The Best Washing Machine Cleaners We’ve Ever Tested

Oct 15, 2024

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Keep your machine clean and your laundry fresh.

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Real Simple / Marcus Millán

Much like a dishwasher, we tend to think of a washing machine as a self-cleaning appliance that doesn’t require additional cleaning. In reality, a washing machine should be cleaned monthly to get rid of bacteria and residue so it can continue to leave clothes feeling and smelling fresh.

Regular maintenance and cleaning can extend the life of your washing machine, too, and there is no more convenient way than to use a washing machine cleaner.

To find the best washing machine cleaners, we tested each product in our own homes to see how they performed in real-world scenarios. We noted their cleaning abilities, scents, ease of use, and more to narrow down the very best ones you’ll find on this list.

It’s safe for septic systems and all types of washing machines.

The individual pouches feel wasteful.

The OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner is our top choice for the overall best washing machine cleaner. During our testing, we were impressed with how easy it was to use, how fresh it smelled, and how well this product thoroughly cleaned the machine, even leaving a shine.

We like that it’s septic-safe and can work on all types of machines, HE included, and works best on a normal cycle with hot water. San Angelo also says this is her preferred washing machine cleaner for its affordability, effectiveness, and OxiClean’s trusted reputation.

If your washing machine needs a deep cleaning, you may need one pouch per week for three consecutive weeks; otherwise, one pouch per month will give you the best results.

While we do appreciate the individual pouches for their convenience and pre-measured amount, we did notice that they are more wasteful than washing machine cleaners with eco-friendly packaging. Despite this, we think their overall performance and cleaning power make this the best choice for all washing machines.

Type: Powder | Size: 11.28 ounces for 4 pouches | Fragrance: Fresh

It effectively removes odors, limescale, and detergent buildup.

The wipes may not be strong enough to get rid of mold.

For those with ingredient sensitivities or those who prioritize eco-friendliness, we recommend the Lemi Shine Washing Machine Cleaner. We tested both the powder cleaner and the wipes that are included in the washing machine cleaner kit. We appreciated the bright, retro-inspired packaging, citric acid-based formula (which makes it eco-friendly), and that it’s EPA Safer Choice Certified.

During our testing, we noticed the fresh lemon scent that neutralized odors while the powder itself worked to leave the machine clean and fresh. While the wipes helped remove excess debris from the exterior parts of the machine, they were a bit streaky, and we didn’t think they’d be strong enough to remove mold as the label claimed.

However, we appreciated the overall kit that allowed for a more thorough clean compared to other products. If you’re looking for the best eco-friendly washing machine cleaner and don’t mind that it requires a couple of steps, this is the one for you.

Type: Powder, wipes | Size: 1.76 ounces for one pouch | Fragrance: Lemon

It leaves a fresh scent after every load.

It likely won’t clean certain parts of your washing machine.

It’s more common to find washing machine cleaners in a powder or tablet form, but for those who want to get the product into the hardest-to-reach areas, Bayes Washing Machine Cleaner and Deodorizer spray is the best option.

We like that it’s effective for both conventional and HE machines and that it’s formulated with eco-friendly ingredients such as natural enzymes and essential oils. As a bonus, all Bayes products are made in the U.S. and are Leaping Bunny Certified (meaning they’re cruelty-free).

During our testing, we liked that the spray coated the entire drum (we let it sit for the directed amount of time of 30 minutes), that it could also be sprayed on exterior parts, and that it left a pleasant scent. We also liked that it could be used after every laundry load, making the machine smell clean after every use.

Because it’s a spray, it won’t be able to thoroughly clean certain parts of your washing machine like the pumps and valves. Additionally, it needs to be used after every load for best results, so it may not be the best option for those who prefer a more infrequent cleaning and maintenance. However, it’s still an excellent spray cleaner that works to neutralize strong odors that linger in your machine.

Type: Spray | Size: 24 fluid ounces | Fragrance: Fresh

It descales and eliminates strong odors.

It doesn’t have the most pleasant scent.

Most washing machine cleaners are formulated to only be used on your said appliance. Ahh!some’s Cleaner and Deodorizer, however, is a powerful and effective gel cleaner that can be used on washing machines, dishwashers, and garbage disposals, making it our pick for the best multi-use washing machine cleaner.

We were impressed with how well this gel-like product performed in our testing, leaving the washing machine looking and smelling clean. Each container comes with 12 teaspoons of the gel, which allows for 24 individual cleanings for all types of washing machines and other appliances—that’s about two years’ worth!

We did notice that this cleaner did not have as pleasant of a scent as other products (it has an almond-like fragrance), and we would have appreciated an included scoop to avoid using our own measuring spoons, but we still think this is an effective cleaner for multiple appliances. We especially liked the active oxygen formula that contains bioactive enzymes to break down grime, gunk, and dirt while descaling and eliminating strong odors.

Type: Gel | Size: 2 ounces | Fragrance: Not listed

They make it easy to clean your washing machine quickly.

The individual wrapping seems wasteful, and they’re unscented.

Tablets or pods, whether they’re for your washing machine or dishwasher, are convenient and easy to use especially when you’re in a hurry. If you want to clean your washing machine quickly yet efficiently, we recommend the Active Washing Machine tablets.

We liked that these didn’t leave behind any residue, instead clearing out gunk and strong odors. We also liked how easy they were to use—simply unwrap, toss in the drum, and run on a clean cycle or normal cycle with hot water.

Although we do appreciate the unscented formula, which is a great option for those with sensitivities, we do wish there was a scented version to leave a light fragrance in the washing machine.

