The 11 Best Washing Machine Cleaners

Much like a dishwasher, we tend to think of a washing machine as a self-cleaning appliance that does not require additional cleaning. However, 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, and there is no more convenient way than to use a washing machine cleaner.

“Your washing machine is one of the hardest working appliances in your house,” says Sara San Angelo, professional house cleaner and founder of Confessions of a Cleaning Lady. “Dirt, grime, and mold can accumulate and cause your machine to smell and eventually malfunction, so it’s important to clean your washing machine every so often.”

To find the best washing machine cleaners, we spent hours researching various options and top-rated products while considering factors such as type, ingredients, and machine compatibility. In addition to San Angelo, we also spoke with Jen Stark, a home improvement expert and founder of Happy DIY Home, for insight and tips on how washing machine cleaners work and what to look for when buying one.

 

 

Best Overall Washing Machine Cleaner

 

Tide Washing Machine Cleaner

 

 

 

PHOTO: Amazon

$15 at Amazon


$12 at Target


$12 at Walmart

What Stands Out

• It removes odors and residue from all types of washing machines.

What Could Be Improved

• The fragrance might be too strong for some.

Without proper upkeep and maintenance, a washing machine can hold onto strong odors for months, even years, which can end up penetrating your clothes and linens. The Tide Washing Machine Cleaner is our top pick for fully eliminating these strong smells, along with grime and other buildup.

This powder cleaner has a particularly strong yet clean scent, and it works wonders when it comes to removing mildew, mold, and even the strongest odors from wet pet towels and gym clothes. Best of all, this cleaner works on both high-efficiency (HE) and standard washing machines (top- or front-loading). While the instructions indicate that one pouch every month can clean and freshen your machine, one pouch per week for three consecutive weeks may be necessary for extra strong odors.

Type: Powder | Size: 75 grams per pack | Fragrance: Yes

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  PHOTO: Wade Review / Eric Brockob

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  PHOTO: Wade Review / Eric Brockob

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  PHOTO: Wade Review / Eric Brockob