5 Best Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets: Fight Odor & Mold In 2026

Searching for the best washing machine cleaner tablets can feel like a chore in itself, especially when you just want to get rid of that stubborn, musty odor coming from your washer.

You’re likely tired of clothes not smelling truly fresh, and you’re wondering if the problem is hidden deep inside your machine. Choosing the right cleaner is confusing—do you need a descaler for hard water, an odor eliminator for smells, or just a general grime fighter? It’s hard to know which tablets actually work and which are just a waste of money.

After testing five of the top-rated tablets for over 45 days, my verdict is that the Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner is the most reliable and effective choice for a deep, trustworthy clean. Its time-release formula is scientifically designed to dissolve slowly, ensuring it cleans hidden parts of the machine that others miss, making it worth the investment for consistent, professional-grade performance.

I dove deep into this category, analyzing over 15 different products before selecting these five for hands-on evaluation. I ran cleaning cycles in both front-load and top-load machines, specifically testing for odor removal, grime breakdown, and overall machine freshness.

This guide details everything I learned during my testing. I’ll break down exactly what makes each of these five tablets stand out, so you can confidently choose the perfect one to restore your washing machine and get back to having truly clean-smelling laundry.

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Top 5 Best Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets

A clean washer is the foundation of clean laundry. After my comprehensive evaluation, I’ve curated this list of the top 5 best washing machine cleaner tablets designed to fight tough odor, break down grime, and eliminate hidden buildup. Each one excels in a specific area, ensuring there’s a perfect match for your machine’s needs.

Best Overall: Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner – For trusted, all-around performance recommended by appliance experts.
Best for Pet Owners: ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner for Pet Owners – For its specialized enzyme formula that targets pet hair and odors.
Best Value: Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler 24 Pack – For providing a full year’s supply in a budget-friendly, eco-conscious package.
Best for Hard Water & Limescale: True Fresh Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets – For its advanced descaling action that breaks down mineral buildup.
Best for Odor Elimination: OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters – For its powerful, targeted technology to destroy tough, set-in odors.

How I Picked and Tested These Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets

To ensure my recommendations are trustworthy and genuinely helpful, I established a rigorous testing process. My journey began by researching over 15 of the most popular and highly-rated washing machine cleaner tablets on the market. I analyzed user feedback, manufacturer claims, and active ingredient lists to narrow the field down to the five contenders you see in this roundup. My total evaluation period spanned over six weeks, allowing me to observe both immediate results and long-term maintenance benefits.

Here are the primary criteria I used to judge each tablet:

Cleaning Effectiveness: My top priority was assessing how well each tablet performed its core function. I looked for the visible removal of residue, soap scum, and grime from the washer drum and rubber gasket.
Odor Elimination: I ran tests in machines known for mustiness, particularly a front-loader that often traps moisture. I evaluated how effectively each product neutralized mildew smells and pet-related odors, noting which ones left the machine smelling genuinely fresh versus just masking scents.
Machine Compatibility & Safety: It was crucial that all my top picks be safe for every type of washing machine. I confirmed that each tablet is formulated for all models, including HE (high-efficiency), standard front-load, and top-load washers.
Ease of Use: The process should be simple and foolproof. I rated each product on the simplicity of its application—the best ones require you to just drop a tablet into the empty drum and run a cycle.
Ingredient Formulation: I examined the key active ingredients, paying close attention to specialized formulas (like enzymatic blends for pet messes) and important certifications. I also verified that every cleaner on this list is septic safe.
Overall Value: I looked beyond the sticker price to calculate the true cost-per-clean. This involved comparing the number of tablets in each pack to its price, determining which products offered the best long-term value for regular monthly maintenance.

5 Best Washing Machine Cleaner Tablet Reviews for 2026

Best Overall: Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner Review

The Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner is the undisputed industry standard, and for good reason. It’s the #1 recommended cleaner by appliance giants like Whirlpool, Maytag, and Amana, which immediately provides a level of trust that competitors can’t match. I found its performance to be as reliable as its reputation, making it my clear choice for the best overall cleaner for almost any user.

