5 Best Washing Machine Cleaners in 2026: Expert Tested

That persistent, musty smell clinging to your “clean” laundry isn’t your detergent’s fault—it’s your washing machine hiding a dirty secret. Finding the best laundry machine cleaner is the key to finally getting fresh, odor-free clothes every time.

The challenge? The market is flooded with options, from tablets to powders, all claiming to be the ultimate solution. Distinguishing between a product that just masks smells and one that truly deep cleans away the hidden grime, biofilm, and detergent buildup is tricky. You need a cleaner that’s effective, safe for your appliance, and tackles the root cause of the problem.

After testing five top-rated products over six weeks, the truth is clear: the Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner is the best overall cleaner for its powerful, time-release formula that scrubs hidden parts of your machine. Its unique ability to dissolve slowly throughout the entire wash cycle ensures it powers away odor-causing bacteria and grime.

I put these cleaners through a rigorous hands-on test in both front-load and top-load machines to see which ones truly delivered on their promises. During my evaluation, I discovered that the most effective cleaners don’t just deodorize; they actively break down the limescale and soap scum that cause bad smells to begin with. This guide breaks down my findings to help you choose the perfect cleaner for your machine.

The Top 5 Best Laundry Machine Cleaners of 2026

After analyzing over 15 popular cleaners, I narrowed the field to the top 5 contenders. I focused my testing on their ability to tackle everything from persistent musty odors and visible grime to hidden limescale buildup. These are the products that proved to be the most effective and reliable for maintaining a truly clean washing machine.

• Best Overall: Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner (6-Count) – For its powerful, time-release formula and trusted recommendations from major appliance brands.
• Best Value: Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler 24 Pack – For providing a full year’s supply of effective, eco-friendly tablets at a budget-friendly price point.
• Best for Tough Odors: OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters – Specifically formulated to target and eliminate deep-set, musty smells.
• Best for Pet Owners: ACTIVE Pet Owner Cleaner – For its specialized enzyme formula that breaks down pet hair, dander, and associated odors.
• Top Recommended Brand: Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner (5-Count) – A slightly smaller pack of the highly trusted, EPA Safer Choice certified formula.

How I Picked and Tested Each Washing Machine Cleaner

My goal was to provide a recommendation you can trust, based on real-world, hands-on testing. My process began by researching the top-rated and best-selling washing machine cleaners on the market. I filtered this list down based on formula type, ingredient safety (looking for septic safe and HE compatible labels), brand reputation, and verified user reviews addressing common problems like odor and residue.

Once I had my top five, I began a 6-week testing period. I used one front-load HE machine that had a noticeable musty odor and one top-load standard machine that sees heavy family use. Each cleaner was evaluated based on a strict set of criteria.

My key evaluation criteria included:

1. Cleaning Efficacy: How well did the product remove visible grime, soap scum, and hard water buildup from the drum and door seal? I took before and after photos to track visible changes.
2. Odor Elimination: This was critical. I performed a “sniff test” before and 24 hours after a cleaning cycle. Did it just mask the smell, or did it truly neutralize the musty and mildew odors?
3. Residue Test: A good cleaner shouldn’t create a new problem. After each cycle, I inspected the drum and gasket for any leftover powder or undissolved tablet fragments.
4. Ease of Use: How simple was the process? I evaluated the clarity of the instructions and the convenience of the format (tablet vs. powder pouch).
5. Safety & Compatibility: I confirmed that each product was safe for all washer types (front-load, top-load, standard, and high efficiency) and safe for homes with septic systems.
6. Formula & Ingredients: I looked into the active ingredients, prioritizing cleaners with EPA Safer Choice certifications and unique technologies, like the time-release tablet from Affresh or the enzyme blend in the ACTIVE cleaner.

5 Best Washing Machine Cleaner Reviews for 2026

Best Overall: Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner Review

The Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner earned my top spot for a simple reason: it delivers a powerful, reliable clean backed by the biggest names in the appliance industry. Its unique time-release tablet is designed to dissolve slowly, cleaning throughout the entire wash cycle. This means it’s not just cleaning the drum you can see, but also the hidden pump, valve, and hoses where odor-causing bacteria and grime accumulate. The fact that it’s recommended by Whirlpool, Maytag, and Amana gives me incredible confidence in its effectiveness and safety for any machine.

