Major Appliances

The Best Household Washing Machine Cleaners

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Our picks are based on Amazon bestseller rankings, verified customer ratings, and product availability. We update our recommendations regularly to ensure accuracy.

A clean washing machine is essential for ensuring your clothes come out fresh and free of odors. Over time, detergent residue, lint, and mineral buildup can accumulate, leading to poor performance and unpleasant smells. Choosing the right cleaner can effectively tackle these issues, prolonging the life of your appliance and improving laundry results.

No. 1
Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner, Helps Power Away Odor Causing Bacteria & Grime Deep Inside Pump, Valve...
  • 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...
  • 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.**
  • SAFER FOR PEOPLE, PETS AND PLANET. Affresh washing machine cleaner
is EPA Safer Choice Certified and, unlike other brands, is septic safe.
  • SAFE FOR ALL WASHING MACHINES, all makes and models, including front and top load models and HE (high-efficiency) washers.
SaleNo. 2
Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner, Helps Power Away Odor Causing Bacteria & Grime Deep Inside Pump, Valve...
  • 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...
  • 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.**
  • SAFER FOR PEOPLE, PETS AND PLANET. Affresh washing machine cleaner
is EPA Safer Choice Certified and, unlike other brands, is septic safe.
  • SAFE FOR ALL WASHING MACHINES, all makes and models, including front and top load models and HE (high-efficiency) washers.
No. 3
Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler 24 Pack - Deep Cleaning Tablets For HE Front Loader & Top Load Washer, Septic...
  • 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.
SaleNo. 4
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. 5
Tide Washing Machine Cleaner 52 Week Supply with Oxi for Front and Top Loader Washer Machines, Deep Cleaning...
  • 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
SaleNo. 6
iO CLEAN Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler Tablets, 24 Count (1 Year Supply) – Deep Clean Washer Cleaner...
  • DEEP CLEAN WASHING MACHINE CLEANER TABLETS. Washing machine cleaner tablets from iO CLEAN are designed for deep internal washer cleaning. The formula dissolves fully during the cycle to help address buildup and residue inside the drum, supporting reliable...
  • WASHING MACHINE DESCALER FOR HARD WATER BUILDUP. These washing machine descaler tablets support routine washer care by helping manage mineral scale and hard water deposits. Functions as an effective washer descaler and descaler tablets solution for...
  • COMPATIBLE WITH HE, FRONT LOAD & TOP LOAD WASHERS. Designed for universal compatibility, these washer cleaner tablets are suitable for HE washer cleaner, front load washer cleaner, and top load washer cleaner cycles. Works with both stainless steel and...
  • UNSCENTED WASHING MACHINE CLEANER FOR ODOR CONTROL. The unscented washing machine cleaner format is designed for regular washer maintenance without added fragrance. Helps manage odor-causing residue inside the washer drum as part of routine cleaning.
  • EASY-TO-USE WASHER CLEANER TABLETS. Pre-measured washer cleaning tablets eliminate spills and dosing variability. Place one washer cleaner tablet into the drum and run a hot cleaning cycle as part of monthly washer care.
No. 7
Washing Machine Cleaner by Tide, Washer Machine Cleaner with Oxi for Front and Top Loader Washer Machines...
  • 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
SaleNo. 8
MIGHTY CLEAN Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets 24 Pack - 1 Year Supply, Septic Safe Washing Machine Cleaning...
  • UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY: These washer cleaner tablets work with all types of washing machines, including front-load washers, top-load washers, and HE machines
  • POWERFUL CLEANING ACTION: Our washing machine cleaner front loader and top load formula delivers a deep clean, effectively removing stubborn dirt, residue, and grime build-up
  • ELIMINATES ODORS: This laundry machine cleaner targets and removes odor-causing residues and grime, leaving your washer smelling fresh and clean with every cycle
  • SEPTIC-SAFE FORMULA: Designed to be septic-safe, this front load washer cleaner is a responsible choice for maintaining your washing machine without harming your septic system
  • EXTENDS WASHER LIFESPAN: Regular use of this washing machine cleaner helps prolong the life of your washing machine by preventing damaging build-up over time
No. 9
Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner, Helps Power Away Odor Causing Bacteria & Grime Deep Inside Pump, Valve...
  • 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...
  • 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.**
  • SAFER FOR PEOPLE, PETS AND PLANET. Affresh washing machine cleaner
is EPA Safer Choice Certified and, unlike other brands, is septic safe.
  • SAFE FOR ALL WASHING MACHINES, all makes and models, including front and top load models and HE (high-efficiency) washers.
No. 10
True Fresh Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets 25 Pack for Front Load, Top Load & HE Washers, Helps Remove...
  • Deep Cleaning Power – True Fresh washing machine cleaner helps remove residue, grime, soap scum, and hard water buildup from your washer for a cleaner laundry routine.
  • Works With All Washers – Compatible with front load, top load, and HE washing machines, making it easy to use in almost any washer type.
  • Cleans Hidden Washer Areas – Washer machine cleaner tablets help clean where water reaches, including the drum, tub, hoses, pipes, and other internal parts.
  • Easy Drop-In Tablet – Just drop 1 tablet into the empty washer, run a normal or cleaning cycle, and let the tablet do the work. Drop, Run, Done.
  • 25-Pack Value Supply – This pack includes 25 washing machine cleaning tablets, giving you a long-lasting 52weeks supply for regular washer maintenance.

Last update on 2026-07-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to Choose the Best Household Washing Machine Cleaners

Key Factors When Choosing a Washing Machine Cleaner

When selecting a product to clean your washing machine, consider these important factors:
  • Type of Cleaner: Washing machine cleaners come in several forms, including tablets, powders, and liquids. Tablets are convenient and pre-measured, making them easy to use. Powders often offer a concentrated cleaning power. Liquids can be effective for dissolving buildup. Choose the format that best suits your convenience and cleaning needs.
  • Machine Compatibility: Ensure the cleaner is safe for your specific washing machine type, whether it's a top-loader or a front-loader, and compatible with its materials. Some cleaners are formulated for HE (High Efficiency) machines, while others are suitable for all types. Always check the product label for compatibility information to avoid damaging your appliance.
  • Ingredients and Effectiveness: Look for cleaners that are designed to tackle common issues like mold, mildew, odor, and limescale. Products with natural or eco-friendly ingredients might be preferable for those with sensitivities or environmental concerns. Read reviews to gauge the real-world effectiveness of different formulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean my washing machine?
It's generally recommended to clean your washing machine every 1 to 3 months. Regular cleaning helps prevent the buildup of mold, mildew, and odors, ensuring optimal performance. The frequency may vary depending on how often you use the machine and the water hardness in your area.
Can I use bleach to clean my washing machine?
While bleach can kill some germs and remove stains, it's not always the best option for cleaning the entire washing machine. It can be harsh on rubber seals and hoses over time. Specialized washing machine cleaners are formulated to address various types of buildup without causing damage.
What is the difference between a top-loader and front-loader cleaner?
Front-loaders are more prone to mold and mildew due to their design, often requiring cleaners specifically formulated to combat these issues and reach seals effectively. Top-loaders may benefit from cleaners that address mineral deposits and general grime. Always check the product label to ensure it's suitable for your machine type.
Will a washing machine cleaner remove tough odors?
Yes, most effective washing machine cleaners are designed to neutralize and eliminate tough odors caused by bacteria, mold, and mildew. They work by breaking down the residue and buildup that harbor these odor-causing agents, leaving your machine smelling fresh.