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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsBest overall: OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters. In Real Simple’s reported home testing of 10 products, it stood out for ease of use, fresh scent, thorough cleaning, and shine. The six strongest options differ less by hype than by format: choose an empty-cycle cleaner for internal maintenance and a spray, wipe, or liquid application for surfaces you can reach.
OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters is Real Simple’s Best Overall pick from its reported testing, praised for being simple to use, leaving a fresh scent, cleaning thoroughly, and helping the washer look shiny. That makes it a strong starting point for routine internal washer maintenance—but the right cleaner still depends on your machine’s manual, the surfaces you need to clean, and your fragrance and packaging preferences.
At a glance: the six picks
| Editorial role | Cleaner | Best for | Key limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters | Easy, broadly useful empty-cycle maintenance | Individually portioned pouches create packaging waste; follow the washer manual. |
| Best Tablets | ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner & Descaler | A straightforward, unscented tablet routine | Individually wrapped tablets add waste. |
| Best Eco-Friendly | Lemi Shine Washing Machine Cleaner | Citric-acid and biodegradable positioning, plus accessible-surface wipes | The wipes may streak and should not be assumed to remove mold. |
| Best Spray | Bayes Washing Machine Cleaner and Deodorizer | Drum, exterior, and other reachable areas between deeper cleans | It cannot thoroughly clean concealed parts such as pumps and valves. |
| Best Multi-Use | Ahh-Some Washing Machine/Dishwasher Cleaner and Deodorizer | A measured concentrate for compatible washers, dishwashers, and other listed uses | No scoop is included; each appliance use needs its own label and manual check. |
| Best Liquid | Glisten Washing Machine Cleaner | Applying cleaner to reachable door, drawer, drum, and front-loader gasket areas | The bottle should be stored upright to reduce leakage risk. |
How these cleaners were selected
These recommendations summarize Real Simple’s testing, not independent testing by this site. The publication reports testing 10 washing-machine cleaners in homes according to manufacturer directions, then selecting six based on cleaning ability, scent, ease of use, odor and residue removal, quality, features, and whether testers would recommend the product. Its article was updated April 15, 2026; product labels, formulas, package sizes, availability, and compatibility language can change, so verify the exact product you buy before use.
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Best overall: OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters
Choose OxiClean if you want the least complicated starting point for a routine empty-washer cleaning cycle. Real Simple’s testers highlighted its ease of use, fresh smell, cleaning performance, and the shine it left behind. The manufacturer says it helps remove odor-causing residues in washers and says it will not harm septic tanks.
Those are manufacturer claims, not a blanket compatibility promise. OxiClean also directs users to follow their washer’s cleaning instructions. Remove laundry, use the product as labeled, and select only a cycle your machine manual allows. The powder is sold in individual pouches, which are convenient but were a packaging-waste drawback in Real Simple’s review.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.**
Best tablets: ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner & Descaler
Choose ACTIVE if you prefer a no-measuring tablet and do not want added fragrance. Real Simple reported that the tablet cleared gunk and strong odors without leaving residue. The basic process is direct: start with an empty washer, unwrap one tablet, place it in the drum—not the dispenser—and run the machine’s Clean Washer cycle or an allowed hot normal cycle.
The manufacturer describes this cleaner as unscented and suitable for front-load, top-load, and HE machines, but your washer manual remains the controlling instruction. Do not treat a suggested cleaning schedule on a product label as a universal rule for every appliance. The practical downside is the waste from individual wrappers.
Best eco-focused option: Lemi Shine Washing Machine Cleaner
Choose Lemi Shine if citric-acid-based and biodegradable product positioning matters to you, and you value a kit that also supports cleaning reachable surfaces. Real Simple tested the powder and wipes, liked the lemon scent, and reported odor neutralization and cleaning performance.
Keep the roles of the two components separate. The powder is for washer-cleaning maintenance, while wipes are useful for reachable areas such as a door, dispenser, or gasket. Real Simple found the wipes streaky and did not consider them a sure solution for mold, even where product marketing may suggest otherwise. Wipes are also not included in the single-use cleaner pack. Claims such as EPA Safer Choice should be checked against the exact current SKU in EPA’s database before publication or purchase; they should never be applied automatically to every product sold under a brand.