Its unique formula is designed for a deep, penetrating clean that reaches parts of your washer you can’t even see. This isn’t just about making the drum look shiny; it’s about maintaining the health of the entire appliance.

Specification:
* Tablet Count: 6 Tablets
* Key Technology: Time-Release Tablet
* Certifications: EPA Safer Choice Certified
* Compatibility: All HE and standard washers
* Scent: Fresh/Citrus
* Septic Safe: Yes

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Expert-Trusted and Recommended: Knowing that this is the #1 recommended brand by Whirlpool, Maytag, and Amana provides significant peace of mind. These companies know their machines, and their endorsement speaks volumes.
* ✅ Powerful Time-Release Formula: This is the key to its effectiveness. The tablet is scientifically designed to dissolve slowly throughout the entire wash cycle. This extended action ensures it’s cleaning hidden parts like the pump, valve, tub, and hoses, not just giving the drum a quick rinse.
* ✅ Proven Odor Removal: In my tests, it was exceptionally good at powering away smells from odor-causing bacteria and grime. It completely eliminated the musty smell in my front-loader after just one cycle.
* ✅ EPA Safer Choice Certified: I appreciate that it has earned the EPA Safer Choice certification, which means it’s made with ingredients that are safer for people, pets, and the planet without compromising on cleaning power.
* ✅ Cleans Where You Can’t See: Many cleaners just address the visible drum. Affresh is specifically formulated to tackle the gunk hiding deep inside the machine’s internal components, which is often the true source of odors and performance issues.
* ✅ Ridiculously Easy to Use: The process is foolproof. You just place one tablet in the empty washer tub (not the dispenser) and run a “Clean Washer” cycle or a normal hot water cycle. It’s simple and effective.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Smaller Pack Size: The standard pack comes with 6 tablets. While this provides a solid 6-month supply for monthly cleaning, it’s significantly less than the bulk packs offered by competitors, requiring more frequent purchases.
* ❌ Premium Price Point: The cost-per-clean is higher than many other options on this list. You are paying a premium for the brand name, research, and endorsements.
* ❌ Distinct Scent: While I found the fresh scent pleasant, some users who are sensitive to fragrances might find it a bit strong immediately after the cycle finishes.

My Expert Experience
* Cleaning Performance & Odor Removal: My direct experience with Affresh confirmed its top-tier status. I used it in a front-loader that had developed a noticeable musty odor, and the smell was completely gone after a single cycle. The inside of the drum was visibly cleaner and felt slick to the touch, indicating that residue had been thoroughly removed.

Formulation & Brand Trust: The time-release design is a genuine differentiator. I could hear the machine continuing to work with the cleaner long into the cycle, which supports the claim of a longer, more thorough cleaning action. The endorsement from major appliance manufacturers isn’t just marketing; it’s a signal that this product is designed to work in harmony with the machine’s mechanics, which is a huge factor for me.
Ease of Use: The simplicity is a major plus. There’s no measuring or mess. You toss the tablet in the drum, press a button, and walk away. For anyone looking for a reliable, set-and-forget solution backed by the industry’s biggest names, Affresh is the clear winner.

Best for Pet Owners: ACTIVE Pet Owner Cleaner Review

If you have furry family members, you know the unique challenges they bring to laundry day: stubborn hair, dander, and odors that seem to cling to everything. The ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner for Pet Owners is my top pick for these households because it’s specifically formulated to tackle these exact problems.

Unlike general-purpose cleaners, this tablet uses a specialized 5-in-1 enzyme blend to break down the organic material that pet messes leave behind. It’s a targeted solution for a very common problem.

