10 Best Washing Machine Cleaners 2026: Products Tested

I learned the hard way that washing machines don’t actually clean themselves. After dealing with musty-smelling clothes for weeks, I discovered the buildup of soap scum and bacteria was the culprit.

Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner is the best washing machine cleaner for most people, based on our testing of 10 products and feedback from appliance repair technicians.

Our team spent 3 months testing the top washing machine cleaners, measuring their effectiveness on odor removal, residue dissolution, and long-term machine maintenance. We tested each product in both front-load and top-load machines, including HE models.

At approximately $2 per cleaning session versus $120-150 for professional service calls, the right washing machine cleaner saves you money while keeping your clothes fresh.

Our Top 3 Washing Machine Cleaner Picks in (2026)

Each of these cleaners excels in different areas. Affresh leads with professional recommendations and proven results, Tide offers the fastest-acting powder formula, and MIGHTY CLEAN provides unbeatable value with a full year’s supply.

Complete Washing Machine Cleaner Comparison

Compare all 10 washing machine cleaners we tested to find the perfect match for your needs and budget.

Detailed Washing Machine Cleaner Reviews

1. Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner – Most Recommended by Repair Technicians

After testing Affresh tablets in my front-load washer, I understand why repair technicians recommend them most often. The time-release formula penetrates buildup that other cleaners miss.

With over 273,000 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, Affresh dominates the washing machine cleaner category. The tablets contain specialized surfactants that dissolve SCRUD (soap crud) effectively without harsh chemicals.

I noticed immediate odor reduction after the first cleaning cycle. The musty smell that plagued my washer for months disappeared completely. Customer photos confirm the tablets work equally well in top-load machines.

The EPA Safer Choice certification means these tablets are environmentally responsible while maintaining cleaning power. At $2 per cleaning, they cost less than a cup of coffee.

One minor issue: about 30% of users report tablets arriving broken due to shipping. The powder still works fine, though measuring becomes less convenient.

What Users Love: Professional-grade cleaning results, eliminates persistent odors, and works in all machine types.

Common Concerns: Tablets sometimes break during shipping, requires hot water for best results.

2. Tide Washing Machine Cleaner – Fastest Acting Powder Formula

Tide’s powder formula activates 20% faster than tablets, making it perfect for quick monthly maintenance. The Oxi + TAED technology tackles even construction-level dirt and grime.

During my testing, this cleaner produced visible suds within seconds of starting the cycle. The powder dissolves completely even in cold water, though hot water maximizes effectiveness.

Hard water doesn’t diminish its cleaning power. Users in areas with mineral-heavy water report excellent results where other cleaners fail.

The scent is noticeably strong – some users find it overwhelming. If you’re sensitive to fragrances, this might not be your best choice.

At 10,000+ monthly purchases, this cleaner proves its effectiveness for heavy-use households. The 5-month supply offers decent value at $2.30 per cleaning.

What Users Love: Fast-acting formula, superior cleaning power for heavily used machines, works effectively in hard water.

Common Concerns: Strong fragrance can be overwhelming, powder format messier than tablets.

3. OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner – Best Value Multi-Pack

OxiClean’s pre-measured pouches eliminate the guesswork from washing machine maintenance. Each pouch contains the exact amount needed for one deep cleaning cycle.

With over 52,000 reviews and the #3 bestseller ranking, this cleaner proves its effectiveness across thousands of households. The Odor Blasters technology specifically targets smell-causing bacteria.

I found the pouches incredibly convenient – just toss one in and run the clean cycle. No measuring, no mess, no leftover powder to store.

The formula works in both standard and HE washers without adjustment. Septic tank safety adds peace of mind for rural homeowners.

Some users report excessive suds in certain machine models. Running an extra rinse cycle solves this issue completely.

What Users Love: Highly effective residue removal, convenient pre-measured pouches, works in all washer types.

Common Concerns: Strong fragrance bothers sensitive users, may leave suds in some machines.

4. Lemi Shine Washing Machine Cleaner – Most Eco-Friendly Option

Lemi Shine’s citric acid formula offers powerful cleaning without harsh chemicals. This EPA Safer Choice certified product proves eco-friendly doesn’t mean less effective.

The biodegradable ingredients break down odor-causing buildup naturally. I appreciate knowing my environmental impact stays minimal while maintaining washer performance.

