Logistically thinking, we wouldn’t blame you if you believed your washing machines didn’t need to be cleaned, but in reality they can be clogged with invisible limescale and dirt.
Over time this can cause problems and affect the functioning of your machine, hindering normal operation, causing corrosion of heating elements, and leaving laundry with an unpleasant smell. So when the waft of stale clothes makes an unwelcome appearance in your home, it’s time to tackle it and give your washing machine a good freshen up.
Yet, eliminating bacteria and limescale doesn’t mean hours spent on your hands and knees scrubbing. The best way to sort out the problem is by picking up a washing machine cleaner that gets rid of nasties inside the machine.
These faff-free cleaners are ready to use straight out of the box or packet. Some can be placed directly into the drum of the machine; others can be poured into the detergent drawer. Either option will help keep clothes fresh, and if used regularly, maintain the lifespan of the machine itself.
When shopping for a washing machine cleaner ensure you choose a product that is suitable for front or top loading models (some cleaners are suitable for one or the other). We tested a range of washing machine cleaners that will all brighten up a dingy drum.
From powders to liquids and tablets, there’s a cleaner to suit your machine below. As is the case with all household cleaners, don’t forget to protect your hands whilst using these products.
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ecoegg Detox Tablets
These handy detox tablets keep your washing machine clean from week to week. They should be popped in the empty drum of your machine and run on a hot wash cycle to quickly remove the build-up of limescale and odours. The manufacturer recommends setting your machine at a 90 degree wash, although we tested on a 60 degree cycle and noticed positive results.
Run a tablet through the machine once a month to ensure the pipes and interior stay clean. One box contains enough tablets to keep your machine clean for six months. Tablets are wrapped in recyclable plastic film and the box itself can be reused.
Use a tablet to clean your machine, then continue to keep laundry fresh using the ecoegg Laundry Egg, which is designed as an eco-friendly alternative to detergent and fabric conditioner. Note that whilst this product is kinder to the environment, it does contain a fragrance that might irritate very sensitive skin.
Buy now £3.99, Amazon
Dylon Washing Machine Cleaner
If your machine has been smelling stale lately, give it a quick spruce with this powder cleaner. This cleaner will remove limescale and clean up detergent residue. Simply pour the full contents of this box into your machine detergent drawer, then run a 60 degree wash. This cleaner can be used once every three months or after 40 wash cycles to ensure the machine stays clear of limescale.
Its descaling solution will cut down on dirt build-up to keep your machine fresher for longer. It will even remove mildew from around the drum and door, plus any tricky residues clogging up the machine. Note that this product is only suitable for front-loading automatic machines. Don’t forget to leave the door and detergent tray open after every use to allow internal surfaces to dry.
Buy now £2.50, Amazon
HG Deep Clean and Service
With over 50 years producing household products, HG cleaners are well known for their quality and effectiveness. This cleaner prevents build-up of soap and dirt, and unpleasant smells of stagnant water or limescale. Simply fill the detergent tray or machine with one bottle and run on a hot wash.
On testing, this cleaner made the drum sparkle, but was not as effective on harder to reach areas around the door seal, rubber trims and behind the detergent drawer. With this in mind we recommend removing the detergent drawer and any other filters and giving them a separate clean.
Compared to other products, this option is at the pricier end of the market, but it does claim to prevent machine malfunctions, thus (hopefully) saving money in the long run. A great all-rounder, this cleaner is safe for use in washing machines and dishwashers, keeping clothes and dishes fresh from week to week.
Buy now £10.39, Amazon
Dr. Beckmann Service-it Deep Clean Washing Machine Cleaner
If your clothes are starting to smell like stale water then it’s time to use a cleaner that will target all areas of your machine. Claiming to remove 99.99 per cent of bacteria and microorganisms, this option targets residue and fungus that can build up inside your washing machine. Leaving behind a fresh lemon fragrance that makes the house smell of spring cleaning, this powder is simple to use and highly effective.
One box contains one treatment. Just empty the whole pack into the empty washing machine drum and run a main cycle. On testing we found that this cleaner made our machine smell fresh and got rid of stubborn residue around the drum and the door rim. Use this cleaner on front or top loading washing machines every few months or every 30 washes to keep the interior clean and increase the machine’s lifespan.
Buy now £2.50, Amazon
Ecozone Magnoball
This handy little product is a ball of fun with its bright pink exterior. The eye-catching design of this product adds a bit of sparkle to a boring household task. Unlike other cleaners on our list, this ball is designed to be used with every wash cycle. Inside the ball, two magnets act to remove limescale build up. Simply pop the ball in your washing machine and wash your clothes as usual.
Claiming to show effective limescale removal after around five washes, this handy helper offers an attractive solution to warn off any smells and keep clothes and dishes fresh. It doesn’t just look good, it’s a hard-working product that’s safe for multiple appliances, pop in the washing machine drum or in the top drawer of your dishwasher.
Buy now £9.99, Amazon
Dettol Antibacterial Washing Machine Cleaner
Stinky smells be gone! This liquid cleaner can be poured straight into the detergent drawer when your washing machine is empty. There are two cleaners available - original or lemon scent. Run either in the machine on a 60 degree wash to get rid of all the dirt and bacteria that has built-up over time.
On testing we used a full bottle at once and noticed some foam overflow from the detergent drawer. We suggest using half of the bottle in the first instance to prevent it from leaking onto the floor. To stop the build-up of bacteria and other germs in your machine, use the cleaner every two months. Try diluting one tablespoon in 200ml water and using an old toothbrush with a soft bristle to clean hard to reach areas around the door seal and detergent tray.
Buy now £3.00, Amazon
Care and Protect 3-in-1 Washing Machine Limescale Remover and Cleaner
According to British Water, even a 1.6mm coating of limescale on a heating element can make it up to 12 per cent less effective. This cleaner gets rid of limescale deposits collecting in your washing machine that can reduce its efficiency. Keep your washing machine cleaner for longer with these handy little powder sachets.
Pour the contents of one sachet into the empty washing machine drum, then set a 60-degree cycle without a pre-wash. Use one sachet every month to keep your clothes smelling fresh, and the machine free from dirt and debris. This cleaner contains limescale remover and degreaser helping to keep pipes clean and removing dirt and grease. The multipurpose nature of this product means it can be used in your washing machines, washer dryers and dishwashers. Choose from a box of 12 sachets (a year’s supply) or a box of 4 sachets.
Buy now £19.49, Amazon
Verdict
Simple to use, affordable and eco-friendly, we think ecoegg Detox Tablets are a solid choice. These small tablets pack a lot of punch, cleaning the interior of the machine and areas where stubborn germs live (around the door rim and detergent drawer).
