best washing machine cleaner

Your washing machine cleans your clothes — but who's cleaning your washing machine? Over time, soap scum, mineral deposits, and mildew build up inside the drum, gasket, and detergent drawer, causing odors and reducing efficiency. A monthly cleaning routine with the right product keeps your machine performing its best. Here are the top washing machine cleaners available right now.

Quick Answer: Best Washing Machine Cleaners

• Best overall: Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner — the most trusted tablet on the market
• Best for front loaders: OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner — penetrates gasket and drum residue
• Best liquid cleaner: Glisten Washing Machine Cleaner & Freshener — great for hard water
• Best value: Oh Yuk Washing Machine Cleaner — affordable, effective, HE-safe
• Best natural option: Smelly Washer Cleaner — enzyme-based, fragrance-free

Signs Your Washing Machine Needs Cleaning

• Clothes come out with a musty or sour smell
• Visible dark spots on the door gasket (mold)
• The inside of the drum feels slimy or has visible buildup
• The machine itself smells when you open the door
• You've skipped cleaning for more than 2 months

Top 5 Washing Machine Cleaners Reviewed

1. Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner — Best Overall

Affresh is the brand most often recommended by appliance manufacturers including Whirlpool, Maytag, and Samsung. Each tablet is slow-dissolving, which means it gradually releases cleaning agents throughout the full cleaning cycle rather than all at once. It targets limescale, soap scum, and odor-causing residue without leaving a fragrance coating on the drum.

• Pros: Manufacturer-recommended, works in HE top-loaders and front-loaders, no strong scent, reliable results
• Cons: Tablet can leave white residue if machine has very light soiling; subscription packs are best value

Best for: Most households wanting a simple once-a-month maintenance routine.

→ Check current price on Amazon

2. OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner — Best for Front Loaders

Front-load washers are notorious for gasket mold and drum odors due to their sealed door design. OxiClean's washing machine cleaner uses oxygen bleach to penetrate mold spores and break down soap buildup throughout the drum, gasket, and tub. It's odor-free after the cycle and safe for all machine types.

• Pros: Oxygen bleach formula, highly effective on mold, no harsh chemical smell, works on gasket odors
• Cons: Takes longer to work on very severe mold — may need 2 consecutive cycles

Best for: Front-load washer owners dealing with persistent door gasket mold.

→ Check current price on Amazon

3. Glisten Washing Machine Cleaner — Best for Hard Water

Glisten is a liquid cleaner that excels in areas with hard water — high mineral content that causes limescale deposits on heating elements and drum walls, reducing machine efficiency over time. It includes descaling agents specifically targeting calcium and magnesium buildup, alongside deodorizers and surfactants for general residue. Run it monthly in hard water areas.

• Pros: Excellent descaling, liquid format for better distribution, pleasant scent, fast-acting
• Cons: Scent is noticeable; not ideal for very scent-sensitive households

Best for: Households with hard water where mineral buildup is the primary concern.

→ Check current price on Amazon

4. Oh Yuk Washing Machine Cleaner — Best Value

Oh Yuk has built a following in the DIY home maintenance community for delivering strong cleaning performance at a price well below Affresh or OxiClean. It's an HE-safe liquid that you pour directly into the drum. One bottle covers multiple cleaning cycles, making it one of the lowest cost-per-clean options on this list.

• Pros: Very affordable per use, HE-safe, good odor elimination, trusted by HVAC and appliance techs
• Cons: Less effective on severe mold than OxiClean; packaging is functional but not premium

Best for: Budget-conscious households that clean their machine regularly and want the lowest cost per cycle.

→ Check current price on Amazon

5. Smelly Washer Cleaner — Best Natural Option

Smelly Washer uses a plant-based enzyme formula instead of bleach or synthetic detergents. Enzymes break down organic matter (soap scum, mildew, skin cells) at a biological level, which makes this particularly good for machines that have developed a chronic musty smell. Fragrance-free and safe for sensitive households.

• Pros: Enzyme-based, fragrance-free, non-toxic, safe for septic systems
• Cons: Takes more cycles for severe buildup; pricier than chemical alternatives per use

Best for: Eco-conscious households or anyone sensitive to chemical fragrances.

→ Check current price on Amazon

Comparison Table

Product	Format	Best For	HE Safe	Price Range
Affresh	Tablet	General maintenance	✅	$$
OxiClean	Powder/Tablet	Front-loader mold	✅	$$
Glisten	Liquid	Hard water scaling	✅	$$
Oh Yuk	Liquid	Budget / regular use	✅	$
Smelly Washer	Liquid	Eco / enzyme-based	✅	$$

How to Clean Your Washing Machine Step by Step

1. Remove any clothes from the machine — run the cleaning cycle empty
2. Place tablet in the drum (not the dispenser) or add liquid per product instructions
3. Select the "Clean Washer" cycle, or the hottest/longest available cycle
4. While the machine runs, wipe down the door gasket and seal with a damp cloth dipped in diluted white vinegar
5. After the cycle, wipe the drum interior with a dry cloth and leave the door open to air dry
6. Repeat monthly (or every 30 loads) for best results

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean my washing machine?

Once a month is the general recommendation for regularly used machines. If you do more than 5 loads per week, or if your machine has a persistent odor, clean it every 2–3 weeks.

Can I use vinegar instead of a washing machine cleaner?

White vinegar is a decent DIY descaler and deodorizer, but it doesn't match the effectiveness of dedicated tablets for soap scum or mold. It can also degrade rubber seals over time with frequent use. A dedicated cleaner is safer for the machine long-term.

Why does my front-load washer smell even after cleaning?

The most likely culprit is the rubber door gasket — it traps water, lint, and soap scum. After every wash, wipe the gasket dry and leave the door open for 30 minutes. Run a second cleaning cycle with OxiClean or Affresh if the smell persists.

Is it safe to use bleach to clean a washing machine?

Yes, in moderation. Add 1 cup of bleach directly to the drum and run a hot cycle. Don't mix bleach with vinegar or other cleaners. Bleach is effective on mold but can be harsh on rubber parts over time — dedicated cleaners are safer for regular maintenance.

Bottom Line

Affresh is the default recommendation for most households — it's manufacturer-approved, consistent, and easy to use monthly. If you have a front-loader with a gasket smell issue, start with OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner for a stronger first treatment. Hard water areas should keep Glisten on hand for its descaling action. Any of these used consistently will extend your machine's life and keep clothes smelling clean.

→ Browse top washing machine cleaners on Amazon

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