Best washing machine cleaner

the best washing machine cleaner
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If your washing machine smells, it's likely you need a washing machine cleaner to freshen it up. It makes sense – after all, we use our washing machines many times during the week, sometimes more than once a day, so it’s important to keep the insides fresh and free from mould, mildew and limescale. 

There is a range of special washing machine cleaners on the market, ranging from liquid solutions to tablets that you add to the detergent drawer. Look for value for money with something that goes a long way as well as added benefits such as those that kill bacteria or protect the inner plastic parts to keep the washer working well for longer.

Dishwasher cleaners

(Image credit: Amazon)

Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner

The best washing machine cleaner for a getting rid of odours

Specifications

Best for: A thoroughly hygienic washing machine, with no germs left behind
Size: 250ml

Reasons to buy

+
Gets rid of all hidden dirt, including germs you can’t see
+
Removes limescale to improve the performance of your washer
+
Prevents odours from forming over time

Reasons to avoid

-
Save money with a multipack

Kill 99.9% of bacteria with this lemon scented Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner and use it to remove limescale at the same time

Why we like it:

You get a really hygienic clean, as this liquid cleaner is recommended to be added to the washing machine every two months to kill 99.9% of bacteria.

Removes limescale

The enemy of all washing machines is limescale, especially in hard water areas, so use this liquid cleaner to work as a descaler and keep your appliance working fully.

Can be used in…

Cases where the washer is starting to smell a bit iffy, especially if it’s never been cleaned inside before.

Results

For best results use every two months in a wash on its own and let the formula reach hidden areas, killing bacteria and getting rid of any bad odours to leave your machine – and laundry - smelling fresh.

 Good to know

This specially designed sanitising solution can reach all areas inside the machine, removing dirt, limescale and killing germs.

Dishwasher cleaners

(Image credit: Amazon)

Pro-Kleen Washing Machine Cleaner

The best washing machine cleaner for tackling limescale

Specifications

Best for: Removing lingering smells
Size: 5L

Reasons to buy

+
Perfect for a deep, powerful clean
+
Helps the washing machine run more effectively
+
Can remove limescale build-up

Reasons to avoid

-
Might not work so well on really old machines

Get rid of odours caused by mould and mildew inside the machine with the Pro-Kleen Washing Machine Cleaner...

Why we like it:

Rejuvenates your washer, making it smell all fresh and lovely again.

Descales and cleans

As well as cleaning the inside of your appliance, this 2 in 1 liquid solution will also descale, removing and preventing build-up of harmful limescale. Ideal for hard water areas.

Can be used to…

Improve the overall efficiency of your washer, making sure it works to its full potential by keeping internal pipes clean and limescale-free.

Results

Gives excellent value for money as you get 50 doses per bottle.

Good to know

You only need around 100ml for each treatment so a little goes a long way.

Dishwasher cleaners

(Image credit: Amazon)

Wpro Limescale & Detergent Remover

The best washing machine cleaner for dishwashers, too

Specifications

Best for: Giving the inside of your machine a hygienic clean
Size: Pack of 10

Reasons to buy

+
Helps to sanitise the inside of your washer
+
Cleans the tub, drum, element, pump and pipes
+
Can be used with all makes and models

Reasons to avoid

-
Use-by date runs out quickly

These replacement Hotpoint and Indesit limescale descaler sachets remove limescale, grease and detergent build-up

Why we like it:

You get 10 months of protection as it’s recommended you use one sachet every month for best results.

Descales and cleans

Just one sachet can help remove limescale build-up from all the inner working parts of your washing machine.

Can be used to…

Eliminate powder build-up inside the washer as well as any bacteria that could be causing nasty smells.

Results

A fantastic preventative solution for new washers, especially if you prefer using low temperature wash cycles that don’t dissolve detergent so easily as a hot wash, which in turn leaves a residue behind.

Good to know

If you use this straight away after buying a new washing machine, it’s said to reduce detergent quantity by up to a third.

Dishwasher cleaners

(Image credit: Amazon)

Ecozone washing machine and dishwasher cleaner

The best eco-friendly washing machine cleaner

Specifications

Best for: Protecting washing machines and dishwashers without the use of chemicals
Size: pack of 6

Reasons to buy

+
Lemony scent leaves the washer smelling fresh
+
Removes limescale and detergent deposits
+
Safe and eco-friendly

Reasons to avoid

-
Some users say it doesn’t work well in hard water areas
-
Takes few goes for some

This vegan certified Ecozone Washing Machine and Dishwasher Cleaner is easy to use and has a no-mess soluble wrapper...

Why we like it:

It's a deep clean for your appliance, leaving it fresh smelling and with all parts limescale and dirt-free.

Cruelty-free

Under the Humane Household Products Standard, this cleaner is free from animal testing and is vegan friendly.

Can be used to…

Help prevent pricey call-out charges and repair bills by making sure your washing machine doesn’t break down due to limescale build-up inside.

Results

Your washer will be left smelling lemon fresh and clean as a bell.

Good to know

Ecozone is a British company and this product is Allergy UK Friendly Approved.

Home Master Limescale & Detergent Remover

(Image credit: Amazon)

Home Master Limescale & Detergent Remover

The best washing machine cleaner for removing detergent build-up

Specifications

Best for: All washing machines from any brand
Size: pack of 12

Reasons to buy

+
Restores your machine to its shiny old self
+
Removes limescale inside the appliance
+
Cleans at the same time

Reasons to avoid

-
Some users say the washer didn’t smell any fresher after one use

An all in one limescale, detergent and purifying remover, this Home Master washing machine cleaner is great for hard and soft water areas...

Why we like it:

You juts need to use it once a month to help keep your washer completely limescale-free, prolonging its life and avoiding costly repairs.

Doubles up

You can also use this product in the dishwasher, too, with 12 applications in one pack.

Can be used to…

Cleanse and sanitise the inner workings of your appliances, reducing odours at the same time.

Results

Works well with all major appliance brands and can be used in hard and soft water areas.

Good to know

Pour half the contents of the sachet into the drum and the remaining into the drawer. Set on a 40ºC cycle – no laundry included – and turn on.

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Hayley Gilbert

Hayley is an interiors journalist with 24 years experience who has contributed to a huge range of consumer magazines, trade titles, newspapers and blogs. She has seen so many trends come and go - and come back round again - and has spent the last few years doing up her house in Hampshire. She loves the industrial look and is still a fan of grey in all its many forms. Hayley specialises in writing about kitchens and appliances – although can cover all interiors subjects with ease. For Realhomes.com, Hayley writes about small appliances and health and beauty gadgets