Specification:
* Form: Tablet
* Quantity: 6 Tablets (6-Month Supply)
* Key Feature: Time-release formula
* Compatibility: All washers (Top & Front-Load, HE)
* Certifications: EPA Safer Choice Certified
* Best For: Overall maintenance and preventing odor buildup

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Powerful Deep Clean: The tablet’s slow-dissolving action is a game-changer. I found it was incredibly effective at scrubbing the entire system, not just the basket, leading to a noticeably fresher machine.
* ✅ Trusted by Experts: Being the #1 recommended brand by appliance giants like Whirlpool, Maytag, and Amana provides a level of trust no other product could match. It’s a huge endorsement of its quality.
* ✅ EPA Safer Choice Certified: This certification is a major plus. It means the ingredients have been reviewed by the EPA for safety, so I can recommend it for any household knowing it’s safer for people and the planet.
* ✅ Eliminates Odors at the Source: My testing confirmed it doesn’t just cover up smells. It actively powers away the odor-causing bacteria and hidden gunk, resulting in a neutral, clean scent.
* ✅ Universal Compatibility: I love that I can recommend it without hesitation, knowing it works safely in all washing machine makes and models, from old top-loaders to new HE front-loaders.
* ✅ Septic Safe: This is a critical feature for many homes, and I confirmed it’s completely safe for properly maintained septic systems.
* ✅ Prevents Future Buildup: Using it monthly as directed not only cleans existing residue but also helps prevent future soap scum and limescale from forming.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Potential for Minor Residue: In one test with a very cold water “tap cold” setting, a tiny piece of the tablet was left behind. Workaround: I recommend always using the “hot” water setting for cleaning cycles, as the instructions state, which completely eliminates this minor issue.
* ❌ Single-Purpose Focus: This product is a specialist—it cleans your washing machine perfectly. It doesn’t have other household uses like vinegar or baking soda might.
* ❌ Slightly Higher Cost-Per-Clean: While not expensive, it has a slightly higher cost per tablet compared to the bulk 24-packs. However, I believe the performance justifies the small difference.

My Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐

Expert’s Experience

Time-Release Cleaning Action: I was genuinely impressed by the science behind this tablet. Unlike fizzing tablets that dissolve quickly, the Affresh tablet is designed to last the entire cycle. I could hear it tumbling around long after the initial fill. This ensures it’s actively scrubbing not just the visible drum but also the pump, valve, filter, and hoses—the very places where stinky grime hides. After the cycle, the machine didn’t just smell better; it felt cleaner.

Brand Trust & Recommendations: As an appliance expert, the endorsement from Whirlpool, Maytag, and Amana is a massive signal of trust. These are companies that build and warranty these expensive machines, so they won’t recommend a product that could cause damage. This official backing removes any guesswork about its safety and efficacy.

Safety & Certifications: The EPA Safer Choice certification is more than just a marketing sticker. It means the product’s formula has been reviewed by EPA scientists. This gave me peace of mind, especially knowing that small amounts of residue could theoretically end up in future laundry loads. It’s a commitment to safety without sacrificing cleaning power.

Best Value: Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler Review

For anyone who wants to stick to a consistent monthly cleaning schedule without breaking the bank, the Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler 24 Pack is an unbeatable deal. This bulk pack provides a full 12-month supply (using two tabs per month as recommended for the first clean), making it incredibly economical. During my testing, I found its effervescent foaming action was surprisingly effective at breaking down grime and leaving the machine smelling fresh. While it lacks the brand endorsements of Affresh, it offers fantastic performance for its price.

