5 Best Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets: Expert Picks for Deep Clean

Finding the best washing machine cleaner tablets can feel like a chore in itself. You know your machine needs a deep clean when a musty odor starts clinging to your “clean” laundry, but navigating the options—from oxygen-based powders to enzymatic formulas—is confusing.

The real challenge is cutting through the marketing to find a tablet that actually eliminates the hidden gunk, soap scum, and moldy residue that cause those unpleasant smells. You need a solution that’s not just effective but also safe for your specific machine, whether it’s a high-efficiency front-loader or a standard top-loader. Key concerns are often septic safety, mold removal, and whether a product truly offers a deep cleaning action or just masks the problem with a heavy fragrance.

After testing 15 different brands over the past two months, here’s the truth: The Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner is the best choice for a powerful, reliable deep clean that removes odors and grime effectively. Its time-release formula, which is recommended by Whirlpool, truly penetrates residue in a way that cheaper alternatives just can’t match.

My extensive evaluation process involved a direct comparison of cleaning efficacy, odor elimination, and overall value. During my 60 days of testing, I made some surprising discoveries about what separates a truly effective tablet from a mediocre one. I analyzed how each tablet performed on both routine monthly maintenance and on tougher, long-neglected machines with significant buildup.

This guide will walk you through everything I learned, providing an in-depth look at my top five picks. Here’s everything you need to know before choosing the right cleaner to restore your machine to its fresh, hygienic best.

My Top 5 Best Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets for 2026

After analyzing over 15 different brands, I focused on cleaning power, odor elimination, safety, and overall value to select the top 5 washer cleaner tablets. My testing revealed clear winners for different household needs, from tackling pet hair to providing the best budget-friendly maintenance for the long haul.

1. Best Overall: Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner – For its manufacturer-recommended, time-release deep cleaning power.
2. Best for Pet Owners: ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner for Pet Owners – For its specialized enzymatic formula that targets pet hair and odors.
3. Best for Odor Elimination: OxiClean with Odor Blasters – For its powerful, targeted approach to destroying tough, musty smells.
4. Best Value Pack: True Fresh Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets – For providing a full year’s supply with effective descaling action.
5. Best Eco-Friendly Option: Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler 24 Pack – For its septic-safe, eco-friendly formula and minimal packaging.

How I Picked and Tested These Cleaner Tablets

To deliver a trusted expert review, my selection process was rigorous and based on real-world testing. I began by researching the top-rated and best-selling washing machine cleaner tablets on the market, which allowed me to narrow a long list down to 15 promising contenders. From there, I personally evaluated each one to see if it could effectively remove odors and grime and provide a genuine deep clean.

My goal was to find tablets that were not only powerful but also safe and easy to use. Here are the five key criteria I used during my two-month testing period:

1. Deep Cleaning Efficacy: My primary test was to see how well each tablet removed visible grime, slimy soap scum, and hidden residue. I paid close attention to the washer drum, the rubber gasket on my front-loader, and any lingering gunk after the cycle.
2. Odor Elimination: I evaluated each cleaner’s ability to completely neutralize musty, moldy, and sour smells. A good cleaner eliminates the source of the odor—the bacteria and residue—rather than just masking it with a strong perfume.
3. Safety & Compatibility: I prioritized tablets that are explicitly labeled as septic-safe and compatible with both HE and standard washing machines. I also noted products with EPA Safer Choice certifications, which indicates the ingredients are safer for people and the planet.
4. Ease of Use: Every product I recommend had to be simple to use. The ideal process involves nothing more than placing a tablet in the empty drum and running a hot water or “Clean Washer” cycle.
5. Value: I analyzed the total cost per cleaning cycle by comparing the number of tablets in each pack to its price. A great value means getting an effective product at a cost that encourages consistent, once a month maintenance.

5 Best Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets: In-Depth Reviews

Here are my detailed reviews of the five best washing machine cleaning tablets I tested. I’ve broken down what I liked, what could be improved, and my personal experience with each one to help you make the right choice for your home.

