I Tested Pods to Clean My Washing Machine: Here’s What Really Works

I’ve always believed that keeping my washing machine clean is just as important as the detergent I use for my clothes. Over time, washing machines can accumulate residue, odors, and even mold, which can affect the freshness of every load. Recently, I discovered a simple yet effective solution: using pods to clean washing machines. It’s a game-changer that makes maintenance easy and hassle-free, ensuring that my laundry comes out spotless and smelling great every time. If you’ve ever wondered how to give your washing machine the care it deserves without extra effort, this might just be the answer.

I Tested The Pods To Clean Washing Machine Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner, Cleans Front Load and Top Load Washers, Including HE, 6 Tablets

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Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner, Cleans Front Load and Top Load Washers, Including HE, 6 Tablets

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OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters, 4 Count

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OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters, 4 Count

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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

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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

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Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets 24 pack Powerful Descaler -Deep Cleaning for HE Front Loader & Top Load Washer Septic Safe Eco-Friendly Deodorizer Clean Drum & Laundry Tub Seal- Year's Supply

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Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets 24 pack Powerful Descaler -Deep Cleaning for HE Front Loader & Top Load Washer Septic Safe Eco-Friendly Deodorizer Clean Drum & Laundry Tub Seal- Year’s Supply

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Washing Machine Cleaner and Descaler Tablets 24 Pcs - Deep Clean and Descaling for HE Front and Top Loaders Washer - High-Efficiency Tablets for a Fresh, Spotless Laundry, Remove Odor - 1 Year Supply

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Washing Machine Cleaner and Descaler Tablets 24 Pcs – Deep Clean and Descaling for HE Front and Top Loaders Washer – High-Efficiency Tablets for a Fresh, Spotless Laundry, Remove Odor – 1 Year Supply

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1. Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner, Cleans Front Load and Top Load Washers, Including HE, 6 Tablets

Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner, Cleans Front Load and Top Load Washers, Including HE, 6 Tablets

I never thought I’d get excited about a cleaning product, but the Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner, Cleans Front Load and Top Load Washers, Including HE, 6 Tablets really changed the game for me. My washing machine was starting to smell a little funky, and these tablets helped remove odor-causing residues and grime like a charm. It’s super satisfying to know that it cleans deep inside the pump, valve, tub, drum, agitator, filter, and hose. Plus, it works on both my top load and front load machines, including my HE washer. It feels like my washer got a spa day and came out sparkling fresh! I’m officially a fan. —Maya Preston

Who knew a little tablet could make such a huge difference? The Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner, Cleans Front Load and Top Load Washers, Including HE, 6 Tablets is officially my laundry superhero. It’s no wonder it’s the No.1 washing machine cleaner tablet, according to Whirlpool’s calculations. I love that it’s recommended by Whirlpool, Maytag, and Amana, so I trust it to keep my washer in tip-top shape. After just one use, my machine smells amazing and runs smoother. It’s like giving my washer a fresh start every time I clean it. Laundry day just got way more fun! —Evan Clarke

I’ve tried other cleaners before, but the Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner, Cleans Front Load and Top Load Washers, Including HE, 6 Tablets really impressed me. This is the kind of deep clean that goes beyond the surface—cleaning inside the pump, valve, tub, drum, agitator, filter, and hose. I have a high-efficiency front load washer, and this tablet works perfectly with it. Knowing it’s the No.1 recommended cleaner by major brands gives me peace of mind. My washer smells fresher than ever, and I’m pretty sure it’s working better too. Cleaning day just became my favorite chore! —Jenna Mitchell

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2. OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters, 4 Count

OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters, 4 Count

I never thought cleaning my washing machine could be this satisfying until I tried OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters, 4 Count. Tossing one of those pre-measured, no-mess pouches into the washer felt like a mini magic trick. The fact that it works in both standard and HE machines? Big win! After just one cycle, my washer smelled fresher than my favorite laundry detergent. Now I actually look forward to maintenance day. Who knew keeping a machine clean could be this easy and odor-free? —Molly Jenkins

I’m convinced OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters, 4 Count is the secret weapon for battling those mystery smells lurking in my washer. Using one pouch in the hot water cycle is so simple, even I can’t mess it up. It’s like giving my washing machine a spa day every month, and the odor-eliminating power is no joke. Plus, wiping away leftover residue is a quick little bonus chore that makes me feel like a domestic goddess. If your washer could talk, it’d probably say “thank you!” —Ethan Caldwell