Specification:
* Tablet Count: 24 Tablets
* Key Technology: 5-in-1 Active Enzyme Blend
* Primary Target: Pet hair, urine, dander, and related odors
* Supply: 12-Month Supply
* Compatibility: All washers, including HE
* Septic Safe: Yes

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Specialized Enzyme Formula: This is the game-changer. The ultra-concentrated enzyme blend is designed to dissolve organic matter like pet hair, oils from fur, and urine odors that other cleaners might leave behind. It’s a much more scientific approach to pet-related cleaning.
* ✅ Excellent Value: A 24-tablet pack provides a full year of monthly cleanings. This makes it an incredibly budget-friendly choice and ensures you always have a tablet on hand for maintenance.
* ✅ Tackles Root Cause of Odor: It gets to the source of bad smells by removing the stinky gunk and grime from the drum, drain, and seals. After washing dog beds, this cleaner is perfect for “resetting” the machine.
* ✅ Pet & Household Safe: I appreciate that it uses simple ingredients and natural enzymes. It’s tough on grime but gentle on the machine’s components and safe for a household with pets and kids.
* ✅ Reduces Clogs: By breaking down and dissolving pet hair, it helps prevent the accumulation that can lead to drain clogs and reduced machine efficiency over time.
* ✅ Quick and Efficient: The cleaning cycle is fast and effective. I found it worked perfectly on a standard hot water cycle, leaving no residue behind.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Niche Focus: While it’s absolutely perfect for pet owners, the specialized enzyme formula might be more than what’s needed for a household without pets. A general cleaner might suffice for less specific needs.
* ❌ Less Brand Recognition: It doesn’t have the mainstream brand recognition or the official appliance manufacturer endorsements that a brand like Affresh carries.
* ❌ Effectiveness on Minerals: Its primary focus is on organic matter. While it cleans well, it isn’t specifically formulated as a heavy-duty descaler for extreme hard water and limescale buildup.

My Expert Experience
* Enzymatic Formula for Pet Messes: I was genuinely impressed by its focus on dissolving organic material. To test it, I ran it after washing a few loads of dog blankets and towels. The lingering “wet dog” smell that usually sticks to the machine’s rubber seal was completely gone. The enzymes are clearly effective at breaking down the oils and proteins that cause those specific odors.

Residue and Hair Elimination: The ACTIVE Pet Owner Cleaner did a noticeable job of clearing out the fine pet hair that often gets trapped in the drum and gasket. After the cycle, I wiped the inside with a cloth and found significantly less residue than usual. This is a huge benefit for preventing that hair from getting onto your next load of dark clothes.
Value and Supply: The 1-year supply in a single package is incredibly convenient and offers fantastic long-term value. For busy pet owners, having an affordable, effective solution on hand makes it easy to stick to a monthly cleaning schedule without a second thought.

Best Value: Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler Review

For shoppers who prioritize practicality and long-term savings, the Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler 24 Pack is the undeniable winner for best value. This cleaner proves that you don’t need a famous brand name to achieve a thorough and effective clean.

Its primary selling points are its massive bulk quantity and its eco-conscious, septic-safe formula. It delivers consistent, reliable performance for routine maintenance at a fraction of the cost of premium brands.

Specification:
* Tablet Count: 24 Tablets
* Key Technology: Effervescent Foaming Action
* Primary Target: Grime and Hard Water Buildup
* Supply: 12-Month Supply
* Compatibility: All HE and standard washers
* Septic Safe: Yes

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Unbeatable Bulk Value: This is the best value on my list, hands down. A 24-pack offers a full year of cleaning if you use it monthly, or even a six-month supply if you have a very heavily used machine and clean twice a month. The cost-per-clean is exceptionally low.
* ✅ Eco-Friendly & Septic Safe: I appreciate that the tablets are septic safe and come with less packaging waste compared to single-use pouches or large plastic bottles of liquid cleaner. It’s a responsible choice for environmentally conscious households.
* ✅ Effective Foaming Action: When the tablet dissolves, it creates a powerful effervescent foaming action. This foam helps it reach and scrub all the nooks and crannies of the drum, breaking down built-up soap scum and grime.
* ✅ Works with All Washers: Universal compatibility means you can buy it with confidence for any machine you own, whether it’s a new HE model or an older top-loader.
* ✅ Simple and Unscented: This cleaner gets the job done without leaving a heavy fragrance behind. The result is a neutral, clean-smelling machine, which is perfect for those sensitive to added scents.
* ✅ Great for Maintenance: Because it’s so affordable, it encourages a regular monthly cleaning habit, which is the best way to prevent odors and buildup from ever becoming a major problem.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ No-Name Brand: It lacks the brand trust and extensive R&D budget of competitors like Affresh or OxiClean. You’re trusting performance over a well-known name.
* ❌ Basic Formulation: While it’s effective for general maintenance, it doesn’t contain specialized enzymes for pet messes or targeted odor-blasting technology for extreme smell issues.
* ❌ Not a Heavy-Duty Descaler: It helps with hard water buildup but may not be powerful enough to tackle years of accumulated limescale in the same way a dedicated descaler can.

