Looking to keep your washing machine fresh, clean, and running smoothly? With so many options out there, it’s hard to know where to start. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered!

This guide highlights top-rated washing machine cleaners to help tackle limescale, odours, and detergent buildup, ensuring your appliance stays in peak condition. After thorough testing, we’ve narrowed down the best cleaners based on ease of use, effectiveness, and value.

The Calgon Hygiene Plus Washing Machine Cleaner & Limescale Remover earned our Editor’s Pick for its powerful limescale prevention, odour removal, and protection for key components. It’s simple to use and delivers long-term benefits for hard water areas.

For a versatile option, the Tide Washing Machine Cleaner stood out with its compatibility across all washer types and effective odour-eliminating formula. On a budget? The Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner offers excellent 5-in-1 protection against bacteria, dirt, and limescale at an affordable price.

However, not all cleaners hit the mark. The Mold Remover Gel, despite its eco-friendly claims, underperformed on stubborn stains, making it a poor choice for heavy-duty cleaning. Ready to find the best fit for your machine? Read on to explore our top picks and transform your laundry routine!

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How to Identify a High-Quality Washing Machine Cleaner

When choosing the best washing machine cleaner, there are certain features and performance benchmarks that should be considered non-negotiable. Here’s what you should expect:

Features That Should Be a Given

1. Effective Cleaning Power: The cleaner must effectively remove detergent residue, limescale, and hidden dirt.
2. Odour Elimination: It should neutralise and remove odours, leaving the machine smelling fresh.
3. Hygienic Protection: The formula should kill bacteria, mould, and mildew that accumulate in hard-to-reach areas.
4. Compatibility: The product must work with all types of machines, including front-loading, top-loading, and high-efficiency (HE) models.
5. Ease of Use: The application should be straightforward and require minimal effort or special tools.

Features That Should Be the Norm

1. Limescale Prevention: This is particularly important for homes in hard water areas to extend the lifespan of the machine.
2. Residue Removal: The buildup in hoses, pumps, and the washing machine drum must be addressed for comprehensive cleaning.
3. Eco-Friendly Options: Biodegradable or non-toxic formulations are a plus for environmentally conscious users.
4. Cost Efficiency: A reasonable price point for the results delivered, with clear instructions to avoid product waste.

Design and Build Quality

When assessing washing machine cleaners, their packaging and usability also play a role:

1. Secure Packaging: Leak-proof and easy-to-open containers to avoid spills or waste.
2. Portion Control: Individual tablet packaging or measured liquid washing machine cleaner doses for precise use and convenience.
3. Durability of Formula: Long shelf life and stable ingredients to maintain effectiveness over time.
4. Clear Instructions: Well-labeled with clear steps for use, including temperature recommendations and cycle duration.

Extra Perks to Look For

While not always necessary, these additional features can enhance value:

1. Dual-Purpose Cleaners: Products that clean the machine and laundry simultaneously are a bonus.
2. Scent Options: Pleasant fragrances, such as citrus or lavender, for added freshness.
3. Multi-Cycle Usage: The ability to clean during regular wash cycles or as a standalone deep-cleaning solution.
4. Preventative Benefits: Ongoing protection to prevent future buildup, making maintenance less frequent.
5. Pet-Safe and Child-Safe Formulas: Ideal for households with sensitive members.

By focusing on these aspects, you can ensure you’re selecting a product that delivers consistent performance while adding convenience and value to your routine.

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Editors Pick

Calgon Hygiene Plus Washing Machine Cleaner & Limescale Remover

Keeping a washing machine clean and efficient can be a challenge, especially in areas with hard water. We tested Calgon Hygiene Plus Washing Machine Cleaner & Limescale Remover to see how it performs in real-life use.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Protection: These tablets protect against limescale, detergent residue, and unpleasant odours, helping your washing machine maintain peak performance.
• Hygienic Cleaning: Designed to clean key components like the drum, pipes, and pump, ensuring your machine stays fresh and hygienic.
• Limescale Prevention: Effective in preventing limescale build-up, especially in hard water areas, which extends the life of your washing machine.
• Odour and Residue Removal: Keeps the washing machine smelling fresh and clean which prevents residue build-up, ensuring fresher laundry.
• Easy to Use: Add a tablet to your usual wash cycle for ongoing protection, or use it once a month in an empty cycle for a deeper clean.