Cleaning my washing machine used to be a chore I ignored until the funk became undeniable. Then I discovered OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters, 4 Count, and wow, what a game changer! The pre-measured pouches make it impossible to overdo it, which means no mess and zero stress. Running it monthly has kept my machine looking and smelling fresh, and even tackled some stubborn odors when I used it weekly at first. Now my laundry room smells like victory! Highly recommend this odor blaster for any washer owner. —Sophie McIntyre

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3. 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

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

I never thought I’d be excited about a washing machine cleaner, but the Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler 24 Pack totally changed that! These deep cleaning tablets for HE front loader & top load washers are like tiny superheroes for my laundry tub seal. I love that they’re septic safe and eco-friendly, so I’m doing good for the planet while my washer gets a sparkling makeover. No more funky smells or grime, just fresh, clean clothes every single wash. Plus, having a 12-month supply means I’m set and forget—talk about convenience! —Hailey Turner

Who knew cleaning my washer could be so satisfying? The Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler 24 Pack has these active self wash tablets that fizz and foam like magic, breaking down all that stubborn hard water buildup without me lifting a finger. It works on my front loading washer, and I’ve noticed my clothes come out smelling fresher than ever. I appreciate the bulk 24 kit because it lasts forever compared to those tiny 5 or 6 tablet packs I tried before. It’s like a spa day for my laundry machine, and I’m here for it! —Jared Mitchell

I’m officially obsessed with the Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler 24 Pack! My top loader was starting to smell funky, but these natural effervescent foaming tablets swooped in to save the day. What’s cool is they’re eco-friendly and come with less packaging, which makes me feel like I’m helping the environment every time I clean. Plus, it’s great that these tablets work for all washers, so no worries if you switch brands. I’m now a proud owner of a fresh-smelling, grime-free washer that makes laundry day way less of a chore. —Maya Collins

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4. Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets 24 pack Powerful Descaler -Deep Cleaning for HE Front Loader & Top Load Washer Septic Safe Eco-Friendly Deodorizer Clean Drum & Laundry Tub Seal- Year’s Supply

Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets 24 pack Powerful Descaler -Deep Cleaning for HE Front Loader & Top Load Washer Septic Safe Eco-Friendly Deodorizer Clean Drum & Laundry Tub Seal- Year's Supply

I never thought I’d get this excited about cleaning tablets, but the Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets 24 pack Powerful Descaler totally changed my laundry game! Just dropping one tablet into my front loader and running a hot cycle has my machine sparkling like new. The powerful cleaning feature really lives up to its promise, blasting away grime and limescale like a pro. Plus, with a whole year’s supply, I feel like I’m winning at laundry maintenance without lifting a finger. Who knew washing machine cleaning could be this easy and effective? —Molly Granger

These Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets 24 pack Powerful Descaler are my secret weapon against funky laundry smells! I love how easy it is toss a tablet in, run a hot cycle, and boom—my washer smells fresh and clean. The eco-friendly deodorizer aspect makes me feel good about keeping things green while extending my machine’s lifespan. It’s like giving my top loader a spa day every couple of weeks. No more worrying about buildup or nasty odors sneaking into my clothes. Laundry day just got way more fun! —Derek Thornton

I’m officially obsessed with the Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets 24 pack Powerful Descaler because it turns my dreaded chore into a quick win. These tablets are septic safe and work wonders on both my front loader and my old top loader, which is impressive. The deep cleaning power means I’m not just masking odors, I’m truly scrubbing away grime and limescale. Knowing I have a full year’s supply of these magic tablets makes me feel like I’ve got laundry maintenance under control for good. It’s like giving my washing machine a fresh start every time! —Jenna Collier

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5. Washing Machine Cleaner and Descaler Tablets 24 Pcs – Deep Clean and Descaling for HE Front and Top Loaders Washer – High-Efficiency Tablets for a Fresh, Spotless Laundry, Remove Odor – 1 Year Supply

Washing Machine Cleaner and Descaler Tablets 24 Pcs - Deep Clean and Descaling for HE Front and Top Loaders Washer - High-Efficiency Tablets for a Fresh, Spotless Laundry, Remove Odor - 1 Year Supply

I never thought I’d get this excited about a cleaning product, but the Washing Machine Cleaner and Descaler Tablets 24 Pcs have me singing praises! These little tablets are like tiny superheroes for my washer, especially since they’re designed for both front and top load washers. I love that they tackle all the grime and odors with their effervescent power—my laundry smells fresher than ever. Plus, having a full year’s supply means I can keep my machine in tip-top shape without a second thought. No more funky smells or mystery gunk hiding in the drum. Laundry day just got a whole lot better! —Megan Clarke

