9 Best Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets (November 2026)
The best washing machine cleaning tablets include the Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner for simple monthly care, the ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner for Pet Owners for pet hair and odors, and the ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler 24 Pack for year-round descaling.
On this page (5 sections)
The best washing machine cleaner tablets make routine washer care easier because each dose is measured and simple to store. Affresh is the top pick for a monthly routine, while ACTIVE's pet formula targets hair and odor buildup.
For general detergent choices, see our laundry detergent guide. Cleaner tablets handle washer residue, while detergent is for cleaning clothes during regular loads.
Our picks at a glance
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1
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2
Best for pet hair and odorsACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner for Pet Owners
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for year-round descalingACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler 24 Pack
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itTrue Fresh Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets
Best for a longer monthly supply - 5
Check itACTIVE Washing Machine And Dishwasher Cleaning Tablets
Best for two appliances - 6
Check itGreen Gobbler Premium Washing Machine Cleaner
Best for hoses and drains - 7
Check itRenuv® Heavy Duty Washing Machine Cleaner
Best for larger tablets - 8
Check itSHIMMERIX Washing Machine Cleaner Pro Tablets
Best for pet dander buildup - 9
Check itTHE CLEAN PEOPLE Washing Machine Cleaner
Best for a simpler ingredient list
How we chose washing machine cleaner tablets
The best washing machine cleaner tablets fit your washer, the kind of buildup you want to address and the schedule you can keep. We compared tablet count, stated cleaning focus, washer compatibility and use directions.
A larger count may reduce how often you need to restock, but it does not mean the tablets suit every washer or cleaning need. Check the washer manual and product instructions, especially for the right cycle and how often to clean.
| Product | Best for | Routine | Washer type | Septic safe | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner | simple monthly care | One tablet once a month | Front-load, top-load and HE | Yes | 9.7 |
| ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner for Pet Owners | pet hair and odors | Top-load, front-load and HE | Yes | 9.7 | |
| ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler 24 Pack | year-round descaling | Up to 12 months of supply | HE, front-load and top-load | 9.6 | |
| True Fresh Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets | a longer monthly supply | HE, front-load and top-load | Yes | 9.4 | |
| ACTIVE Washing Machine And Dishwasher Cleaning Tablets | two appliances | HE and standard | 9.2 | ||
| Green Gobbler Premium Washing Machine Cleaner | hoses and drains | Front-load, top-load and HE | Yes | 8.9 | |
| Renuv® Heavy Duty Washing Machine Cleaner | larger tablets | Front-load, top-load and HE | 8.7 | ||
| SHIMMERIX Washing Machine Cleaner Pro Tablets | pet dander buildup | Front-load, top-load and HE | Yes | 8.4 | |
| THE CLEAN PEOPLE Washing Machine Cleaner | a simpler ingredient list | Front-load, top-load and HE | Yes | 8.2 |
Best washing machine cleaner tablets for different needs
These nine washing machine cleaning tablets cover monthly maintenance, descaling, pet-related residue and multi-appliance use. Pick by the feature you need most, then confirm the instructions match your washer.
Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner: Best for simple monthly care
- Time-release cleaning action
- One tablet once a month
- For front-load, top-load and HE washers
- EPA Safer Choice Certified
A straightforward monthly option for a range of washer types. Affresh says its time-release tablet helps remove grime, bacteria and soap scum.
Pros
- Monthly use
- Compatible with all washer types
- EPA Safer Choice Certified
Cons
- Not designed specifically for pet hair
Affresh is the easiest fit if you want a clear monthly schedule. The brand says its time-release tablet works through the wash cycle to help power away grime, bacteria and soap scum from internal washer parts.
The tablet is intended for front-load, top-load and HE machines. Affresh also says it is EPA Safer Choice Certified and septic safe, which may help narrow choices for households with those priorities.
Use one tablet once a month according to the brand's directions. If you clean more often because of heavy use or odor, check your washer manual before changing the routine.
ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner for Pet Owners: Best for pet hair and odors
- Enzyme blend
- Targets pet hair buildup and odors
- 24 tablets
- For top-load, front-load and HE washers
ACTIVE's pet-focused formula is designed to address hair buildup, residue and odors. Its instructions call for use twice a month.
Pros
- Pet-focused formula
- Use in an empty washer
- Septic safe
Cons
- Twice-monthly routine
ACTIVE's pet-focused tablets are designed for hair buildup, sludge, oil, soap and odor-causing grime. That focus makes this the most targeted choice here for a household that washes pet bedding or clothing often.
ACTIVE recommends placing a tablet in the empty washer, then choosing the Clean Washer cycle or a regular hot-water cycle. Its instructions call for use twice a month, so factor that schedule into how long the pack will last.
The formula is described as using an enzyme blend and as safe for septic systems, HE machines, front-loaders and top-loaders. For other options built around fur, see our best washing machine cleaner for pet owners.
ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler 24 Pack: Best for year-round descaling
- 24 tablets
- Descaling and deodorizing
- For HE, front-load and top-load washers
- Septic safe
A 24-tablet pack pairs monthly maintenance with descaling and deodorizing. ACTIVE describes the tablets as suitable for septic systems.
Pros
- Large 24-tablet pack
- Targets hard-water buildup
- Unscented
Cons
- Not formulated specifically for pet hair
ACTIVE Descaler 24 Pack pairs a large tablet supply with a focus on hard-water buildup and odor. The brand describes its tablets as effervescent, septic safe and suitable for HE, front-load and top-load washers.
A 24-tablet count is useful if you want a full year of monthly maintenance on hand. The product is unscented, so it may suit people who prefer washer care without an added fragrance.
Choose this option when descaling is part of your goal. If your concern is a specific washer design, compare our best top load washing machine cleaner and best HE washing machine cleaner guides.
True Fresh Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets: Best for a longer monthly supply
- 25 tablets
- Oxygen-based formula
- Targets limescale and residue
- For HE, front-load and top-load washers
True Fresh gives you 25 tablets for monthly upkeep and describes its formula as oxygen-based. Its instructions say to place a tablet in the empty drum.
Pros
- 25-tablet supply
- Targets mineral deposits and residue
- Simple drum placement
Cons
- No pet-specific formula
True Fresh offers 25 tablets and describes its formula as oxygen based. It targets residue in the drum, pump, valves and hoses, along with limescale and mineral deposits linked to hard water.
Its directions are simple: put one tablet in the empty drum and run a normal or hot cycle. True Fresh says the tablets work with HE, front-load and top-load washers and are septic safe.
The 25-tablet count gives you a little more than a year of monthly use. That can be convenient if you prefer buying washer supplies less often.
ACTIVE Washing Machine And Dishwasher Cleaning Tablets: Best for two appliances
- 48 tablets for washer and dishwasher cleaning
- Targets odor and normal buildup
- For HE and standard washers
- Washer tablet goes in empty drum
This bundle includes separate cleaning tablets for washing machines and dishwashers. The washer tablets go directly into an empty drum.
Pros
- Covers two appliance types
- Targets scale and grime
- Washer tablets use a simple cycle
Cons
- Requires storing two kinds of appliance tablets
This ACTIVE bundle is for households that want separate tablets for a washing machine and dishwasher. Its washer tablets target odor and normal buildup, including hard-water scale, grime and grease.
For washer cleaning, ACTIVE says to place one tablet directly in the drum and run a normal cycle with hot water. If the washer has a Clean Washer cycle, the brand recommends that setting, followed by wiping the drum, seal and detergent drawer.
Keep the two appliance uses straight: the washer tablet goes in the drum, while the dishwasher tablet goes in the detergent tray. This pack makes sense when you need both types of cleaner, rather than only washer tablets.