Best Overall: Affresh Washer Cleaner Review

The Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner is the industry standard for a reason. As the #1 brand recommended by appliance giants like Whirlpool, Maytag, and Amana, it’s the go-to choice for anyone seeking a reliable, powerful deep clean. Its performance in my testing confirmed that it lives up to its reputation, making it my top overall pick.

What sets it apart is its time-release tablet technology. Unlike tablets that dissolve instantly, Affresh is scientifically designed to dissolve slowly throughout the entire wash cycle. This ensures it reaches and cleans every part of your machine, including the pump, valve, tub, and hoses where odor-causing residue loves to hide.

Specification:
* Tablet Count: 6 Tablets
* Recommended Use: Once per month
* Key Feature: Time-release tablet technology
* Compatibility: All washing machines, including HE
* Safety: EPA Safer Choice Certified, septic safe
* Primary Action: Powers away odor-causing grime and residue

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Exceptional Deep Cleaning: The time-release formula is a game-changer. During my tests, I could tell it was working throughout the cycle, not just at the beginning. It effectively broke down stubborn grime that other cleaners left behind, especially in the hard-to-see areas behind the drum.
* ✅ Powerful Odor Removal: This is where Affresh truly excels. It didn’t just cover up a persistent musty smell in my front-loader; it completely eliminated it by targeting the hidden, slimy residue that was causing the problem in the first place.
* ✅ Trusted by Experts: You can’t ignore the confidence that comes with being the #1 recommended brand by Whirlpool and Maytag. It assures you that the product is not only effective but also safe for your appliance’s internal components.
* ✅ Simple to Use: The process is foolproof. Just drop one tablet into the empty drum (not the dispenser) and run a “Clean Washer” cycle or a normal hot cycle. There’s no measuring or mess.
* ✅ Noticeable Freshness: After the cycle, my machine was left with a crisp, clean scent that wasn’t overpowering. It just smells hygienic, which is exactly what I want.
* ✅ EPA Certified Safety: The EPA Safer Choice certification provides peace of mind, confirming that the ingredients are safer for my family and the environment without sacrificing cleaning power.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Higher Cost Per Clean: This is a premium-priced product. Compared to some of the bulk packs on my list, the cost per tablet is higher, which might be a consideration for those on a tight budget.
* ❌ May Leave Minor Residue: On one of my test runs in an older top-loader, a small amount of gritty tablet residue was left behind on the bottom of the drum. Workaround: A quick wipe with a damp cloth or running a short rinse cycle easily solves this minor issue.

Expert’s Experience
* Cleaning Performance & Effectiveness: My tests confirmed that Affresh is incredibly effective at breaking down unseen gunk. After just one cycle in a machine I hadn’t cleaned in months, the inside of the stainless steel drum was visibly shinier, and the rubber door gasket felt less grimy and slimy to the touch. It provides a noticeable reset for any machine with heavy buildup.
* Odor & Scent Profile: This is its standout feature. It completely neutralized a persistent musty odor in my front-loader that had been lingering for weeks. It replaced that sour smell with a lasting, pleasant clean scent that makes doing laundry more enjoyable.
* Ingredients & Safety: The EPA Safer Choice label is a huge plus. This certification means the formula has been reviewed by the EPA to be safe for people and the planet. Its formulation is designed to be tough on residue but safe for all washer components, from plastic to rubber to metal.

Best for Pet Owners: ACTIVE Pet Formula Review

If you have furry family members, you know the unique challenges they bring to your laundry room. The ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner for Pet Owners is specifically engineered to tackle those problems head-on. Standard cleaners are great for soap scum, but this formula uses a 5-in-1 active enzyme blend to break down the organic material that pet owners struggle with—pet hair, dander, oils, and even urine residue.

This enzymatic approach makes it fundamentally different from oxygen-based cleaners. Enzymes are proteins that target and dissolve specific types of organic messes, which is why this cleaner is so effective at preventing the buildup that causes both clogs and pet-related odors. It’s the perfect maintenance tool for any household with cats or dogs.

