Best Washing Machine Cleaners of 2026

Bonnie Salem Avatar
Bonnie Salem
Last Updated: Jan 23, 2026

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Washing machine cleaners are a must-have for anyone who wants to keep their clothes smelling fresh and clean. These products are specifically designed to remove dirt, grime, and other build-up that can accumulate over time in washing machines. They work by breaking down and removing bacteria, mold, and other harmful substances that can cause unpleasant odors and even damage your machine. Some washing machine cleaners also contain ingredients that help to soften and freshen your clothes, leaving them feeling and smelling great. With so many options available, it's easy to find a washing machine cleaner that's right for your needs and budget.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner Cover #TOP 1
Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler 24 Pack Cover #TOP 2
ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler 24 Pack
ftb score rating icon 9.7
OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters Cover #TOP 3
OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Washing Machine Cleaners

Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner

W10501250
White
6 Count (Pack of 1)
Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner Cover
Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner, Helps Power Away Odor Causing Bacteria & Grime Deep Inside Pump, Valve & Hoses, 6 Time Release Tablets, 6 Month Supply

Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner is the No.1 selling washing machine cleaner, recommended by Whirlpool, Maytag and Amana brands. It helps remove odor-causing residues and grime, and cleans deep inside the pump, valve, tub, drum, agitator, filter and hose. It works with top and front load washers, including HE (high efficiency) and comes in a time-release tablet form with a citrus scent. Customers have found it to be effective in removing odors and residue, while some have experienced a chemical odor after use.

What We Like
Removes washer odors
Easy to use
Effective residue removal
Long-lasting supply
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Unsure if it foams
Some wipes are thin

ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler 24 Pack

ACTIVE-TABS-12
Blue/White
ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler 24 Pack Cover
Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler 24 Pack - Deep Cleaning Tablets For HE Front Loader & Top Load Washer, Septic Safe Eco-Friendly Deodorizer, Clean Inside Drum and Laundry Tub Seal - 12 Month Supply

ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler 24 Pack is a natural effervescent foaming tablet that is septic safe and made with less packaging. It is perfect for high efficiency or standard top loader, front loading compatible with GE, LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, Maytag, Electrolux, etc. It instantly cleans and eliminates odors, leaving your laundry machine basket, rubber gasket, and internal parts clean and smelling fresh. Each package includes a 12-month supply of 24 pods.

What We Like
Easy to use tablets
Removes odors and residue
Works on multiple appliances
Excellent cleaning performance
Good value for money
What We Don't Like
Limited availability in some regions
Price varies by seller
#TOP 3

OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters

5703795051
OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters Cover
OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters, 4 Count

OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters is a powder cleaner that helps remove odor causing residues in any washer. It is easy to use, simply pour one pouch into the drum of your washer without any other items and run using hot water. It is septic-safe and can be used with both standard and HE washing machines. Customers have found it to be very effective and it leaves their washers smelling fresh.

What We Like
Removes musty odors quickly
Easy-to-use pre-measured pouches
Works in both HE and standard machines
Improves laundry freshness
Effective against hidden buildup
What We Don't Like
May not remove all deep odors
Possible minor residue in some machines
#TOP 4

ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner for Pet Owners

Washing Machine Cleaner Pro Pet Formula
Blue
ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner for Pet Owners Cover
ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner for Pet Owners Enzymatic Deep Clean Descaler for Cat & Dog Hair, Urine, Odor, Residue, 24 Septic-Safe Tablets for Top Load, Front Loader, HE Washer Tub - 1 Year Supply

The ACTIVE Pet Washer Cleaner is specially designed for pet owners, helping you remove pet hair, oils, soap scum, and limescale that build up in your washing machine. This enzyme-based cleaner tackles tough odors by breaking down grime and debris in your washer’s drum and drain, leaving your machine smelling fresh. It works with all types of washers, including top loaders, front loaders, and HE models, so you can trust it no matter your machine brand. Plus, its natural enzyme formula is tough on dirt but safe for your pets and household, offering an effective yet gentle cleaning solution.