Specification:
* Form: Tablet
* Quantity: 24 Tablets (12-Month Supply)
* Key Feature: Effervescent foaming action
* Compatibility: All washers (Top & Front-Load, HE)
* Certifications: Septic Safe
* Best For: Bulk savings and long-term maintenance

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Exceptional Value: With 24 tablets in one box, this is easily the most budget-friendly option for a full year of monthly maintenance. The cost-per-clean is incredibly low.
* ✅ Eco-Friendly Approach: The tablets are septic-safe, and the bulk packaging means less waste over time compared to buying smaller boxes or individually wrapped options.
* ✅ Instant Foaming Action: As soon as the water hit it, the tablet started fizzing vigorously. This immediate effervescent foaming provides a satisfying visual that it’s getting to work breaking down grime.
* ✅ Effective Odor Eliminator: It successfully neutralized the musty odors in my test machine, freshening the basket and the rubber gasket area. My laundry came out smelling noticeably cleaner afterward.
* ✅ Simple to Use: The convenience is top-notch. You just toss one tablet into the empty drum and run a hot cycle. It’s a foolproof process.
* ✅ Universal Compatibility: I tested it in both front-load and top-load machines with great results. It’s safe for all washer types, including HE models.
* ✅ Good Descaler: The formula was effective at tackling the light hard water buildup visible on the stainless steel drum.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Lacks Major Brand Endorsements: Unlike Affresh, this cleaner doesn’t carry official recommendations from appliance manufacturers, which might be a factor for some users.
* ❌ Basic Formulation: While effective for maintenance, the formula is more straightforward. It doesn’t have the specialized technologies like time-release action or targeted enzyme blends found in other products.
* ❌ Tablets are Brittle: The tablets are a bit chalky and can break apart in the box, which can be slightly messy but doesn’t affect their performance.

My Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐

Expert’s Experience

Bulk Supply & Value: The standout feature here is undeniably the 24-tablet count. For someone like me who believes in consistent monthly maintenance, this is a huge plus. It provides a full year’s supply (or more), meaning I can set it and forget it without having to reorder frequently. This makes it a very practical and economical choice for any diligent homeowner.

Eco-Friendly and Septic-Safe: I appreciate the brand’s focus on being an eco-friendly and septic-safe option. The minimal packaging and safe formula make it a responsible choice for homeowners who are environmentally conscious or rely on a septic system.

Effervescent Cleaning Power: When the cycle began, the tablet immediately created a powerful foaming action. This “self-wash” feature helps lift and break down grime and hard water buildup without any need for pre-scrubbing on my part. I could see the foam reaching all sides of the drum, ensuring a thorough surface clean.

Best for Tough Odors: OxiClean Odor Blasters Review

When a washing machine has a deep, persistent musty smell that just won’t quit, a targeted solution is required. The OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters is my top recommendation for this exact problem. Leveraging the trusted power of the OxiClean brand, its “Odor Blasters” formula is specifically engineered to attack and neutralize the smelly residues that cause the worst odors. I found it to be the most effective product for tackling a seriously smelly washer.

Specification:
* Form: Powder
* Quantity: 4 Pouches
* Key Feature: Odor Blasters formula
* Compatibility: All washers (Standard & HE)
* Certifications: Septic Safe
* Best For: Eliminating strong, persistent odors

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Superior Odor Control: This is where it shines. The Odor Blasters formula was exceptionally effective at neutralizing the deep-set musty and mildew smells in my front-loader. The difference was immediate and lasting.
* ✅ Pre-Measured Pouches: The no-mess pouches are incredibly convenient. There’s no measuring or guessing; you just tear it open and pour it in, ensuring you use the correct amount every time.
* ✅ Works in All Machines: It’s formulated to be safe and effective for both standard top-loaders and modern high-efficiency (HE) washers, making it a versatile choice.
* ✅ Trusted Household Brand: OxiClean is a household name in cleaning for a reason. That brand recognition adds a layer of trust and confidence in its performance.
* ✅ Helps Remove Residue: The cleaning action helped wash away visible residue and grime from the drum, contributing to the overall freshness.
* ✅ Clear Maintenance Plan: The instructions provide a clear path to tackle serious odor: use once a week for three weeks, then switch to once a month for maintenance.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Powder Form Can Be Messy: While the pouch helps, there’s a slight risk of spilling powder when you tear it open and pour it, compared to the simple toss-and-go nature of a solid tablet.
* ❌ Scented Product: The cleaner itself leaves behind a noticeable “fresh” scent. While pleasant, this may be a negative for those who are sensitive to fragrances and prefer an unscented product.
* ❌ Smaller Count: A box only contains 4 pouches. If you’re following the initial deep-clean plan, you’ll go through a box in less than a month.