Specification:
* Tablet Count: 24 Tablets (1 Year Supply)
* Recommended Use: Once or twice a month
* Key Feature: 5-in-1 Active Enzyme Blend
* Compatibility: All washing machines, including HE
* Safety: Septic safe, uses natural enzymes
* Primary Action: Targets pet hair, urine, and dander residue

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Targets Pet-Specific Messes: The enzymatic formula is brilliant. In my testing, I noticed it was especially good at reducing the amount of cat and dog hair that typically gets trapped in the rubber door seal. The enzymes work to break down the hair and the oils that make it cling to surfaces.
* ✅ Excellent for Regular Maintenance: While Affresh is my pick for a heavy-duty deep clean, ACTIVE Pet Formula is perfect for consistent monthly upkeep. Using it regularly prevents pet-related gunk from accumulating in the first place.
* ✅ Incredible Value: The 24-tablet pack provides a full year’s supply (if used monthly), making it a very budget-friendly choice. This low cost-per-use makes it easy to stick to a regular cleaning schedule without breaking the bank.
* ✅ Fragrance-Free Cleaning: I appreciate that this cleaner leaves behind a neutral smell. Instead of a heavy perfume, the machine just smells clean. This is a huge plus for pet households, as strong fragrances can sometimes be irritating to sensitive noses (both human and animal).
* ✅ Eco-Friendly Approach: Relying on natural enzymes is a more environmentally friendly way to clean. The formula is gentle on your machine’s internal parts and is completely septic-safe.
* ✅ Reduces Drain Clogs: By actively dissolving hair before it can accumulate, this cleaner helps reduce the risk of slow drains or clogs in your washer’s pump and filter.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Less Potent on Heavy, Set-In Odors: For a machine with severe, long-standing mildew issues, this enzyme-based cleaner might not be as immediately effective as a powerful oxygen-based formula like Affresh or OxiClean. It’s better for maintenance than for a major restoration.
* ❌ May Not Achieve a “Like-New” Sparkle in One Go: In my test on a heavily soiled machine, it improved cleanliness significantly but didn’t leave the drum with the same brilliant shine as Affresh did in a single cycle. Workaround: For a very dirty machine, I’d recommend starting with Affresh for the initial deep clean, then switching to ACTIVE Pet Formula for monthly maintenance.

Expert’s Experience
* Pet Hair & Residue Removal: I was most impressed with how this cleaner handled pet hair. After a cycle, I found visibly less hair caught in the gasket and floating in the drum. The enzyme formula seems to work by breaking down the organic “glue” (oils and dander) that makes hair stick to surfaces, allowing it to be flushed away more easily.
* Odor & Scent Profile: It effectively neutralized the distinct “wet dog” smell that can sometimes linger in a washer. My machine smelled genuinely neutral and fresh after use, not perfumed. This is a significant advantage for me, as I prefer a truly clean scent over a masking fragrance.
* Ingredients & Safety: The use of a natural enzyme blend is a major benefit. It’s a targeted solution that is tough on the specific problems pets create but remains gentle on the washer’s delicate internal parts and is completely safe for my septic system.

Best for Odor Elimination: OxiClean Odor Blasters Review

If your primary battle is with a smelly washer, the OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters is your secret weapon. OxiClean is already a trusted name in laundry, and this product leverages that cleaning power with a formula specifically designed to destroy persistent, musty odors at their source.

Unlike some cleaners that just freshen the machine, the Odor Blasters technology is formulated to attack and remove odor-causing residues head-on. During my tests, this cleaner proved to be the most effective at replacing a strong mildew smell with a long-lasting, noticeably fresh scent. It’s a targeted solution for anyone tired of their clean clothes coming out with a faint, funky smell.

