The washing machine washes your clothes, but who washes the washing machine? Have you ever wondered which washing machine cleaners to trust? Did you ever second guess the brand choice of the cleaner? Taking care of your machine and keeping it clean should be your number one concern.
Cleanliness is one of the main keys to a healthy lifestyle, and even your washing machine needs cleaning from time to time to stay intact. Read further to find out the best washing machine cleaners suitable for your washing machine.
Washing Machine Cleaners
Different bacteria, dirt, or detergent residue can stay in the washing machine and cause musty smells. If you notice some odd odor, it is a sign that your washing machine needs a thorough and deep clean.
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And what better way to erase the nooks and dirt of the machine other than finding a decent washing machine cleaner. Most washing machine cleaners work best if used once a week.
Washing machine cleaners can be made either for internal or for external use. If you decide on tablets, gel, or liquid form, you should know that these are meant to be run through the wash cycle. On the other hand, wipes and sprays are used on the washer surface and drum interior.
Types of Washing Machine Cleaners
There are many types of cleaners you can choose from. The most important thing is that the cleaner does its job without damaging the rubber and the plastic parts. If you clean washing machines quite often, you are likely to improve their efficiency and lifespan.
When it comes to different machines, such as top loading or front loading washing machines, most cleaners are suitable for any kind. However, depending on whether it is a standard or high-efficiency machine, not all cleaners work with both types. Cleaners can have different forms, such as liquid, gel, wipes, tablets, or sprays.
Tablets
Cleaner tablets break down the residue that is dissolved through the cleaning cycle. They function slowly but efficiently. The tablet usage is simple. All you do is place one in an empty washing machine with a hot water cycle. You can store them, and just one pouch can serve you for months.
Sprays
Sprays can make your washer clean in such an easy way. They are also fast because you just spray the machine since many sprays do not require a wash cycle, wipes, or cleaning afterward. Sprays present such a quick way of killing bacteria that you can use them daily.
You can use them in the washer drum itself or on the outside surface on the rubber door seal or buttons that the liquid cleanser cannot reach.
Liquid Cleaner
This cleaner is poured either into the washer drum for a hot water cycle or in the detergent drawer. The gel washing machine cleaner can clean everything that your hand cannot reach, including all the crannies and dirt.
The good side of the liquid cleaners is the fact that they are washed away easily, so there will be no remnants or powder residue left when you do your laundry.
Wipes
If you want a clean machine that will dissolve detergent buildup, go for cleaner wipes. They are perfect for weekly usage. The wipes can be used on the washer’s drum, the door, and other surface machine parts. When you finish the process, you do not have to wipe off the cleaner or run another wash cycle.
How to Choose the Best Washing Machine Cleaner
There are several important factors that you should have in mind when you choose a washing machine cleaner. Your favorite washing machine cleaner should be gentle on the washing machine parts but also effective when it comes down to removing gunk. The cleaner should not destroy the door seal or the rubber gaskets.
Odor
If you want to have your washing machine clean, then find a cleaner that takes care of the odor-causing residue. Your freshly washed clothes may have bad odors and smell like wet socks instead of smelling fresh.
The reasons for these washing machine odors are bacteria, mildew, and dirt. If the unpleasant smell does not go away, you should probably do one more round with a cleaner created for neutralizing odors.
Limescale
Limescale removal can be very difficult, but luckily some cleaners are specially formulated to dissolve it. It is the hard coat that appears on the inside of the washing machine and is usually caused by hard water.
Limescale deposits can leave a residue on clothes if they get stuck in pipes or the washing machine drum. Limescale can slow down the work of the machines and make them less efficient.
Bacteria
We use our washing machines very often and under various conditions, so they usually collect bacteria, mildew, and germs. It is crucial to use washing machine cleaner tablets to remove those germs. Find a bacteria-removing cleaner if you want clean laundry.
The Best Washing Machine Cleaners
The market is overflowed with various machine cleaners, but do they do their job, and will they live up to your expectations? Some cleaners contain harsh chemicals and should be avoided if you have sensitive skin. Here are some of the best cleaners out there.
Oxiclean Washing Machine Cleaner (With Odor Blasters)
If you want to destroy musty smells, odors, dirt, and mildew, Oxiclean is the best choice for you. Prepared with ingredients that fight bacteria, you can use it with any type of machine.
Although it is safe for septic systems, it does not count as biodegradable. It counts as the best powder form of cleaner that can be easily used with pre-measured pouches. It is best to use it once a month.
Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner
The Affresh washing machine cleaner will easily become your favorite cleaner because of its affordable price and easy usage. It has enormous cleaning power and works with many machine types.
You can use it with front-loading machines, high-efficiency machines, as well as top-loading machines. This cleaner will reach the washer drum, pump, washtub, basket, drain hose, and all inner parts.
Eco-Gals Eco Swirls Cleaner Tablets
If you want a whole year’s supply of eco-friendly ingredients, choose the Eco-Gals Eco Swirls cleaner. Budget-friendly and easy to use, these tablets are an amazing choice for clean clothes.
During the hot cycle, the tablets foam up and get into the drainage system. This could easily be the best washing machine cleaner if not for the plastic wrapping of the tablets.
Lemi Shine Washing Machine Cleaner and Wipes
This machine cleaner is perfect for sensitive skin without harsh chemicals. It comes with pouches and wipes. It is non-toxic with a lemon scent and with no bleach. Natural citric extracts are used for their creation.
You just pour one package into the drum for a clean cycle and then use the wipes to clean the rubber door gasket in a front loader.
The fresh scent of lemon might be too strong for people who do not like the lemon scent.
Glisten Washer Magic for Washing Machines
This machine cleaner and deodorant is best if you hate residue left behind. It destroys grime as well as mildew, mold, and bad odor. It can be used in high-efficiency machines and septic systems. It cleans the rubber gasket, drum, and detergent tray.
It destroys the mineral buildup, so it is perfect if you happen to live in an area with hard water.
Renuv Heavy Duty Washing Machine Cleaner
The Renuv giant tablets are dye-free and have no scent if this is what you are looking for. The tablets foam up with much cleaning power, and you need to wipe the residue once the normal cleaning cycle is done.
Even if you have a high-efficiency machine, you will only use one tablet at a time due to its large size. They are a little bit pricey but are septic system safe and do their job perfectly.
Oh Yuk Washing Machine Cleaner
Since you should deep clean your washing machine more often, Oh Yuk is one of the best choices out there. It kills all the bacteria from the inner mechanisms of the machine, removes bad odor, and destroys detergent buildup. It also adds a fresh but not overly perfumed scent at the end.
This cleaner is not only easy to use but also immediately breaks the dirt with natural ingredients. However, it is not recommended to clean the door seal with it when it comes to a front loading machine.
Conclusion
Finding and using a suitable washing machine cleaner is directly connected to your hygiene and your health in general. You can always try baking soda or other home remedies, but a real machine cleaner isn’t only more effective but also easy to use, and the results are guaranteed.
The cleaner you choose has to be suitable for front-loading, top-loading, and high-efficiency machines. Cleaners come in many shapes and sizes, yet no matter the shape and size, they perform their job and help you eliminate the bacteria enemies in your washing machine.