What tablets are best to clean a washing machine?

Author: Myrna Emmerich  |  Last update: Sunday, October 12, 2025

Our top pick for a washing machine cleaner is the Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner. These tablets are easy to use and compatible with all types of washing machines. If you're looking for a tablet to clean all the parts of your washing machine in one cycle, this is the one to try.

What is the best thing to run through a washing machine to clean it?

Cleaning a washing machine can be done in a few simple steps. First, add one cup of white vinegar to the machine. Run the washer on the hottest cycle. Next, add one cup of baking soda to the machine. Run the washer on the hottest cycle again. Finally, wipe down the inside of the machine with a damp cloth.

What is the best thing to deep clean a washing machine with?

All you will need to clean a washing machine is white vinegar (or lemon juice) and bleach. I recommend Heinz® All Natural White Vinegar because, well, it's all natural. It's organic, only lacking in pretension. Seventh Generation has an eco-friendly bleach that will work well for the second ingredient.

Which tablet is used to clean a washing machine?

ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler 24 Pack - Deep Cleaning Tablets For HE Front Loader & Top Load Washer, Clean Inside Drum And Laundry Tub Seal (Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets - 24 Pack)

Are cleaning tablets safe for a washing machine?

Rest assured, Bastion Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets are safe and suitable for all types of machines, including front-loading, top-loading, and high-efficiency models. The non-toxic formula is gentle on your machine's components, yet tough on grime.

Active vs. Affresh: The Ultimate Washer Cleaner Showdown

Which washing machine cleaning tablets are best?

Final Verdict. Our top pick for a washing machine cleaner is the Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner. These tablets are easy to use and compatible with all types of washing machines. If you're looking for a tablet to clean all the parts of your washing machine in one cycle, this is the one to try.

Does washing machine cleaning tablets really work?

If you like a clean house, but don't have the time or the energy to spend hours cleaning out your washer, I think these tablets are a great solution and help with the upkeep of your machine. They're great if you use your washer frequently and sometimes let clothes sit wet in there.

What is the best ingredient to clean a washing machine?

Common household ingredients like vinegar and baking soda act as non-toxic, eco-friendly washing machine cleaners. We do not recommend using bleach to clean your washing machine or other parts of your home. While bleach is commonly used as a disinfectant, it is toxic to both humans and the environment.

How many tablets does it take to clean a washing machine?

Select one tablet and place affresh® tablet inside your empty washing machine (not the dispenser).

Does affresh get rid of mold?

Using affresh® washing machine cleaner on a regular basis can help keep your washing machine clean and free of odor-causing residues and grime that can lead to mold growth over time.

Can you use a dishwasher tablet to clean a washing machine?

Dishwasher tablets, such as Finish Ultimate All-in-1, can be utilized in washing machines to dissolve grease, dirt, and mineral buildup that may accrue with regular use.

What can I put in my washing machine to self clean it?

Run the machine on the hottest setting: Without adding any clothes to the washing machine, pour in four cups of distilled white vinegar and run the machine on its hottest setting.

Is bleach or vinegar better to clean a washing machine?

“For removing odors, I would say vinegar.” Some people, however, prefer white vinegar because it's not as harsh as bleach. Unless, of course, your washing machine has been completely neglected, and is now a breeding ground for bacteria and germs, and you want a power cleaner.

What can I use instead of Affresh?

As an alternative to a formulated washer tub cleaning product like Affresh, you can use a DIY washing machine cleaner to clean and sanitize the inside of the tub with a combination of white vinegar and baking soda, or liquid chlorine bleach (be aware that vinegar and bleach should never be used together).

What do professional power washers use to clean?

Professionals use a gas-powered pressure washer, a surface cleaner attachment, and a careful selection of specialized nozzle tips, surfactants, bleaches, degreasers, and oxalic acid for pressure washing.

How do I give my washing machine a good clean?

White wine vinegar, in particular, is great for dispelling odours. You can either add some to the drum and run an empty cycle or spray it onto a cloth to wipe down the interior and exterior of your machine. Bicarbonate of soda, or baking soda, is also a great household item for cleaning and removing smells.

What tablets are best to clean washing machine?

We've found the Calgon 4-in-1 Washing Machine Cleaner and Water Softener Tablets to be an excellent addition to our laundry routine. From the first use, these tablets have delivered impressive results, tackling limescale, detergent residue, and odours effectively.

Does Affresh clean a washing machine?

Affresh®1 washing machine cleaner is an effective solution that not only cleans the interior of the machine, but also helps remove grime and odor-causing residues. In this step-by-step guide, we'll discuss how to use affresh® washing machine cleaner to keep your washing machine clean load after load.

How to do a deep clean of your washing machine?

How to Deep Clean and Sanitize Your Washing Machine
  1. Remove the bleach/fabric softener dispensers. ...
  2. Add a cup of bleach to the washing machine. ...
  3. Run an entire rinse cycle. ...
  4. Clean the rubber seal. ...
  5. Wipe down the exterior. ...
  6. Unplug the dryer. ...
  7. Clean out the lint drawer. ...
  8. Vacuum.

What should I run through my washing machine to clean it?

One of the best ways to clean the washing machine is using chlorine bleach and distilled white vinegar. Starting the washer on its hottest cycle, allow the drum to fill with water, then add one quart of chlorine bleach to the water before allowing the cycle to complete.

Can I run my washing machine empty to clean it?

Running your washing machine empty can be particularly beneficial under certain conditions. For instance, if you're transitioning from washing heavy fabrics, like towels, to lighter items, an empty cycle can help prepare the machine and eliminate any residue.

Will bleach damage my washing machine?

Bleach can be used inside your washing machine for cleaning it as well as working well as a washing machine disinfectant. The most important thing to remember is that you must run at least one empty cycle after cleaning, to remove all remaining bleach and help prevent bleaching next time you do a load of laundry.

Is it safe to use dishwasher tablets to clean washing machine?

No. To keep maximum efficiency and quality, please do not use dishwasher tablets or detergent to clean your washing machine or to clean laundry.

What is the best chemical to clean a washing machine?

Start with an empty tub. For a front-load washer, put 2 tablespoons of borax or oxygen bleach and 2 tablespoons of washing soda in the tub of the washing machine. For a top-loading machine, put 1/2 cup of each of the powders into the wash tub. Run at the hottest temperature or use the “clean tub” setting on the washer.

Can I use 2 Affresh tablets together in the washing machine?

Yes. I have anyway. I have a Samsung washing machine that has the “Affresh” cleaning cycle on it and even tho the box says to use one, I double up purely because I'm super ocd about my washer being as clean as possible.

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