What is the purpose of a washing machine cleaner?

A washing machine cleaner is used to remove residue, grime, and odors from your washing machine.

How often should I use a washing machine cleaner?

Typically, it's recommended to use a washing machine cleaner once a month.

Can I use any washing machine cleaner for all types of washing machines?

Most washing machine cleaners are designed to be compatible with all types, but always check the product details.

Do washing machine cleaners also clean the drum of the machine?

Yes, washing machine cleaners are designed to clean the entire machine, including the drum.

Can washing machine cleaners get rid of hard water buildup?

Yes, many washing machine cleaners can effectively remove hard water buildup.

April 2, 2026

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10 Best washing machine cleaners of 2026

Save up to 40% off

Best Choice

1

EXCELSIOR (Because You Love It)

Excelsior Pür Ultimate Starter Kit | 7.5X Concentrated Laundry Detergent (79 Loads), Enzyme Stain Remover, Washer Cleaner, Stainless Steel Washer Hoses, Water Leak Detector, Fresh Scent
9.7

Exceptional

Our Rating
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Based on millions of stores and reviews

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Value for Money

2

ACTIVE
Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler 24 Pack - Deep Cleaning Tablets For HE Front Loader & Top Load Washer, Septic Safe Eco-Friendly Deodorizer, Clean Inside Drum and Laundry Tub Seal - 12 Month Supply
Main highlights

Eco-Friendly and Septic Safe
Natural effervescent tablets break down grime without harming septic systems.

Ideal for All Washer Types
Compatible with HE front loaders and top loaders from major brands.

Effective Odor Elimination
Customers praise its ability to remove musty smells from washers.
9.6

Exceptional

Our Rating

9.9
Simple to use

9.7
worth the money

9.1
Aroma
3

OxiClean
OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters, 4 Count

37% Off
Main highlights

Odor and Residue Removal
Effectively removes odor-causing residues, keeping your washing machine fresh and clean.

Versatile Use
Works in all washing machines, ideal for regular maintenance and deep cleaning.

Ease of Use
Praised for its simplicity and effectiveness, requiring minimal effort to maintain machine cleanliness.
Key specs
- Cleaning Action:Odor removal
- Compatibility:All washing machines
- Odor Elimination:Yes
- Tablet Quantity:4-count
- Use Frequency:Once a month
9.4

Excellent

Our Rating

9.7
Simple to use

9.5
Freshness

8.9
worth the money
4

OxiClean
OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters, 4 Count

40% Off
Main highlights

Odor and Residue Removal
Effectively removes odor-causing residues, keeping your washing machine fresh and clean.

Versatile Use
Works in all washing machines, ideal for regular maintenance and deep cleaning.

Ease of Use
Praised for its simplicity and effectiveness, requiring minimal effort to maintain machine cleanliness.
Key specs
- Cleaning Action:Odor removal
- Compatibility:All washing machines
- Odor Elimination:Yes
- Tablet Quantity:4-count
- Use Frequency:Once a month
9.2

Excellent

Our Rating

9.7
Simple to use

9.5
Freshness

8.9
worth the money
5

Affresh
Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner, Helps Power Away Odor Causing Bacteria & Grime Deep Inside Pump, Valve & Hoses, 6 Time Release Tablets, 6 Month Supply
Main highlights

Deep Cleaning Efficiency
Cleans deep inside pump, valve, tub, drum, agitator, filter and hose, removing odor-causing residues and grime.

Versatile Usage
Ideal for monthly maintenance of both front-load and top-load washers, including HE models.

Odor Elimination
Customers praise its effectiveness in eliminating musty odors from washing machines.
Key specs
- Cleaning Action:Removes residues and grime
- Compatibility:Top and front load washers
- Odor Elimination:Yes
- Tablet Quantity:N/A
- Use Frequency:N/A
8.9

Very Good

Our Rating

9.7
Simple to use

9.1
Freshness

8.9
Efficient Energy Use
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6

Affresh
Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner, Helps Power Away Odor Causing Bacteria & Grime Deep Inside Pump, Valve & Hoses, 6 Time Release Tablets, 6 Month Supply
Main highlights

Deep Cleaning Efficiency
Cleans deep inside pump, valve, tub, drum, agitator, filter and hose, removing odor-causing residues and grime.

Versatile Usage
Ideal for monthly maintenance of both front-load and top-load washers, including HE models.

Odor Elimination
Customers praise its effectiveness in eliminating musty odors from washing machines.
Key specs
- Cleaning Action:Removes residues and grime
- Compatibility:Top and front load washers
- Odor Elimination:Yes
- Tablet Quantity:N/A
- Use Frequency:N/A
8.6

Very Good

Our Rating

9.7
Simple to use

9.1
Freshness

8.9
Efficient Energy Use
7

ACTIVE
Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler 24 Pack - Deep Cleaning Tablets For HE Front Loader & Top Load Washer, Septic Safe Eco-Friendly Deodorizer, Clean Inside Drum and Laundry Tub Seal - 12 Month Supply
Main highlights

Eco-Friendly and Septic Safe
Natural effervescent tablets break down grime without harming septic systems.

