9 Best Washing Machine Cleaners for Pet Owners (November 2026)

The best washing machine cleaners for pet households include the ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner for Pet Owners for pet hair and odor, the ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler 24 Pack for routine descaling, and the Caspeak 5X Power Deep Cleaning Washing Machine for a light scent.

On this page (5 sections)

1. Which washing machine cleaner for pet owners fits your needs?
2. The best washing machine cleaners for pet households
3. How should you choose a washing machine cleaner for pets?
4. How do you use a washer cleaner around pet laundry?
5. Which cleaner should pet owners choose?

The best washing machine cleaner for pet owners is ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner for Pet Owners, which is designed around pet hair, odor and washer residue. Caspeak also targets fur and residue, while True Fresh is an unscented option.

A washer cleaner can help maintain the drum and other areas where residue builds up. It won't replace removing loose fur from clothes, cleaning the lint filter when your washer has one, or wiping the door seal.

Our picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for pet hair and odor

   ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner for Pet Owners

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for routine descaling

   ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler 24 Pack

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for a light scent

   Caspeak 5X Power Deep Cleaning Washing Machine

   9.5/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

4. 4

   True Fresh Deep Clean Washing Machine Cleaner

   Best for scent-free cleaning
   Check it
5. 5

   ECO-GALS Washing Machine Cleaner and Deodorizer

   Best for monthly maintenance
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6. 6

   Mamouris Enzyme Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets Pro

   Best for mixed organic residue
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7. 7

   SHIMMERIX Washing Machine Cleaner Pro Tablets

   Best for a simple tablet routine
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8. 8

   Adesaim Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets for Pet

   Best for monthly pet care
   Check it
9. 9

   BLASTIX Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets for Pet

   Best for a larger tablet pack
   Check it

Which washing machine cleaner for pet owners fits your needs?

ACTIVE is the strongest match for pet-focused cleaning, while the other picks suit scent preferences, routine descaling or general washer maintenance. We compared their stated formulas, targets, washer compatibility and use directions.

Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. The scores reflect how closely each option fits pet hair, odor and washer residue concerns.

The best washing machine cleaners for pet households

These picks are ordered by score, with pet-focused formulas at the top. Match the cleaner's target and directions to your washer and the problem you want to address.

1

ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner for Pet Owners: Best for pet hair and odor

9.7/10Our score

• Enzyme blend
• For top-load, front-load and HE washers
• 24 tablets
• Pet hair, residue and odor focus

ACTIVE focuses on pet hair, odor and washer buildup with an enzyme blend. Its directions call for a tablet in an empty washer and a Clean Washer cycle or hot regular cycle.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Pet-focused enzyme formula
• 24 tablets
• Instructions cover several washer types

Cons

• Directions call for twice-monthly use
• Requires an empty washer

ACTIVE makes the clearest fit for households washing pet bedding or clothing with fur on it. Its enzyme blend is aimed at pet hair, sludge, oil, soap and limescale, with odor-causing grime also named as a target.

The directions call for placing a tablet in an empty washer, not the detergent drawer. Run the Clean Washer cycle or a regular hot-water cycle, then wipe away any residue with a clean towel.

ACTIVE says the tablets suit top-load, front-load and HE washers and are septic-safe. The pack contains 24 tablets, and its instructions recommend use twice a month.

Choose it when pet buildup is the main concern and that cleaning schedule fits your routine. For broader advice on choosing laundry products, see our laundry detergent guide.

2

ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler 24 Pack: Best for routine descaling

9.6/10Our score

• Effervescent tablets
• Descaling formula
• 24 tablets
• Unscented

This ACTIVE cleaner targets odor and hard-water buildup as a general washer descaler. It suits pet homes that want routine drum care without a pet-specific formula.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Descaling focus
• 24 tablets
• Unscented

Cons

• Not specifically formulated for pet hair
• Not for dryers

This ACTIVE cleaner is a better fit when mineral deposits and general washer odor matter more than pet hair specifically. It uses effervescent tablets described for descaling, odor control and hard-water buildup.

The 24-tablet pack works with top-load, front-load and HE washers. The formula is unscented and bleach-free, which may suit households that prefer to avoid added fragrance.

Use the washer's cleaning cycle or follow the cleaner's directions. For more tablet options, compare our best washing machine cleaner tablets.

3

Caspeak 5X Power Deep Cleaning Washing Machine: Best for a light scent

9.5/10Our score

• Multi-enzyme formula
• Targets pet fur and residue
• 24 tablets
• Light scent

Caspeak combines a multi-enzyme formula with claims about odor control and pet fur. The brand recommends monthly use in an empty washer.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Pet fur and residue focus
• For top-load, front-load and HE washers
• Light scent

Cons

• Use instructions suggest adjusting tablet count to need
• Scent may not suit scent-sensitive households

Caspeak combines a multi-enzyme formula with claims about breaking down pet fur and addressing grease, limescale, sweat and detergent residue. It also describes its scent as light, so consider another option if you want an unscented cleaner.