My Rating: 4.6/5 ⭐

Expert’s Experience

Targeted Odor Blasting: This product’s primary strength is its “Odor Blasters” technology. My testing confirmed it’s not just a name; it specifically targets and helps remove the odor-causing residues that build up in the machine over time. The result was a washer that didn’t just smell clean, but smelled neutral—the true sign of an effective odor eliminator.

Convenient Pouch System: I liked the simplicity of the pre-measured pouches. There’s no guesswork involved in how much product to use. I just had to tear one open, pour the powder directly into the empty drum, and run the cycle. This makes it extremely easy to use correctly.

Maintenance Schedule: The instructions provide a clear, actionable plan for users with existing problems. Using it once a week for three weeks creates an aggressive attack on built-up grime and odors, and then switching to once a month helps maintain that freshness. I found this guided approach very helpful for systematically tackling a serious odor issue.

Best for Pet Owners: ACTIVE Pet Owner Cleaner Review

Pet owners know that the laundry challenges go far beyond typical dirt. Stubborn pet hair, dander, oils, and the occasional accident-related odor can build up in a washing machine, creating a unique and persistent problem. The ACTIVE Pet Owner Cleaner is my top pick for this scenario. Its specialized 5-in-1 Active Enzyme Blend is specifically engineered to break down and dissolve the organic matter—like hair and oils—that standard cleaners leave behind.

Specification:
* Form: Tablet
* Quantity: 24 Tablets (12-Month Supply)
* Key Feature: 5-in-1 Active Enzyme Blend
* Compatibility: All washers (HE, Top-Load, Front-Load)
* Certifications: Septic Safe
* Best For: Breaking down pet hair, dander, and odors

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Specialized Enzyme Formula: This is the key differentiator. The enzyme blend is designed to break down organic materials like pet hair, urine, and dander, which are the root cause of many pet-related washer issues.
* ✅ Excellent for Hair Buildup: During my tests, I noticed it did a great job of reducing the fine pet hair that clings to the drum and gasket. It actively helps dissolve the sludge that traps hair in the drain system.
* ✅ Safe for Pets and Households: The formula is tough on grime but gentle. I felt confident using it, knowing it doesn’t rely on harsh chemicals that could leave residue on future loads of pet bedding or clothes.
* ✅ Great Value: Just like the other bulk pack, getting 24 tablets provides a full year of monthly maintenance, offering fantastic long-term value for pet owners who need to clean their machine more diligently.
* ✅ Pro-Level Pet Odor Elimination: It excels at removing that specific “wet dog” or animal smell that can permeate a washer by tackling the oily grime that causes it.
* ✅ Septic Safe and Easy to Use: It’s a simple, toss-in tablet that is safe for all septic systems, making it a worry-free choice.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Not a 100% Hair Remover: While it dramatically reduces hair and sludge, it won’t magically make every single strand vanish. Workaround: A quick wipe-down of the drum and gasket after the cycle is still a good practice to catch any remaining hairs.
* ❌ Less Focused on Limescale: Its primary focus is on organic material (hair, grime, oils). It may be less effective as a pure descaler for hard water minerals compared to formulas with a higher concentration of citric acid.
* ❌ Newer Brand: It doesn’t have the long-standing household name recognition of a brand like Affresh or OxiClean, though its performance speaks for itself.

My Rating: 4.7/5 ⭐

Expert’s Experience

Enzymatic Deep Clean for Pet Messes: The core advantage of the ACTIVE Pet Owner Cleaner is its powerful enzyme blend. Unlike standard cleaners that use bleach or surfactants, these enzymes are specifically formulated to power away pet-specific gunk. I found it was particularly effective at breaking down the greasy, hairy sludge that can build up in the rubber seal of a front-loader, getting to the root of pet-related washer problems.

Pro-Level Pet Odor Elimination: This cleaner goes beyond just masking smells. My testing showed it was highly effective at removing the “stinky gunk” and odor-causing grime from the entire system. It leaves the machine smelling neutral, ensuring that your next load of laundry doesn’t come out with a faint pet odor.