Ideal for All Washer Types
Compatible with HE front loaders and top loaders from major brands.

Effective Odor Elimination
Customers praise its ability to remove musty smells from washers.
8.5

Good

Our Rating

9.9
Simple to use

9.7
worth the money

9.1
Aroma
8

Bastion
Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets 24 pack Powerful Descaler -Deep Cleaning for HE Front Loader & Top Load Washer Septic Safe Eco-Friendly Deodorizer Clean Drum & Laundry Tub Seal- Year's Supply

10% Off Limited Time Deal
Main highlights

Powerful Descaling and Deodorizing
Cleans washers deeply, keeping them fresh and odor-free.

Ideal for HE and Top Load Washers
Perfect for quick cleaning of both HE and top load machines.

Ease of Use Praised by Customers
Highly rated for simplicity and effectiveness in odor removal.
8.4

Good

Our Rating
9

Bastion
Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets 24 pack Powerful Descaler -Deep Cleaning for HE Front Loader & Top Load Washer Septic Safe Eco-Friendly Deodorizer Clean Drum & Laundry Tub Seal- Year's Supply

19% Off Limited Time Deal
Main highlights

Powerful Descaling and Deodorizing
Cleans washers deeply, keeping them fresh and odor-free.

Ideal for HE and Top Load Washers
Perfect for quick cleaning of both HE and top load machines.

Ease of Use Praised by Customers
Highly rated for simplicity and effectiveness in odor removal.
8.3

Good

Our Rating
10

True Fresh
True Fresh Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets 25 Pack for Front Load, Top Loader & HE Washers, Eliminates Odor, Limescale & Grime, Deep Cleans Inside Drum Pump, Valve & Hoses – Septic Safe, 1-Year Supply

22% Off Limited Time Deal
Main highlights

Universal Compatibility
Designed for all washer types, including top loaders, front loaders, and HE machines.

Efficient Cleaning
Ideal for deep cleaning and maintaining a fresh-smelling washer.

Odor Elimination
Highly praised for removing odors and leaving no chemical smell.
8.2

Good

Our Rating

9.5
Simple to use

9.1
worth the money

8.9
deep clean

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of a washing machine cleaner?
A washing machine cleaner is used to remove residue, grime, and odors from your washing machine.

How often should I use a washing machine cleaner?
Typically, it's recommended to use a washing machine cleaner once a month.

Can I use any washing machine cleaner for all types of washing machines?
Most washing machine cleaners are designed to be compatible with all types, but always check the product details.

Do washing machine cleaners also clean the drum of the machine?
Yes, washing machine cleaners are designed to clean the entire machine, including the drum.

Can washing machine cleaners get rid of hard water buildup?
Yes, many washing machine cleaners can effectively remove hard water buildup.

10 Best washing machine cleaners of 2026

1

Excelsior Pür Ultimate Starter Kit | 7.5X Concentrated Laundry Detergent (79 Loads), Enzyme Stain Remover, Washer Cleaner, Stainless Steel Washer Hoses, Water Leak Detector, Fresh Scent

How do we rank?

How do we rank?

Analyzing top stores

2

Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler 24 Pack - Deep Cleaning Tablets For HE Front Loader & Top Load Washer, Septic Safe Eco-Friendly Deodorizer, Clean Inside Drum and Laundry Tub Seal - 12 Month Supply

9.9

9.7

9.1

3

OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters, 4 Count

9.7

9.5

8.9

4

OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters, 4 Count

9.7

9.5

8.9

5

Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner, Helps Power Away Odor Causing Bacteria & Grime Deep Inside Pump, Valve & Hoses, 6 Time Release Tablets, 6 Month Supply

9.7

9.1

8.9

6

Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner, Helps Power Away Odor Causing Bacteria & Grime Deep Inside Pump, Valve & Hoses, 6 Time Release Tablets, 6 Month Supply

9.7

9.1

8.9

7

Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler 24 Pack - Deep Cleaning Tablets For HE Front Loader & Top Load Washer, Septic Safe Eco-Friendly Deodorizer, Clean Inside Drum and Laundry Tub Seal - 12 Month Supply

9.9

9.7

9.1

8

Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets 24 pack Powerful Descaler -Deep Cleaning for HE Front Loader & Top Load Washer Septic Safe Eco-Friendly Deodorizer Clean Drum & Laundry Tub Seal- Year's Supply

9

Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets 24 pack Powerful Descaler -Deep Cleaning for HE Front Loader & Top Load Washer Septic Safe Eco-Friendly Deodorizer Clean Drum & Laundry Tub Seal- Year's Supply

10

True Fresh Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets 25 Pack for Front Load, Top Loader & HE Washers, Eliminates Odor, Limescale & Grime, Deep Cleans Inside Drum Pump, Valve & Hoses – Septic Safe, 1-Year Supply

9.5

9.1

8.9

Frequently Asked Questions

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