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Regularly cleaning your washer with a specially-designed cleaner helps ensure that it washes your linens and clothes thoroughly every time, while also preventing mold and mildew buildup and keeping your appliance smelling fresh and clean.
Regardless of whether you use a front-load washer, top-load washer, or compact washer-dryer unit, cleaners are typically inexpensive and usually cost under $20 for a multi-month supply. After examining over 20 of the top washing machine cleaners on the market and reading over 500 customer reviews, our pick for the best washer cleaner overall is the Lemi Shine Washing Machine Cleaner, which comes in individually packaged packets that eliminate odors and help restore washer performance. Read our guide below for more of our top picks.
Compare Top Washing Machine Cleaners
| Product | Quantity | Scent | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lemi Shine Washing Machine Cleaner | Eight packets and wipes | Lemon | Washing machine |
| Active Washing Machine Cleaner | 24 tablets | None | Washing machine |
| Plink Washer and Dishwasher Freshener Cleaner | Four tablets | None | Washing machine and dishwasher |
| Eco-Gals Washing Machine Cleaner | 24 tablets | Fresh scent | Washing machine |
| Renuv Washing Machine Cleaner | Six tablets | None | Washing machine |
| Tide Washer Machine Cleaner with Oxi | Three packets | Fresh scent | Washing machine |
| Oh Yuk Washing Machine Cleaner | One 16-oz. bottle | Citrus scent | Washing machine |
| Product | Quantity | Scent | Usage |
Best Overall
Lemi Shine Washing Machine Cleaner
- $21.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good For: Homeowners looking for a versatile cleaner that both deodorizes and restores washer performance.
What Are People Saying About Lemi Shine Washing Machine Cleaner?
Though it included more steps than other washing machine cleaners, customers said that this product was easy to use and worked effectively on removing tough odors. However, some customers were unhappy with the overwhelming lemon scent that the citric acid cleaning agent left behind, and others felt the product wasn’t packaged well.
“My washer is a front loader that tends to get smelly, and the lip inside the door gets a buildup. Lemi Shine washer cleaner was easy to use. Just toss the packet contents into the washer & run it through a cycle, then wipe the inside & the lip with the wipe. Smells very nice. I plan to use it on a regular basis to keep the washer and my clothes cleaner and smelling better! Excellent product!” — Latte Chatte via Amazon
“I just don’t like the smell. It’s like a chemical lemon smell that smells off when placed in water. The little cleansing wipes have the same awful scent and are not big enough to do much. I will use the rest of what I have, then move on to something else.” — GemRose via Amazon
Best for Organization
Active Washing Machine Cleaner
- $17.95
- $22.49
- 20% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good For: Customers seeking an eco-friendly cleaner that comes in a large quantity.
What Are People Saying About Active Washing Machine Cleaner?
Customers loved these tablets for deep cleaning and noted how long-lasting and effective they were. A common complaint among unsatisfied users was that they didn’t clean heavy residue buildup. However, to remedy this, the company suggested wetting and scrubbing the machine before using a tablet.
“These tablets do a great job cleaning the washing machine. They’re so easy to use. Also, there are plenty of tablets in the package to last awhile. They also have a nice fresh smell and no sticky film.” — Amazon Customer via Amazon
…” It definitely shines the insides up and removes a little odor. But after three straight washes in the washing machine, there is still a fair amount of mold/mildew that I was hoping/expecting it to loosen or remove. I tried after each wash to take a rag and wipe it, but it did not remove.” — Aaron J via Amazon
Most Versatile
Plink Washer and Dishwasher Freshener Cleaner
- $5.5
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good For: Homeowners looking for a cleaner that can work well in both a washing machine and a dishwasher.
What Are People Saying About Plink Washer and Dishwasher Freshener Cleaner?
Customers enjoyed this product’s versatility and effectiveness. Most reviews stated that it effectively removed unpleasant odors from dirty clothes and dishes. However, some customers didn’t like the scent that it replaced these dirty smells with.
“Plink-9024 worked well to clean my front load washer. I just pop one into the washer drum and hit ‘Clean Washer’ cycle. The lemon scent is very refreshing and not overly strong; it provides a fresh smell in the laundry room. There is no visual residue, however, because some reviewers mention having allergic reactions to washer cleaning products, I do run a full wash cycle after cleaning just to be certain that there isn’t any residue on the drum.” — Dogs Rule via Amazon
“I was really hoping for a drastic change in the smell and scum in our washing machine, and this helped a little… but even after using the whole package, it was just a minor improvement. It is an older machine, so maybe just too far gone, but the other reviews of this product made me think it could have a much more drastic improvement.” — Arianna Taggart via Amazon
Best Laundry Scent
Eco-Gals Washing Machine Cleaner
- $14.95
- $17.95
- 17% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good For: People in the market fo environmentally-friendly tablet cleaners that deliver a fresh scent and excellent performance.
What Are People Saying About Eco-Gals Washing Machine Cleaner?
Customers were pleased with the performance and ease of use of this product. Most reviewers agreed that it removed unpleasant odors. Those who were unsatisfied with their purchase said that it didn’t provide a long-lasting clean, and others did not like the scent.