We tested Calgon Hygiene Plus Washing Machine Cleaner & Limescale Remover, and it’s one of the easiest ways to keep your washing machine in top condition. The tablets are incredibly simple to use—just add one to your usual wash cycle.

We loved the fresh scent it left behind, and the regular use noticeably improved the overall freshness of our laundry (a big win!). Running an empty cycle as recommended gave the drum a spotless finish and helped eliminate odours, which was reassuring for long-term maintenance or service wash.

The tablets also work to protect vital components like the heating element and pipes—crucial for anyone living in hard water areas. If there’s any downside, it’s that consistent use is essential to see the best results. However, the long-term benefits of machine protection and cleanliness far outweigh this.

Overall, we found Calgon Hygiene Plus to be a practical and highly effective solution for maintaining a hygienic washing machine.

Runner Up

Tide Washing Machine Cleaner Front and Top Loader Machines

Keeping your washing machine clean is essential to maintain its efficiency and ensure your laundry smells fresh. We tested Tide Washing Machine Cleaner and were impressed by its performance. Here's what stood out:

Key Benefits

• Effective Cleaning: The formula penetrates and lifts away residue and odour-causing buildup, even in hard-to-reach areas like hoses and the back of the tub.
• Works on All Machines: Suitable for both front-loading and top-loading washers, including high-efficiency (HE) models.
• Fresh Scent: Leaves a subtle, clean fragrance without being overpowering.
• Monthly Maintenance: Regular use helps prevent buildup, keeping your machine running smoothly and extending its life.
• Unique Formula: Contains Oxi and TAED for a powerful clean, ensuring no lingering smells remain.

We tested Tide Washing Machine Cleaner and found it highly effective for maintaining a fresh and clean washer. Its powerful formula (enhanced with Oxi and TAED) effortlessly removes grime and odour-causing residues, even in hard-to-reach areas like the drain and hoses.

We loved how it works with all types of washing machines, including high-efficiency models, making it a versatile choice. Using it monthly ensures optimal results, and the light, fresh scent it leaves behind is subtle yet refreshing.

It’s straightforward to use, and its compatibility with major machine brands adds peace of mind. However, we noticed that in some cases, residue might linger if the cycle isn’t run as instructed, so following the guidelines is essential for the best outcome.

Overall, this cleaner delivers excellent results, extending your washer’s efficiency and keeping it smelling great. It’s a fantastic choice for hassle-free, long-term washer care.

Budget Pick

Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner, Original Fresh

We’ve tested the Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner and found it to be a reliable product for keeping your washing machine fresh, clean, and functioning well. Here's what we appreciated about it:

Key Features

• 5-in-1 Protection: This cleaner effectively tackles bacteria, odours, limescale, and hidden dirt, leaving your machine smelling fresh.
• Kills 99.9% of Bacteria: It provides a hygienic clean by eliminating bacteria that can build up inside the machine over time.
• Removes Limescale and Dirt: Acts as a descaler, which not only improves your machine’s performance but also prolongs its lifespan.
• Long-lasting Freshness: Its formula reaches hidden areas of the machine, helping to prevent bad odours from forming.
• Easy to Use: Designed for simplicity—just pour 250ml into the detergent drawer, run an empty wash at 60°C, and you’re done. No need to add detergent.

We’ve tested the Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner and found it to be an incredibly effective solution for maintaining a fresh and efficient washing machine. Its 5-in-1 protection tackles bacteria, odours, limescale, and hidden dirt, making a noticeable improvement in both cleanliness and performance.

It’s easy to use (just pour it into the detergent drawer and run a cycle), and it integrates seamlessly into a routine with minimal effort. One drawback we noticed is that using the entire bottle can sometimes result in excess foam, so it’s best to follow the instructions carefully and use it on an empty machine.

However, when used correctly, it delivers exceptional results, leaving the washing machine smelling clean and fresh while removing stubborn build-up.

Overall, we were impressed with how well it works to keep the machine in top condition. It’s a must-have for anyone looking to effortlessly extend the lifespan of their washing machine.

Best Washing Machine Cleaner For Hard Water Areas Pick

Calgon 4-in-1 Washing Machine Cleaner and Water Softener Tablets

The Calgon 4-in-1 Washing Machine Cleaner and Water Softener Tablets are a reliable addition to your laundry routine, especially if you live in a hard water area.

