clean, but what about the machine itself? Over time, soap scum, mildew, and mineral buildup can hide deep inside your washer, making your “clean” laundry less than fresh. This is a common problem many homeowners face.
Choosing the right cleaner can feel overwhelming. Should you pick a tablet, a liquid, or a powder? Is one better for front-loaders than top-loaders? We know you want a spotless machine without harsh chemicals or wasted money on products that just don’t work. It’s frustrating when you can’t tell if you are actually cleaning or just masking the smell.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what you need to look for in a laundry machine cleaner. You will learn the key ingredients that fight grime effectively and discover how to match the best product to your specific washing machine type. Get ready to banish those hidden odors for good!
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.
- Wide Range of Uses: Our mold stain cleaning gel is suitable for various surfaces and can effectively clean rubber gaskets, drum washing machines, refrigerator seals, and remove stains in bathtubs, tile gaps, walls, and showers. Make your washing machine, refrigerator, and other home appliances clean as new.
- Easy to Use: Our household grout cleaner comes with a brush. You only need to apply the gel evenly on the seal, wait half an hour for the gel to penetrate and clean, and then wipe it with a paper towel. No need to worry about gel running - it cleans better than spray or liquid.
- Large Capacity: Our washing machine stain remover has a capacity of 5.29 fluid ounces. Compared with other 2 ounce gels, our product can meet the cleaning needs of a family for nearly 8-12 months. One bottle can remove dirt and stains from the seals of all household appliances, giving you a clean home!
- High-quality Service: We always take the customer's consumption experience as our purpose. If you have any questions when purchasing our stain removal gel or encounter any problems during use after purchase, please feel free to contact us, and we will provide you with customized solutions.
- 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
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Keeping Your Washer Sparkling Clean
Your washing machine works hard. It cleans your clothes, but over time, it collects gunk, soap scum, and smelly mold. A good laundry machine cleaner brings back that fresh, clean feeling. Use this guide to pick the best one for your machine.
Key Features to Look For
Deep Cleaning Power
The best cleaners actively break down buildup. Look for products that promise to remove residue from the drum, hoses, and detergent dispenser. If your machine smells musty, you need strong dissolving power.
Compatibility
Not all cleaners work for every machine. Check the label carefully. Does it work for High-Efficiency (HE) front-loaders, traditional top-loaders, or both? Using the wrong cleaner can sometimes damage seals or hoses.
Odor Elimination
A great cleaner doesn’t just mask odors; it eliminates the source. Ingredients that target mold and mildew are essential for long-term freshness.
Ease of Use
Most cleaners come in tablets, powders, or liquids. Tablets are often the easiest—just drop one in and run a cycle. Powders and liquids require measuring, which might be slightly messier.
Important Materials in Cleaner Formulas
The ingredients determine how well the cleaner works. You want effective, yet safe, components.
- Citric Acid: This natural acid is excellent at dissolving mineral deposits (like hard water scale) and soap scum. It’s a common, effective choice.
- Sodium Percarbonate (Oxygen Bleach): This ingredient releases oxygen when mixed with water. It helps lift stains and brightens the inside of the drum. It’s generally safer than chlorine bleach.
- Surfactants: These are the soap-like ingredients that help lift and suspend dirt and grease so they can be washed away.
- Enzymes: Some advanced cleaners use enzymes to “eat” away at organic buildup, like trapped detergent residue.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Cleaner Better?
Quality is often improved by formulation strength. A cleaner that uses a combination of acid (for scale) and oxygen (for organic matter) usually cleans better than a single-ingredient product. Products tested specifically for HE machines often have formulas that don’t create too many suds, which is important for those machines.
What Lowers Quality?
Cheap cleaners sometimes rely heavily on strong perfumes to cover up smells. If the cleaner doesn’t actually remove the mold or scale, the smell will return quickly. Also, cleaners that leave behind a white, powdery residue after the cycle are lower quality, as that residue will just become future buildup.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the cleaner affects your overall experience.
Running the Cycle
Most manufacturers recommend running the cleaner on the hottest, longest cycle available, often called the “Tub Clean” cycle if your machine has one. Never put clothes in the machine when you run the cleaner cycle. The cleaner needs to work directly on the machine parts.
Frequency
If you use your machine daily, clean it once a month. If you only use it once or twice a week, cleaning every two to three months is usually fine. Pay attention to smells; if you notice a funky odor, clean it immediately.
Front-Loaders vs. Top-Loaders
Front-loading machines often need cleaning more often because they trap more moisture in the door gasket (the rubber seal). Make sure to wipe down that gasket after every wash and use a cleaner designed to tackle the buildup that collects there.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Laundry Machine Cleaner
Q: How often should I clean my washing machine?
A: Clean your machine once a month for regular use. If you wash many heavy-duty loads, clean it every three weeks.
Q: Can I use laundry machine cleaner on clothes?
A: No. You must run the cleaner cycle with no clothes inside. The cleaner is very strong.
Q: Is it safe to use this cleaner if my machine is HE (High Efficiency)?
A: Yes, if the package specifically says it is safe for HE machines. HE cleaners make less foam.
Q: What happens if I use vinegar instead of a cleaner?
A: Vinegar helps with mineral deposits, but it does not clean soap scum or kill all types of mold as well as dedicated cleaners do.
Q: Why does my machine still smell after using the cleaner?
A: The cleaner might not have fully removed the mold. Try running a second, hotter cycle with the cleaner. Also, check the detergent dispenser area.
Q: Do these cleaners remove hard water buildup?
A: Yes, many good cleaners contain citric acid, which dissolves the hard water scale effectively.
Q: Where should I put the cleaner tablet or powder?
A: Always put the cleaner directly into the empty drum of the machine. Do not put it in the detergent or softener dispenser.
Q: Will this damage the rubber seals on my front-loader?
A: Quality cleaners are tested to be safe. However, you should always wipe down the rubber gasket after use to remove any leftover residue.
Q: Should I use a cleaner if I only use liquid detergent?
A: Yes. Liquid detergents often leave more sticky residue than powders, which feeds mold growth inside the machine.
Q: How long does a cleaning cycle usually take?
A: The cycle often lasts between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on your machine’s settings and the heat level you select.