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- The best washing machine cleaner this year is the Lemi Shine Washing Machine Cleaner, which comes in easy-to-use packets that get rid of odors and improve washer performance.
- Washing machine cleaners typically cost less than $20 for several months’ supply.
- Specially-made cleaners for your washing machine help keep your washer smelling fresh, prevents mold and mildew, and ensures that your clothes come out clean every time.
We reviewed over 20 of the best washing machine cleaners and read hundreds of customer reviews to find the best options. Read on for more of our top picks and tips to keep your washing machine clean and running smoothly.
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 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 Customers Are Saying
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.
“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 Cleaning Tablets
Active Washing Machine Cleaner
- $17.95
- $22.49
- 20% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good For: Customers seeking an eco-friendly cleaning tablets that come in a large quantity.
What Customers Are Saying
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.
“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
Best For Dishwashers & Washing Machines
Plink Washer 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 Customers Are Saying
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.
“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 Smelling Cleaner
Eco-Gals Washing Machine Cleaner
- $14.95
- $17.95
- 17% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good For: People in the market for environmentally friendly tablet cleaners that deliver a fresh scent and excellent performance.
What Customers Are Saying
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.
“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
Best Eco-Friendly Cleaner
Renuv Washing Machine Cleaner
- $15.99
- $22.99
- 30% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Good For: Customers looking for a heavy-duty, yet eco-friendly washing machine cleaner that can work to eliminate caked-on residue.
What Customers Are Saying
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.
“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
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.
What Types of Washing Machine Cleaners are Available?
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.
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.
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.
Questions or Comments?
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.