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Best Washing Machine Cleaners in 2025
January 10, 2025
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By
Natalie Foster
Ever noticed that your clothes don’t feel fresh even after a thorough wash? That there’s an unpleasant, musty odor coming from your washer?
It’s more common than you think and it all boils down to your washing machine – or rather, how clean it is.
You see, grime and detergent residue can build up over time, causing bad odors or worse – it can affect the cleanliness of your laundry!
That’s where washing machine cleaners come into play. They’re exactly what they sound like – they’re specifically designed to clean your washer so that it stays fresh and clean.
What type of washing machine cleaner should you get? How do they work? Do you put them in the detergent drawer? For the answers, be sure to keep reading.
We’ll be going over everything you need to know about washing machine cleaners below – including some of the best options for 2025.
Why You Need to Use a Washing Machine Cleaner
Soil and detergent can accumulate in the crevices of your washing machine over time, and that can cause an unpleasant smell that can transfer onto your clothes.
To prevent that, it’s highly recommended that you clean your washer once a month. That’ll prevent that sneaky soil from making its home in your washer.
That’s not all – neglecting to clean your washing machine can lead to other problems as well.
For example, it can affect its performance. Clothes will come out less clean, stains will be tougher to remove, and the lifespan of the appliance itself will get shorter.
Sure, it’ll take a bit of extra effort on your part but it’ll be worth it in the end. For one thing, you’ll save money over time by extending the life of both your clothing and washer—because nobody likes replacing expensive items before their time.
Tips on How to Keep Your Washer Clean
There are a few other things that you can do to prevent a dirty washing machine.
Make Sure the Washer Drum Is Clean
For starters, it’s a good idea to clean out any visible debris from the washing machine drum before starting your cleaning cycle. That way, they won’t get everywhere inside – and won’t transfer onto your clothes.
Choose a Good Washing Machine Cleaner
Choose an effective washing machine cleaner and use it regularly, according to the directions. That will prevent residue from accumulating and odors from developing.
Different Types of Washing Machine Cleaners
When it comes to washing machine cleaners, there are several types to choose from, each of which has its own pros and cons. For example, you can get a liquid cleaner, gel washing machine cleaner, tablet cleaner, or powder cleaner.
Here’s what you need to know about the different types.
Liquid Washing Machine Cleaners
Liquid cleaners are versatile but also require careful handling due to their fluid nature. For one thing, they need to be measured and spills can happen if you’re not careful.
When used properly, however, they can provide a deep clean.
Tablet Washing Machine Cleaners
Tablets are different from most washing machine cleaners in that they don’t need to be measured; all you have to do is pop it into the washing machine.
How do powder washing machine cleaners work? The way they’re formulated, they will automatically start cleaning when exposed to water.
Powder Washing Machine Cleaners
Using a powder washing machine cleaner will keep your laundry smelling fresh, but like liquids, they do need to be measured out.
They do have one benefit over liquid cleaners, however, and that’s the fact that they’re easy to store (they typically come in small boxes as opposed to plastic bottles).
Keep in mind, however, that they can be difficult to dissolve completely during the wash cycle and that can lead to residue build-up over time.
What to Consider When Buying a Washing Machine Cleaner
When choosing a washing machine cleaner, you want to consider several things including cost, efficacy, versatility (is it suitable for all washing machine types?), and environmental impact – because eco-friendliness matters too.
For example, if you’re looking at cost-effectiveness combined with ease-of-use, then tablets could be what you’re after.
Tablet-based options such as those from ACTIVE have garnered excellent user reviews thanks to their simple ‘pop-in-and-go’ application method, which requires no messy measuring or spillage worries.
Exploring Liquid Washing Machine Cleaners
Liquid cleaners, like Glisten, are a popular choice for keeping washing machines squeaky clean.
Firstly, their consistency allows for an even distribution inside the machine. This is crucial as it helps reach all corners and crevices of your appliance.
The effectiveness of liquid cleaners isn’t just about how they spread though. The formula matters too. Glisten, a popular brand in this space, boasts a powerful blend that eliminates grime and leaves behind a fresh scent.
What Users Have to Say About Them
Many praise liquid washing machine cleaners for their ability to restore their washer back to optimal performance levels,
A common highlight among users was that these cleaning agents left no residue after completion of the cleaning cycle; hence eliminating any chance of unwanted scents or substances sticking onto clothes during subsequent washes.
Another positive note from users was about its versatility as they’re suitable for most washing machines, including top-load or front-load models.
The Best Liquid Washing Machine Cleaner in 2025
Liquids are great if you’re looking for something versatile and effective – as long as you don’t mind having to measure out the product.
Glisten Liquid Washing Machine Cleaner
Glisten Liquid Washing Machine Cleaner is highly effective at eliminating odor-causing residue from your washer. Easy to use, the formula will reduce abrasive build-up and won’t leave behind any gunk or grime. It’s also compatible with all washing machines, including HE models.