Green Gobbler Premium Washing Machine Cleaner: Best for hoses and drains
- Targets buildup in hoses, drains and pipes
- For front-load, top-load and HE washers
- Septic safe
- One tablet for up to 30 days
Green Gobbler focuses on buildup in washer hoses, drains and pipes as well as odor. It says one tablet keeps the machine and pipes clean for up to 30 days.
Pros
- Targets hoses and drains
- Compatible with common washer types
- No bleach
Cons
- Focuses on internal buildup, not a full exterior cleaning routine
Green Gobbler stands out for its focus on the washer's hoses, drains and pipes. The brand says the tablets target buildup that can contribute to odors and blockages, and are safe for top-load, front-load and HE washers.
It also describes the tablets as bleach free and safe for pipes and septic systems. One tablet is said to keep the machine and pipes clean for up to 30 days, so the routine is close to monthly.
Choose this if internal drain and hose buildup is your main concern. For visible mold and mildew, compare our best washing machine mold and mildew cleaner guide.
Renuv® Heavy Duty Washing Machine Cleaner: Best for larger tablets
- 40-gram tablets
- Six tablets
- Time-release formula
- For front-load, top-load and HE washers
Renuv uses larger 40-gram tablets and describes them as slow-dissolving. The six-tablet pack is intended for monthly use over six months.
Pros
- Large tablet size
- Unscented
- Compatible with HE washers
Cons
- Six tablets per pack
Renuv uses 40-gram tablets, which the brand describes as extra large and slow dissolving. It says the formula targets buildup and odor-causing residue inside parts such as the pump, drum, tub, valve, agitator, filter and hose.
The six-tablet pack is intended to provide six months of monthly use. Renuv describes the formula as unscented and compatible with front-load, top-load and HE washers.
This is a focused choice if you prefer larger tablets and a shorter supply. For a powder format, see our best washing machine cleaner powder guide.
SHIMMERIX Washing Machine Cleaner Pro Tablets: Best for pet dander buildup
- Pet-focused formula
- Targets hair, odors and dander buildup
- 28 tablets
- For front-load, top-load and HE washers
SHIMMERIX is aimed at pet-related hair, odor and dander buildup. Its instructions emphasize dropping a tablet in and running a cycle.
Pros
- Pet-focused cleaning
- Compatible with several washer types
- Septic safe
Cons
- No usage interval specified
SHIMMERIX is another pet-focused option, with claims aimed at hair, odor and dander buildup. Its 28-tablet pack is described as compatible with front-load, top-load and HE washers, as well as septic systems.
The stated directions keep the routine simple: drop a tablet into the washer and run a cycle. The product information does not specify a cleaning interval, so follow the package directions for timing.
Choose it if dander buildup is part of your concern and you want a pet-focused cleaner. For a different formula approach, compare our best natural washing machine cleaner guide.
THE CLEAN PEOPLE Washing Machine Cleaner: Best for a simpler ingredient list
- 10 tablets
- Targets odor, grime and scale
- For front-load, top-load and HE washers
- No chlorine bleach or artificial dyes
THE CLEAN PEOPLE highlights a formula without phosphates, parabens, phthalates, chlorine bleach, artificial dyes or ammonia. The 10-tablet pack suits buyers who want a smaller supply.
Pros
- No chlorine bleach or artificial dyes
- Targets scale and odor
- For several washer types
Cons
- Smaller pack than most picks here
THE CLEAN PEOPLE highlights a formula without phosphates, parabens, phthalates, chlorine bleach, artificial dyes or ammonia. The tablets are intended to address odor, grime and scale in front-load, top-load and HE washers.
The 10-tablet pack is smaller than most options in this roundup. That can suit a buyer who wants to try a tablet cleaner without storing a large supply, though you may need to restock sooner.
The brand also describes the product as vegan and cruelty free. If your main concern is mold or mildew, choose a cleaner based on that specific focus and keep the washer's own maintenance steps in mind.
What should you compare before buying cleaner tablets?
Compare washer compatibility, cleaning focus and the recommended routine before choosing washing machine tablets cleaner options. A tablet that targets mineral buildup may not be the best match for pet hair or drain odors.