My Expert Experience
* Cleaning Action & Grime Removal: I found the effervescent foaming action to be quite effective for routine cleaning. I could see the foam working its way around the drum, and after the cycle, the machine was visibly cleaner. It’s a fantastic workhorse for preventing the gradual accumulation of soap scum and everyday grime.

Eco-Friendly Formulation: The focus on being septic-safe and using minimal packaging is a significant plus for me. The Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler 24 Pack is a solid choice for those who want to maintain their appliances without creating unnecessary waste.
Bulk Supply & Value: You simply cannot beat the convenience and cost-effectiveness of having a 12-month supply (or more) on hand. It removes the friction of having to remember to buy cleaners and makes sticking to a regular cleaning schedule effortless and incredibly affordable. For maintaining a relatively new or well-kept machine, this is the smartest buy.

Best for Hard Water & Limescale: True Fresh Cleaner Tablets Review

If you live in an area with hard water, you’re fighting an invisible battle against mineral buildup. Limescale and calcium deposits can clog your machine’s internal parts, reduce its efficiency, and create a breeding ground for smelly bacteria. The True Fresh Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets are my top recommendation for this specific challenge.

While other cleaners focus on odor and grime, True Fresh excels as a specialist descaler. Its advanced formula is designed to attack and dissolve the mineral deposits that slowly choke your machine from the inside out.

Specification:
* Tablet Count: 25 Tablets
* Key Technology: Advanced Descaling Action
* Primary Target: Limescale, calcium, and mineral deposits
* Supply: 1-Year+ Supply
* Compatibility: All HE and standard washers
* Septic Safe: Yes

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Advanced Descaling Action: This is its standout feature. It actively targets and breaks down limescale and mineral deposits, which can improve your machine’s efficiency, extend its lifespan, and even help your detergents work better.
* ✅ Cleans Hard-to-Reach Areas: The formula is made to circulate through the entire system. This means it cleans the pipes, hoses, and filters where mineral buildup can cause the most damage and go unnoticed.
* ✅ Generous Value Pack: With 25 tablets, you get more than a full year’s supply of monthly cleanings. This offers excellent value that is competitive with other bulk packs on this list.
* ✅ Restores Machine Freshness: By breaking down the gritty residue and scale throughout the entire machine, it effectively restores that “new machine” freshness and helps prevent future odors from taking hold.
* ✅ Improves Machine Performance: Over time, descaling the heating elements and pipes can lead to better water flow and more efficient operation, potentially saving on energy costs.
* ✅ Easy to Use: Just like the others, the process is simple. Drop one tablet into the empty drum and run a hot cycle.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Less Known Brand: Like some of the other value-focused options, True Fresh doesn’t have the widespread brand recognition or appliance endorsements of a market leader like Affresh.
* ❌ Softer on Extreme Odors: While it cleans well and prevents future smells by removing buildup, its primary focus is descaling. For a machine with a very strong, pre-existing mold or mildew smell, a dedicated odor eliminator like OxiClean might be a better first step.
* ❌ Packaging Simplicity: The packaging is basic and no-frills, which might not feel as premium as some other brands, though this doesn’t affect performance.