What We Like
Removes pet hair and odors
Easy to use tablets
Fresh, clean washer smell
No residue left behind
Effective mold and buildup removal
What We Don't Like
Some hair may remain on clothes
Manual cleaning needed for some parts
#TOP 5

Uproot Clean Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets

wm-tabs-1
Uproot Clean Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets Cover
Uproot Clean Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets - 24 Pack for a 12 Month Supply. Formulated for Pet Owners. Compatible with HE, Top & Front Load. Easily Removes Residue, Grime, and Odors. Septic Safe.

The Uproot Clean Tablets provide an effortless way to deep clean your washing machine. With just one wash cycle, you can refresh all parts of your machine, including the drum and seals. These tablets are especially effective at eliminating pet odors, ensuring that your laundry comes out smelling fresh. If you have pets, you’ll appreciate how they help reduce hair build-up, preventing clogs and maintaining your machine's efficiency. Additionally, using these tablets can extend the lifespan of your washer, making it a smart choice for maintaining your appliance with minimal effort.

What We Like
Removes stubborn odors
Leaves machine smelling fresh
Easy to use
Cleans detergent drawer
No residue left behind
What We Don't Like
Hard blocks bang inside machine
#TOP 6

ALPELA Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler Tablets

ALPELA
WMCT
ALPELA Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler Tablets Cover
ALPELA Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler | Deep Cleaning Tablets For HE Front & Top Load Washer, Septic Safe Eco-Friendly Deodorizer, Clean Inside Drum and Laundry Tub Seal (Ocean Breeze - 12 Count)

The ALPELA Washer Cleaner Tablets offer a refreshing ocean breeze scent that keeps your washing machine smelling clean and fresh after every use. With 85% active cleaning ingredients, these tablets effectively dissolve dirt, soap scum, and grime buildup inside your washer drum, ensuring a thorough clean. Using this product helps reduce unpleasant odors caused by residue, so your laundry comes out smelling fresher and cleaner. Plus, the formula is safe for septic systems and eco-friendly, made with biodegradable and non-toxic ingredients, giving you peace of mind while maintaining your machine and home environment.

What We Like
Effective odor removal
Pleasant, light scent options
Dissolves completely, no residue
Works with most machine types
Simple to use
What We Don't Like
Instructions can be confusing
Suggested tablet quantity seems excessive

Tide Washing Machine Cleaner (Pack of 5)

814521011984 - FBA
Orange
Tide Washing Machine Cleaner (Pack of 5) Cover
Washing Machine Cleaner by Tide, Washer Machine Cleaner with Oxi for Front and Top Loader Washer Machines, Deep Cleaning Residue & Odor Eliminator, 5 Month Supply (Packaging May Vary)

Tide Cleaner Pack is a set of 5 individually packaged powder packets designed to clean your washing machine. It removes odor-causing residues and deposits, penetrates and eliminates them with its specially designed surface active ingredients and the cleaning power of Oxi plus TAED. Tide Cleaner Pack works more efficiently than tablets, creating a cleaning action that gets to work faster. It has the cleaning power of Oxi and TAED, which boosts its cleaning action by over 20% compared to Oxi alone. This superior formula is recommended for all washing machines and is perfect for deep cleaning the inner workings of your machine and maintaining cleanliness and eliminating odor once per month. Subscribe and save up to 15% to ensure your washer is always clean and fresh.

What We Like
Removes odors and residue
Easy to use
Fresh, pleasant scent
Helps prevent buildup
Improves machine performance
What We Don't Like
Somewhat pricey
#TOP 8

True Fresh Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets

VLTR 12
White & Blue
True Fresh Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets Cover
True Fresh Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets – 25-Pack Deep Cleaning for Front Load, Top Loader & HE Washers – Helps Remove Odor-Causing Residues, Pet Hair & Hard Water Buildups – Septic Safe

True Fresh Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets are a heavy-duty cleaning solution designed to work with all types of washing machines. The 25 solid tablets quickly break down into a deep scrubbing powder when exposed to water, and are suitable for Standard or High Efficiency Top loader, Front Loading washing machines. Customers have reported that the tablets have helped to remove scum deposits, gunk, and black stains from their washers, and have left their machines smelling fresh. Some customers have found that they need to use more than the recommended amount of tablets to get the desired results.