The brand recommends using the tablets monthly in an empty washer and says the cleaner is suitable for HE, top-load and front-load machines. Its directions suggest adjusting the number of tablets to your needs, so read them before use.

Choose Caspeak if you want a pet-focused formula with a light scent. Our guide to the best top load washing machine cleaner covers more options for that washer style.

4

True Fresh Deep Clean Washing Machine Cleaner: Best for scent-free cleaning

9.5/10Our score

• Triple-enzyme formula
• Unscented
• 24 tablets
• Oxygen-based cleaning action

True Fresh combines a triple-enzyme formula with oxygen-based cleaning and a descaling action. Its directions call for 2 tablets in an empty drum.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Unscented
• Pet hair and organic buildup focus
• For all washer types

Cons

• Directions call for 2 tablets per cleaning
• Requires an empty drum

True Fresh is the pick for households that want a pet-focused cleaner without added scent. Its formula pairs three enzymes with oxygen-based cleaning and a descaling action, and it names pet hair, dander and organic buildup as targets.

The directions call for 2 tablets in an empty drum, followed by a Clean Washer cycle or the hottest cycle available. The brand says the tablets are suitable for HE, top-load and front-load washers and are septic-safe.

Choose it if fragrance is a concern and you want one cleaner aimed at hair, odor and mineral deposits. See our best HE washing machine cleaner guide for more options that fit high-efficiency machines.

5

ECO-GALS Washing Machine Cleaner and Deodorizer: Best for monthly maintenance

9.4/10Our score

• Monthly-use directions
• Fresh scent
• For front-load, top-load and HE washers
• Targets hair and debris

ECO-GALS is a general washer cleaner with monthly-use directions and a fresh scent. Its stated use includes pet hair and debris in the drum, pipes and filter.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Simple monthly schedule
• For several washer types
• Hair and debris are named use cases

Cons

• Scented
• Not a pet-specific enzyme cleaner

ECO-GALS is a general washer cleaner that names pet hair and debris among its targets. Its monthly directions are straightforward: add one tablet to a normal hot cycle or Clean Washer cycle.

The brand describes the scent as fresh and not heavily perfumed. That still means this is not the unscented choice, so check that distinction if your household is sensitive to fragrance.

Choose ECO-GALS for a simple monthly routine across front-load, top-load and HE washers. It is less specific to pet households than the enzyme-focused picks above.

6

Mamouris Enzyme Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets Pro: Best for mixed organic residue

8.9/10Our score

• Three-enzyme formula
• Oxygen cleaning
• 24 tablets
• For top-load, front-load and HE washers

Mamouris names hair, urine proteins, pet oils and food residue among the targets of its three-enzyme formula. The directions call for 1 tablet, or 2 for heavy residue.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Specific enzyme types are named
• Pet odor focus
• Use directions account for heavier residue

Cons

• Heavy residue directions use 2 tablets
• No scent information provided

Mamouris names pet hair, urine proteins, oils and food residues among the targets of its three-enzyme formula. It also combines oxygen cleaning with enzymes, which gives it a broader focus on organic residue than a basic descaler.

The directions call for one tablet in an empty washer on a hot cycle, or two for heavy residue, followed by wiping away any remaining residue. The 24-tablet pack is described as a year's supply with monthly use.

Choose Mamouris if your washer handles a mix of pet bedding, clothes and food-related mess. For a gentler towel routine after washing, read should you use fabric softener on towels.

7

SHIMMERIX Washing Machine Cleaner Pro Tablets: Best for a simple tablet routine

8.4/10Our score

• 28 tablets
• Pet hair and odor focus
• For front-load, top-load and HE washers
• Septic-system compatible

SHIMMERIX offers a pet-focused tablet for hair, odor and dander buildup. Its directions are simple: add a tablet and run a cycle.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 28 tablets
• Pet hair and odor are named targets
• For several washer types

Cons

• No specific use schedule provided
• No scent information provided

SHIMMERIX is a simple tablet option aimed at pet hair, odor and dander buildup. Its directions keep the routine brief: add a tablet to the washer and run a cycle.

The 28-tablet pack works with front-load, top-load and HE washers, and the brand describes it as septic-system compatible. The product details don't specify a monthly schedule, so follow the package directions and your washer manual.

Choose it if you want pet-related targets and an easy-to-follow tablet format. It may be less helpful if you want a clearly stated dose schedule or a specific enzyme blend.

8

Adesaim Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets for Pet: Best for monthly pet care

8.3/10Our score

• Multiple-enzyme formula
• 24 tablets
• Targets washer residue and odor
• Monthly-use directions

Adesaim targets pet hair buildup, soap scum and odor with a multiple-enzyme formula. Its directions call for one tablet in an empty washer each month.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Pet-focused formula
• Monthly-use directions
• For several washer types

Cons

• No scent information provided
• Use a hot water or Clean Washer cycle

Adesaim is built around pet hair buildup, washer residue and odor, with a multiple-enzyme formula. The brand also names soap scum, limescale and buildup in the drum, seal, drain and pump as targets.