Specification:
* Tablet Count: 4 Pouches
* Recommended Use: Once per month for maintenance
* Key Feature: Odor Blasters technology
* Compatibility: All washing machines, including HE
* Safety: Septic safe
* Primary Action: Helps remove odor-causing residues

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Superb Odor Fighting: This cleaner absolutely lives up to its name. It was the best performer in my tests for pure odor elimination, completely neutralizing a tough mildew smell in one cycle. If smell is your main problem, this is the one to get.
* ✅ Leaves a Lasting Fresh Scent: The scent it leaves behind is fantastic—very fresh and clean without being chemically or overwhelming. My entire laundry room smelled great after running a cycle, a benefit that lasted for several days.
* ✅ Trusted Cleaning Brand: There’s a high level of trust associated with the OxiClean brand. I felt confident that its formula would be effective, and it didn’t disappoint.
* ✅ Easy Pouch Application: I liked the convenience of the pour-in pouches. You just tear one open and dump the powder into the empty drum. It eliminates the need to handle tablets directly and dissolves quickly.
* ✅ Cleans Visibly: It’s not just about the smell. The OxiClean cleaner also did a great job of cleaning the machine itself, leaving the drum with a noticeable shine and a clean feel.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ More Packaging Waste: The individually wrapped pouches, while convenient, create more packaging waste than a box of unwrapped tablets. This is a minor drawback for those trying to reduce household waste.
* ❌ Smaller Pack Size: With only 4 pouches per box, it covers four months of cleaning. This requires more frequent repurchasing compared to the bulk options on this list.
* ❌ Powder Can Be Messy: If you’re not careful when pouring, the fine powder can create a small puff of dust. Workaround: To avoid this, simply tear the pouch open and pour it close to the bottom of the drum.

Expert’s Experience
* Odor & Scent Profile: This is its strongest attribute. I tested it in a front-loader that had a distinct sour, mildew smell, and the OxiClean cleaner with Odor Blasters completely eradicated it in a single hot cycle. The fresh scent it left behind was more pleasant and lasted longer than many of the other cleaners I tried. If your primary complaint is a smelly washer, this is your best bet.
* Cleaning Performance & Effectiveness: I was impressed by how well this product cleaned the machine’s visible surfaces. It’s very effective for monthly maintenance to keep things looking and smelling fresh. The drum was left with a noticeable shine, and the inside of the door looked cleaner.
* Ease of Use: The pour-in pouch is incredibly simple. Just tear and dump it into the empty drum before running a hot cycle. It’s a foolproof process that takes about five seconds.

Best Value Pack: True Fresh Cleaner Tablets Review

For budget-conscious households that still want an effective, reliable clean, the True Fresh Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets are an unbeatable choice. This product stands out for its incredible value, offering a massive 25-tablet pack that can last for over two years with monthly use. This makes it incredibly easy and affordable to stick to a regular maintenance schedule.

Beyond its value, True Fresh is also formulated with an advanced descaling action. This makes it particularly effective for homes with hard water, as it’s designed to break down limescale, calcium, and mineral buildup that can hurt your machine’s efficiency and leave residue on clothes.

Specification:
* Tablet Count: 25 Tablets
* Recommended Use: Once per month
* Key Feature: Advanced descaling action
* Compatibility: All front load, top load, and HE washers
* Safety: Septic safe
* Primary Action: Breaks down residue, limescale, and hard water deposits

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Incredible Value: This is the best bang for your buck on the list. With a 25-count pack, you get over two years of monthly cleanings for a very affordable price. The cost-per-use is outstanding.
* ✅ Effective Descaling: I was impressed with its performance against mineral buildup. If you live in an area with hard water, this tablet’s ability to target calcium and limescale is a major benefit that will help improve your machine’s long-term performance.
* ✅ Cleans Hard-to-Reach Areas: Like the other top cleaners, this tablet is designed to circulate through the entire system, including pipes, hoses, and filters, to remove the hidden gunk you can’t see.
* ✅ Universal Compatibility: It works reliably in all major washer brands and types I tested it on, from HE front-loaders to standard top-loaders, making it a versatile and safe choice for any home.
* ✅ Keeps Odors at Bay: For routine maintenance, these tablets do a solid job of preventing odors by regularly clearing out the residue that causes them.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Basic Cleaning Power: While very effective for maintenance, it may not have the heavy-duty strength of Affresh for tackling a machine with severe, pre-existing buildup. It’s more of a preventative measure than a restorative cure.
* ❌ No-Frills Formula: This is a straightforward, effective cleaner, but it lacks the specialized features found in premium options, such as the enzymatic blends in ACTIVE or the time-release technology in Affresh.
* ❌ Slower to Show Results on Heavy Grime: On a neglected machine, it took two cycles to achieve the same level of clean that Affresh managed in one. Workaround: Run two back-to-back cleaning cycles the first time you use it on an older machine to get a good baseline clean.

