Spending more time at home means that we have a spare half an hour to do housework, right? Whether you’re part of the Hinch Army (AKA fans of Mrs Hinch – an Instagram influencer renowned for cleaning tips) or can’t even stand picking up the vacuum, we need to talk about washing machine cleaners.
Cleaning your washing machine is one of those jobs that is essential, however, it's often overlooked. Not only can it ensure your clothes come out smelling fresh as a daisy, but it also has fabulous benefits like preventing issues with limescale.
Why just stop at the washing machine? Tackle the best oven cleaner product while you're at it!
Keep reading to get our full breakdown of the best washing machine cleaner.
Before you start bagging the best deals on cleaners, here are some facts you need to know about scrubbing and freshening up your washing machine.
When to clean a washing machine?
Don't wait for your washing machine to start smelling to do something about it. Here at What's The Best we recommend giving your washing machine a deep clean inside and out at least once a month.
Wipe and dry the rubber seal: This is a great tip for preventing mould in your washing machine.
The Full MOT: Don't forget about the detergent drawer and filter. These are often spots that are missed when freshening up our washing machines.
Increases life span: Cleaning your washing machine regularly and thoroughly can help to extend its lifetime because it won't decay or have a build-up of limescale.
Top tip - Don't forget to check the machine's manual for instructions on how to clean.
Now that you’re clued up on why you should clean, here are ALL of the best washing machine cleaners to use to ensure everything comes out of the machine sparkling.
Best washing machine cleaner to prevent bad odours
Description
As well as washing your clothes and towels, you need to make sure that you give your washing machine a new lease of life. Use this Dettol Anti Bacterial Washing Machine Cleaner every two months to remove dirt and limescale in hidden areas.
Review: "I have used four or five bottles of this stuff now. It's really good. I find that only about 1/3 of the bottle poured into the washing machine detergent tray is plenty to give it a good clean. 1/3 of the bottle will almost fill the machine with bubbles. Put it on a hot wash cycle of 60 degrees and it will smell nice and fresh afterwards. Remember to always leave the washing machine door open a jar when not in use to allow airflow and prevent the damp smell."
Pros
- Use this to kill 99.9 per cent of bacteria
- It will stop your machine from producing bad odours
- Add into washing machine drum in its own wash
Cons
- Leaves a very strong smell
- Not eco-friendly
Best eco-friendly washing machine cleaner
Description
Are you looking for a non-toxic cleaner that will spruce up your appliance and pipework? This environmentally friendly household product from Ecozone will freshen up your washing machine like never before.
Review: "Great for keeping your washing machine clean on the inside - protecting the drum and element from limescale as general dirt and debris gathering in and around the inner parts." Want more eco-friendly recommendations?
Read our full article on the best eco-friendly cleaners here.
Pros
- This washing machine cleaner is easy to use
- We love that this is vegan-certified
- It will leave your machine with a fresh lemon scent
Cons
- Need to clean rubber seal separately
- Nice smell doesn't last long
Best washing machine cleaner for a deep clean
Description
Using your washing machine regularly can cause mould to develop in hard-to-reach areas. Give it a deep clean with this incredible Dr Beckmann Service-It Deep Clean treatment. Not only will it smell fresh, but it will leave it looking brand new.
Review: "Great stuff, cleaned my washing machine and now smells like new. Could not believe all the gunk floating around in the water - it works."
Pros
- Best to use every 40 washes
- Really easy to use – simply add to the machine and go
- It will even remove bacteria that grow in the humidity of the machine – amazing, right?
Cons
- Some reports of the machine still smelling
Best washing machine cleaner tablets
Description
We're not going to lie, the Calgon jingle is singing in our heads, and we know you know what we mean. Besides, we love the fact that these tabs will help prolong the life of any washing machine.
