You may think it is strange that you need to clean something that’s function is to clean. The modern washing machines have dramatically improved our lives making it easy to do the whole family’s washing with the press of a button. Machines both save time and clean clothes more efficiently than ever before. However, you should remember that you do need to maintain a washing machine, just as you would any other household appliance. And in the case of a washing machine, that is not just its mechanical parts but also its own cleanliness. For that, you will need a great washing machine cleaner and we have done the research to help you choose the best one.
The problem is that although your clothes come out of a washing machine perfectly clean, over time there is a buildup of soap, softener residue, gunk and dirt that remains inside the machine, the rubber gasket and the door of a front loader, the most popular type of machine today. You may regularly clean these parts of your appliance with a cloth, just as you would clean any other surface. However, the simple cleaning may not necessarily do a thorough job. Mildew, bacteria and limescale can gradually accumulate inside the drum. To avoid any bigger problems in the future, you should periodically use a good washing machine cleaner. This will prevent unpleasant odors and keep your appliance running smoothly for years to come.
How to Choose the Best Washing Machine Cleaner?
Using a good washing machine cleaner can do 3 things:
1. Remove limescale buildup
Hard water is the biggest enemy of home appliances and pipes. Over time, limescale can build up inside your washing machine leaving residue and white spots on your laundry. The best washing machine cleaners remove limescale and grime without damaging the appliance itself.
2. Eliminate bad smell
Bad smells is also a problem that you must address to ensure your fresh laundry does not smell worse than it did before washing. At the slightest sign of a bad odor coming from your washing machine, you have to take action. Sometimes, perfumed detergents can try to hide bad odors, but do not be fooled by them. You have to eliminate the source of the problem, not cover it up.
3. Clean bacteria and mildew
Bacteria love damp conditions and they can thrive in a washing machine that is not kept clean. That is clearly a problem for an appliance that is supposed to be cleaning stuff, not making things worse. But nothing to worry about, we have selected 4 best washing machine cleaners below to keep your appliance clean and running smoothly.
Just a reminder, it is important that in order to get the most out of washing machine cleaner you must use it properly and follow the instructions that come with the cleaning product. Even the best washing machine cleaners will not help you if you don’t use them correctly.
There are many washing machine cleaner brands and types and on the market and ultimately it is up to you to choose the product that suits your needs best.
4 Best Washing Machine Cleaners
1. OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters
OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters comes in powder form. There are four pouches and one a month is more than sufficient to keep your machine clean and odor-free. Follow the instructions and place the powder directly into the drum, not the dispenser. Remember not add any laundry detergent when using this product. OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner is suitable for most types of washing machines, including high-efficiency washers. We chose this product as the best washing machine cleaner because it is well priced, easy to use, versatile and it won’t harm septic tanks.
2. Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner
Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner comes in tablet form, 6 in each box. The tablet slowly dissolves, thereby cleaning and freshening the interior of your washing machine. No gunk or residue will remain in your washing machine and the tablet is completely safe to use. Do not be concerned if you hear a clunk with the early spins of the machine. That disappears as the tablet softens, breaks up and ultimately dissolves, causing no damage along the way. Why do we like this washing machine cleaner? It’s cheap, not messy to use and smells better than vinegar!
3. Eco-Gals Eco Swirlz Washing Machine Cleaner
Eco-Gals Eco Swirlz Washing Machine Cleaner is in scented form with 24 tablets in a box to keep your washing machine clean and fresh for a whole year. This cleaner rates highly as an eco-friendly product and comes with a 60-day guarantee. The tablets are small and dissolve easily, but make sure to let the machine do its full cycle so all the cleaner’s ingredients wash away completely. Very competitively priced and works best when used in normal cycle with the hot water setting. This product made it to our Best Washing Machine Cleaner list because it’s eco-friendly and does not leave any residue to be wiped off unlike some other brands.
4. Tide Washing Machine Cleaner
Tide Washing Machine Cleaner comes in liquid form and is suitable for both top loading and front loading washing machines. There are 7 sachets that come with your purchase, and one a month is sufficient to keep your machine clean and odor free. Caution: Do not use it with clothes in a washing cycle, but completely separately in a hot water cycle. If you have an existing problem, you may need to use up to 3 sachets first in 3 different operating cycles to get your washing machine back to good condition. We thought the product worked well in cleaning the washer, however it does leave a strong, clean smell that some people may find too overpowering.