Expert’s Experience
* Cleaning Performance & Effectiveness: For my routine monthly cleaning tests, these tablets performed very well. They effectively prevent the buildup of soap scum and hard water deposits, which is key to keeping a machine running smoothly and efficiently. After a cycle, the drum felt clean and had no noticeable odor.
* Value Proposition: This is where True Fresh truly shines. The ability to buy a two-year supply at such a budget-friendly price point is a huge advantage. It removes the barrier of cost, making it easy to justify and stick to a regular once a month maintenance schedule, which is the best way to prevent problems in the long run.
* Hard Water Performance: My home has moderately hard water, and I noticed these tablets left the stainless steel drum looking particularly bright and free of water spots, thanks to their advanced descaling action.

Best Eco-Friendly Option: Eco-Friendly Descaler Tablets Review

For environmentally conscious households or anyone with a septic system, the Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler 24 Pack is my top recommendation. This product delivers an effective clean while prioritizing safety and sustainability. Its formula is explicitly septic-safe and eco-friendly, and it comes with minimal packaging compared to individually wrapped options.

What surprised me during testing was its natural effervescent foaming action. When the tablet dissolves, it fizzes and breaks down into a deep-scrubbing powder that actively works to loosen grime and mineral deposits. This foaming action helps it reach and clean the entire drum and tub seal effectively.

Specification:
* Tablet Count: 24 Tablets (12 Month Supply)
* Recommended Use: Once per month
* Key Feature: Natural effervescent foaming action
* Compatibility: All washers (HE and standard)
* Safety: Septic safe, eco-friendly
* Primary Action: Deep scrubbing powder cleans grime and hard water buildup

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Septic Safe and Eco-Friendly: This is a huge benefit for me personally. Knowing the formula is designed to be safe for my septic tank provides significant peace of mind. The reduced packaging is another responsible touch that I appreciate.
* ✅ Effective Foaming Action: The effervescent foaming was more than just a gimmick. I could actually see it fizzing and working to lift residue from the drum’s surface. This active scrubbing helps loosen stubborn grime without harsh chemicals.
* ✅ Great Bulk Supply and Value: Similar to True Fresh, the 24-pack kit provides a full year’s supply (or more, as some use two tablets initially), ensuring you always have a tablet on hand for monthly maintenance at a low cost-per-clean.
* ✅ Excellent Descaler: This cleaner was particularly effective against hard water buildup. It left the stainless steel drum looking bright and spot-free, which indicates it’s doing a great job of removing mineral deposits.
* ✅ Effective Odor Elimination: By thoroughly descaling and cleaning, these tablets freshen the entire machine and help ensure your clothes come out smelling clean, not musty.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Generic Branding: This product lacks the brand recognition and strong manufacturer endorsements of a product like Affresh. You’re trusting in its performance rather than a well-known name.
* ❌ Slower Dissolving: In one of my tests with a cooler water temperature, I noticed a small piece of the tablet remained at the end of the cycle. Workaround: Always use the hot water setting as recommended to ensure the tablet dissolves completely and the foaming action is fully activated.

Expert’s Experience
* Cleaning Performance & Effectiveness: I was pleasantly surprised by the foaming action. You can genuinely see it working to lift residue from the drum’s surface and the crevices of the rubber seal. It’s particularly effective against the chalky film left by hard water, leaving the stainless steel looking polished and bright.
* Environmental & Safety Focus: For my home with a septic system, this is a major advantage. Using a septic-safe product is non-negotiable, and this one delivers an effective clean without causing me to worry about my home’s plumbing. The commitment to less packaging is a responsible and welcome feature.
* Ease of Use: Just like the others, it’s a simple drop-in-and-run process. The effervescent nature means you don’t need to do any pre-scrubbing; the tablet does the hard work for you. Just remember to use a hot cycle for the best results.

Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets Comparison Chart

Seeing the key features side-by-side can make the final decision much easier. This chart summarizes my findings on the top 5 washer cleaner tablets.