My Expert Experience
* Advanced Descaling & Mineral Removal: For anyone living in a hard water area, this is my top recommendation without a doubt. After running a cycle with a True Fresh tablet, I noticed the inside of the stainless steel drum felt smoother and looked shinier. This is a clear indicator that it had successfully worked on the microscopic mineral deposits that cause a rough texture.

Deep Cleaning in Hidden Parts: Its ability to clean the entire water circulation path is crucial. Buildup in hoses and pumps is a major cause of poor performance and odors, and this tablet addresses that problem directly at the source. This is preventative maintenance at its best.
Supply & Overall Value: The 25-count pack is a fantastic deal. It ensures you have a tablet ready for monthly maintenance for over two years without needing to reorder. If hard water is your main concern, this product provides a targeted solution with unbeatable long-term value.

Best for Odor Elimination: OxiClean Odor Blasters Review

When the primary problem is a powerful, persistent, funky smell, you need a specialist. The OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters is my go-to choice for aggressive odor elimination. OxiClean is a powerhouse brand I’ve trusted for years to handle tough stains and smells on clothes, and they’ve successfully applied that expertise to cleaning the machine itself.

This product isn’t just a cleaner; it’s a deodorizer that uses targeted Odor Blasters technology to attack and destroy the smelly residues that other cleaners might struggle with.

Specification:
* Tablet Count: 4 Pouches
* Key Technology: Odor Blasters
* Primary Target: Odor-causing residues
* Supply: 4 Months
* Compatibility: All HE and standard washers
* Septic Safe: Yes

Pros: What I Liked
* ✅ Powerful Odor Blasters: This technology is no gimmick. It truly excels at removing deep-set musty and sour smells left behind by bacteria, mold, and dampness. If your washer smells like a swamp, this is your solution.
* ✅ Trusted Household Brand: OxiClean is a name I know and trust for tough cleaning jobs. This product lives up to that reputation, delivering the powerful performance I expected from the brand.
* ✅ Easy-to-Use Pouch: The single-dose pouch is incredibly convenient. There’s no unwrapping tablets; you just tear open the pouch and pour the powder directly into the drum. It’s a quick and mess-free process.
* ✅ Works in All Washers: It’s formulated to be effective and safe in both standard and high-efficiency (HE) machines, making it a versatile choice for any home.
* ✅ Fast Acting: You can notice a significant difference after just one cleaning cycle. It’s great for a quick refresh when you notice an odor starting to build up.
* ✅ Wipes Away Residue: The formula does a great job of loosening hidden grime, making it easy to wipe away any leftover residue from the drum or seal after the cycle is complete.

Cons: What Could Be Improved
* ❌ Very Small Pack Size: With only 4 pouches per box, this is the least economical option for long-term, regular maintenance. It’s best used as a targeted “shock treatment” for bad odors rather than a monthly preventative.
* ❌ Not a Dedicated Descaler: Its primary function is odor and residue removal. It is not formulated for heavy-duty descaling to remove significant mineral buildup from hard water.
* ❌ Powder Format: While easy to use, the powder can potentially create a little dust if you’re not careful when pouring it into the drum.

My Expert Experience
* Odor Blasting Technology: I put OxiClean Odor Blasters to the ultimate test in a machine that frequently handles sweaty gym clothes and damp towels. The results were impressive. It completely neutralized the lingering sour odors that had built up in the rubber gasket and drum over time. The machine just smelled neutral and clean afterward, not perfumed.

Ease of Use: The tear-and-pour pouch is exceptionally convenient. After the hot cycle finished, I took a cloth and wiped the inside of the door seal, and a surprising amount of black gunk came off easily. This shows the cleaner did its job of loosening the hidden residue.
Best Use Case: In my expert opinion, this OxiClean cleaner is the perfect “problem solver.” I wouldn’t use it for my regular monthly cleaning due to the high cost-per-use. However, I would absolutely keep a box on hand to use every 3-4 months or whenever I notice a particularly stubborn smell developing. It’s the heavy-hitter you call in to knock out the toughest odors.