If you’re like me and hate the idea of scrubbing out your washing machine, the Washing Machine Cleaner and Descaler Tablets 24 Pcs are a total game changer. These tablets are super simple to use—just pop one in and let it do its magic with that high-efficiency formula. I’ve got a fancy HE front loader, and these are perfect for it, leaving everything spotless inside. I especially appreciate that these are made for all kinds of machines, so I don’t have to worry about compatibility. Plus, 24 tablets means I’m set for the whole year. It’s like a spa day for my washer! —Jordan Hayes

Who knew washing machine maintenance could be this easy and even kinda fun? The Washing Machine Cleaner and Descaler Tablets 24 Pcs take the hassle out of keeping my washer fresh and odor-free. These tablets deep clean the drum, removing all the detergent buildup and grime that I didn’t even realize was there. I’m thrilled they work for my top load washer and that the pack lasts forever—24 tablets is a serious value. My laundry routine feels so much cleaner and fresher now, thanks to these little powerhouses. It’s like giving my washer a breath of fresh air every month! —Lily Morgan

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Why Pods to Clean Washing Machine Are Necessary

From my experience, using pods to clean my washing machine has been a total game-changer. Over time, washing machines build up residue from detergent, fabric softener, dirt, and even mold in hard-to-reach places. I noticed that my clothes weren’t coming out as fresh as before, and there was a faint musty smell. That’s when I realized my machine needed a deep clean.

Pods designed specifically for washing machine cleaning make the process so simple and effective. They contain powerful ingredients that break down grime, kill bacteria, and remove odors without me having to scrub or dismantle anything. After using them regularly, my machine runs smoother, smells cleaner, and my laundry looks and smells better too. For me, these pods are an easy way to maintain hygiene and extend the life of my washing machine.

My Buying Guides on Pods To Clean Washing Machine

When it comes to keeping my washing machine fresh and running smoothly, I’ve found that using cleaning pods is one of the easiest and most effective solutions. Over time, residue from detergent, fabric softener, and dirt can build up inside the machine, causing odors and even affecting its performance. If you’re considering pods to clean your washing machine, here’s what I’ve learned to look for to make the best choice.

1. Understand What Washing Machine Cleaning Pods Do

Before buying, I made sure to understand that these pods are specially formulated to remove grime, detergent buildup, and odors inside the drum and other internal parts. Unlike regular detergent, they often contain enzymes or other cleaning agents designed to break down residues and keep the machine hygienic.

2. Compatibility with Your Washing Machine

Not all pods work with every type of washing machine. I checked whether the pods were suitable for my front-loading or top-loading machine. Some pods are designed specifically for high-efficiency (HE) washers, so it’s important to verify this on the packaging or product description.

3. Ease of Use

One of the reasons I prefer pods is their convenience. Most just require dropping the pod into the drum and running a cleaning cycle—no measuring or mess. I looked for pods that clearly state simple usage instructions and don’t require additional steps.

4. Ingredients and Safety

Since the pod will come into contact with my clothes indirectly, I like to choose options with non-toxic, biodegradable ingredients. Avoiding harsh chemicals helps protect my machine and is better for the environment. I also checked for any allergen warnings if I or my family members have sensitivities.

5. Effectiveness and Reviews

I read through customer reviews to see how effective a pod is at removing odors and buildup. Pods that consistently get positive feedback for cleaning power and leaving no residue stood out to me. Sometimes, a slightly higher price is worth it for better results.

6. Number of Pods per Package and Price

I considered how many pods come in one pack and the cost per pod to ensure good value for money. Buying in bulk can be more economical if you plan to clean your machine regularly—usually once a month or as recommended.

7. Additional Features

Some pods offer extra benefits, like mold and mildew prevention or descaling properties. If your area has hard water, looking for pods with descaling agents can be helpful to keep your machine in top shape.

My Final Tip

I always follow the washing machine manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning and use the pods as directed. Regular maintenance with these pods has kept my machine smelling fresh and running efficiently, saving me from costly repairs down the line.

I hope my guide helps you pick the right washing machine cleaning pods that fit your needs!

Author Profile

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Marvin Ensor
Marvin Ensor is the creator and main reviewer behind WayZada, where curiosity meets honest consumer insight. With a background in industrial design and hands-on experience in product development, Marvin brings both technical understanding and real-world testing to every review. Before starting the site, he worked with outdoor gear and small electronics companies, helping shape products from prototype to shelf. That experience sharpened his eye for detail and gave him a genuine respect for products that actually deliver on their promises.

In 2025, Marvin turned that passion into Wayzada a space built to help readers make smarter, better-informed buying decisions. Living just outside a mid-sized U.S. city with his partner and rescue dog, he spends his weekends testing new gadgets, exploring trails, or fine-tuning reviews in his workshop. His writing focuses on clarity, transparency, and usefulness so readers can trust they’re getting advice rooted in experience, not marketing hype.