Rank #2
- 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.
Best spray: Bayes Washing Machine Cleaner and Deodorizer
Choose Bayes when the job is freshening or cleaning the parts you can actually reach: the drum, door area, exterior, and similar accessible surfaces. In Real Simple’s testing, the product was left for the directed 30-minute dwell and coated the drum well, with a pleasant scent afterward. The brand lists water, a proprietary enzyme blend, natural fragrance blend, and phenoxyethanol among its ingredients.
A spray is not a replacement for an empty-cycle cleaner. It cannot thoroughly reach the hidden plumbing and components where residue can accumulate, including pumps and valves. Real Simple positioned it as a useful after-load or between-deep-clean option. Do not infer disinfecting, antimicrobial, mold-removal, or internal mechanical-repair capability from its deodorizing and surface-cleaning use.
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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Best multi-use concentrate: Ahh-Some Washing Machine/Dishwasher Cleaner and Deodorizer
Choose Ahh-Some if you want a concentrated gel and have multiple compatible appliances or listed household uses. The manufacturer says its 2-ounce gel may be used in washing machines, dishwashers, disposals, drains, and other applications, using at least one-half teaspoon per use and yielding up to 24 cleanings. Real Simple reported strong cleaning and descaling results and noted its washer and dishwasher utility.
This choice asks a little more of the user than a tablet: measure the gel carefully, as Real Simple noted that no scoop is included. It also has an almond-like scent, which may not suit scent-sensitive households. A use direction for one appliance does not transfer automatically to another, so consult both the exact product label and each appliance manual.
Rank #3
- Includes: One 4 count box of OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters to supercharge your washing machine cleaning
- Washing Machine Cleaner: Helps remove odor causing residues in any washer
- Easy to Use: Pour one pouch into the drum of your washer without any other items and run using hot water, wiping away any leftover residue with a towel after the cycle is complete
- For All Washing Machines: For use with both standard and HE washing machines, not intended to be used with clothing or other laundry
- Septic-Safe: Won't harm septic tanks so you can keep your peace of mind
Best liquid: Glisten Washing Machine Cleaner
Choose Glisten if you want a liquid format that can be applied to reachable components as well as used for washer cleaning. Real Simple’s test reported a clean-looking, clean-smelling result without residue and found the format helpful for accessible door, drawer, drum, and front-loader gasket areas.
Store the bottle upright: Real Simple identified potential leakage as the main practical drawback. The manufacturer’s safety data sheet identifies the mixture as a washing-machine cleaner and says it is not classified as hazardous under listed WHMIS/OSHA criteria. That classification does not make normal precautions optional. Keep it away from children, avoid eye contact and ingestion, and follow the current label’s handling instructions.
Recommended Free Tools
Choose the format before choosing the brand
The most useful distinction is not whether one format is universally superior; it is whether it matches the cleaning task.
- Powders, tablets, gels, and many liquids are typically intended for an empty-washer maintenance cycle. They are the better category when odor or residue seems to be coming from inside the machine.
- Sprays and wipes give you control over accessible places: the door, lid, detergent drawer, rubber gasket, drum opening, and exterior. They complement, rather than replace, a proper internal cleaning cycle.
- Concentrates can reduce packaging and offer multi-use value, but require accurate measuring and closer attention to appliance-specific directions.
- Unscented options are generally the safer starting point for fragrance-sensitive users; a pleasant scent is not proof that an appliance is fully clean.
Before buying, compare the exact label with your washer’s make-and-model manual. In particular, do not assume that a cleaner is suitable for every front-load, top-load, HE, or septic setup merely because a retailer listing makes a broad claim.
