Affresh washing machine cleaner vs. DIY Cleaners: Which cleans washer better

• Let's be honest: no one thinks about cleaning their washing machine until they pull out laundry that smells worse than before. If you notice musty odors, residual detergent scum, or even black mold stains, your washer needs a thorough cleaning.
• The big question: Should you use a specialized cleaner like Affresh or stick with DIY solutions like vinegar and baking soda? I tested both methods to find out which works best (and which might damage your machine). Here’s the real breakdown—no marketing fluff, just honest results.

Read more: Natural Washing Machine Cleaner Solutions That Work 

Why Your Washing Machine Needs Cleaning

• Before we compare, let’s talk about why washers get dirty:
• Detergent buildup clings to the drum and hoses.
• Hard water minerals leave a chalky residue.
• Moisture breeds mold/mildew, especially in front-loaders.
• Dirt and lint from clothes accumulate over time.

If ignored, a dirty washer can:

✔ Make clothes smell musty
✔ Reduce cleaning performance
✔ Shorten the machine’s lifespan

Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner: The Pros & Cons

What It Is

• Affresh is a branded cleaner (sold at Walmart, Amazon, etc.) specifically designed for washing machines. It comes in tablet or powder form and contains oxygen-based bleach and citric acid to break down grime.

How to Use It

1. Drop 1 tablet into an empty drum.
2. Run a hot water cycle (no detergent or clothes).
3. Wipe down the door seal and detergent tray afterward.

Pros

• Effective on tough buildup (better than vinegar for heavy residue)
• Removes odors caused by bacteria (not just masking them)
• Safe for all machines (HE, load, load)
• Convenient (no measuring/mixing)

Cons

• More expensive ($5–$10 for 6 tablets vs. DIY’s pennies )
• Contains chemicals (some prefer natural alternatives)
• Not always available locally (unlike pantry staples)

My Test Results:

• After cleaning my front loader with Affresh, the drum looked visibly brighter, and the musty smell disappeared for about 3 weeks.

DIY Washing Machine Cleaners: Vinegar & Baking Soda

How It Works

• The most popular DIY method combines
• White vinegar (acetic acid dissolves buildup)
• Baking soda (abrasive for scrubbing, deodorizes)

Step-by-Step DIY Clean

1. Vinegar soak: Pour 2 cups of white vinegar into the drum and run a hot cycle.
2. Baking soda scrub: Mix ½ cup baking soda + ¼ cup water, and scrub the seal/detergent tray.
3. Final rinse: Run another hot cycle to flush residue.

Pros

• Cheap & accessible (already in your kitchen)
• Chemical (ideal for sensitive skin)
• Good for light maintenance between deep cleans

Cons

• Less effective on heavy buildup (mold, hard water stains)
• Vinegar can damage rubber seals over time (per some manufacturers)
• Temporary odor relief (smells often return faster than with Affresh)

My Test Results:

Vinegar/baking soda removed surface grime and left a fresh scent, but black mold spots in the gasket remained. The smell came back after 10 days.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Factor	Affresh	DIY (Vinegar/Baking Soda)
Cost per use	$1–$2	$0.25
Effectiveness	(deep cleans)	(light cleaning)
Odor removal	3–4 weeks	1–2 weeks
Safety	Safe for all parts	May degrade rubber long-term
Ease of use	Drop-in tablet	Measuring/mixing required

When to Use Affresh vs. DIY

Choose Affresh If You…

• Have stubborn mold/mildew
• Own a loader (prone to smelly buildup)
• Want a hand, reliable, clean
• Don’t mind spending a few dollars

Choose DIY If You…

• Need a quick, friendly refresh.
• Have a loaderr (less mold risk)
• Prefer natural cleaners
• Clean your washer monthly (maintenance vs. Deep clean)

The Verdict: Which Works Better?

For most people:

• Use Affresh every 2–3 months for a deep clean.
• Use vinegar/baking soda monthly for upkeep.

Exception: If your washer has visible mold, skip DIY and go straight to Affresh (or a bleach solution for severe cases).

3 Pro Tips to Keep Your Washer Cleaner Longer

1. Leave the door open after washing to dry out moisture.
2. Use less detergent (overuse causes buildup).
3. Clean the filter/detergent tray monthly (often overlooked!).

Final Thoughts

Affresh wins for heavy-duty cleaning, while DIY methods work for light maintenance. If your washer smells like a locker room, invest in Affresh. If it’s just slightly funky, vinegar will do the trick.
Have you tried either method? Share your results in the comments!