After incorporating these tablets into our washes, we noticed several key improvements that simplify maintaining a clean and efficient washing machine.

Key Features

• Limescale Prevention: These tablets actively break down and prevent limescale buildup, ensuring the longevity of vital machine components like the drum, pipes, and heating element.
• Odour Neutralisation: They effectively combat unpleasant smells, leaving your washing machine fresh after every use.
• Residue Removal: By dissolving detergent residue, these tablets prevent grime accumulation that can affect your laundry and machine performance.
• Water Softening: They soften hard water, improving the efficiency of your detergent while protecting both your clothes and machine.
• Rust Prevention: An added benefit is protection against rust, extending your machine's lifespan.

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.

They’ve also made our washing machine run smoother and smell fresher, ensuring every wash is as efficient as possible. The simplicity of use is a standout feature—just pop one tablet into the detergent compartment alongside your usual detergent, and it goes to work immediately.

It’s a hassle-free way to maintain your machine’s performance while protecting against rust and hard water damage. (We particularly appreciated that they leave no residue behind.)

The only minor drawback is that excessive water softening could lead to mould buildup in colder washes. However, this is easily managed with occasional hot washes or maintenance cleaning.

Overall, these tablets are a must-have for extending your washing machine’s life and maintaining pristine laundry results!

Best For Removing Limescale Pick

Home Masters Limescale & Detergent Remover for Washing Machine

The Home Masters Limescale & Detergent Remover is a practical solution for keeping washing machines and dishwashers running smoothly. We’ve been using this product for a while, and it delivers noticeable results.

Key Features

• 100% Limescale Removal: Eliminates limescale, keeping machines efficient and preventing build-up that slows cycles.
• Odour Neutraliser: Removes unpleasant smells, leaving a clean, fresh scent.
• Grease and Dirt Removal: Tackles hidden grime, ensuring a deep clean for your appliances.
• Easy to Use: Drop in a sachet and run a hot wash—no mess or measuring required.
• Monthly Maintenance: One sachet a month keeps machines running smoothly.
• Prolongs Appliance Life: Regular use prevents damage, extending machine lifespan.

We’ve been using the Home Masters Limescale & Detergent Remover and found it to be a fantastic addition to our cleaning routine. It’s incredibly simple to use—just drop a sachet in and let it work its magic.

The results are impressive: no more limescale build-up, fresh-smelling machines, and spotless dishes and laundry. We love how it tackles hidden grease and dirt, providing a deep clean that keeps appliances running efficiently.

While the product is highly effective, it may require more frequent use initially for machines with significant build-up (we used it weekly for the first month). However, as part of monthly maintenance, it’s an easy and affordable way to prolong the life of your washing machine and dishwasher.

Overall, this product stands out for its ease of use and exceptional results. For anyone wanting reliable performance and hassle-free upkeep, this is a must-have for the home.

One To Avoid

Mold Remover Gel - Black mould and Mildew Remover for Washing Machine

We tested the Mold Remover Gel to tackle black mould in various areas of our home, but unfortunately, it didn’t live up to expectations. While the product boasts an eco-friendly and biodegradable formula (a definite plus for environmentally conscious households), its performance was underwhelming.

The gel’s consistency was thinner than expected, making it difficult to apply effectively on vertical surfaces like washing machine seals or shower tiles. On flat areas, it adhered better but showed only minor improvements after prolonged use.

The low-odour feature was appreciated, but the results left much to be desired. The instructions suggested leaving the gel on for hours without scrubbing, but even after overnight applications, we saw very little difference.

For tougher stains, this product seems to require repeated applications, which quickly becomes a time-consuming and impractical solution.

While we appreciate the eco-conscious design and low odour, the cleaning power simply doesn’t justify the effort. Traditional bleach-based cleaners performed better, delivering noticeable results in less time.

Overall, this mould remover gel might work for light cleaning tasks, but it falls short when it comes to tackling stubborn mould stains. We wouldn’t recommend it for heavy-duty cleaning—it’s simply not worth the time or cost.

How We Evaluated and Chose the Best Washing Machine Cleaners

When it comes to selecting the best washing machine cleaners, we didn’t just pour and rinse. We took a deep dive into the factors that matter most for real-world performance and practicality. Here’s how we tested and evaluated the top products to bring you the best of the best.

Performance Testing

We assessed each cleaner’s ability to tackle common washing machine issues. From removing stubborn limescale and detergent residue to eliminating persistent odours, we looked for visible improvements in cleanliness and performance.