What We Like
Easy to use
Removes musty odors
Leaves washer smelling fresh
Works for all machine types
Eco-friendly and septic-safe
What We Don't Like
May not clean deep buildup
Requires multiple tablets for tough jobs
#TOP 9

Bastion Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets

WASHING_MACHINE_CLEANER_24CT
Bastion Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets Cover
Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets 24 pack Powerful Descaler -Deep Cleaning for HE Front Loader & Top Load Washer Septic Safe Eco-Friendly Deodorizer Clean Drum & Laundry Tub Seal- Year's Supply

The Bastion Cleaner Tablets are a powerful solution for keeping your washing machine clean and efficient. With their deep cleaning action, they effectively eliminate dirt, grime, and limescale, ensuring a thorough clean every time. These tablets are easy to use – simply drop one 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. Regular use of these tablets prevents residue buildup, optimizing your washing machine's performance and extending its lifespan. Compatible with all types of washing machines, including top-loading, front-loading, and high-efficiency models, they are a versatile choice for any household. With 24 tablets in each pack, you'll have a year's supply to keep your washing machine fresh and efficient.

What We Like
Effective cleaning performance
Fresh, odor-free results
Affordable price
Easy to use tablets
No strong fragrance
What We Don't Like
May require multiple cycles
Tablet size concerns
#TOP 10

CLYND Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets 24 Pack

CLYND
CL-WMCT-REG-P12G
Pink
CLYND Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets 24 Pack Cover
CLYND Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets Unscented 24 Pack Residue-free Laundry Washer Cleaner for HE Front Load, Top Load Washing Machine Cleaning Tablets Pro Descaler Deodorizer, Low Suds 1 Year Supply

CLYND Washer Cleaner Tablets offer a simple and effective way to keep your washing machine fresh and clean. Each tablet is designed with a strong cleaning formula, so you only need one per cleaning cycle, saving you time and effort. The tablets are unscented and use a special enzyme blend to remove odors without covering them up with perfumes or harsh smells, ensuring your washer smells naturally clean. They come in a sturdy jar that protects the tablets from moisture and damage, so they stay fresh until you're ready to use them. Plus, the low-suds formula prevents leftover residue and foam, helping you avoid extra cleaning after each wash.

What We Like
Removes odors and buildup
No artificial fragrance
Residue-free and dissolves completely
Easy to use
Great value for money
What We Don't Like
Results less visible on already clean washers
Buying Guide Image

Find Your Fit: How to Buy the Right Washing Machine Cleaners

When it comes to keeping your washing machine in tip-top shape, using a good cleaner is crucial. But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right one? Here are a few key factors to consider when selecting a washing machine cleaner.

Determine Your Washing Machine's Type

The first step in choosing a washing machine cleaner is to determine the type of washing machine you have. Different cleaners are designed for different types of machines, so it's important to know whether you have a front-loading or top-loading machine. Some cleaners are even specifically designed for high-efficiency machines, which have a different set of cleaning needs.

Read the Label

Once you know your washing machine's type, the next step is to carefully read the labels on the cleaners you're considering. Look for cleaners that are specifically designed for your type of machine, as well as ones that are safe for the materials of your washing machine. For example, if you have a machine with a stainless steel drum, you'll want to avoid cleaners that contain abrasive or acidic ingredients that could damage the drum.

Consider the Cleaner's Ingredients

In addition to looking for cleaners that are safe for your washing machine's materials, you'll also want to consider the ingredients in the cleaner itself. Some cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to the environment, while others are made with natural or biodegradable ingredients. If you're concerned about the impact of your cleaning products on the environment, opt for a cleaner that uses eco-friendly ingredients.

Check for Any Special Features

In addition to the basic cleaning power of a washing machine cleaner, some products also offer additional features that can make your cleaning routine even easier. For example, some cleaners include a dispenser that automatically dispenses the right amount of cleaner during each wash cycle. Others are designed to leave behind a fresh, pleasant scent, eliminating any musty odors from your washing machine. Consider what extra features you might want in a cleaner, and choose one that offers them.

Ask for Recommendations

If you're still unsure about which washing machine cleaner to choose, don't hesitate to ask for recommendations from friends, family, or even your appliance repair technician. They may have firsthand experience with different cleaners and can offer valuable insights into which ones are most effective and safe for your particular washing machine.

