Affresh washing machine cleaner Review: Does It Really Work?

Affresh washing machine cleaner review

I’ll admit it—I didn’t think my washing machine needed cleaning. After all, it’s literally filled with soap and water every day. That was until I pulled out a load of gym clothes that smelled worse after washing than before. Desperate, I bought Affresh washing machine cleaner after seeing it recommended everywhere.
Read more: Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner: What It Is & Why You Need It

What Exactly Is Affresh?

Affresh is a specialty cleaner designed specifically for washing machines. It comes in:
Tablet form (most common)
Powder packets (less messy alternative)

Key ingredients:

✔ Oxygen-based bleach (breaks down grime)
✔ Citric acid (dissolves mineral deposits)
✔ Surfactants (lift away residue)

Unlike DIY solutions, it’s

✅ Recommended by major brands (Whirlpool, Maytag, etc.)
✅ Safe for all machine types (HE, frontload, topload)
✅ Designed not to damage internal components

Why I Decided to Try It

My washer had three glaring issues:
1. The smell test: My “clean” towels had a faint mildew odor
2. Visible grime: Black spots in the rubber door seal
3. Residue: Chalky buildup in the detergent drawer
I’d tried vinegar and baking soda with mediocre results—the smell would disappear for a few days and then return. At $5 for a three-pack at Walmart, I figured Affresh was worth a shot.

How to Use Affresh (Step-by-Step)

What you’ll need:

1 Affresh tablet
Microfiber cloth
Old toothbrush (for scrubbing)

Process:

1. Remove all laundry from the drum
2. Drop 1 tablet directly into the empty drum
3. Run a hot water cycle (no detergent/additives)
4. Post-cycle cleaning:
Wipe the door seal with vinegar (for mold spots)
Clean the detergent drawer with warm, soapy water
5. Run a quick rinse cycle if you’re sensitive to smells
Pro tip: Do this at night—the hot water cycle takes 12 hours.

My Results (With Photos)

Before Affresh:

Musty smell lingered on clothes
Visible black mold in the door gasket
Cloudy film on a stainless steel drum

After First Use:

✅ Smell: Completely gone
✅ Mold: 90% eliminated (remaining spots needed manual scrubbing)
✅ Drum: Noticeably brighter

How long did it last?

Odorfree: 46 weeks
Visible cleanliness: 23 months
Who Should Use Affresh?

Best for:

✔ Load washer owners (mildew magnets)
✔ Households with hard water
✔ People who use fabric softener (causes major buildup)
✔ Anyone with allergy/asthma concerns (removes bacteria)

Maybe skip if:

❌ You have a brand-new washer (<6 months old)
❌ You’re committed to natural cleaners
❌ Yourloader gets monthly vinegar rinses

Common Complaints (And My Experience)

1. “It didn’t remove all mold.”

True: Stubborn spots needed manual scrubbing.
Fix: Use an old toothbrush with vinegar after the Affresh cycle.

2. “The smell is strong.”

True: The tablet has a chemical odor when dissolving
Fix: Run an extra rinse cycle if sensitive

3. “Results don’t last.”

Partly true: Lasts 46 weeks in humid climates
Fix: Use monthly instead of quarterly

3 Tips for Best Results

1. Combine with manual cleaning:

Scrub the door seal while the tablet cycles
Clean the detergent drawer separately

2. Use the hottest water possible:

Better for dissolving mineral deposits

3. Leave the door open afterward:

Prevents moisture buildup between uses

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

After six months of testing, I can confidently say:
✅ It works better than DIY methods for odor and residue
✅ Easy to use (no measuring/mixing)
✅ Prevents bigger problems (like motor issues from buildup)
The one catch: You’ll still need to manually scrub mold spots in loaders.
Rating: 4.5/5 ★★★★☆

FAQ

Q: How often should I use it?

A: Monthly for front-loaders, every 23 months for top-loaders.

Q: Can I use it with clothes in the washer?

A: No! Always run it on an empty machine.

Q: Is it safe for septic systems?

A: Yes, the oxygen bleach is SepticSafe.

Q: Will it void my warranty?

A: No—it’s recommended by most major brands.

Bottom Line

If your washer smells or you’ve never cleaned it, Affresh is absolutely worth trying. While not perfect, it’s the most effective solution I've found between convenience and results.

Try it if:

You’re tired of musty laundry
DIY methods haven’t worked
You want a “set it and forget it” solution

Skip it if:

Your washer is new and spotless
You prefer 100% natural cleaners
You’re willing to manually scrub regularly