Its directions call for one tablet in an empty washer on a hot-water or Clean Washer cycle, then wiping away remaining residue. The pack has 24 tablets and is intended for monthly maintenance.

Choose Adesaim if pet-focused cleaning and a simple monthly schedule are your main priorities. It fits HE, top-load and front-load washers according to the brand.

9

BLASTIX Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets for Pet: Best for a larger tablet pack

8.2/10Our score

• 30 tablets
• Active enzyme blend
• Pet hair and residue focus
• For front-load, top-load and HE washers

BLASTIX focuses on pet hair, buildup and odor, with directions calling for 2 tablets monthly. The 30-tablet pack offers more tablets than the other picks here.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 30 tablets
• Pet-focused enzyme blend
• For several washer types

Cons

• Directions call for 2 tablets monthly
• No scent information provided

BLASTIX focuses on pet hair, soap, oil, limescale and odor-related buildup. The 30-tablet pack is the largest in this group, but its directions call for 2 tablets once a month, so the pack count alone doesn't tell you how long it will last.

The brand describes it as compatible with front-load, top-load and HE washers, as well as septic tanks. Its directions say to add the tablets to an empty washer.

Choose BLASTIX if you want a pet-focused enzyme cleaner and a larger pack. Check the dose and washer instructions before settling into a routine.

How should you choose a washing machine cleaner for pets?

Choose by the type of buildup you notice, your washer style and whether you want a scented or unscented formula. If you prefer a powder, compare washing machine cleaner powders.

A pet-specific enzyme cleaner suits hair and organic residue concerns, while a descaler makes more sense when mineral buildup is your priority.

• For pet hair and odor: ACTIVE, Caspeak, True Fresh, Mamouris, Adesaim and BLASTIX name pet-related buildup as a target.
• For hard-water deposits: ACTIVE Descaler and True Fresh describe a descaling action.
• For fragrance preferences: True Fresh and ACTIVE Descaler are described as unscented; Caspeak and ECO-GALS mention a scent.
• For a monthly routine: several picks recommend monthly use, but ACTIVE Pet Formula calls for twice-monthly cleaning.

Check washer compatibility before buying, especially if your machine has a specific maintenance cycle. You can also review how to load a washing machine without overloading it to reduce strain and leave laundry room to move.

How do you use a washer cleaner around pet laundry?

Run the cleaner in an empty washer and follow its specific dose and cycle directions. Do not put a tablet in the detergent drawer unless its instructions say to.

After the cycle, wipe away loosened residue if the cleaner's directions call for it. For regular loads, separating heavily furred items and clearing loose hair before washing can reduce what enters the drum.

For an oxygen-based laundry additive, see Charlie's Soap oxygen bleach.

A washer's cleaning cycle works differently from a laundry cycle: see how a washing machine cleans clothes for the basic process. Use the washer manual for maintenance steps that depend on your model.

Which cleaner should pet owners choose?

Pick ACTIVE Pet Formula if hair and odor are the main concerns and twice-monthly cleaning suits you. Choose True Fresh if you want an unscented pet-focused formula, or ACTIVE Descaler if mineral buildup and general odor matter more than a pet-specific enzyme blend.

Use the cleaner's directions and your washer manual to set the routine. A washer cleaner helps with machine upkeep, while brushing off loose fur and cleaning washable pet items separately can help manage what goes into each load.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for pet hair and odor

   ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner for Pet Owners

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for routine descaling

   ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler 24 Pack

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for a light scent

   Caspeak 5X Power Deep Cleaning Washing Machine

   9.5/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

What should a washing machine cleaner for pet owners target?

Choose a cleaner that names the buildup you want to address, such as pet hair, odor, soap residue or mineral deposits. Enzyme formulas are a common choice in this roundup because several are specifically described for pet hair or organic residue.

Follow the washer manual and cleaner directions.

Can washer cleaner remove pet hair from clothes?

A washer cleaner is meant to clean the machine, not remove fur from laundry during a wash. Some formulas are designed to break down or reduce hair buildup inside the washer, but that does not guarantee fur-free clothes.

Remove loose hair from garments before washing when practical.

How often should you clean a washer in a pet home?

Use the schedule on the cleaner you choose and your washer manual. Several options here recommend monthly cleaning, while ACTIVE's pet-focused formula calls for twice-monthly use.

More frequent cleaning should follow the product's directions rather than guesswork.

Should you put a washer cleaner tablet in the detergent drawer?

Most tablet directions in this roundup say to place the tablet directly in an empty drum, not in the detergent drawer. Check the instructions for your specific cleaner and washer before starting a cycle.

Never add clothing or detergent unless the directions say to.

Do pet households need a special washing machine cleaner?

A pet-specific cleaner can make sense if hair and pet odors are your main concerns. A general descaler may be enough if your priority is hard-water deposits or routine washer residue.

Pick by the problem you notice, then check washer compatibility and use directions.