About Powder Washing Machine Cleaners
Powder cleaners, such as the ones by OxiClean and Tide, are known for being effective.
Take OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters, for example, it’s one product that users rave about. It’s designed to eliminate stubborn odors and residue buildup in your machine.
For the best results, make sure to follow the instructions given by the manufacturer regarding how much powder cleaner should be used in each wash cycle. You’ll also want to use hot water as that will help it dissolve (it may not completely dissolve in cold water).
The Best Powder Washing Machine Cleaners – 2025
Powders may not be as convenient as other washing machine cleaners per se, but they can be just as effective if used properly.
Tide Powder Washing Machine Cleaner
Tide Powder Washing Machine Cleaner is a great choice that digs deep into debris while eliminating strong odors.
The formula also features oxygenated bleach technology known as “Oxi,” which provides an extra cleaning boost by releasing millions of micro-bubbles targeting odor-causing residues.
OxiClean Powder Washing Machine Cleaner
OxiClean Washing Machine Powder comes in easy-to-tear pouches, which makes it quick and convenient to use. It also comes with odor blasters, which will eliminate any odor-causing residues inside your washing machine – including high efficiency models.
The powder also has a fresh scent that will leave your washer smelling sparkly clean.
Tablet Washing Machine Cleaners
Washing machine cleaner tablets are popular for one reason – they’re convenient, easy-to-use, and will leave your washer sparkling clean and smelling fresh.
That’s not all, they’re also versatile in that they can be used to clean all types of washers including front loading machines and top load models.
The Best Tablet Washing Machine Cleaner – ACTIVE Tablets
ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner tablets are the number one choice when it comes to eliminating grime, soap scum, and strong odors. Not only that but they’re also highly effective at removing limescale residue caused by hard water.
Each pre-measured pouch boasts amazing cleaning power and also comes with a refreshing lemon scent, which makes them hard to beat.
A Safer Choice For Your Home And Environment
ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner tablets are also designed with safety in mind. Unlike other products, they do not contain any harsh chemicals like sodium laruyl sulfate.
Rather, it’s made of non-toxic , eco friendly ingredients, which makes them an excellent choice for those with septic systems.
So, why wait? Give ACTIVE’s washing machine cleaner tablets a try and feel the difference yourself.
How to Use ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner
For the best results, we recommend using ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner once a week.
Step 1: Empty the Washer
Make sure the washing machine is empty before you start.
Step 2: Add One ACTIVE Tablet
Remove the wrapper from one tablet and place it directly into the washer drum. Do not put the tablet in the detergent dispenser.
Step 3: Run a Wash Cycle
Choose a large load setting and run a normal wash cycle with hot water. You can also use a ‘clean washer’ cycle, if your machine has one.
Step 4: Wipe the Washer
Once the cycle is finished, use a clean towel to wipe away any leftover residue.
Supply:
- ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner
- Clean cloth
ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner
See why millions of customers love our washing machine cleaning tablets.
Other Tips for Effective Washing Machine Cleaning
Cleaning your washing machine is not just about choosing the right cleaner – there are other things you want to consider as well.
Use a Hot Water Cycle
Using hot water will help dissolve residues more effectively, leaving your washer fresh and clean.
But what if your area has hard water? The high mineral content can lead to limescale build-up, affecting both cleanliness and appliance longevity.
A good way to counteract this is by using cleaners that have been designed specifically for hard water conditions, such as ACTIVE.
These products contain special agents, which bind with minerals present in the hard water, preventing them from sticking to the surfaces inside your machine.
Be Mindful of the Environment
Ideally, you want to keep your washing machine clean without harming the environment. Fortunately, there are many eco-friendly options to choose from, like the ones by ACTIVE.
Remember, an effective cleaner doesn’t necessarily need harsh chemicals or non-biodegradable components.
Choosing the Best Washing Machine Cleaners – FAQs
What’s the best product to clean your washing machine?
ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner tablets are the best choice and highly recommended. They’re convenient, easy-to-use, and do a great job of eliminating residue and odors.
How do you deep clean a washing machine?
To deep clean a washer, run an empty hot cycle with a high-quality cleaner like the one by ACTIVE. Remember to wipe down all parts afterwards.
Are washing machine cleaners better than vinegar?
While white vinegar can be used in a pinch, washing machine cleaners are much more effective as they’re specifically designed for the purpose. They will also be able to clean other parts such as the washing machine door.
What is the best washing machine cleaner to get rid of smells?
ACTIVE Tablets excel at banishing odors thanks to their deep-penetrating formula that tackles debris build-up effectively.
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Natalie Foster
Natalie Foster is a skilled product reviewer known for her comprehensive lists of product recommendations and innovative gift ideas. Natalie's keen eye for detail and commitment to quality ensure that her readers receive well-informed, thoughtful guidance. Her expertly curated selections not only simplify shopping but also inspire perfect, personalized presents for any hobbyist in your life.
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