It’s also important to note that each tablet is individually wrapped, which can be wasteful if you prioritize plastic-free packaging. Despite these small drawbacks, we think their convenience and overall effectiveness make these a great choice for quickly cleaning your washing machine.

Type: Tablets | Size: 24 tablets | Fragrance: Unscented

It can clean various parts of a washing machine, including hidden parts.

The bottle may leak.

The best liquid washing machine cleaners can reach and clean unseen parts of your washing machine, which is why we like Glisten Washing Machine Cleaner. In our testing, we used it to clean the door, detergent drawers, and the drum (on a normal cycle with hot water), and it can be used to clean the gasket of a front-load washing machine where buildup is more common.

Because it’s a liquid, this cleaner also works to clean the hidden yet essential parts of a washing machine such as drain pipes. We liked that it left the machine smelling and looking clean, albeit without a fragrance, and didn’t leave any residue behind.

It’s important to keep in mind that the bottle may leak if not stored upright. It’s also slightly more expensive per use than other picks on our list, but we still think a liquid washing machine cleaner can be beneficial, depending on preference and lifestyle factors. We also appreciate that it’s formulated without bleach and is EPA Safer Choice Certified.

Type: Liquid | Size: 12 fluid ounces | Fragrance: Unscented

Our top choice for the best washing machine cleaner is OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner With Odor Blasters for its fresh scent, inexpensive price, and overall cleaning power. If you prefer a powder cleaner with eco-friendly ingredients, we recommend Lemi Shine Washing Machine Cleaner.

To find the best washing machine cleaners, we tested 10 washing machine cleaners in our own homes, following the manufacturer's instructions, to see how well each one cleaned the inside of our appliances.

We narrowed it down to six based on quality, special features, likes and dislikes, and whether we would recommend it to someone else. We also considered factors like type, scent, ease of use, and how effectively they removed odors and residue buildup so that our top picks would meet a variety of needs and preferences.

Washing machine cleaners can come in several forms, including powder, tablets, gel, liquid, spray, and wipes. “Since most cleaners are compatible with most washing machines, choosing the type can come down to preference and the heaviness of the odors or messes,” Stark says.

If you’d like to spend more time and attention to detail cleaning the interior and exterior of your machine, wipes or spray may be the best options. For strong odors, gel and powder typically have a more concentrated cleaning power.

Some washing machine cleaners will contain natural, eco-friendly ingredients such as sodium percarbonate, sodium carbonate, and citric acid, while others contain more harsh ingredients such as dyes, synthetic fragrances, and sulfates. Stark recommends taking your allergies and sensitivities into account when choosing a washing machine cleaner to avoid irritation and other effects.

While all the picks on our list are safe to use on both conventional and HE washing machines, it’s important to check the label of your cleaner before purchasing. Some washing machine cleaners may still be safe for all but are most effective on one or the other. For example, liquids or wipes are useful for HE front-loading machines because they can get into hard-to-reach places around the gasket.

Similar to laundry detergents, washing machine cleaners can come in scented or unscented versions. You are more likely to find citrus or fresh scents, which can either be made with synthetic or natural fragrance using essential oils. These extra scents help neutralize strong odors in your washing machine without lingering on your laundry and can also help indicate that your washing machine cleaner was effective.

Unless the label specifies it, washing machine cleaners need to be used in an empty washing machine without any laundry. If your machine does not have a self-clean setting, the general rule is to run a normal cycle with hot water with your washing machine cleaner.

“With regular maintenance, these cleaners will help break down the build-up of detergent, fabric softener, grease, and other residues that can accumulate in your washing machine over time that leave strong odors,” Stark says.

Not cleaning a washing machine is a common mistake most people make, so it’s important to make it part of your cleaning routine to keep your washing machine fresh, clean, and working efficiently.

“The frequency with which you need to use a washing machine cleaner will depend on a number of factors, including the type of washing machine you have, the water hardness in your area, and how often you use your machine,” Stark says. “However, as a general rule of thumb, it is recommended that you use a washing machine cleaner every month or so to help keep your machine in good working order. If you notice any build-up or particularly strong odors, then you may need to increase the frequency with which you use a cleaner.”

Washing machine cleaners are effective at removing the buildup that causes strong odors, so it's essential to follow the instructions on your cleaner's label for best results. If your washing machine is extra smelly, try running two to three consecutive cycles with whatever cleaner you're using.

Thoroughly cleaning the nooks and crannies of your washing machine, like the rubber door, detergent drawer, and edges of the washing machine drum or tub, can also help reduce the overall odors and maintain the lifespan of your machine.

There are several ways your washing machine can become less efficient if you don’t regularly clean it. Hard water, for example, causes buildup, while food or stain residue on laundry traps odors and small debris.

Using a washing machine cleaner can help clear out these problems so your washing machine can work better for longer. Additionally, a cleaner is excellent for neutralizing odors so you can avoid transferring musty and mildewy smells onto your laundry.

This article was written by L. Daniela Alvarez, a contributing writer for Real Simple with three years of experience writing lifestyle content and product reviews. To compile this list, we tried each washing machine cleaner in our own homes to see how well they worked when put to the test in a real-world scenario, basing each product on factors like type, ease of use, cleaning abilities, and more.

We also received tips on how to shop for washing machine cleaners from Sara San Angelo, professional house cleaner and founder of Confessions of a Cleaning Lady, and Jen Stark, home improvement expert and founder of Happy DIY Home.