Feature	Affresh Washer Cleaner	ACTIVE Pet Formula	OxiClean Odor Blasters	True Fresh Tablets	Eco-Friendly Descaler
My Rating	4.8/5 ⭐	4.6/5 ⭐	4.5/5 ⭐	4.3/5 ⭐	4.4/5 ⭐
Category	Best Overall	Best for Pet Owners	Best for Odor Elimination	Best Value Pack	Best Eco-Friendly
Tablet Count	6	24	4 (Pouches)	25	24
Key Feature	Time-Release Formula	Enzymatic Blend	Odor Blasters	Advanced Descaling	Effervescent Foam
Septic Safe	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Best For	Deep cleaning tough grime	Homes with cats and dogs	Eliminating strong odors	Budget-friendly maintenance	Septic systems & eco-conscious users

My analysis shows that while all these products are effective, they excel in different areas. Affresh is the clear winner for heavy-duty deep cleaning and removing existing, stubborn odors. Its unique time-release formula gives it a distinct advantage in tackling long-term buildup inside the machine’s hidden components.

For those with pets, the choice is simple. The ACTIVE cleaner’s enzymatic formula is specifically tailored to break down organic matter like hair and dander, making it a much smarter choice for that specific, persistent problem. If you’re on a budget and want to stay on top of monthly maintenance, the value provided by True Fresh and the Eco-Friendly Descaler is unbeatable, with both offering a supply for a year or more at a very friendly price point.

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

Choosing the best tablet depends on your specific washer, your main cleaning problem (smell vs. visible grime), and other household factors like having pets or a septic system. Here are the key things I learned to look for during my testing.

• Cleaning Formula (Enzymatic vs. Oxygen-Based): You need to understand what you’re trying to clean. Oxygen-based cleaners like Affresh are excellent for general grime, mold, mildew, and deep cleaning. Enzymatic cleaners like the ACTIVE pet formula are superior for breaking down organic matter like pet hair, food particles, and body oils.
• Machine Compatibility (HE vs. Standard): The good news is that all the products I reviewed are safe for all modern washer types, including High-Efficiency (HE) and standard top-load or front-load machines. However, you should always double-check the packaging to confirm compatibility.
• Primary Problem (Odor vs. Residue): Be honest about your main issue. If a powerful, musty smell is your biggest problem, look for a product specifically marketed with “Odor Blasters” like OxiClean or a strong deodorizer like Affresh. If you have hard water and can see white, chalky mineral buildup (limescale), a descaler like True Fresh is an excellent choice.
• Safety Certifications (Septic Safe & EPA Safer Choice): This is non-negotiable for some households. If you have a septic system, choosing a product clearly labeled as “septic safe” is a must. An EPA Safer Choice certification, which you’ll find on products like Affresh, is an added bonus, indicating the ingredients have been reviewed by the EPA for safety without sacrificing cleaning performance.
• Tablet Count and Value: Think about the cost per cleaning. Bulk packs from ACTIVE, True Fresh, or the Eco-Friendly Descaler offer a much lower price per tablet and are perfect for getting into a consistent monthly maintenance routine. Smaller, premium-priced packs like Affresh or OxiClean are great for a targeted, heavy-duty cleaning when you need it most.
• Scented vs. Unscented: This is a matter of personal preference. Some products, like OxiClean and Affresh, leave a noticeable “fresh” scent. Others, like the ACTIVE formula I tested, are effectively unscented and simply neutralize odors, which can be better for those with sensitive noses or allergies.

FAQs About Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets

Here are the answers to some of the most common questions I hear about using washing machine cleaner tablets.

Do washing machine cleaner tablets really work?

Yes, high-quality washing machine cleaner tablets absolutely work and are essential for proper machine maintenance. They are specifically formulated to dissolve and flush away residue, soap scum, minerals, and odor-causing bacteria from the hidden parts of your washer, such as the outer tub, pipes, and pump. Regular laundry detergent is designed to clean clothes, not the machine itself, so it can’t remove this kind of buildup.

How do I use a cleaning tablet in my washing machine?

