The Best Washing Machine Cleaners Tested in 2023

If your washing machine is starting to odor funky, use a washing machine cleaner to blast the grime and freshen it up.

By Jasmine Harding | Updated Mar 3, 2022 2:30 PM

– Best Value

– Best Eco-Friendly

The washing machine is the workhorse of the laundry room. Over time, detergent residue, micro organism, and dirt can build up in a washing machine, leading to musty smells within the machine and never-so-clean laundry. It offers with dirty towels, sweaty gym clothes, and a complete lot of different gross stuff.

An unpleasant whiff out of your washermay mean it’s due for a deep clean. A washing machine cleaner is a reliable resolution to clean the nooks and crannies of a washer. Liquid, gel, and tablets are intended to be run through the wash cycle, whereas sprays and wipes are applied to the surface of the washer and the inside of the drum. Washing machine cleaners are formulated for both internal or surface cleaning.

The following list of washing machine cleaners reduce by means of grime and go away a washer smelling recent.

Finest General: OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters

Best Worth: Lemi Shine Washing Machine Cleaner and Cleansing Wipes

Greatest ECO-Friendly: Eco-Gals Eco Swirlz Washing Machine Cleaner

Best SCENT: Oh Yuk Washing Machine Cleaner For All Washers

Greatest LIQUID: Glisten Washer Magic Machine Cleaner

Best TABLETS: Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner, 6 Tablets

Photo: amazon.com

Types of Washing Machine Cleaners

One of the best washing machine cleaners break down grime without degrading the washer’s rubber and plastic components. Frequent cleansing can boost the effectivity and lifespan of a washer. Most washing machine cleaners work in each high-loading and front-loading machines. Simply ensure that to test if the cleaner is for normal or for high-effectivity (HE) washers.

There are 4 common varieties of washing machine cleaners.

Liquid/Gel

A liquid or gel washing machine cleaner is an easy-to-use choice. Liquid cleaners wash away easily, so customers aren’t left with remnants of the cleaner the following time they do laundry. Most of those cleaners go in the detergent drawer or a washer drum for a hot-water wash cycle. They won’t go away behind gunk or powder residue. Liquid and gel cleaners hit all of the nooks and crannies inside a washer that are exhausting to reach by hand.

Tablets

Washing machine cleaner tablets dissolve all through the cleaning cycle. Their gradual-performing method breaks down robust residue and flushes it away.

They’re super easy to use, too: Just toss them within the empty washer on a sizzling-water cycle. One pouch of tablets can hold months’ value of grime-fighting capacity. There’s additionally less likelihood of spills or messes with tablets. Better of all, tablets are handy to store.

Sprays

Washing machine cleaner sprays are another quick and easy possibility. Most don’t want a wash cycle to do their job, and a few don’t even want wiping or rinsing; just spray it and overlook it.

Since they’re so convenient they’re good for on a regular basis use, and they’re a low-effort method to keep smells and micro organism at bay. Sprays can be utilized within the washer drum and likewise for cleansing machine surfaces, like buttons and rubber door seals, that pods or most liquid cleaners can’t attain.

Wipes

If there’s stubborn buildup that needs scrubbing, reach for wipes, an all-in-one option for cleansing your washing machine.

The very best washing machine cleaner wipes are safe to make use of on all the machine’s surfaces: the washer drum, door, and outer components. There’s no have to run a wash cycle or wipe off the cleaner when you’re finished. They are a good option to keep available for day by day or weekly maintenance.

What to think about When Selecting the most effective Washing Machine Cleaner

The best washing machine cleaner is hard on grime but gentle on washing machine parts. Effective cleaners break down residue and water deposits whereas killing bacteria and mildew. For washers with a stubborn odor, look for a cleaner with an odor-eradicating boost. It removes gunk without damaging door seals and rubber gaskets.

Limescale Cleansing

Arduous water may cause problems in your washing machine. It could cause limescale-a tough coating that sticks to the inside of a washing machine. Limescale deposits are unsightly and in the event that they accumulate in pipes and the washer drum, they can depart a residue on clothes. Limescale buildup can even make appliances less power efficient.

Limescale is tough to remove, but there are washing machine cleaners specially formulated to dissolve it.

Odor Removing

Earlier than you notice dirt or buildup in your washer, you might notice its scent: that funky, wet-socks odor. Freshly cleaned clothes may odor damp and musty, too. It’s an indication your washing machine needs some TLC.