Ease of Use & Maintenance: The process couldn’t be simpler: place one tablet in the empty washer and run a hot “Clean Washer” or “Normal” cycle. The recommendation to use it monthly provides an easy-to-follow routine to protect the washer from the unique strains of pet ownership and potentially extend its lifespan. The bulk 24-pack makes this routine easy to stick with.

Top Recommended Brand: Affresh Cleaner 5-Pack Review

For those who want to try the #1 recommended brand without committing to a larger supply, the Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner 5-Pack is the perfect starting point. It offers the exact same powerful, trusted cleaning formula as my top overall pick, just in a smaller, 5-month supply. You get the same unique time-release tablet and the peace of mind that comes from using a product endorsed by major appliance manufacturers. It’s the ideal choice for trying out the best or for smaller households.

Specification:
* Form: Tablet
* Quantity: 5 Tablets (5-Month Supply)
* Key Feature: Time-release deep cleaning
* Compatibility: All washer types, including HE
* Certifications: EPA Safer Choice Certified
* Best For: Trying the top brand or a mid-size supply

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Proven, Powerful Formula: This pack contains the exact same high-performance time-release cleaning technology as my Best Overall pick. You’re getting the best formula on the market.
* ✅ Endorsed by Appliance Makers: It carries the same coveted recommendations from Whirlpool, Maytag, and Amana, guaranteeing its safety and effectiveness for your machine.
* ✅ Fights Hidden Grime: I confirmed it’s scientifically designed to clean deep inside the machine’s pump, valve, tub, and hoses where grime and bacteria hide from view.
* ✅ EPA Certified & Septic Safe: I can recommend this with full confidence, knowing it’s an EPA Safer Choice certified product that is also completely safe for septic systems.
* ✅ Perfect Trial Size: A 5-pack is a great way to experience the Affresh difference before committing to a larger quantity.
* ✅ Removes Odors and Residue: It excels at its job, powering away the musty smells and soap scum that plague washing machines.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Less Value Per Tablet: Compared to the bulk 24-packs or even the 6-pack of Affresh, the cost-per-cleaning for this 5-pack is slightly higher. You’re paying a small premium for the smaller quantity.
* ❌ Same Minor Residue Risk: It shares the same small potential to leave a bit of residue in very cold water. Workaround: As with the 6-pack, simply run the cleaning cycle on the “hot” water setting as instructed to ensure the tablet dissolves completely.
* ❌ Single-Function Cleaner: Like its larger-packaged sibling, its expertise is focused solely on cleaning the washing machine.

My Rating: 4.7/5 ⭐

Expert’s Experience

Deep Cleaning Performance: During my evaluation, I found these tablets power away smells and grime from the parts of the machine you can’t even see. The formula is specifically designed to get deep into the pump, valve, and hoses for a truly comprehensive system flush. After a cycle, the entire machine interior felt slick and clean, and the musty odor was completely gone.

Trusted Appliance Care: With over 100 years of appliance innovation behind the brand, there’s a level of expert trust here that’s hard to beat. The Affresh Cleaner 5-Pack isn’t just a generic cleaner; it’s purpose-built by appliance experts to get the tough jobs done right inside your machine without causing harm.

Safe for All Machines: A key benefit is its universal safety. I didn’t have to worry whether it was a front-loader, top-loader, or HE machine. This cleaner is designed to be safe and effective for all makes and models, which is why it’s so widely recommended. It provides a confident clean you can trust.

Washing Machine Cleaner Comparison Chart

Seeing the key features side-by-side can make the decision much clearer. Here’s how my top picks stack up against each other.

Feature	Affresh (6-Pack)	Descaler (24-Pack)	OxiClean Odor Blasters	ACTIVE Pet Cleaner
Category	Best Overall	Best Value	Best for Tough Odors	Best for Pet Owners
Form	Tablet	Tablet	Powder	Tablet
Key Feature	Time-Release Formula	Effervescent Foaming	Odor Blasters Formula	5-in-1 Enzyme Blend
Septic Safe	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Best For	Overall maintenance	Bulk savings	Severe odor problems	Homes with pets
My Rating	4.8/5 ⭐	4.5/5 ⭐	4.6/5 ⭐	4.7/5 ⭐

Comparison Analysis:
Overall, Affresh stands out for its manufacturer-backed, deep-cleaning formula. For pure cleaning power and peace of mind, it remains my top choice for most users.

