Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
To clean a top-load washing machine, empty the tub, follow the exact cleaner and cycle instructions in your model’s owner’s manual, run the approved cleaning cycle, wipe away residue, and leave the lid open to dry. A washer-cleaner tablet such as affresh is an optional method when your manual permits it.
What to check before cleaning
- Find the owner’s manual. Cycle names, water-temperature settings, dispenser instructions and approved cleaners vary by model. Whirlpool says alternatives to its tablets may be safe only when the washer’s use-and-care guide does not prohibit them (Whirlpool cleaning guide).
- Remove everything from the tub. Take out clothing, loose lint and visible debris before starting.
- Gather a clean cloth. A microfiber cloth is suitable for wiping residue from accessible surfaces; no special brand is required.
Step-by-step: clean the washer
- Choose the approved method. Use the washer’s Clean Washer, Tub Clean or equivalent cycle if the machine has one. Maytag documents the use of washer-cleaner tablets with a Clean Washer cycle (Maytag product help).
- Add the cleaner exactly as directed. For an affresh tablet, place one tablet directly in the empty tub—not in the detergent dispenser—according to affresh’s instructions (affresh washer-cleaning directions). If your manual specifies another product, amount or location, follow the manual instead.
- Run the complete cycle. Use the cycle and temperature specified by the appliance manual and cleaner directions. Do not add clothing, detergent or another cleaner during this cycle.
- Run an additional rinse or rinse-and-spin only when directed. Whirlpool notes that a rinse-and-spin cycle can help clear excess cleanser after cleaning (Whirlpool cleaning guide).
- Wipe the interior. When the cycle ends, use a clean cloth to remove remaining residue from the tub, lid, rim and other accessible areas. The affresh top-load procedure also recommends wiping residue (affresh top-load guide).
- Air-dry the washer. Leave the lid open after cleaning so moisture can evaporate. Keep the lid open between loads whenever practical.
- Clean removable dispensers. If the washer has detergent or fabric-softener dispensers, remove and clean them according to the manual before replacing them.
Which cleaner should you use?
The washer’s manual is the deciding authority. The sources do not establish independent head-to-head efficacy data, so one method should not be presented as universally superior.
| Method | Use it when | Important qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Washer-cleaner tablet | Your manual permits the product and the washer has the specified cleaning cycle or alternative cycle. | Affresh directs users to put one tablet in the empty tub and run the indicated cycle (affresh directions). |
| Bleach | Only when the model manual specifically allows it and gives the amount and procedure. | Do not assume bleach is safe for every washer or substitute it for the manual’s instructions (Whirlpool top-load use-and-care guide). |
| Vinegar | Only when the model manual explicitly approves it. | Affresh cautions that vinegar or bleach can affect some washer parts over time (affresh maintenance checklist). |
Never mix cleaners. If the manual does not approve a product, use the washer-cleaning method it does specify or contact the manufacturer.
If odor or residue remains
After one cleaning cycle
Wipe the tub and rim again, check the dispensers, and run the extra rinse or rinse-and-spin cycle allowed by the manual. Leave the lid open until the interior is dry.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner, #1 Washing Machine Cleaner Tablet, 6 Count
- NO. 1 WASHING MACHINE CLEANER TABLET*
- TIME-RELEASE DEEP CLEAN. Affresh tablets are scientifically designed to deliver extended cleaning action throughout the wash cycle, helping power away bacteria, grime and soap scum deep inside the washing machine’s pump, drum and filter to help optimize performance.
- STINKY PET ODOR? Affresh washing machine cleaner helps remove residues that can trap odors from pets, sweat and mildew that can transfer onto clothes and sheets.
- ONE TABLET, ONCE A MONTH. Avoid the twice-monthly cleaning cycles of other appliance cleaners and cut your machine cleaning maintenance time in half.
- TRUSTED BY APPLIANCE EXPERTS. Backed by over 100 years of appliance innovation, affresh is the washing machine cleaner brand recommended by Whirlpool, Maytag, and Amana.**
After long neglect or heavy buildup
Affresh says a repeat cleaning may be appropriate when a washer has not been cleaned for more than six months or has excessive odor or residue; in extreme cases, its instructions say up to three consecutive cycles may be needed (affresh washer-cleaning directions). This is brand guidance, not an independent performance study. Use fewer or different cycles if your appliance manual says otherwise.
When the problem continues
Persistent odor, leaks, unusual noise or visible damage requires model-specific troubleshooting or qualified service. Do not remove panels or use stronger chemicals in an attempt to solve an unidentified fault.
