Washing machines get your clothes clean, but they need a little TLC themselves. Soap scum, mineral deposits, and bacteria sneak in over time.

That gunk can make your washer smell funky or stop working as well. If you’ve ever opened your washer and caught a whiff of something off, you know what I mean.

Washing machine cleaner tablets make life easier here. You just toss them in, let them dissolve, and they go to work on all that grime regular detergent leaves behind.

Using cleaner tablets every month can help your machine last longer and keep your laundry smelling nice.

Before you grab any old tablets, check if they’re right for your washer. Some only work in top-loaders, others in front-loaders, and a few cover both.

If you’ve got a septic system, make sure they’re septic-safe. Nobody wants to wreck their plumbing over a cleaning tablet. Also, try to avoid formulas with harsh chemicals that could wear out rubber seals or metal parts.

We evaluated a bunch of popular washing machine cleaner tablets to see which ones actually get the job done and don’t make a mess of your machine.

Best Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets

We reviewed lots of washing machine cleaner tablets, honestly more than we expected. Here are the ones that really knocked out buildup and odors, and kept our machines humming along.

Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner

We like these tablets for anyone fighting off washer odors or stubborn buildup. They’re a no-fuss, once-a-month fix that seems to work for just about any machine.

Pros

• Works in both front-load and top-load washers, including HE models
• Just drop it in—no scrubbing or weird steps
• EPA Safer Choice certified and septic-safe, so you don’t have to stress

Cons

• Monthly cleaning means you’ll need to keep buying them
• You have to run a full empty cycle, which uses water and energy
• Six tablets per box, so you’ll be restocking fairly often

This cleaner goes after the real cause of washer stink by breaking down old detergent and grime. The tablets dissolve slowly so they reach spots you can’t see or scrub.

It’s almost too easy. We toss one in an empty washer and run a hot or clean cycle. The foaming action gets under all that buildup and lifts it away.

They work with any washer type and don’t mess up the inside. The light citrus scent is pleasant, not overpowering. If you keep up with it every month, smells and residue don’t stand a chance.

ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner

We think these tablets are a solid choice if you want a year’s worth of cleaning power that works with any washer.

Pros

• Each tablet foams up and cuts through grime—no scrubbing needed
• Box comes with 24 tablets, enough for a whole year
• Compatible with all washer types, including front- and top-loaders

Cons

• You might notice a chemical smell during cleaning
• Costs more up front than smaller packs
• Takes a full cycle to work its magic

These tablets dissolve and foam up, reaching every hidden nook in your washer. That means the drum, gaskets, and all those spots where soap scum loves to hide.

They’re eco-friendly too, with less plastic than liquid cleaners. Each one is individually wrapped, so you don’t end up with a bunch of stale tablets. No strong scent is left behind, which some folks might prefer.

After just one cleaning, a lot of users say their washer’s musty smell disappears. The tablets dissolve completely, so you won’t find weird chunks in your next load of laundry.

Buying in bulk saves some cash in the long run. You get enough for two cleanings a month all year. Beats running out of liquid cleaner halfway through spring cleaning.

MIGHTY CLEAN Washing Machine Tablets

If you’re watching your budget and want a gentle cleaning option, these tablets are a good pick. If your machine is seriously grimy, you might need something stronger, though.

Pros

• Works with any washer—front-load, top-load, HE, you name it
• Just drop it in and go, no elbow grease needed
• Packs 24 tablets, so you’re set for a year

Cons

• Cleaning power is on the mild side; tough buildup might need two tablets
• Ocean fresh scent isn’t for everyone
• Doesn’t always cut it for really neglected machines

The MIGHTY CLEAN Washing Machine Tablets are pretty straightforward. Each one dissolves fully in a regular cycle and goes after soap scum and odors without harsh chemicals.

They work with all washer types, whether you’ve got a fancy front-loader or a basic top-loader. Septic-safe, too, which is a relief for a lot of folks.

Some users get great results, especially if they clean monthly. If your washer is really gunked up, you might have to double up on tablets to see a difference.

With 24 tablets in a pack, you can clean twice a month for a year. That regular schedule keeps things running smoothly and can help you avoid expensive repairs.

OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters

If your washer smells musty or isn’t cleaning like it used to, this cleaner is worth a shot.

Pros

• Pre-measured pouches make the cleaning process quick and tidy
• Works in both standard and HE machines
• Septic-safe, so no plumbing worries

Cons

• Costs more than some basic cleaners
• May loosen enough buildup to clog drains temporarily
• Monthly use adds up over time

The OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters goes after smells that regular detergent can’t touch. The pouches contain a special mix that breaks down soap scum and fabric softener residue.

All you do is toss a pouch into an empty washer and run a cleaning cycle. The powder dissolves and gets into all those hidden places where odors start.

This stuff works especially well for machines with that classic musty smell. After using it, clothes come out noticeably fresher. Thankfully, there’s no strong perfume scent left behind.

You get four pouches per box, so that’s four months of cleaning if you stick to the monthly routine. If your washer is really stinky, you might want to use it weekly for a few weeks before switching to monthly.