Mold, mildew, and micro organism are the primary causes of washing machine odors. To do away with the odor, you have to get rid of those nasties. One of the best washing machine cleaners just do that.

For washers that have a lingering scent, users might need to do a second cleansing with a washing machine cleaner specially formulated to neutralize odors. Your clothes (and your nose) will thank you.

Bacteria and Mildew Removing

Frequent use and damp situations make the washer a great residence for germs, mildew, mold, and micro organism. To be protected, run a bacteria-removing deep clean every infrequently. Eco-friendly laundry practices like cold water washes don’t effectively kill micro organism.

The next washing machine cleaners prime the record for being easy to use and effective.

OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters

OxiClean’s Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters has the grime-busting energy of the company’s iconic authentic cleaner. It targets odor-inflicting residue, leaving washers hygienic and smelling fresh. It’s a powder that is available in pouches and goes proper into the washer drum, where it works on a scorching-water wash cycle.

This formula works for each commonplace and HE washers. It is protected for septic tanks and doesn’t include phosphates, so it’s kinder to the planet than some other manufacturers.

Kind: Powder

Number of Uses: 4

Scent: Unscented

Execs

– Easy-to-use pouches

– No bleach or phosphate used

– Extremely efficient at eliminating odors

Cons

– Solely four uses per pack

Greatest Worth

Lemi Shine Washing Machine Cleaner and Cleansing Wipes

Lemi Shine Washing Machine Cleaner is a two-in-one package deal that incorporates cleaning powder and wipes so you may clear the internal and outer surfaces of your washing machine. Lemi Shine uses natural citric acid to eat away grime and residue for a powerful clean. It’s bleach-free, phosphate-free, nontoxic, biodegradable, and doesn’t contain artificial fillers or dyes.

This washing machine cleaner has a mild citrus scent, so it’s a very good possibility for those sensitive to robust odors. It’s made for use as soon as a month in all sorts of machines, including prime-loading, entrance-loading, normal, and HE washers.

Type: Powder pouches and wipes

Number of Uses: Eight

Scent: Lemon

Execs

– Biodegradable and natural components

– Appropriate for many washing machines

– Wipes ideal for removing residue

Cons

– Could battle to deal with powerful odors

Greatest Eco-Friendly

Eco-Gals Eco Swirlz Washing Machine Cleaner

Eco-Gals Eco Swirlz Washing Machine Cleaner contains eco-pleasant ingredients but still packs a strong punch. The ingredients are septic safe, is not going to hurt aquatic life, and every tablet is available in biodegradable wrapping.

These tablets work for all washing machines, high and entrance-loading, as well as customary and HE. Throughout a wash cycle, the tablets dissolve right into a cleansing foam that rinses the inside parts of the washer tub and drainage system. It eliminates odor without any sturdy perfumes and fragrances, so it’s good for these sensitive to detergent smells. It’s an environmentally friendly option to keep your washer clean.

Type: Tablets

Number of Makes use of: 24

Scent: Unscented

Pros

– Eco-pleasant ingredients

– Enough tablets for an entire year

– Funds-pleasant

Cons

– Could also be ineffective at cleaning gaskets

Finest Scent

Oh Yuk Washing Machine Cleaner For All Washers

Oh Yuk Washing Machine Cleaner breaks down leftover detergent, dirt, and oils left in a washer and rinses them out, abandoning a pure, fresh-citrus scent. It’s nice for many who do not like overly perfumed cleaning products.

This liquid cleaner can be utilized to wipe the door and different surfaces inside a washer. Oh Yuk is safe for all top-loading, front-loading, standard, and HE washers. Oh Yuk recommends soaking the drum with four ounces of cleaner and 1 gallon of hot water for an hour, then operating the empty washer with scorching water to rinse it.

Kind: Liquid

Number of Uses: Four

Scent: Orange

Professionals

– Leaves a recent citrus scent

– Breaks down dirt with natural components

– Simple to make use of

Cons

– Won’t clean the door seal on entrance-loading machines

Best Liquid

Glisten Washer Magic Machine Cleaner

Glisten Washer Magic Machine Cleaner is formulated to target limescale as well as odor, residue, and germs. The lively ingredient on this highly effective liquid method dissolves cleaning soap scum and mineral deposits, flushing away all of the gross stuff in a washer.

It can be used on a number of surfaces on and inside a washing machine. In addition to cleaning residue in door seals and soap dispenser drawers, customers can clean the washer drum by pouring ½-cup of Glisten Washer Magic into the drum (or detergent dispenser) and working a sizzling water cycle.