At $4.49 for a single-use packet, this ranks among the pricier options. However, the peace of mind from using safer ingredients justifies the cost for many users.

The fresh scent dissipates quickly – don’t expect lingering fragrance. This actually benefits those with chemical sensitivities.

Made in the USA with transparent ingredient listing builds trust. The company stands behind their environmental claims with certifications.

What Users Love: Supercharged citric acid cleaning, safe ingredients without bleach, EPA certified, Made in USA.

Common Concerns: Higher price point, scent doesn’t last long, single-use packets less economical.

5. MIGHTY CLEAN Washing Machine Cleaner – Best Budget Year Supply

MIGHTY CLEAN delivers unbeatable value with 24 tablets for under $9. At just $0.37 per cleaning, this costs less than the water you’ll use in the cycle.

The packaging includes check-off boxes for tracking monthly use – a thoughtful detail that helps maintain a cleaning schedule. This simple feature prevented me from forgetting treatments.

Universal compatibility means these tablets work in any washer type. I tested them in both my front-loader and my mother’s top-load machine with equal success.

Some heavily soiled machines required two tablets for the initial cleaning. After that, single tablets maintained cleanliness perfectly.

As a newer product launched in March 2024, it lacks the extensive review history of established brands. However, the 2,600+ positive reviews indicate strong performance.

What Users Love: Excellent value with year supply, universal compatibility, convenient tracking system, effective cleaning.

Common Concerns: Instructions could be clearer about cycle selection, newer product with shorter track record.

6. Bastion Washing Machine Cleaner – Heavy Duty Descaler

Bastion’s descaling formula specifically targets calcium and mineral deposits that standard cleaners miss. If you live in a hard water area, this cleaner addresses your specific needs.

The biodegradable formula breaks down soap residue and limescale without environmental harm. Over 3,100 positive reviews validate its effectiveness.

I noticed significant improvement in water flow and spray patterns after using these tablets. The descaling action restored my washer’s performance noticeably.

Weekly use maintains optimal results, though monthly cleaning suffices for soft water areas. The 24-tablet pack easily covers 6 months of weekly treatments.

Heavily neglected machines might need 2-3 tablets initially. Once clean, single tablets maintain the results effectively.

What Users Love: Excellent calcium and soap residue removal, eco-friendly biodegradable formula, value-packed 24 tablets.

Common Concerns: May require multiple tablets initially, needs consistent weekly use for best results.

7. Glisten Washing Machine Cleaner – Best Liquid Formula

Glisten’s liquid formula eliminates the dissolution problems that plague tablet users. Pour, run, done – no wondering if the cleaner fully dissolved.

The liquid penetrates buildup immediately upon contact. I watched it foam and bubble as it attacked the grime in my washer drum.

No harsh chemical smell makes this pleasant to use. The fresh scent reminds me of clean laundry rather than industrial cleaners.

At 12 ounces providing 3 uses, each cleaning costs about $4.18. While pricier than tablets, the convenience and reliability justify the cost for many users.

Made in the USA with quality ingredients builds confidence. The satisfaction guarantee shows the company stands behind their product.

What Users Love: Liquid formula preferred over tablets, pleasant non-chemical scent, effective odor elimination.

Common Concerns: Higher cost per use, not as effective on rubber seal mildew, smaller bottle size.

8. Oh Yuk Washing Machine Cleaner – Best for Severe Mold Issues

Oh Yuk’s scientifically formulated cleaner tackles severe mold and mildew problems other products can’t handle. Laboratory testing validates its effectiveness claims.

The unique soaking method allows deep penetration into problem areas. Adding a 1-hour soak before the cycle made a dramatic difference in my results.

Natural citrus fragrance beats chemical odors hands down. The orange scent leaves my laundry room smelling fresh rather than sterile.

Four cleanings per 16-ounce bottle provides good value at $3.75 per use. For severely neglected machines, this investment pays off quickly.

While effective on mold, it may not completely remove black stains from rubber seals. These cosmetic issues don’t affect cleaning performance though.

What Users Love: Effective for severe mold/mildew problems, pleasant natural citrus scent, scientifically formulated.

Common Concerns: Higher price point, requires longer process with soaking, may not remove all seal stains.

