Key Takeaways
- Lemi Shine Washing Machine Cleaner is the best overall choice, known for its effective odor removal and performance restoration. Other top options include Active Washing Machine Cleaner for eco-friendly tablets and Plink Washer Cleaner for versatility in both washers and dishwashers.
- Washing machine cleaners come in various forms, including tablets, liquids, powders, and wipes. Each type has its pros and cons, such as ease of use or the need for manual cleaning.
- When selecting a cleaner, consider factors like your washer type (top or front loader), ingredients (preferably eco-friendly), fragrance, and the quantity of cleaner provided to ensure the best results for your machine.
Washing Machine Cleaner Reviews
Before our experts launch into detailed reviews of the top washing machine cleaners, it’s worth comparing relevant features at a glance below:
Compare Washing Machine Cleaners
| Product | Quantity | Scent | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
Lemi Shine Washing Machine CleanerCheck Price | Eight packets and wipes | Lemon | Washing machine |
Active Washing Machine CleanerCheck Price | 24 tablets | None | Washing machine |
Plink Washer CleanerCheck Price | Four tablets | None | Washing machine and dishwasher |
Eco-Gals Washing Machine CleanerCheck Price | 24 tablets | Fresh scent | Washing machine |
Renuv Washing Machine CleanerCheck Price | Six tablets | None | Washing machine |
Best Overall
Lemi Shine Washing Machine Cleaner
Good for: Homeowners looking for a versatile cleaner that both deodorizes and restores washer performance.
The Lemi Shine washing machine cleaner has a two-step process. First, you pour the packet of powder into the machine before running a normal cycle with hot water. Then, you wipe any remaining grime with the included wipe. Its biodegradable formula uses citric acid to eliminate odors and break down grime.
Pros and Cons of Lemi Shine Washing Machine Cleaner
- Is made with powerful citric acid
- Has a bleach-, ammonia-, and formaldehyde-free formula
- Is certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Requires some scrubbing and elbow grease when using the wipes
- Doesn’t work on black mold, according to some customers
What People Are Saying About The Lemi Shine Washing Machine Cleaner
Though it included more steps than other washing machine cleaners, customers said that the Lemi Shine 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.
Best Cleaning Tablets
Active Washing Machine Cleaner
Good for: Customers seeking an eco-friendly cleaning tablets that come in a large quantity.
These high-efficiency tablets from Active clean, refresh, protect, and deodorize your washing machine twice a month. Your purchase includes 24 tablets and a reminder calendar to help you maintain a clean machine for one year.
Pros and Cons of Active Washing Machine Cleaner
- Uses lab-tested ingredients
- Is safe for septic systems
- Comes with a domestic-based customer service team
- Can require up to two tablets per month for a thorough clean
- Can occasionally leave behind residue
What People Are Saying About The Active Washing Machine Cleaner
Customers love Active’s 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.
Best For Dishwashers & Washing Machines
Plink Washer Cleaner
Good for: Homeowners looking for a cleaner that can work well in both a washing machine and a dishwasher.
Pros and Cons of Plink Washer Cleaner
- Has a refreshing lemon scent
- Doesn’t include phosphates or bleach
- Works on plumbing and septic systems
- Comes with minimal tablets
- There are some customer complaints about the tablets arriving crushed
What People Are Saying About The Plink Washer Cleaner
Customers appreciate the Plink Washing Machine Cleaner’s versatility and effectiveness. Most reviewers state 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.
Best Smelling Cleaner
Eco-Gals Washing Machine Cleaner
Good for: People in the market for environmentally friendly tablet cleaners that deliver a fresh scent and excellent performance.
Eco-Gals Washing Machine Cleaner tablets have eco-friendly scrubbing and foaming properties to deep clean your washing machine. They reach the innermost parts of your machine’s tub and drainage system to provide a thorough clean and ensure a smooth operation. They also leave behind a fresh scent that’s reminiscent of clean laundry.
Pros and Cons of Eco-Gals Washing Machine Cleaner
- Is compatible with all washer types
- Includes a 60-day guarantee
- Comes with a year supply of tablets
- Uses plastic packaging for each tablet
- Uses dye on the top half of the tablets that could transfer to the machine and stain your clothes
What People Are Saying About The Eco-Gals Washing Machine Cleaner
Customers are pleased with the performance and how easy-to-use Eco-Gals Eco Swirlz are. Most reviewers agree that it removes unpleasant odors. Those who were dissatisfied with their purchase said that it didn’t provide a long-lasting clean, and others did not like the scent.
Renuv Washing Machine Cleaner
Renuv Washing Machine Cleaner
Good for: Customers looking for a heavy-duty, yet eco-friendly washing machine cleaner that can work to eliminate caked-on residue.
Pros and Cons of Renuv Washing Machine Cleaner
- Works in all washing machine models, including front loaders and top loaders
- Features a 90-day satisfaction guarantee
- Doesn’t use dyes, so it won’t stain your clothes
- Doesn’t have a scent to cover up unpleasant odors
- May need multiple tablets to fully clean
What People Are Saying About The Renuv Washing Machine Cleaner
Customers praised the Renuv washing machine 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 washing machine 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.
What You Should Know About Washing Machine Cleaners
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.
Types of Washing Machine Cleaners
Most washing machine cleaners come in the form of tablets. However, you can also find wipe, liquid, and powder cleaners. Below are the different types of washing machine cleaners:
- 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.
- Liquids and powders: Liquids and powders work like tablets, cleaning your machine during a cycle.
- Wipes: 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.
Washing Machine Cleaner Ingredients
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 washing machine cleaner that uses eco-friendly ingredients and that’s free of bleach, ammonia, formaldehyde, quat, and phosphate.
Typical Quantity For Washing Machine Cleaners
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.
Our Conclusion
The best cleaner for your washing machine may come down to personal preference. While some cleaners are more effective than others, the manner you want to go about cleaning your washing machine matters. Due to this, we recommended a range of different washing machine cleaners for a variety of preferences.
Washing Machine Cleaner FAQs
Below are some frequently asked questions about washing machine cleaners:
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.
Our Methodology
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content. Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, including power tools, outdoor equipment, major appliances, kitchen gadgets, electronics, and more that focus on product quality and helpfulness to our readers.
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of garbage disposals with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we compared each model’s feature set to create a final shortlist, selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.