“We have tried many washer cleaners, and this is a good product, especially since it’s natural. We live on a septic system, so we can’t use any chemicals in the plumbing system since chemicals will kill the good bacteria. this product does a great job cleaning the tub without harming the septic system or putting chemicals into the earth.” — Breslin McKenna via Amazon
“I bought this product because it is natural, non-toxic to the environment, and septic safe. I only used one in my HE machine, but it said to use more. I ended up having to run the rinse cycle three to four times to clear the machine. I have used other products, but I didn’t have to continuously rinse the machine afterward. So I’m not sure if that’s how much buildup is in there or if that was from the product itself.” — Molly via Amazon
Largest Tablets
Renuv Washing Machine Cleaner
- $15.99
- $22.99
- 30% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good For: Customers looking for a heavy-duty cleaner that can work to eliminate caked on residue.
What Are People Saying About Renuv Washing Machine Cleaner?
Customers praised this cleaner for having no scent or a hardly noticeable scent that was ideal for those who were sensitive to smells. Others were impressed with this cleaner’s ability to remove tough stains. However, some customers were frustrated that they had to use multiple tablets to get a thorough clean, and some noted it caused their washer to fill up with foam, which led to leaks.
“We have a well, so we have hard water. I have all boys, so we do a lot of laundry. My machine was starting to smell a bit, so I bought some washing machine tabs ( not this brand), and they did not do much. I was reading about these and thought I would give them a try. So glad I did- I could tell instantly after I used one tab. I cleaned a lot of gunk out of my machine. Everything smells better. I have been recommending these to all my co-workers and friends. Great product!” — Kindle Customer via Amazon
“I appreciated the natural aspect of this product, which is why I purchased it. It was simple to throw in the washer and turn on the cycle specifically for cleaning the washer. When I came back towards the cycle end, the whole washer was full of foam, which was seeping out and onto the floor. This has not happened with other cleaners.” — Steve H via Amazon
Buyer’s Guide
Before you decide on a washing machine cleaner, there are several factors you should take into consideration to ensure you’re finding the best product for your needs.
First, take time to consider the type of cleaner and the ingredients used to make sure it’s safe for your clothing. It’s also important to note your type of washing machine, and ensure the cleaner is designed for use on that appliance. For example, some cleaners may only be designed for top-load washers and not front-loaders.
Additionally, you can also examine factors like the fragrance and quantity of the cleaner to help you narrow down your choices. Read our buying guide below for more information on choosing the best washing machine cleaner for your home.
What types of washing machine cleaners are available?
Most washing machine cleaners come in the form of tablets. You can add washing machine cleaner tablets to the machine via a detergent drawer or directly in the washer, and they dissolve in water when you run a regular cycle. However, you can also find wipe, liquid, and powder cleaners. Liquids and powders work like tablets, cleaning your machine during a cycle. With wipes, you have to manually clean the tub, and the cleaner doesn’t get into the tubes and other elements of the drainage system. However, a wipe may be useful along with one of the other cleaners if there’s a certain part that the tablet, liquid, or powder didn’t thoroughly clean.
What ingredients do washing machine cleaners use?
Some washing machine cleaners contain harsh chemicals. Though effective on things like hard water, these ingredients can be harmful to your health and the environment. You may need to use more, but the safest route is to choose a cleaner that uses eco-friendly ingredients and that’s free of bleach, ammonia, formaldehyde, quat, and phosphate.
What do washing machine cleaners smell like?
Some washing machine cleaners use a strong fragrance to mask the odor of dirty laundry or musty mold. If you would prefer a minimal fragrance, be sure to choose a cleaner that’s labeled as unscented. These cleaners eliminate odor instead of mask it.
Do washer cleaners work on all types of washers?
Choose a product that can clean your model and brand of washing machine without damaging it Front-load washers and top-load washers may require different types of cleaners. However, most cleaning products can produce heavy-duty cleans on all types of washing machines.
What is a typical quantity for a washing machine cleaner?
Most washing machine cleaners are sold in a six- or 12-month supply to cut down on how many purchases you have to make and how much money you have to spend per purchase. However, if you’re trying a cleaner for the first time, it may be useful to purchase a smaller amount to test it first and make sure you like it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my washing machine?
Most washing machine manufacturers recommend that you run a cleaning cycle on your machine at least once a month. You can check your appliance’s manual to see if this is accurate for your model.
Can I clean my washing machine with vinegar?
No. Avoid vinegar because it can damage the seals and hoses in your washing machine. This can lead to an expensive visit from a plumber. You can however use baking soda to help eliminate strong odors like soap scum and other gunk from your washer.
Why does my washing machine still smell after I cleaned it?
The cleaner may have missed certain areas of the machine, such as the detergent dispenser. You can clean tough-to-reach areas with a wipe or run another cycle with a tablet, liquid, or powder cleaner.
Why is it important to clean my washing machine?
Cleaning your washing machine removes limescale, bacteria, mold, and mildew and their associated odors. This makes your clothes smell fresh and helps your machine run efficiently.
Why Trust The This Old House Reviews Team
This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. The This Old House Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The This Old House Reviews Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations.
We recommend products in each review using an intensive research process, spending hours combing through the best available models on Amazon. For a product to make our list of top picks, it must hold a solid sales record on Amazon, have consistently positive customer reviews, and offer unique features, among other factors. After narrowing down our list of recommendations, we conduct additional research and sometimes in-person testing to ensure that the products meet our standards. Once we conclude the research phase, we craft a well-rounded, user-friendly article that includes our recommended products and additional information to help homeowners like you make the right purchase.
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