In conclusion, choosing the right washing machine cleaner is an important step in maintaining the health and longevity of your appliance. By considering your washing machine's type, reading labels carefully, looking for eco-friendly ingredients, and seeking out additional features and recommendations, you can find the perfect cleaner for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it worth using washing machine cleaner?

Using a washing machine cleaner can be worth it if your machine smells bad or if you're concerned about bacteria growth. An antibacterial washing machine cleaner can help eliminate odors and ensure a clean and hygienic washing machine.

2. What kind of cleaner do you use for a washing machine?

To clean a washing machine, you can use a washing machine cleaning tablet like Oxy Clean or Affresh. Follow the instructions on the package and run a hot water cycle. Alternatively, you can use a natural option by filling the machine with hot water and a mixture of vinegar and baking soda.

3. Is bleach or vinegar better to clean washing machine?

Both bleach and vinegar can effectively clean a washing machine. However, vinegar is considered a more environmentally-friendly option and is also more affordable. It's important to never mix bleach and vinegar together or use them at the same time, as this can create a dangerous reaction and release chlorine gas.

4. How do I get rid of a bad smell in my washing machine?

To eliminate a bad smell in your washing machine, you can try a few methods. Mix baking soda and water and add it to the detergent container. Use plain white vinegar and pour it into the drum. Run a high-temperature cycle to thoroughly clean the machine and remove any unpleasant odors.

5. How often should you put cleaner through washing machine?

It is recommended to clean your washing machine about once a month or every 30 cycles to prevent buildup and odors. Regular cleaning helps remove detergent residue and soils that can cause your clothing to smell.

6. Should I run my washing machine empty for a clean?

The best way to clean your washing machine is to run it on a hot cycle with nothing inside. Set the machine to the highest temperature possible, preferably at least 40°C, to ensure a thorough clean.

7. Is baking soda or vinegar better for washing machines?

Both baking soda and vinegar can be used to clean a washing machine. For optimal results, you can use both in combination. Start with baking soda to scrub the machine, then follow up with vinegar to dissolve any remaining debris and deodorize the machine.

Editor's Notes

During our washing machine cleaner research, we found 24 washing machine cleaner products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 2,172,011 customer reviews through our big data system to write the washing machine cleaners list. We found that most customers choose washing machine cleaners with an average price of $17.42.

The washing machine cleaners are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of washing machine cleaners, including Affresh, ACTIVE, OxiClean, Uproot Clean, ALPELA. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Bonnie Salem Avatar

Bonnie Salem is a stay-at-home mother with two-year-old twins and has spent almost half of her life surrounded by baby products. As a mother and a professional copywriter, she has an insightful and unique eye for researching products suitable for infants. Bonnie Salem is an expert in health and nutrition who lives with her family in New Jersey. She has over 15 years of working experience in an institute of medicine after graduating from the University of Toronto. She is highly interested in personal health and wellness.

Washing Machine Cleaners Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Affresh ACTIVE OxiClean ACTIVE Uproot Clean ALPELA Tide True Fresh Bastion CLYND
Item Form Tablet Tablet Powder Tablet Tablet Tablet Powder Tablet Tablet Tablet
Scent Citrus Unscented oddor blaster Unscented Unscented Ocean Breeze-12pcs Fresh Unscented Unscented Unscented
Specific Uses For Product Washing Machine Washing Machine Towel, Washing Machine Deep Clean Odor Remover, Drain, Pet Hair Buildup, Washing Machine, Washing Machine Smell Removal Washing Machine Washing Machine Washing Machine Washing Machine Washine Machine Cleaner Front Load Washing Machine, HE Washing Machine, Top Load Washing Machine, Washing Machine
Material Feature Septic safe Eco-Friendly Septic safe Bio-Enzymatic, Deep Clean, Descaling Formula, Dissolving Tablet, Effervescent Foaming cleaner, Natural, Specially Formulated for Pet Related buildup Safe for septic tanks Eco-Friendly, Non-Toxic, Plant Based, Scented washing machine Fragrance Free Biodegradable Warning Compact and Protective Jar Packaging, Eco-Friendly, Fragrance Free, Hypoallergenic, Non-Toxic, Unscented
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.9
ftb score rating icon 8.9
Where to Buy