Best Washing Machine Cleaner for Your Most Used Appliance

(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for Storables.com, at no extra cost. Learn more)

The washing machine is one of the most commonly used home appliances. It gives homeowners the liberty of not having to handwash clothes and other stuff that requires much-needed cleaning. But even the most powerful machines can also use tender loving care.

This article will share the best washing machine cleaner to help clean it effectively. Plus, some products that are worth trying before your laundry day.

Benefits of Using the Best Washing Machine Cleaner

Isn’t it ironic how washing machines can clean all your dirty laundry but can’t clean themselves? A common myth that most people believe is that washing machines can handle all the cleaning independently. But just because they’re filled with water and soap doesn’t mean that they won’t have any grime, grease, detergent, and scale buildup. Even though running the washing machine on self-clean every month can help, homeowners should assess the situation better.

Regular cleaning of your washing machine ensures that your clothes, bedsheets, and everything inside come out spotlessly cleansed. Buying the best washing machine tub cleaner also saves you money from repairs or, worse, from purchasing a new one. Basically, it helps keeps this busy machine running well for years.

Washer cleaners are very easy to use. Just pop them inside the washing machine and run a normal cycle without any clothes. You can also use hot water to dissolve grime and limescale faster. So, if your washing machine already smells funky, is a little grubby, and desperately needs a deep clean, you’ll benefit from reading some of the options below.

Types of Best Washing Machine Cleaners

It can be hard to answer what is the best washing machine cleaner on the market. But this section distinguishes each type of washer cleaner to help you weigh your options better.

Liquid/Gel

The most common washing machine cleaners sold in the market are in liquid form. They’re easier to measure than powders and can be used as a spot treatment for a thorough cleaning. Plus, liquid or gel cleaners wash away easily and you won’t be left with any powder residue.

Simply put the liquid or gel in the detergent drawer or directly on the washer drum. Be sure to use a hot-water wash cycle for maximum effect.

Tablet

Tablets are another fan favorite. Aside from being convenient to store, they come pre-measured. Hence, this lessens the risk of spills and clutter.

Unlike liquid washer cleaners, gels dissolve gradually, hampering their full power. Nevertheless, they’re pretty easy to use. You only need to toss a tablet or two in the empty washer and let the machine run on a hot-water cycle.

Wipes

If running an empty washing machine with just detergent and water won’t budge stubborn buildup, it’s time to use some wipes. This type of washing machine cleaner works best when scrubbing and wiping areas within reach that require more effort than just soaking it with soapy water. Wipes are fantastic to have in your pantry room when stubborn buildup arises.

Sprays

Sprays may not be common, but they are great washer cleaners for quick and easy remedies. You won’t have to crouch down and wipe the insides of your washing machine to clean or descale it. Just spray away to have a spotless appliance!

Another advantage of using spray washer cleaners is that you can also use them to freshen up your laundry room. This keeps any musty smells and bacteria at bay. While at it, you can also use the spray to clean knobs, buttons, and other surfaces for a polished look.

Things to Consider When Buying the Best Washing Machine Cleaner

Bacteria, Mold, and Mildew Removal

With a laundry room’s damp conditions, even the latest washing machine model is not safe from disease-causing germs. So, you should look for the best washing machine cleaner for bacteria, mold, and mildew.

To hit the trifecta, look for washer cleaners that have antifungal and antibacterial properties. You can also choose those with eco-friendly ingredients such as vinegar or hydrogen peroxide.

Odor Removal

Bacteria, mold, and mildew are the leading causes of odor. Even if you have removed these three from your washing machine, they can still leave an unpleasant stench. Luckily, there are washer cleaners with deodorizers that help absorb and neutralize offensive odors. You also have the option to choose a scented cleaner to keep your washing machine and laundry room smelling fresh and fragrant.

Limescale Removal

Using hard water can sabotage your laundry and your washing machine. It’s rich in minerals that can group together and solidify, leading to the accumulation of limescale. Plus, they sit around in pipes, which can disrupt your washer’s cycle and make it less energy efficient.

That is why it’s important to deal with limescale early on with the best washing machine cleaner that removes mineral buildup. This can save your clothes, appliance, and electricity bills in the long run. Best of all, this will lessen the time spent removing lint such as fluff and fibers caught on the scales.

Best Washing Machine Cleaners

1. XROM Natural Washer Cleaner 3 in 1 Formula

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of A.*What does this rating mean?

