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.
Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
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.
Pro-Kleen Washing Machine Cleaner
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
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.
Wpro Limescale & Detergent Remover
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
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.
Ecozone washing machine and dishwasher cleaner
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
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
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
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 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