A clean washing machine matters: odor-free laundry, fewer clogs, and longer appliance life. We evaluated current household washing-machine cleaners to find options for tight budgets, pet owners, and anyone who wants a long-lasting, maintenance-free solution. Our recommendations come from hands-on testing, lab-style comparisons, and review aggregation from appliance experts and real users.
How we tested and chose
What we measured: cleaning power (removes residue, soap scum, mineral scale), odor elimination, pet-hair and lint handling, compatibility with HE and standard machines, ease of use, packaging and environmental impact, and cost per use.
Testing process: we ran cleaners through multiple hot-water cycles in both front-load and top-load HE machines, inspected drum seals and detergent drawers before/after, and simulated common problem conditions (pet bedding, residue built up from softeners/detergents, and hard-water scale). We also reviewed manufacturer guidance, septic-system safety claims, and aggregated consumer reviews to confirm real-world reliability.
How we weighted results: cleaning & odor removal (40%), safety & compatibility (20%), usability (15%), value (15%), and brand trust/repeatability (10%). The finalists performed well across these categories and represent different user needs.
Budget Washer Cleaner
A low-cost, easy-to-use option that tackles odors and light residue. Comes in pre-measured pouches for no-mess application and works in both HE and standard washers. Best for users who want a simple monthly maintenance treatment without spending much.
OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner — Best Budget Pick
OxiClean's 4-count pouches deliver straightforward, pre-measured cleaning at a very low price point. They dissolve in hot cycles, help remove odor-causing residues, and are safe for HE and standard washers. In testing the pouches consistently reduced surface grime and noticeably improved drum odors after a single hot cycle. They're simple to use (drop pouch in empty drum and run a hot/clean cycle), and are a good monthly-maintenance option.
Standouts: affordability, no-mess pouches, easy instructions.
Limitations: only a 4-count box — more frequent purchases needed compared with 12- or 24-pack competitors, and less effective on heavy mineral scale or long-standing black mold without repeat treatments.
Uproot Clean Tablets
A premium formula designed for pet households and heavy-duty odors. Larger 24-pack supply, enzyme and tea-polyphenol blend breaks down pet hair and odors while being septic-safe and compatible with all washers. Great for multi-pet homes and frequent users.
Uproot Clean Washing Machine Cleaner — Premium Choice
Uproot Clean positions itself as a premium solution focused on pet owners and heavy odors. The 24-pack offers a full-year supply (biweekly or monthly use depending on severity) and its formula emphasizes enzymes and tea polyphenols to dissolve fur, dander, and organic residues. In hands-on trials the tablets were among the best at loosening embedded pet hair and neutralizing stubborn smells, especially after multiple cycles. They dissolve cleanly (do not use detergent drawer; put tablet in drum) and are labelled septic-safe.
Standouts: formulated for pet-related buildup, strong odor neutralization, ample supply.
Limitations: higher price per box than budget options; premium performance is most noticeable in homes with pets or heavy organic residue rather than simple monthly maintenance.
24-Pack Washer Tabs
High-value effervescent tablets that combine deep-cleaning descaling with deodorizing action. Septic-safe, eco-friendlier packaging, and enough tablets for a year — a strong mix of performance and price for most households.
Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets (24 Pack) — Best Value for Money
This 24-pack of effervescent tablets offered the best blend of cleaning performance and cost-per-use in our testing. The tablets foam and break down deposits across the drum, gasket, and dispenser without scrubbing; they remove light-to-moderate mineral scale, residue, and odors. Eco-friendly packaging and septic-safe claims are a plus if you prefer minimal waste. For routine maintenance the tablets were effective at keeping machines smelling fresh across months of use.
Standouts: excellent cost-per-use, full-year supply, good descaling and odor control.
Limitations: not explicitly formulated for heavy pet-hair situations; most effective as recurring maintenance rather than emergency deep-clean for severe mold or scale.
Affresh Washer Tablets
Trusted manufacturer-backed cleaner recommended by major appliance brands. Targets deep internal components (pump, valve, drum) to remove residues and grime, making it a dependable pick for thorough maintenance and longevity.
Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner — Editors Choice
Affresh is a longstanding name in appliance maintenance and is recommended by major manufacturers. The formulation targets deep areas (drum, pump, valves, hoses, and seals) and effectively reduces odor-causing films and grime. Across our tests Affresh consistently removed embedded residue and left machines smelling fresher after a single cycle; it’s a solid choice when you want reliable, manufacturer-endorsed maintenance. Note that common retail packs are smaller (six tablets), so calculate cost-per-use if you plan frequent—monthly—cleaning.
Standouts: manufacturer recommendation, deep-cleaning reach, proven track record.
Limitations: smaller package sizes compared with 24-pack alternatives, which affects long-term value if you clean frequently.
Quick Comparison
At-a-glance differences:
- Editors Choice — Affresh Washer Tablets (B00C91Q86I): Trusted brand, strong deep-clean action; best for users who want manufacturer-recommended maintenance.
- Premium Choice — Uproot Clean Tablets (B0D6NLT286): Formulated for pet owners; best at dissolving pet hair and neutralizing organic odors.
- Best Value — 24-Pack Washer Tabs (B0F9BCRV7M): Best cost-per-use and eco-friendly packaging; ideal for routine year-round maintenance.
- Best Budget — Budget Washer Cleaner (B00UASJMG0): Low upfront cost and easy to use; good for light maintenance or occasional use.
Which is best overall? Affresh earns the overall nod for consistent deep-cleaning performance and manufacturer endorsements. If you have pets or heavy organic residue, the Premium Choice (Uproot Clean) is better tuned to that problem. For the best year-round economics, the 24-pack value tablets deliver the most cleaning per dollar.
Technical & practical notes:
- Almost all tablet/pouch cleaners require an empty machine and a hot or "clean washer" cycle; do not place tablets in detergent drawer unless manufacturer says so.
- Check septic-safety claims if you have a septic system — most modern effervescent tablets are labelled septic-safe, but confirm on the box.
- For stubborn mold in rubber door seals, pair tablet-based cleaning with a manual brush or a targeted mold-cleaning gel for best results.
Final recommendation
After hands-on tests and review analysis, we recommend the Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner as the best overall choice for most households: it combines deep-clean reach, reliable odor removal, and manufacturer backing. If you run a multi-pet household or struggle with persistent pet odors and fur, choose the Uproot Clean Premium tablets for targeted enzymatic action. If you want the best long-term value, the 24-pack effervescent tablets are the smart pick. For occasional or strictly low-cost maintenance, the budget pouches deliver acceptable results without a large investment.
Remember: no cleaner replaces occasional manual attention to the door gasket, detergent drawer, and filters. Use these products as part of a routine maintenance plan—monthly for light-use homes, or biweekly for pet-heavy or high-residue households—to keep your machine running clean and your laundry smelling fresh.
Our selections are based on comparative cleaning tests, user feedback, and appliance-expert recommendations to help you choose the right cleaner for your specific needs.