True Fresh Cleaning Tablets

These tablets pack a punch for the price, and they’re a solid pick for regular washer upkeep.

Pros

• Dissolves fast and tackles tough buildup
• Works with any washer—front-load, top-load, whatever
• Easy monthly routine keeps things fresh

Cons

• Doesn’t always get tough stains off glass doors or windows
• No added scent, so don’t expect a fresh smell afterward
• Results depend on how dirty your machine gets between cleanings

The True Fresh tablets dissolve in seconds, creating a powder that gets into all the tricky corners. A lot of people say musty odors disappear after just one use.

They work with any brand or size of washing machine. Whether you’ve got an LG front-loader or an old Whirlpool, these tablets adapt just fine.

Using them is a breeze. Drop one in an empty washer and run a normal cycle. When it’s done, wipe up any leftover residue with a towel.

With 25 tablets in a pack, you’re set for over two years if you clean monthly. That’s a good deal compared to most liquid cleaners, and they take up less shelf space too.

If you’ve got stubborn stains on glass windows, you might still need to scrub. The unscented formula leaves things clean, but don’t expect any fancy fragrance.

Buying Guide

Picking the right washing machine cleaner tablets can feel weirdly complicated. We look for a few key features to keep our washers running well and our clothes smelling nice.

Key Features to Consider

Active ingredients are a big deal. Oxygen bleach or citric acid does the heavy lifting against soap scum and minerals.

Compatibility is huge. Make sure the tablets work with your machine—some are made for top-loaders, others for front-loaders, and a few are universal.

Packaging matters more than you’d think. Individually wrapped tablets stay fresh longer, and you don’t end up with a clumpy mess at the bottom of the box.

What to Look For

Feature	Why It Matters
Septic safe	Protects our plumbing system
Phosphate free	Better for the environment
Easy dissolving	Prevents tablet residue
Fresh scent	Eliminates odors

Frequency of use really depends on the product. Some tablets only need a monthly cycle, while others ask for weekly attention.

Pick based on how much time you want to spend cleaning your machine. Not everyone wants to keep track of another chore, right?

Price per tablet is worth a quick look. Sometimes the cheaper ones end up costing more if you have to use them twice as often.

Making the Right Choice

Definitely read customer reviews before buying. Real people will say if tablets actually work or just fizz and do nothing.

Always check the expiration date. Old tablets can lose their punch, and nobody wants to waste money on something that barely works.

Frequently Asked Questions

People wonder about using cleaner tablets in different machines, which brands actually do the job, and how to use them right. There are also questions about where to buy them and how affresh stacks up to other brands.

How can you use cleaner tablets in a top-loading washing machine?

Just toss a tablet right into the empty drum of your top-loader. Choose the hottest water setting and the longest cycle you can find.

Let the cycle run all the way through. The tablet will break down and work its way around the drum, agitator, and all those hidden spots inside.

When it’s done, wipe out the drum and lid with a damp cloth. Leave the lid open so everything dries out properly.

What are the best rated tablets for cleaning washing machines?

Affresh washing machine cleaner tablets get a lot of love from users. Whirlpool makes them, and they’re supposed to tackle soap scum and mineral buildup.

Tide Washing Machine Cleaner gets plenty of good reviews too. These help with odors and leftover gunk in the drum.

OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner tablets are another solid choice for breaking up soap residue. Lots of people say their machines smell fresher after using them.

What steps should be followed to effectively use washing machine cleaner tablets?

First, take everything out of the washer. Make sure the drum’s empty—no stray socks hiding in there.

Drop a tablet straight in the drum. Don’t bother with the detergent drawer.

Pick the hottest water setting and the longest cycle your washer offers. Then just hit start and let it go.

After the cycle, wipe the drum with a clean cloth. Leave the door or lid open so it can dry out.

Can washing machine cleaner tablets be used for all types of washing machines?

Most tablets work in both front-loaders and top-loaders. They’re made for standard home machines, so you usually don’t have to worry.

High-efficiency washers are fine too. The low-suds formulas play nice with HE machines.

If you’ve got a commercial or specialty machine, check the manual first. Some might need something different.

Where can you typically find washing machine cleaner tablets for purchase?

You’ll spot these tablets at most grocery stores, usually in the laundry aisle near the detergents and softeners.

Home Depot, Lowe’s, Target, and Walmart all carry them. They’re not exactly rare.

Online, Amazon has a bunch of brands and even bulk packs. You can also buy straight from appliance makers if you want to go that route.

What are the benefits of using affresh washing machine cleaner tablets compared to other brands?

Affresh tablets were made for Whirlpool machines, but honestly, you can toss them in just about any brand. The formula actually comes from the appliance manufacturer, so there’s a bit of reassurance there.

They break down soap scum and mineral deposits pretty well. Plus, they go after that stubborn, musty odor in the drum and hoses.

You’ll notice these tablets dissolve fully during the wash. No weird chunks left behind to clog drains or filters—thank goodness.

Affresh tablets also carry the EPA Safer Choice certification. That badge means they meet some tough safety standards for their ingredients.

Related Article: Why does my front-load washer smell? (And how to fix it!)