This cleaner works without any harsh chemicals and carries the EPA’s (Environmental Safety Company) Safer Alternative label-Safer Selection merchandise contain components thought of higher for human well being and the surroundings. Glisten Washer Magic is protected for all washing machines, including HE washers.

Type: Liquid

Number of Makes use of: 3

Scent: Unscented

Professionals

– No harsh chemicals for a gentle clear

– Also cleans the door seal and drum

– Affordable bottle

Cons

– Might require a number of uses for particularly soiled machines

Best Tablets

Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner, 6 Tablets

Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets dissolve slowly right into a cleansing foam, which scrubs down the inside of a washer. The tablets work on all washers, including prime-loading, entrance-loading, customary, and HE machines.

This product contains six tablets, which supplies 6 months’ value of washing-machine deep cleans. This evenly scented tablet provides an excellent hygienic clear, using grime-busting and limescale-dissolving ingredients to clear odor-causing residue.

This product is superb for getting rid of musty and mildewy smells in a washer and could be very simple to use. Once the cycle ends, merely wipe away any residue. The pill may be dropped straight into the washing machine drum on a scorching cycle.

Kind: Tablets

Variety of Makes use of: 6

Scent: Unscented

Execs

– Sluggish-dissolving pill lasts the complete cycle

– Appropriate for all machine sorts

– Nice for removing foul odors

Cons

– Might battle to tackle mold issues

For an efficient washing machine cleaner, consider our greatest total selection from OxiClean, which is suitable for all sorts of machines and gives an eco-friendly cleansing solution that leaves machines wanting and smelling fresh.

For buyers looking for a number of cleaning strategies in a single package, the Lemi Shine washing machine cleaner and wipes are value a look. Use the pouches for an intensive clean during a wash cycle, and keep the cleanliness topped off utilizing the handy machine wipes.

How We Selected the most effective Washing Machine Cleaners

When gathering our top picks for washing machine cleaners, we took a careful look on the various kinds of cleaning options to provide a variety of options for customers. Depending on what customers are searching for, we made certain that our listing has an choice to suit a variety of preferences. Our checklist of recommendations contains liquids, powders, and wipes, every with their own particular strengths.

For these sensitive to strong chemical smells, we made positive to incorporate a number of picks that are odorless cleaners that merely eliminate dangerous odors and leave behind a clear machine. Alternatively, those who admire a clean fragrance can discover a number of choices too, with lemon, orange, and different contemporary scents out there.

It’s finest to wash a washing machine no less than once a month to keep bacteria and odors away and prevent buildup earlier than it occurs. Here’s learn how to deep clean a washing machine. It’s important to scrub and sanitize all surfaces: the drum, door, rubber gaskets, buttons, and different outer surfaces.

– Detach any removable items, like management knobs and the soap tray, and wash these in hot, soapy water.
FAQs This step usually entails working the washer on a hot-water cycle. Dust and lint collects quickly in the laundry room, and a go with a microfiber cloth can remove it from surfaces. Clean all the nooks and crannies.
– Wipe down the exterior of the washing machine.
– Comply with the washing machine cleaner directions to wash and sanitize the drum.
– Wipe down the door, listening to rubber gaskets and seals.
– When the cleaning is finished, depart the door open so the washer can dry; a damp washer might develop mildew. Some washers have a particular cleansing cycle; use that option when doable. On entrance-loading washing machines, the door gasket is notorious for harboring mold. It’s a good suggestion to prop the door open after each laundry load, too.

Still wondering which washing machine cleaner is best for you or how to use it? Read on for solutions to some frequently asked questions.

Q: How do you deep clear a washing machine?

A very good deep clear entails sanitizing all inside and outer surfaces of your washer. A washing machine cleaner makes this process simple. Simply observe the directions and it will do a lot of the be just right for you.

Q: How usually must you clean a washing machine?

Once a month is best. It’s additionally a good suggestion to scrub your washer if somebody in your household has been sick, or after a very germy load of laundry.

Q: Can vinegar harm a washing machine?

Sure. Vinegar can injury the rubber seals or hoses in some washing machines. It’s best to skip the vinegar for this job and save your self from a probably expensive leak or repair.

Q: Why does my washing machine nonetheless scent after cleansing it?

Check for spots you will have missed, resembling inside the door seal or soap dispenser. Your washer may need another run with a washing machine cleaner to take away any robust leftover residue.