If your fabrics smell musty after just going through your washer, maybe it’s time to use the best washing machine cleaner. Introducing the XROM Natural Washer Cleaner. It is designed to remove odors, limescale, and detergent buildup on your front or top load washer. Plus, it’s lemon-scented, so you will be welcomed with a citrusy burst of freshness when it’s time for laundry.

2. DEVOG Washing Machine Cleaner

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of A.*What does this rating mean?

Be guaranteed fresh-smelling clothes with the help of the DEVOD Washing Machine Cleaner. It’s an easy-to-use solution that cleans, descales, deodorizes, and optimizes the power of your washing machine. Just add two tablets to your washer bin, run a normal cycle, and let this washer cleaner do the work for you. It’s that easy!

Read more: How To Use Tide Washing Machine Cleaner

3. Bosch 00311925 Washing Machines Cleaner

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of A.*What does this rating mean?

The best washing machine cleaner should be tough on grime and water deposits but gentle on machine parts. Luckily, this washer cleaner from Bosch possesses such qualities. Just dump a box of cleaner into an empty washer and run the hottest and longest cycle for maximum cleaning results. This will leave your washer sparkling fresh and clean with machine parks working good as new.

4. Bayes Washing Machine Cleaner & Deodorizer

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of A.*What does this rating mean?

If your washer has a stubborn odor, look for a cleaner that doesn’t just clean but also has odor-removing properties. Meet the Bayes Washing Machine Cleaner and Deodorizer. It’s an eco-responsible yet effective way to banish stale and musty smells for fresher smelling laundry. This is all possible thanks to its powerful enzymes that break down grime, mold, mildew, and limescale.

5. WASH WIZARD – Washing Machine Cleaner

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of A.*What does this rating mean?

Bacteria, mold, and limescale can wreak havoc on the insides of your machine. But thanks to this washing machine cleaner from WASH WIZARD, you could have optimal results, specifically a trail of fresh and clean smell to your laundry. Since it’s a tablet, it dissolves slowly, ensuring that it will last throughout the entire wash cycle. Plus, it breaks up residue better than bleach and is safe to use in all kinds of washers.

6. DOKIKO Washing Machine Deep Cleaner Tablets

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of A.*What does this rating mean?

A weekly deep clean with this washer cleaner tablet can prolong the life of your washer in just an hour. Manufactured by DOKIKO, these deep cleaner tablets can clean the machine and the drainage system of your washer. That’s why it is on our list of the best top load washing machine cleaner on the market.

Read more: How To Use Active Washing Machine Cleaner

7. OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of A.*What does this rating mean?

If you’re looking for the best washing machine cleaner for your front loader, you should try the OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner. It cuts through mold and grime effortlessly. It’s also infused with odor blasters that’ll leave washers smelling hygienic and fresh. For your peace of mind, this washer cleaner also does not contain phosphates. Hence, it’s safer for your family and the environment.

8. Wash Warrior Washing Machine Cleaner

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of A.*What does this rating mean?

We use mesh bags to safeguard our delicate clothes in the wash; the same goes for using the best washing machine cleaner for your appliance. With triple decontamination performance, use this once a month and worry less about bacteria, mold, and scale. Best of all, it forms a protective film and effectively prevents buildup in the machine’s inner walls.

9. NATRUTH Washing Machine Cleaner Effervescent Tablets With Lavender

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of A.*What does this rating mean?

Continuous protection against dirt and grime is possible thanks to the NATRUTH Washing Machine Cleaner Effervescent Tablets. It’s the best product when your machine needs a solid deep clean in the pump and valve, wash tub, agitator or filter, and drain hose. Plus, it’s lavender scented, so using this will further calm your mind while cleaning.

10. Carbona Washing Machine Cleaner With Active Charcoal

Check Latest Price

This product has a rating of B.*What does this rating mean?

This product has active charcoal that attracts and binds residue, limescale, and dirt for a complete clean. The results can be seen immediately after rinsing, and the scent can last for weeks! Even with its strong cleaning power, it protects and maintains machine parts and rubber seals. Hence, using this machine cleaner won’t ruin the performance of your washer.

Washing machines are great helpers when it comes to household cleaning. So it’s fair to help them clean themselves and leave everything in shining condition. When your machine needs a thorough cleaning, check the best washing machine cleaner on this list to eliminate nasty residue buildup in your washer bin and pipes. It’s one short cycle for long-lasting convenience.

If you love washing machines so much, you must buy a portable washing machine for your next trip! With it, you can enjoy a vacation without needing to handwash clothes.