Rank #4
- YOU WILL RECEIVE: Tide Washing Machine Cleaner powder packets, activating 20% faster than tablets, for 5 months of cleaning. Made by Nehemiah Manufacturing. Certain trademarks used under license from The P&G Company or its affiliates
- ODOR ELIMINATOR: Tide Washing Machine Cleaner lifts away & eliminates odor causing residues and deposits with its specially designed surface active ingredients and the cleaning power of Oxi plus TAED
- POWDER WORKS MORE EFFICIENTLY THAN TABLETS: Tide Washing Machine Cleaner is a powder that creates a cleaning action that gets to work faster than tablets. Deep cleaning and septic safe formula
- OXI + TAED FORMULA: Tide Washing Machine Cleaner has the cleaning power of Oxi + TAED, to boost the cleaning action on your washing machine by over 20% .TAED creates a cleaning superboost that works even in hard water which other cleaners can’t do
- AN EVEN BETTER, MILDER, FRESH CLEAN SCENT: The same supercharged cleaning power in a new scent to leave your washer clean and fresh
What not to substitute casually
Do not assume that household staples are interchangeable with a washer cleaner. Appliance guidance can differ by model: a cleaner that is acceptable for one machine may not be approved for another. Whirlpool specifically warns against using dish soap because excess suds can create a later mess. Bleach and vinegar are also model-dependent choices, not universal substitutes. Check the use-and-care guide before using any alternative cleaner.
Finally, a cleaning product is maintenance—not a diagnosis. If a washer continues to smell, leak, fail to drain, show error codes, or leave visible buildup after correct cleaning, look for a blocked filter, drain issue, seal problem, or other mechanical cause. Do not rely on any of these products to promise hidden-mold removal, disinfection, restored efficiency, or repair of a malfunction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my washing machine?
Use the frequency stated in your washer’s manual and the exact product label. Some cleaners are marketed for monthly or as-needed use, but that is not a universal requirement for every machine.
Can a washing-machine spray replace a cleaning cycle?
No. A spray can help freshen and clean the drum, door area, gasket, drawer, and exterior, but it cannot thoroughly reach concealed components such as pumps and valves. Use an approved empty-cycle cleaner when internal maintenance is needed.
Best Value
- YOU WILL RECEIVE: Tide Washing Machine Cleaner powder packets, activating 20% faster than tablets, for 12 months of cleaning. Made by Nehemiah Manufacturing. Certain trademarks used under license from The P&G Company or its affiliates
- ODOR ELIMINATOR: Tide Washing Machine Cleaner lifts away & eliminates odor causing residues and deposits with its specially designed surface active ingredients and the cleaning power of Oxi plus TAED
- POWDER WORKS MORE EFFICIENTLY THAN TABLETS: Tide Washing Machine Cleaner is a powder that creates a cleaning action that gets to work faster than tablets. Deep cleaning and septic safe formula
- OXI + TAED FORMULA: Tide Washing Machine Cleaner has the cleaning power of Oxi + TAED, to boost the cleaning action on your washing machine by over 20% .TAED creates a cleaning superboost that works even in hard water which other cleaners can’t do
- AN EVEN BETTER, MILDER, FRESH CLEAN SCENT: The same supercharged cleaning power in a new scent to leave your washer clean and fresh
Will wipes remove mold from a washer gasket?
Not necessarily. Wipes are useful on accessible surfaces, but Real Simple found Lemi Shine’s wipes streaky and did not consider them a reliable mold-removal solution. Persistent visible mold or odor may require model-specific cleaning guidance or service.
Can I use vinegar, bleach, or dish soap instead of a washer cleaner?
Check your washer’s use-and-care guide first. Appliance manufacturers may limit acceptable alternatives; for example, Whirlpool advises against dish soap because it can cause excess suds. Bleach and vinegar are also model-specific questions.
The Bottom Line
For a simple routine clean, Real Simple’s overall pick is OxiClean. Use ACTIVE for an unscented tablet, Lemi Shine for citric-acid/biodegradable positioning, Bayes for reachable surfaces, Ahh-Some for measured multi-use cleaning, and Glisten for liquid application to accessible washer parts. In every case, the washer manual and the exact current product label come first.
Quick Recap
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.