Start with the washer manual for the approved cleaning cycle and any cautions about cleaners. Then look at whether the product is meant for an empty drum, how often it should be used and whether its septic guidance fits your household.
Which washing machine cleaner tablets suit your washer type?
Choose tablets that say they work with your washer style, and confirm the correct cycle in the manual. Affresh, ACTIVE Descaler 24 Pack and True Fresh each state compatibility with front-load, top-load and HE machines.
Front-load washers have door seals that need separate care, while top-load models differ in tub and agitator design. A cleaning tablet handles an empty-machine cycle, but it does not replace wiping accessible areas or maintaining filters as your washer maker directs.
For more detail on front-load choices, read our best front load washer cleaning tablets guide. You can also compare best washing machine cleaner for LG and best washing machine cleaner for Whirlpool options.
Do tablets address odor, scale or pet residue?
Match the tablet's stated focus to the residue you want to address. ACTIVE's pet formula and SHIMMERIX target pet-related buildup, while ACTIVE Descaler and True Fresh call out mineral or limescale deposits.
Odor can come from residue in different washer areas, so no single tablet replaces routine care of the drum, seal, drawer and filter. For a brand-specific comparison, see our Tide washing machine cleaner reviews.
If you're deciding how cleaners work, our guide explains what washing machine cleaner is made of. A separate overview of how a washing machine cleans clothes can help distinguish washer maintenance from detergent's role in a normal load.
How do you use washing machine cleaning tablets?
Use the tablet in an empty washer and follow the specific cycle and frequency instructions. Several products here direct you to place the tablet in the drum, then run a Clean Washer, normal or hot cycle.
Don't put a washer cleaner in the detergent drawer unless its instructions say to do so. After the cycle, wipe away loosened residue if the product directions call for it, and leave the washer open to dry when your manual recommends that practice.
Loading laundry correctly also helps routine wash cycles work as intended. See How to Load a Washing Machine Without Overloading It for care guidance.
More guides on this topic
Which washing machine cleaner tablets should you choose?
Choose Affresh for a simple monthly routine, ACTIVE Pet Owners for pet-related buildup, or Green Gobbler when hoses and drains are a priority. For year-round descaling, compare ACTIVE Descaler 24 Pack with True Fresh's 25-tablet supply.
The best washing machine cleaner tablets are the ones that fit your washer, target the buildup you care about and match a routine you'll follow. Check your washer manual and the cleaner's directions before the first cycle.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
-
2
Best for pet hair and odors
ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner for Pet Owners
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
3
Best for year-round descaling
ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler 24 Pack
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
How often should you use washing machine cleaner tablets?
Follow the cleaner and washer instructions, since the suggested schedule can vary. Affresh recommends one tablet once a month, while ACTIVE's pet formula says to use tablets twice a month.
A regular schedule can help address residue before it builds up.
Where do you put a washing machine cleaning tablet?
Most of these tablets go directly into an empty washer drum, then you run the recommended cycle. ACTIVE's pet formula specifically says not to put its tablet in the detergent drawer.
Check your washer manual and the tablet instructions before starting.
Can you use cleaner tablets in an HE washer?
Several picks here are described for HE washers, including Affresh, True Fresh and Green Gobbler. Confirm the cleaner is compatible with your washer type, then use the washer's Clean Washer cycle if its manual recommends one.
Run the cleaning cycle with the machine empty.
Do washing machine tablets remove pet odors?
Some tablets specifically target pet-related residue or odors. ACTIVE's pet formula is designed for pet hair and odor buildup, while SHIMMERIX targets hair, odor and dander buildup.
For loose fur around the door seal or filter, follow your washer manual for safe cleaning steps.
Are washing machine cleaner tablets safe for septic systems?
Several options here are described as septic safe, including Affresh, ACTIVE Descaler 24 Pack, True Fresh and Green Gobbler. Check the package instructions for the exact product you choose.
For more options, compare our best septic safe washing machine cleaner.