Rank #2
Sale
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
- Works With All Washers - Perfect For High Efficiency Or Standard Toploader, Front Loading Compatible With GE, LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, Maytag, Electrolux, Etc. (Not For Dryer)
- Eco-Friendly Tabs - Natural Effervescent Foaming Tablets Are Septic Safe And Made With Less Packaging . Compare To Liquid Descaler And Wipes That Create Unnecessary Waste
- Instant Cleaning Power - Active Self Wash Tablet Cleans So You Don't Have To Brush And Wipe Your Washing Machines. When Exposed To Water, They Break Down Into Deep Scrubbing Powder Cleaners That Breaks Down Grime And Hard Water Build Up
- Bulk 24 Kit - Each Package Includes 1 Year Supply (24 Pods) Vs. Competitor 5 or 6 Tablet Packs Or Liquid Treatments Which Run Out Quickly
- Odor Eliminator- No More Smelly Washer. Descaler Will Freshen Your Laundry Machine Basket, Rubber Gasket, And Internal Parts So Your Clothes Will Come Out Clean And Smelling Fresh.
How often to clean a top-load washer
Affresh’s maintenance checklist recommends a cleaning cycle monthly, or the hottest cycle recommended in the owner’s manual (affresh maintenance checklist). Treat that as brand guidance: your model’s manual may set a different interval. Clean dispensers as needed, wipe visible residue promptly, and leave the lid open after loads to promote drying.
Safety rules
- Follow the exact manual for your model, especially for bleach, vinegar, hot-water settings and alternative cycles.
- Never mix bleach, vinegar, washer cleaner or other chemicals.
- Keep the tub empty during the cleaning cycle.
- Do not exceed the cleaner’s stated amount or run an unapproved cycle.
- Stop and seek manufacturer guidance if the washer leaks, shows an error, or has damaged wiring, seals or components.
Sources and model-specific guidance
For the manufacturer’s procedure, consult your appliance documentation first. Whirlpool’s six-step cleaning guide, its top-loading use-and-care guide, Maytag’s affresh product-help page, and affresh’s top-load instructions provide examples, but only your model manual determines compatibility.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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
- Powerful Cleaning: The Bastion Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets effectively eliminate dirt, grime, and limescale from your washing machine, ensuring a thorough clean every time.
- One-Year Supply: With 24 tablets in each pack, our one-year supply ensures you have enough tablets for bi-monthly use, keeping your washing machine fresh and efficient all year long.
- Easy to Use: Simply drop one tablet into the drum, run a hot cycle without any laundry, and let the tablet dissolve to release a cleansing foam that reaches every corner of your machine.
- Extends Machine Lifespan: Regular use of these cleaner tablets prevents residue buildup, optimizing your washing machine's performance and extending its lifespan.
- Versatile Compatibility: Suitable for all types of washing machines, including front-loading, top-loading, and high-efficiency models. Tested and approved for GE, LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, Maytag, Electrolux machines & More.
Rank #4
Washing Machine Cleaner & Descaler Tablets, HE Washer Deep Cleaning, 24 Ct
- Deep Cleaning Descaler for Every Washer - Powerful foaming tablets penetrate your washer’s drum, tub, gasket, and internal components to break down grime, residue, soap scum, and hard-water buildup that cause odors and reduce performance.
- Easy Drop-In Use — No Measuring or Mess - Simply place one tablet in an empty washer, run a hot or self-clean cycle, and let the active foaming action do the work. Cleans hard-to-reach areas without scrubbing, wiping, or dismantling your machine.
- Compatible With All Washer Types - Safe and effective for HE, front-load, and top-load washing machines. Works with major brands including GE, LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, Maytag, Electrolux, and more.
- Ultimate Deodorizer & Keeps Laundry Fresh - Refreshes your washer by clearing away built-up residues and wash cycle odors, helping your machine stay clean and operate at its best. Supports consistently fresh laundry results with every load.
- 24 Tablets = Full 12-Month Supply - Bulk pack includes 24 easy-use tablets for a complete year of routine washer maintenance. Outperforms smaller 5- or 6-count packs and helps extend the life of your machine.
Rank #3
Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner, #1 Washing Machine Cleaner Tablet, 12 Ct.
- NO. 1 WASHING MACHINE CLEANER TABLET*
- TIME-RELEASE DEEP CLEAN. Affresh tablets are scientifically designed to deliver extended cleaning action throughout the wash cycle, helping power away bacteria, grime and soap scum deep inside the washing machine’s pump, drum and filter to help optimize performance.
- STINKY PET ODOR? Affresh washing machine cleaner helps remove residues that can trap odors from pets, sweat and mildew that can transfer onto clothes and sheets.
- ONE TABLET, ONCE A MONTH. Avoid the twice-monthly cleaning cycles of other appliance cleaners and cut your machine cleaning maintenance time in half.
- TRUSTED BY APPLIANCE EXPERTS. Backed by over 100 years of appliance innovation, affresh is the washing machine cleaner brand recommended by Whirlpool, Maytag, and Amana.**
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