Review: "I live in a hard-water area and every water-based appliance quickly clogs up with limescale. I've had my washing machine for almost five years and so far I've not had a problem. Despite not being able to look inside and see what effect it's having, I'm fairly positive that Calgon is doing its job and helping to reduce the build-up and keep my machine going."
Pros
- This is a 2-in-1 product - it'll help to protect against limescale and clean your machine
- Best used when the tabs are added to every wash as it cleans your drum, pipes, hose, pump and anything else that encounters water
- Amazing to use if you live in a hard water area
Cons
- Must use on a 60-degree wash
- Reports of it disintegrating
Best washing machine cleaner for removing limescale
Description
Are you looking for a washing machine cleaner that enhances your machine? This incredible product from Hotpoint will tick all the right boxes.
Review: "I have been using this product for both my dishwasher and washing machine for years now, although this is the first time I've bought it off Amazon. Great product. I've only just changed my washing machine - 16 years after buying it - and I definitely put it down to doing a wash with this once a month."
Pros
- Includes 24 x 50g sachets, which should give you up to two years of protection
- Helps to reduce limescale and remove bad odours
- Will even clean the tub, pump and piping in your washing machine
Cons
- Can leave a build-up in the drawer
Best washing machine care kit
AOao.com
Description
Take your maintenance to the next level thanks to the WPRO Washing Machine Care Kit. This set includes 10 three-in-one descale sachets and one anti-limescale magnet that will ensure your drum is clean but also prevents limescale from building up in the first place.
Your washing machine cycle doesn't finish here... There's so much more information about the best washing machine cleaners, including different places you can buy them online. Plus, we've uncovered why your washing machine smells.
Frequently asked questions:
Where to buy washing machine cleaner?
Now that we've run down all the washing machine cleaners Amazon has to offer, here are some of the best places to buy washing machine cleaners online.
How to use washing machine cleaner?
Not quite sure how to use a washing machine cleaner? Find out how you can clean your machine thanks to this incredible how-to video from Clean My Space.
Spoiler alert: it'll create some extra jobs for you to do after you've cleaned your clothes.
Why does the washing machine smell?
According to Persil, "If it smells musty or damp then this is a sign it needs a clean. Our tips below will teach you how to clean a smelly washing machine and remove bad odours, which can often be caused by bacteria."
Discover how to clean a smelly washing machinethanks to Persil here.
Benefits of using washing machine cleaner:
Still unsure what the benefits of using a washing machine cleaner are? Don't worry, here's a full list of reasons how it'll enhance your wash:
• Reduces risk of mould
• Protects inner parts and mechanisms
• Kills bacteria
• Removes grime and build-up
• Prevents unwanted odours
We're off to clean our washing machine and maybe even try out the best steam cleaner for tiles while we're in the zone.
Washing machine cleaning cycles
As well as using a washing machine cleaner, some washing machines come with specific cleaning cycles designed to give your machine a thorough clean. We spoke to Vivien Fodor, Hotpoint’s Category Manager for Laundry in the UK and Ireland, who shared how their washing machines have been made to keep your wash as hygienic as possible.
“Contrary to their primary purpose of keeping our clothes clean, washing machines can collect dirt and bacteria inside of them. Yet one in five Brits never clean their washing machines – this is partly due to a lack of awareness of needing to and people not knowing how. To tackle this, at Hotpoint, we developed an automatic cleaning cycle that runs through our washing machines. Simply press and hold the AutoClean button for five seconds, and the machine will start a cleaning cycle - removing detergent, soap buildup, chemicals and bacteria.
“Many of Hotpoint's washing machines also feature an antimicrobic door seal, which prevents and protects your machine from bacteria build-up by 99%*. Therefore with Hotpoint, you don‘t need to worry about cleaning your washing machine by hand, and it will work effectively for longer warding off unpleasant smells and keeping your clothes clean and fresh.”
*Certified by TUV
Lily Anderson is a writer at Bauer Media, where she tests products for titles such as Heat, Closer, What’s the Best and Mother&Baby.
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