Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
For most households, run your washer’s designated tub-clean cycle about once a month. Clean the dispenser, gasket and filter separately, following the schedule and instructions in your washer’s manual: manufacturers recommend different intervals for different models and parts.
How often should you clean each part?
A monthly tub-clean cycle is a practical starting point, not a universal rule. Whirlpool and Samsung recommend monthly tub cleaning, LG recommends one to two times a month, and Panasonic’s cited front-load guidance recommends every two months. These are manufacturer care recommendations, not measured guarantees about odor or appliance life.
| Part or task | Published manufacturer guidance | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Tub or drum | Whirlpool: monthly; Samsung: monthly; LG: one to two times monthly; Panasonic: every two months in its cited front-load guide. Whirlpool, Samsung, LG, Panasonic. | Use the interval for your exact model and its reminder, if it has one. |
| Door and gasket | LG advises wiping the door and gasket dry at the end of each wash day and cleaning at least monthly; Samsung recommends a weekly wipe. LG, Samsung. | For a front-loader, regularly check the gasket folds for moisture or residue and dry them as directed by the manual. |
| Detergent dispenser or drawer | LG guidance ranges from weekly cleaning to at least monthly; Samsung recommends a weekly wipe of the detergent area and drawer cleaning every one to three months on front-loaders; Panasonic advises a weekly drawer rinse. LG, Samsung, Panasonic. | Remove and clean it only as your manual explains; address visible detergent or softener residue. |
| Drain or pump filter | LG recommends at least monthly, more often depending on use; Samsung recommends every one to three months for front-load models; Panasonic recommends monthly. LG, Samsung, Panasonic. | First check whether your washer has a user-cleanable filter and follow its model-specific procedure. |
Why the schedule depends on the washer
Cleaning instructions differ by brand, model and component, and guidance from one brand can vary across its own pages. Usage and visible buildup matter too: Panasonic says frequency can vary with use, while Whirlpool identifies usage, water hardness and visible residue as factors for its dispenser. Whirlpool’s dispenser guidance is here: How often to clean the detergent dispenser.
Front-loaders have a door gasket that can hold moisture and may have an accessible pump filter; those parts need their own care instructions. Do not assume every washer has the same filter or that a top-loader follows a front-loader’s cleaning procedure. The owner’s manual takes precedence over a general brand schedule.
Recommended Free Tools
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner, #1 Washing Machine Cleaner Tablet, 6 Count
- NO. 1 WASHING MACHINE CLEANER TABLET*
- TIME-RELEASE DEEP CLEAN. Affresh tablets are scientifically designed to deliver extended cleaning action throughout the wash cycle, helping power away bacteria, grime and soap scum deep inside the washing machine’s pump, drum and filter to help optimize performance.
- STINKY PET ODOR? Affresh washing machine cleaner helps remove residues that can trap odors from pets, sweat and mildew that can transfer onto clothes and sheets.
- ONE TABLET, ONCE A MONTH. Avoid the twice-monthly cleaning cycles of other appliance cleaners and cut your machine cleaning maintenance time in half.
- TRUSTED BY APPLIANCE EXPERTS. Backed by over 100 years of appliance innovation, affresh is the washing machine cleaner brand recommended by Whirlpool, Maytag, and Amana.**
How to run the tub-clean cycle
- Check the owner’s manual for the cycle name and recommended interval. It may be called Tub Clean, Clean Washer, Self Clean or a similar name.
- Use only the cleaning agent and amount approved for your washer. Whirlpool lists affresh washer cleaner, liquid chlorine bleach or another washer-cleaning product for its Clean Washer cycle; LG describes using a store-bought tub cleaner for Tub Clean. Those are brand-specific directions, not permission to use any product in any machine.
- Run the cycle as the manual directs, with the washer empty if instructed, and let it finish.
- Afterward, follow the manual’s care guidance for leaving the door or lid open to dry, if applicable.
A washer-compatible cleaner is optional where the manual permits it; cleaner tablets are not a universal requirement. Check compatibility before buying or using a product.
What to do between tub cleans
- Wipe and dry the door and gasket at the interval specified for your model. For an LG front-loader, LG advises drying the door and gasket at the end of each wash day; Samsung recommends wiping the door, gasket and detergent area weekly.
- Inspect the dispenser for buildup and clean it according to its removal instructions. Do not force out a drawer that the manual does not identify as removable.
- Clean a pump filter only if your model provides a user-cleanable one. In LG’s front-load instructions, the washer must be unplugged and residual water drained before the filter is removed; LG then specifies a soft-bristled brush and warm water. Other models may require a different procedure.