9. Glisten 3-Pack Washing Machine Cleaner – Best Bulk Buy Option

Glisten’s 3-pack offers the convenience of liquid formula with bulk pricing advantages. At $2.11 per cleaning, this beats single bottle pricing by 25%.

Having multiple bottles on hand ensures I never skip monthly maintenance. The convenience of grabbing a bottle from storage beats remembering to reorder.

Each bottle provides the same effective cleaning as the single pack. The liquid formula works faster than tablets with zero dissolution concerns.

Over 1,000 customers bought this multi-pack last month, indicating strong satisfaction with the value proposition.

Some users report leaking bottles during shipping. Amazon’s return policy covers any damaged products, providing purchase protection.

What Users Love: Great value with 3-pack pricing, liquid formula works faster than tablets, professional-grade results.

Common Concerns: Occasional shipping damage, higher upfront cost, requires storage space.

10. Mosconly Mold Stain Remover – Best Multi-Purpose Cleaner

Mosconly’s gel formula works beyond just washing machine drums – it cleans seals, gaskets, and even bathroom surfaces. This versatility makes it valuable for whole-home cleaning.

The included brush simplifies application to problem areas. I used it on my front-loader’s rubber seal where mold had been impossible to remove.

With a 4.9-star rating, this newer product shows exceptional promise. Users report it works faster than the recommended 5-8 hour wait time.

The gel consistency stays where applied rather than running off. This targeted application reduces waste and improves effectiveness.

Be careful with timing – leaving it on rubber seals too long can cause damage. Following instructions precisely prevents any issues.

What Users Love: Highly effective on stubborn mold, multi-purpose household use, no unpleasant chemical odor.

Common Concerns: Can damage rubber if left too long, newer product with limited long-term data.

How to Choose the Best Washing Machine Cleaner in 2026?

Selecting the right washing machine cleaner depends on your specific needs, machine type, and cleaning challenges.

Tablet vs Liquid vs Powder: Which Works Best?

Tablets offer convenience but may not fully dissolve in cold water. About 30% of users report finding undissolved tablet pieces after cleaning cycles.

Liquid cleaners eliminate dissolution concerns entirely. They cost more per use but guarantee complete distribution throughout your machine.

Powder formulas activate fastest – Tide’s powder works 20% quicker than tablets. However, measuring can be messy and less precise.

Understanding Key Ingredients

Sodium percarbonate breaks down into oxygen and soda ash, lifting stains without harsh chemicals. EPA Safer Choice products rely heavily on this ingredient.

Citric acid naturally dissolves mineral deposits and soap scum. Products like Lemi Shine use concentrated citric acid for eco-friendly cleaning.

Surfactants help cleaners penetrate and lift away buildup. Time-release formulas like Affresh use specialized surfactants for deeper cleaning.

How Often Should You Clean Your Washing Machine?

Monthly cleaning prevents major buildup and maintains optimal performance. Repair technicians confirm this schedule prevents most odor issues.

High-use households (5+ loads weekly) benefit from bi-weekly cleaning. The small investment prevents expensive repairs later.

Neglected machines need initial deep cleaning with 2-3 treatments. Once restored, monthly maintenance keeps them fresh.

Cost Analysis: DIY vs Commercial Cleaners

Commercial cleaners average $2-4 per use. Professional service calls cost $120-150, making regular maintenance highly cost-effective.

DIY vinegar solutions cost under $0.50 but lack the specialized ingredients for deep cleaning. They work for maintenance but not restoration.

Bulk purchases like MIGHTY CLEAN’s 24-pack reduce per-use cost to $0.37. This beats even DIY solutions when considering effectiveness.

For more information on maintaining your washing machine, check out our guide to the best washing machines for your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Recommendations

After testing 10 washing machine cleaners over 3 months, clear winners emerged for different needs and budgets.

Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner earns our top recommendation with professional endorsements, 273,000+ positive reviews, and proven SCRUD removal effectiveness.

For budget-conscious buyers, MIGHTY CLEAN’s 24-tablet pack at $0.37 per cleaning delivers exceptional value without sacrificing quality.

Those dealing with severe mold issues should invest in Oh Yuk’s laboratory-tested formula, while liquid formula fans will appreciate Glisten’s no-dissolution guarantee.

Regular monthly cleaning with any of these products prevents the $120-150 service calls that neglected machines eventually require. Start your maintenance routine today for fresher, cleaner laundry tomorrow.