The Best Washing Machine Cleaners

When it comes to household chores, keeping your clothes clean and smelling fresh is probably one of your top priorities. But sometimes, when clothes come out smelling less than their best, there's an underlying culprit: mold and mildew in your washing machine. Go straight to the source and eliminate odors fast with our favorite effective washing machine cleaners. Try them for yourself to see the amazing results.

Affresh W10501250 Washing Machine Cleaner, 6 Tablets

Not a Germ In Sight

This cleaner removes residue and grime for a sparkly clean result.
Best Overall

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Designed to clean and freshen, this foaming tablet dissolves in your washing machine drum to leave it spotless and residue-free. Safe for all washer components, this cleaner is designed to penetrate and dissolve even the toughest stuck-on residue. Simply add the tablet to your washing machine and run it on your regular wash cycle to help break down build-up. Designed for both front-load and top-load washing machines, the cleaner should be used once a month to keep things fresh and odor-free.

Pros:

  • The cleaner can be used on most washing machine styles to deliver freshness and eliminate residue
  • The package comes with 6 tablets that have a 2-year shelf life so they last
  • The tablet dissolves slowly throughout the wash cycle to thoroughly clean the entire machine

Cons:

  • The product is scented, which may not be well-suited for some people
  • The cleaner helps with upkeep, but won’t eliminate extensive mold or mildew

OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters, 4 Count

Stop the Stink

Kick residue to the curb with this oncee-per-month product.
Runner Up

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Made to remove odors caused by residue, using this cleaner once per month will keep your washing machine like new. The powerful cleaner won’t harm your septic tank and can be used with both standard and HE washing machines for even more versatility. It even cleans the seal for an unbeatable approach to at-home cleaning.

Pros:

  • The product can be used for regular cleans or deep-cleaning so you can adjust to whatever your washer needs
  • The cleaner can be used for both standard and HE washing machines
  • The powerful cleaner will eliminate the order caused by water and mildew to leave your washer smelling fresh

Cons:

  • The HE and standard washing machines have different directions, so be sure to follow the correct ones for your machine
  • The product is scented, and may not suit every taste

Eco-Gals Eco Swirlz Washing Machine Cleaner, 24 Count

All Year Round

This 24-pack will deliver a fresh washing machine for 12 full months.
Best Bulk Buy

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This foaming washer product will make you wonder why you didn’t buy it sooner. The fresh and clean tablet is made to protect the environment while also eliminating odor and mildew in your front or top-loading washing machine. The HE-washer-friendly tablet is free of overpowering fragrances to give you that subtle and fresh scent you’re looking for. Whether you have lingering odors you’re trying to get rid of or need a refresh after a particularly dirty load, this product is up for the challenge. Plus, with 24 tablets included, you’ll get an entire year’s supply with one purchase, so you won’t have to constantly worry about stocking up on refills.

Pros:

  • The eco-friendly tablets don’t leave any residue or marks on your washing machine, so you can use it right after cleaning
  • The product doesn’t have an overpowering scent or perfume, so your washing machine just smells clean and fresh
  • The 24-pack has all the tablets you need for an entire year of cleaning

Cons:

  • You must use two tablets for every cleaning cycle instead of just one
  • For extra potent odors, it may take a few cycles to be effective

Washing Machine Cleaner by Tide

Clean and Tide-y

This effective cleaner will leave your washing machine like new.
Best Single Use

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Designed to penetrate and lift away the residue and gunk in your washing machine, these packets will leave your machine clean and fresh. The small-but-mighty individual packets work on both standard and high-efficiency machines, so you can get yours clean no matter the style. The powerful formula will get out even the deepest residue for a washing machine that’s sparkling clean. Kick mold and mildew to the curb in an instant and keep your washer clean with monthly cycles using this effective product.

Pros:

  • The product is powerful and effective at combating mildew and residue build-up in HE and standard washing machines
  • The individual, single-use packets are easy to store and have on-hand
  • The powder goes straight into the drum for a quick and effective cleaning method

Cons:

  • The cleaner has a powerful smell that some people may not like
  • You need to use the product monthly to keep up with the cleanliness

Bayes Washing Machine Cleaner & Deodorizer

Mold, Mold, Go Away

Ditch mold and mildew with this effective, all-in-one product.
Best Spray

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This eco-responsible product will clean and deodorize your washing machine in record time. Made with powerful enzymes to destroy residue and mildew, this spray will eliminate that stale and unpleasant smell that is all too common in both top- and front-loading washing machines. Instead of dealing with clothes that don’t smell fresh, simply spray this product into your laundry drum after each load, and over time, you’ll get that fresh and pleasant smell you’ve been after. Made from non-toxic and biodegradable ingredients that won’t stain or mark your clothes, this spray will become your new at-home cleaning secret weapon.

Pros:

  • The spray is non-toxic, biodegradable, recyclable, and in a non-aerosol bottle, making it great for the environment
  • The enzymes in the spray will eliminate odor-producing organisms and residue to leave a fresh and pleasant smell in its wake

Cons:

  • Instead of once per month like many cleaners, this spray should be used after each cycle
  • You must wait 30 minutes after using the spray to do a load of laundry

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do you put washing machine cleaner?

How you load your washing machine cleaner depends on the product itself. Some are applied directly in the drum, while others are put into the detergent dispenser. Consult the instructions for your specific cleaner to ensure you are using it correctly.

How do you deep clean your washing machine?

To keep you washing machine smelling fresh and free of mold and mildew, you should deep clean it at least once per month. Using a washing machine cleaner makes the process simpler and less labor-intensive, but you can also clean it yourself with a mixture of baking soda, vinegar, and a little elbow grease.

How often should you clean your washing machine?

To maintain your washing machine, you should deep clean it with a washing machine cleaner at least once per month. To get your machine to a clean starting point, you may have to run a few cycles the first time it is cleaned.