If the washer already smells musty
For a musty smell, LG advises running Tub Clean weekly for three consecutive weeks. If the odor persists after that, contact repair support rather than escalating to unapproved cleaners or dismantling parts. LG also warns against putting straight, undiluted bleach on the gasket because it can deteriorate the material: LG washer cleaning tips.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Tide Washing Machine Cleaner 52 Week Supply with Oxi for Front and Top Loader Washer Machines, Deep Cleaning Residue & Odor Eliminator, 12 Month Supply (Packaging May Vary)
- YOU WILL RECEIVE: Tide Washing Machine Cleaner powder packets, activating 20% faster than tablets, for 12 months of cleaning. Made by Nehemiah Manufacturing. Certain trademarks used under license from The P&G Company or its affiliates
- ODOR ELIMINATOR: Tide Washing Machine Cleaner lifts away & eliminates odor causing residues and deposits with its specially designed surface active ingredients and the cleaning power of Oxi plus TAED
- POWDER WORKS MORE EFFICIENTLY THAN TABLETS: Tide Washing Machine Cleaner is a powder that creates a cleaning action that gets to work faster than tablets. Deep cleaning and septic safe formula
- OXI + TAED FORMULA: Tide Washing Machine Cleaner has the cleaning power of Oxi + TAED, to boost the cleaning action on your washing machine by over 20% .TAED creates a cleaning superboost that works even in hard water which other cleaners can’t do
- AN EVEN BETTER, MILDER, FRESH CLEAN SCENT: The same supercharged cleaning power in a new scent to leave your washer clean and fresh
Rank #4
Washing Machine Cleaner by Tide, Washer Machine Cleaner with Oxi for Front and Top Loader Washer Machines, Deep Cleaning Residue & Odor Eliminator, 5 Month Supply (Packaging May Vary)
- YOU WILL RECEIVE: Tide Washing Machine Cleaner powder packets, activating 20% faster than tablets, for 5 months of cleaning. Made by Nehemiah Manufacturing. Certain trademarks used under license from The P&G Company or its affiliates
- ODOR ELIMINATOR: Tide Washing Machine Cleaner lifts away & eliminates odor causing residues and deposits with its specially designed surface active ingredients and the cleaning power of Oxi plus TAED
- POWDER WORKS MORE EFFICIENTLY THAN TABLETS: Tide Washing Machine Cleaner is a powder that creates a cleaning action that gets to work faster than tablets. Deep cleaning and septic safe formula
- OXI + TAED FORMULA: Tide Washing Machine Cleaner has the cleaning power of Oxi + TAED, to boost the cleaning action on your washing machine by over 20% .TAED creates a cleaning superboost that works even in hard water which other cleaners can’t do
- AN EVEN BETTER, MILDER, FRESH CLEAN SCENT: The same supercharged cleaning power in a new scent to leave your washer clean and fresh
Rank #3
Sale
OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters, 4 Count
- Includes: One 4 count box of OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters to supercharge your washing machine cleaning
- Washing Machine Cleaner: Helps remove odor causing residues in any washer
- Easy to Use: Pour one pouch into the drum of your washer without any other items and run using hot water, wiping away any leftover residue with a towel after the cycle is complete
- For All Washing Machines: For use with both standard and HE washing machines, not intended to be used with clothing or other laundry
- Septic-Safe: Won't harm septic tanks so you can keep your peace of mind
Rank #2
Sale
Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler 24 Pack - Deep Cleaning Tablets For HE Front Loader & Top Load Washer, Septic Safe Eco-Friendly Deodorizer, Clean Inside Drum and Laundry Tub Seal - 12 Month Supply
- Works With All Washers - Perfect For High Efficiency Or Standard Toploader, Front Loading Compatible With GE, LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, Maytag, Electrolux, Etc. (Not For Dryer)
- Eco-Friendly Tabs - Natural Effervescent Foaming Tablets Are Septic Safe And Made With Less Packaging . Compare To Liquid Descaler And Wipes That Create Unnecessary Waste
- Instant Cleaning Power - Active Self Wash Tablet Cleans So You Don't Have To Brush And Wipe Your Washing Machines. When Exposed To Water, They Break Down Into Deep Scrubbing Powder Cleaners That Breaks Down Grime And Hard Water Build Up
- Bulk 24 Kit - Each Package Includes 1 Year Supply (24 Pods) Vs. Competitor 5 or 6 Tablet Packs Or Liquid Treatments Which Run Out Quickly
- Odor Eliminator- No More Smelly Washer. Descaler Will Freshen Your Laundry Machine Basket, Rubber Gasket, And Internal Parts So Your Clothes Will Come Out Clean And Smelling Fresh.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