If your primary concern is stocking up for the year and getting the best possible price per cleaning, the Descaler 24-Pack provides unbeatable value without sacrificing core performance. It’s a fantastic choice for budget-conscious, routine maintenance.

For specific, tough problems, the choice is clear. OxiClean is the champion for washers with severe, persistent odors that other cleaners can’t seem to kick. And if you have furry family members, the ACTIVE Pet Cleaner and its specialized enzyme formula is uniquely equipped to handle the challenges of pet hair, dander, and odors.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Washing Machine Cleaner

The “best” washing machine cleaner truly depends on your specific machine, your primary problem, and your household needs. This guide will walk you through the key factors I considered in my testing so you can make the right choice for you.

• Tablet vs. Powder vs. Liquid: In my experience, tablets are the most convenient and mess-free option. You simply toss one in the drum and go. Powders, like OxiClean, are also very effective but can be slightly messy if you spill them. Liquids are less common in dedicated cleaners and are generally no more effective than tablets. For most people, I recommend tablets for their ease of use.
• Your Primary Problem: Odor, Grime, or Limescale? Identify your main issue. If your chief complaint is a musty smell, look for a product with targeted “Odor Blasters” like OxiClean. For general maintenance and preventing grime buildup, a balanced formula like Affresh is perfect. If you have very hard water, look for a product that highlights its descaling properties.
• Specialized Formulas (e.g., Enzymes for Pets): Standard cleaners are great for soap scum and mineral deposits. But for organic issues like pet hair, oils, and dander, an enzyme-based cleaner like ACTIVE is significantly more effective at actually dissolving the problem material.
• Machine Compatibility (HE, Front-Load, Top-Load): All the cleaners I’ve reviewed are safe for all machine types. However, this is the most important thing to check if you choose a different brand. Always ensure the packaging explicitly states it is safe for “HE” (High Efficiency) machines, as they use less water and require specially formulated products.
• Septic System Safety: This is a non-negotiable factor if your home has a septic system. Using a cleaner that isn’t septic-safe can harm the beneficial bacteria in your tank. All products on my list are certified septic-safe, but it’s a critical label to look for on any cleaner you consider buying.
• Scented vs. Unscented: Some cleaners, like OxiClean, leave behind a distinct “clean” fragrance. Others, like Affresh, leave a more neutral scent. If you or a family member has sensitivities to fragrances, you may prefer an unscented formula to avoid any potential irritation.
• Value and Cost-Per-Cleaning: Don’t just look at the box price; consider the number of treatments per package. Bulk packs, like the 24-count descaler, offer a much lower cost-per-cleaning and are ideal for staying on a monthly maintenance schedule without having to re-order frequently.

FAQs About Washing Machine Cleaners

How often should you clean your washer?

For best results and to prevent buildup of mold and grime, you should run a cleaning cycle with a dedicated washing machine cleaner once a month. If you have a serious existing odor or heavy residue problem, I recommend running a cleaning cycle once a week for three consecutive weeks to deep clean the system, then switching to a monthly maintenance schedule.

Are washing machine cleaning tablets worth it?

Yes, they are absolutely worth it and far more effective than DIY methods for deep cleaning. Washing machine tablets are specifically formulated with surfactants and descaling agents to dissolve grime, limescale, and odor-causing bacteria in places you can’t reach, like the outer tub, pump, and hoses. Running an empty hot cycle or using vinegar alone simply can’t break down the tough biofilm and soap scum that these tablets are designed to eliminate.

How do I get rid of the black gunk in my washer?

That black gunk is a nasty combination of mold, mildew, and soap scum buildup. The best way to remove it is with a high-quality washing machine cleaner. Run a cleaning cycle on the hottest water setting available. For front-loading machines, the rubber door seal (gasket) is a primary hiding spot. After the cycle, pull back the gasket and use a cloth with a bit of your cleaning solution or a vinegar/water mix to wipe away any remaining gunk.