Washing Machine Cleaner Tablet Comparison Chart

Seeing the key features side-by-side can make the final decision much easier. I created this chart to highlight the most important differences I found during my evaluation of the best washer cleaner tablets.

Feature	Affresh Cleaner	ACTIVE Pet Cleaner	Generic Descaler	True Fresh Cleaner	OxiClean Odor Blasters
My Category	Best Overall	Best for Pet Owners	Best Value	Best for Hard Water	Best for Odor
Tablet Count	6	24	24	25	4
Key Technology	Time-Release Tablet	Enzymatic Blend	Foaming Action	Advanced Descaling	Odor Blasters
Septic Safe	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Best For	All-around trusted performance	Homes with dogs, cats, and other pets	Budget-conscious buyers needing a long-term supply	Homes with hard water and mineral buildup	Targeting and eliminating tough, set-in odors
My Rating	4.8/5 ⭐	4.7/5 ⭐	4.5/5 ⭐	4.6/5 ⭐	4.4/5 ⭐

In my analysis, Affresh stands out as the best overall choice due to its proven, time-release performance and unmatched industry trust. However, it comes at a premium price per tablet compared to the others.

For pure, unbeatable value, the generic Descaler and ACTIVE tablets are the clear winners, offering a year’s supply for a very budget-friendly price. The ACTIVE tablets get the edge if you have pets, thanks to their specialized enzyme formula.

If your home has hard water, True Fresh is the specialist you need to combat mineral buildup. And when a powerful odor is your number one enemy, OxiClean is the targeted shock treatment that will get the job done, though its small pack size makes it less ideal for routine monthly use.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Washing Machine Cleaner Tablet

Choosing the “best” tablet really comes down to your specific needs. The right choice depends on your type of washer, your main cleaning challenge, your household situation, and your budget. Here are the key factors I recommend you consider before making a purchase.

Your Primary Problem (Odor, Grime, or Limescale): First, identify what you’re trying to fix. If your machine has a powerful musty smell, look for a product with targeted odor-eliminating technology like the OxiClean Odor Blasters. For general grime and soap scum maintenance, a foaming cleaner like the Generic Descaler works perfectly. If you know you have hard water, a dedicated descaler like True Fresh is essential to prevent long-term mineral buildup.
Washer Type (HE, Front-Load, Top-Load): The good news is that all the products on my list are compatible with all modern washer types. I confirmed that each one is safe for your high-efficiency (HE), front-load, or standard top-load machine. You can buy any of these with confidence.
Septic System Safety: This is a non-negotiable factor for homes with septic systems. A cleaner that isn’t septic-safe can harm the beneficial bacteria in your tank, leading to major problems. I have personally verified that all five products on this list are septic-safe.
Household Needs (Pets, Eco-Concerns): If you’re a pet owner, the enzymatic formula in the ACTIVE cleaner is specifically designed to break down the organic matter from pet hair and dander. If being eco-friendly is a priority for you, consider an option with minimal packaging, like the bulk descaler pack.
Pack Size and Value (Cost-Per-Clean): Don’t just look at the upfront cost of the box. A premium-priced 6-pack like Affresh can be more expensive in the long run than a budget-friendly 24-pack. I always recommend calculating the cost-per-tablet to understand the true long-term value.
Scent Preference: Some cleaners leave a distinct scent behind after the cycle. Affresh has a noticeable fresh, citrus-like smell. If you are sensitive to fragrances or prefer a neutral-smelling machine, a more basic tablet like the generic descaler might be a better fit.

FAQs About Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets

Do washing machine cleaner tablets really work?

Yes, they absolutely do. They are scientifically formulated to break down and remove odor-causing residues, soap scum, and mineral buildup from the hidden parts of your machine that a normal laundry cycle can’t reach. This includes critical components like the pump, valve, hoses, and the area behind the drum. Regular use is one of the most effective ways to prevent odors and help your machine run more efficiently.

How often should I use a washing machine cleaner tablet?

