The Top 10 Washing Machine Cleaners To Keep Your Appliance In Good Shape

Have you ever opened up your washing machine only to be hit by a wave of odor? If you've never cleaned your washing machine, strong smells or poor performance are signs that it needs a little TLC. Over time, dirt, lint, and moisture can build up in the pockets and corners of your appliance, creating a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and bacteria. There are plenty of homemade hacks you could try to get your machine looking (and smelling) like new again. On the other hand, you could also simply buy a product that's specifically made to clean this appliance.

A good washing machine cleaner will remove hidden buildup, prevent wear and tear on your appliance, and keep your clothes smelling fresh after you wash them. With a surprising number of options out there, how can you choose which product is right for you? Plenty of cleansers make promises about a deep and odor-free clean, but which products actually have claims that ring true? We've taken it upon ourselves to narrow down the best washing machine cleaners on the market and organize them into categories based on their overall performance. From hypoallergenic cleaners to scent-boosting liquid rinses and eco-friendly tablets, these are the best washing machine cleaners for whatever your needs may be.

Affresh makes a variety of appliance-cleaning products, but their Washing Machine Cleaner tablets are some of the most popular. These tablets are safe for front and top-loading washers and are trusted by several major appliance brands like Whirlpool, Maytag, and Amana. Recommended for use once per month, these tablets are excellent at removing grime and moldy, mildew-like odors. 

Buy a five-count of Affresh's Washing Machine Cleaner tablets at Walmart for about $12.00.

Sometimes cleaning tablets can be tricky to dissolve, and they can also leave residue in the washing machine. If you'd prefer to use a quick-dissolving powder, OxiClean's Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters is an excellent choice. This cleaner is safe for all types of machines and septic tanks, and reviewers say it's incredible at removing even the most horrendous odors that have built up over the years. 

A four-pack of OxiClean's Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters is sold at Target for around $9.

Chemicals don't just disappear when you flush them down the drain; that's why you might prefer to use an eco-friendly product like LANALUX's Deep Cleaning Washing Machine Cleaner. These biodegradable tablets with a natural lavender scent are safe for septic tanks and all types of washing machines. The brand recommends using two tablets once a month. The minimal packaging is also plastic-free so you can reduce your carbon footprint even further.

A 24-pack of LANALUX's Deep Cleaning Washing Machine Cleaner is available on Amazon for about $12.

If your washer has a strong stench, you just purchased it secondhand, or you've never once cleaned it after a decade of use, you may need to deep clean your washing machine with a heavy-duty cleaner. The Heavy Duty Washing Machine Cleaner/Descaler by Renvu is biodegradable but still delivers a thorough clean with extra large foaming tablets that flush out every corner. Plus, it's safe for all types of washing machines and septic tanks, so you can rest assured you're getting a good clean without harming your home or the planet.

Purchase a six-pack of Renuv's Heavy Duty Washing Machine Cleaner/Descaler on Amazon for about $16.

The potential for mold growth is one of the biggest disadvantages of a front-loading washing machine, so it's important to choose washing machine products that aren't just safe for your appliance but also specifically target mold and mildew. This kit comes with a powerful mold removal gel and scrub brush to reach behind rubber gaskets and into neglected corners of your washing machine and effectively remove stubborn mold. 

The HT HOMETINKER mold remover kit, available for $14.00 on Amazon is a must-have product for front-loader machines.