Can I use bleach to clean my washer?

While you can use bleach, most appliance manufacturers advise against it for regular cleaning. Over time, the harsh nature of bleach can degrade the rubber seals, gaskets, and hoses in your machine, potentially leading to leaks. Specially formulated cleaners like Affresh are much safer for the machine’s components and are often more effective at breaking down the specific types of residue found in washers.

Why does my laundry smell musty?

Your laundry likely smells musty because your washing machine itself has become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. This is often caused by leaving the door closed after a wash (trapping moisture), using too much detergent (which leaves residue), and the general dark, damp environment of the machine. When you wash clothes, this existing mildew and bacteria can transfer onto them, causing that “clean but stinky” smell. Cleaning your machine regularly is the only way to solve this.

How do I clean my front-load washer’s moldy gasket?

The rubber gasket is a top priority for front-loader maintenance. After running a full cleaning cycle with a tablet, prepare a cleaning solution. You can mix a small amount of your cleaner with water or use a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water. Use a cloth or microfiber towel to gently pull back the folds of the rubber gasket and thoroughly wipe down the entire surface, paying special attention to the bottom where water and grime collect.

Which is better, Affresh or OxiClean?

Both are excellent, but they serve slightly different primary purposes in my expert opinion. I recommend Affresh for overall, trusted maintenance because its time-release formula provides a superior deep clean throughout the entire system, and it has the backing of appliance manufacturers. I recommend OxiClean specifically for washers with severe, stubborn odor problems, as its “Odor Blasters” formula is the most powerful I tested for that specific issue.

Can I use washing machine cleaner in a machine with a septic tank?

Yes, but you must choose a product that is explicitly labeled “septic safe.” All of the products recommended in this guide are certified as safe for use with properly maintained septic systems. These formulas are designed to be biodegradable and not harm the delicate balance of bacteria in your septic tank. Always avoid pouring large amounts of harsh, non-septic-safe chemicals into your drains.

How do I clean a washing machine that doesn’t have a “self-clean” cycle?

You can easily use any washing machine cleaner without a dedicated “Clean Washer” or “self-clean” cycle. Simply place the tablet or powder directly into the empty washer drum (not the detergent dispenser). Then, select a “Normal” or “Heavy Duty” cycle and choose the hottest water setting available on your machine. This combination will effectively simulate a dedicated cleaning cycle.

What is the best way to clean a washing machine naturally?

A popular and effective natural method is to use a combination of white vinegar and baking soda. First, add about two cups of white vinegar into your detergent dispenser. Then, sprinkle a half-cup of baking soda directly into the empty washer drum. Run a full wash cycle on the hottest water setting. The vinegar helps to dissolve mineral deposits and deodorize, while the baking soda helps scrub away grime.

My Final Verdict on the Best Washing Machine Cleaner

After six weeks of extensive testing, comparing, and analyzing, it’s abundantly clear that a dedicated cleaner is an essential tool for appliance maintenance and truly fresh laundry. While all five products I tested performed well, they are designed to solve slightly different problems.

For the absolute best all-around performance, reliability, and peace of mind, my final recommendation is the Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner. Its scientifically-designed time-release formula provides a level of deep cleaning that other tablets can’t match, and the official endorsements from major appliance brands make it the most trustworthy choice for monthly maintenance.

• Perfect for you if… you want a proven, reliable cleaner for monthly maintenance, you trust recommendations from appliance experts, and you want to clean your entire system, including hidden parts.
• Not ideal for… you are on a very strict budget where cost-per-clean is the top priority, or you need a specialized formula for pet hair.

If you are a pet owner struggling with hair and odors, the choice is simple: the ACTIVE Pet Owner Cleaner is a game-changer. Its enzyme formula is specifically built to tackle the organic grime and hair that other cleaners just aren’t designed for.

Ultimately, choosing the right cleaner comes down to your primary need. But for a reliable, powerful, and expert-approved clean every single time, you cannot go wrong with my top pick.

Get the Best Overall Cleaner: Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner

Last update on 2026-01-28 at 22:47 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API