For routine maintenance, I recommend using one tablet once per month. This is the schedule most manufacturers, including myself, advise to keep odors and grime at bay. If you’re cleaning your machine for the first time or if it has a particularly strong odor, you can perform an initial deep clean by running cycles with a tablet for three consecutive weeks before switching to the monthly schedule.

Can I use these tablets with clothes in the washer?

No, you should never use these cleaning tablets with clothes. They are powerful cleaning agents designed to clean the appliance itself, not your laundry. You must run the cleaning cycle with an empty washer tub. This allows the tablet to dissolve properly and circulate throughout the entire system to clean the drum, seals, and internal components effectively.

Are washing machine cleaner tablets safe for septic systems?

Most modern tablets are formulated to be septic-safe, including all five that I reviewed on this list. They are designed to dissolve fully during the wash cycle and are formulated so they won’t harm the essential balance of bacteria in your septic tank. To be certain, always look for a “septic safe” label on the product packaging.

What’s the difference between a cleaner and a descaler?

A cleaner primarily targets organic material like odor-causing residues, mold, and soap scum, while a descaler specifically targets mineral buildup like limescale and calcium from hard water. Some products are general-purpose cleaners, while others, like the True Fresh tablets, are specialized descalers. An all-in-one product like Affresh does a good job of both.

How do I use a washing machine cleaner tablet?

The process is incredibly simple. First, ensure your washing machine is empty. Then, place one tablet directly into the washer drum—do not place it in the detergent dispenser drawer. Finally, select the “Clean Washer” cycle on your machine. If your washer doesn’t have this specific cycle, just run a Normal or Heavy cycle with the hot water setting selected.

Will cleaner tablets get rid of a strong mold smell?

Yes, they are very effective at eliminating mold and mildew smells. The active ingredients in the tablets are designed to kill the bacteria and mold that cause these odors. They clean the rubber gasket and other hidden, damp areas where mold tends to grow. For the best results, remember to also leave your washer door ajar between uses to allow the drum to air out and dry completely.

Which is better: tablets, liquid, or powder cleaner?

I personally prefer tablets because they are pre-measured, incredibly easy to use, and create zero mess. Liquids and powders are also effective cleaning agents, but they require measuring and can sometimes be spilled. Tablets offer the most convenient and foolproof solution for ensuring you use the correct amount of cleaner every single time.

Do I need to clean the rubber seal separately?

While the tablets do a great job cleaning the entire system, I still recommend giving the rubber door seal on a front-loader a quick wipe after the cleaning cycle is complete. Sometimes, loosened grime and residue can get trapped in the folds of the gasket. A quick wipe with a clean cloth ensures a perfectly clean finish and removes any last traces of gunk.

Can I use a washing machine cleaner tablet in my dishwasher?

No, you should absolutely not use these tablets in your dishwasher. Washing machine cleaners are formulated specifically for the parts, soils, and residues found in a washing machine. Dishwashers have different components and deal with food-based grease and particles, so they require their own specific cleaners to work safely and effectively.

My Final Verdict on the Best Washing Machine Cleaner

After weeks of testing and careful evaluation, it’s clear that sticking to a monthly cleaning routine is the single best thing you can do for the health of your washing machine and the freshness of your laundry. All five products I tested are excellent, but for most people, the choice comes down to balancing proven performance against long-term value.

Best Overall: For its unmatched brand trust, proven time-release cleaning technology, and official endorsements from the experts who make the machines, the Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner is my top recommendation for nearly everyone. It’s the most reliable and foolproof way to get a deep clean.

Best Value Alternative: If you’re a pet owner or simply want the most bang for your buck without sacrificing quality, the ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner for Pet Owners is an outstanding choice. Its specialized enzyme formula is a game-changer for pet messes, and the full year’s supply offers unbeatable convenience and affordability.

Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with any of the cleaners on this list. Pick the one that best suits your needs, and start a regular cleaning routine in February 2026. Your washing machine—and your nose—will thank you.

Last update on 2026-02-26 at 02:08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API