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Keep your machine clean and your laundry fresh.

Best Washing Machine Cleaners

Photo:Real Simple / Marcus Millán

The individual pouches feel wasteful.

The OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner is our top choice for the overall best washing machine cleaner.

The wipes may not be strong enough to get rid of mold.

Amazon OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters

PHOTO: Amazon

For those with ingredient sensitivities or those who prioritize eco-friendliness, we recommend the Lemi Shine Washing Machine Cleaner.

We tested both the powder cleaner and the wipes that are included in thewashing machine cleaner kit.

However, we appreciated the overall kit that allowed for a more thorough clean compared to other products.

Hand opening the OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters' box.

PHOTO: Real Simple / Eric Brockob

It likely wont clean certain parts of your washing machine.

However, its still an excellent spray cleaner that works to neutralize strong odors that linger in your machine.

It doesnt have the most pleasant scent.

A hand holding on of the OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters packages.

Most washing machine cleaners are formulated to only be used on your said appliance.

The individual wrapping seems wasteful, and theyre unscented.

If you want to clean your washing machine quickly yet efficiently, we recommend the Active Washing Machine tablets.

A hand pouring the OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner into a washing machine.

We liked that these didnt leave behind any residue, instead clearing out gunk and strong odors.

The bottle may leak.

Its important to keep in mind that the bottle may leak if not stored upright.

Hand opening the OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters' box.

We also appreciate that its formulated without bleach and is EPA Safer Choice Certified.

If you prefer a powder cleaner with eco-friendly ingredients, we recommendLemi Shine Washing Machine Cleaner.

For strong odors, gel and powder typically have a more concentrated cleaning power.

A hand holding on of the OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters packages.

Some washing machine cleaners may still be safe for all but are most effective on one or the other.

Scent

Similar tolaundry detergents, washing machine cleaners can come in scented or unscented versions.

Questions You Might Ask

How do you use a washing machine cleaner?

A hand pouring the OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner into a washing machine.

How often should you use a washing machine cleaner?

How do you get smells out of a washing machine?

Can washing machine cleaners help improve the efficiency of my machine?

Lemi Shine Washing Machine Cleaner

PHOTO: Amazon

There are several ways your washing machine can become less efficient if you dont regularly clean it.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written byL.

Daniela Alvarez, a contributing writer forReal Simplewith three years of experience writing lifestyle content and product reviews.

A hand pulls a packet of Lemi Shine Washing Machine Cleaner out of the box.

PHOTO: Real Simple / Eric Brockob

A hand sprinkles Lemi Shine Washing Machine Cleaner into a washer.

A hand using a cloth to wipe the rubber seal of a washer after using Lemi Shine Washing Machine Cleaner.

A hand pulls a packet of Lemi Shine Washing Machine Cleaner out of the box.

A hand sprinkles Lemi Shine Washing Machine Cleaner into a washer.

A hand using a cloth to wipe the rubber seal of a washer after using Lemi Shine Washing Machine Cleaner.

Bayes-washing-machine-cleaner-and-deodorizer

PHOTO: Amazon

A person cleaning the washing machine glass door using Bayes Washing Machine Cleaner and Deodorizer.

PHOTO: Real Simple / Eric Brockob

A person spraying the inside of a washing machine with Bayes Washing Machine Cleaner and Deodorizer.

A person cleaning the washing machine glass door using Bayes Washing Machine Cleaner and Deodorizer.

A person spraying the inside of a washing machine with Bayes Washing Machine Cleaner and Deodorizer.

Ahh-Some Washing Machine/Dishwasher Bio Cleaner & Deodorizer

PHOTO: Amazon

Hand holding a jar of Ahh-Some Washing Machine/Dishwasher Bio Cleaner & Deodorizer.

PHOTO: Real Simple / Eric Brockob

A hand unscrewing the lid off the Ahh-Some Washing Machine Cleaner jar.

A hand scooping out some Ahh-Some Washing Machine Cleaner from the jar.

A hand holding a 1/2 a teaspoon of Ahh-Some Washing Machine/Dishwasher Bio Cleaner & Deodorizer.

Hand holding a jar of Ahh-Some Washing Machine/Dishwasher Bio Cleaner & Deodorizer.

A hand unscrewing the lid off the Ahh-Some Washing Machine Cleaner jar.

A hand scooping out some Ahh-Some Washing Machine Cleaner from the jar.

A hand holding a 1/2 a teaspoon of Ahh-Some Washing Machine/Dishwasher Bio Cleaner & Deodorizer.

Amazon Active Washing Machine Cleaner

PHOTO: Amazon

Hands holding an individual Active Washing Machine Cleaner packet.

PHOTO: Real Simple / Eric Brockob

Hands opening the Active Washing Machine Cleaner’s box to show packets inside.

A hand putting one Active Washing Machine Cleaner tablet into a washing machine.

Hands holding an individual Active Washing Machine Cleaner packet.

Hands opening the Active Washing Machine Cleaner’s box to show packets inside.

A hand putting one Active Washing Machine Cleaner tablet into a washing machine.

Glisten-washing-machine-cleaner

PHOTO: Walmart

Hands pull the protective seal off the Glisten Washing Machine Cleaner.

PHOTO: Real Simple / Eric Brockob

A person puts the Glisten Washing Machine Cleaner on a blue microfiber cloth.

A hand uses Glisten Washing Machine Cleaner to clean the rubber seal of a front load washer.

A hand pours the cleaning liquid into the washing machine’s soap tray.

Hands pull the protective seal off the Glisten Washing Machine Cleaner.

A person puts the Glisten Washing Machine Cleaner on a blue microfiber cloth.

A hand uses Glisten Washing Machine Cleaner to clean the rubber seal of a front load washer.

A hand pours the cleaning liquid into the washing machine’s soap tray.