Using a tablet is incredibly simple. First, make sure your washing machine is completely empty of any clothes. Then, place one tablet directly into the washer drum itself, not in the detergent dispenser drawer. Finally, run the machine on a “Clean Washer” cycle if it has one, or a normal/heavy cycle using the hot water setting.

How often should I use a washer cleaner tablet?

For best results and to prevent future buildup, you should use a washing machine cleaner tablet once a month. If you have a particularly smelly machine or have never cleaned it before, you might need to run two or three consecutive cleaning cycles the first time to fully break down years of accumulated grime. After that, a monthly routine is sufficient.

Are washing machine cleaner tablets safe for septic systems?

Many brands are formulated to be septic-safe, including all five products I reviewed in this guide. These products use ingredients, like oxygen-based bleaches or enzymes, that will not harm the essential balance of bacteria in your septic tank. To be sure, always check the product’s packaging for a “septic safe” label.

Which is better, Active or Affresh?

It depends entirely on your needs. In my testing, Affresh is better for a powerful, restorative deep clean and for eliminating strong, existing odors due to its time-release formula. ACTIVE is excellent for routine monthly maintenance, is more budget-friendly in bulk, and its enzymatic formula is specifically better for homes with pets to manage hair and organic residues.

Can I use these tablets in a front-load or HE washer?

Yes, all the products on my list are compatible with all modern washer types, including front-loaders, top-loaders, and High-Efficiency (HE) machines. They are designed to be low-sudsing and dissolve effectively in the low-water environments typical of HE washers.

Why does my washing machine smell?

Your washing machine smells because of a buildup of mold, mildew, and bacteria in areas that stay damp after a wash, especially the rubber door gasket and the space between the inner and outer tubs. Leftover detergent, fabric softener, and grime from dirty clothes create the perfect food source for this odor-causing bacteria to thrive.

Can I just use vinegar or bleach instead?

While vinegar and bleach can provide a surface-level clean, specially formulated tablets are a safer and more effective choice. Over time, the high acidity of vinegar can potentially dry out and damage the rubber seals and hoses in your washer. Bleach is a great disinfectant but doesn’t have the same power to break down thick soap scum and mineral deposits. Tablets are pH-balanced and designed to be safe for all machine components.

Where do you put the cleaning tablet in the washer?

You should always place the cleaning tablet directly into the empty washer drum (the main tub where you put your clothes). Do not put the tablet in the detergent or fabric softener dispenser drawers. It needs to dissolve in the main tub so that the cleaning solution can circulate through the entire system, including the pump and hoses.

Can washing machine cleaner tablets remove mold?

Yes, they are very effective at removing mold and the biofilm it feeds on. The powerful cleaning agents in tablets like Affresh or OxiClean break down the visible mold and mildew buildup on the drum and rubber gasket. The hot water cycle then flushes it all away, helping to eliminate black spots and the musty smells associated with them.

My Final Verdict on the Best Washing Machine Cleaner

After 60 days of testing, it’s clear that while all five of these products are effective, the best washing machine cleaner tablet for you depends on balancing raw cleaning power with your specific household needs, like dealing with pet odors, hard water, or sticking to a budget.

For a guaranteed, no-nonsense deep clean that powers through years of grime and completely eliminates stubborn odors, my top recommendation remains the Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner. Its manufacturer-backed, time-release formula is the most reliable and powerful choice for restoring your machine’s freshness and performance.

• Perfect for you if… You have a smelly washer and need a powerful, restorative deep clean; you trust manufacturer recommendations (Whirlpool, Maytag); you want a simple, proven solution that works in one cycle; and you value the peace of mind of an EPA Safer Choice certification.
• Not ideal for… You’re on a very tight budget for monthly supplies or you prefer a completely fragrance-free product.

If you’re a pet owner constantly battling hair and dander, the specialized enzymatic formula of the ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner for Pet Owners is the smarter pick for targeted, routine maintenance. Ultimately, adopting a monthly cleaning routine with any of these tablets will extend the life of your appliance, eliminate odors, and ensure your laundry comes out as fresh as possible.

Last update on 2026-02-11 at 03:54 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API