Each product was tested in a range of machines, including front-loading, top-loading, and high-efficiency models. In hard water areas, we paid extra attention to how well the cleaners prevented and reduced limescale buildup.

Products that achieved consistent results across various conditions scored the highest.

Ease of Use

We evaluated how simple and straightforward each cleaner was to use. Were the instructions clear and easy to follow? Did the products require extra effort or specialised tools, or could they be seamlessly integrated into a normal cycle?

Cleaners with pre-measured tablets, easy-pour liquids, or clear dosing instructions earned top marks for convenience and user-friendliness.

Baseline and Post-Clean Assessments

Before testing, we carefully inspected each washing machine, documenting visible residue, odours, and limescale buildup. After cleaning, we performed a detailed comparison of the results, focusing on cleaner drums, fresher smells, and improved laundry quality.

To ensure accuracy, we repeated the process and ran loads of laundry to see if the specialist washing machine cleaner had a noticeable impact on the freshness of clothes and towels. This comprehensive approach ensured no detail was overlooked.

Longevity Testing

To evaluate the long-term benefits of each cleaner, we conducted monthly applications over several months. This allowed us to monitor ongoing performance, residue reduction, and how well the cleaners helped maintain key components like hoses, pipes, and the drum.

Consistent results over time were a key factor in identifying the most reliable products.

Design and Packaging

A product’s packaging can significantly affect its usability, so we examined how convenient and well-designed each cleaner was. Leak-proof containers, clear labelling, and ease of storage were prioritised.

Products that offered precise dosing options or single-use packaging earned extra points for making the cleaning process simple and mess-free.

Environmental and Cost Factors

We also considered environmental impact and cost efficiency. Eco-friendliness was a big factor, with biodegradable or non-toxic formulas scoring higher.

We analysed cost-effectiveness by calculating the price per use, ensuring the cleaners provided excellent value for money without compromising on performance.

Extra Features

Some cleaners offered standout additional benefits, such as dual-purpose formulas that clean both the machine and laundry, pleasant scents for added freshness, or preventative maintenance features to reduce future buildup.

These extra features enhanced their overall appeal and made them a better value for users seeking added convenience or long-term results.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Will Bleach Damage My Washing Machine?

Using bleach in your washing machine can be safe if used sparingly and according to manufacturer guidelines. However, excessive or improper use of bleach may damage rubber seals, hoses, or internal components over time.

It’s important to dilute bleach properly and avoid overuse to prevent any potential harm to your machine.

How Do I Stop My Washing From Smelling?

To stop your washing from smelling, regularly clean your washing machine with a damp cloth, ensuring no residue or mould is left behind. Use a washing machine cleaner monthly, avoid overloading, and leave the door open after cycles for better ventilation.

Using the correct detergent dosage can also prevent odour buildup in your laundry.

What Can I Use to Complement My Washing Machine Cleaner Product?

To complement your washing machine cleaner, you can use products like descaler tablets for hard water areas or odour-neutralising sachets to maintain freshness between deep cleans.

Additionally, regularly wiping down the door seal and detergent drawer can help prevent residue buildup and enhance your cleaner's effectiveness.

How Many Times Do I Need to Use a Washing Machine Cleaner?

The frequency of using a washing machine cleaner depends on usage and water quality. For optimal results, use a cleaner once a month to remove buildup, odours, and limescale. If you live in a hard water area or use your machine heavily, more frequent cleaning may be necessary.

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Final Word

We hope our guide to the best washing machine cleaner has helped you find the perfect solution to keep your machine running efficiently and smelling fresh. Choosing the right product can be tricky with so many great options, but we have a clear favourite.

The Calgon Hygiene Plus Washing Machine Cleaner & Limescale Remover stands out as our top pick. Its powerful formula tackles limescale, odours, and detergent buildup with ease while protecting vital components like the drum and pipes.

It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for long-term machine maintenance and better laundry results. While most of the products we reviewed are highly effective, one product fell short: the Mold Remover Gel.

Despite its eco-friendly design, it struggled to handle stubborn stains and required excessive effort for minimal results. For tough cleaning tasks, it’s best to look elsewhere.

What did you think of our guide to the best washing machine cleaners? Have you picked your favourite product, or do you need a little more time to decide? We’d love to hear from you—let us know your thoughts in the comments below!