Clean and fresh: the best washing machine cleaners of 2024

Perfect for long-lasting washing machine freshness, the Calgon four-in-one cleaner is ideal for a thorough, cost-effective clean.

Neatly packaged into individual tablets for consistent cleaning, the Calgon four-in-one washing machine cleaner tackles all dirt, limescale and mould quickly and effectively, offering a faultless, odour free finish.

Once clean, however, the Calgon four-in-one washing machine cleaner doesn't have a fragrance whatsoever, so you're not getting the satisfying freshness that you might get with other products. For some, this is a blessing in disguise as washing machine cleaners can smell overly potent, but it's something to bear in mind while buying.

A fantastic product that's long-lasting and performance-boosting, the Calgon four-in-one washing machine cleaner is a great product that's ideal for everyone.

A fantastic low-budget option, Dettol's five-in-one washing machine cleaner is capable of tackling mould, limescale and detergent residue with ease, all while keeping your machine fresh.

To be used every two months, this incredibly affordable liquid washing machine cleaner will last up to a year with careful usage, making it one of the best value cleaning products on the market right now. This all-in-one solution to washing machine troubles is incredibly cost-effective and capably conquers all manner of dirt and grime without a hitch.

Our only dislike with the Dettol washing machine cleaner is its lack of eco-friendliness. Containing Benzalkonium chloride, a form of antiseptic, this substance is quite harmful to the environment, particularly in water, so it's certainly worth considering if you're environmentally conscious.

That being said, the Dettol washing machine cleaner is the perfect all-purpose solution for those struggling with dirt build-up. This potent cleaner can tackle anything you throw at it, and leaves your washing machine smelling fresh and clean whilst doing so.

A mighty eco-friendly solution to a dirty washing machine, the Ecoegg washing machine is perfect for beating bad smells and keeping your washing machine fresh and clean for the foreseeable future. Simply use one tablet on the highest temperature, and your washing machine will smell fresh and clean.

Suppose we were to note any areas for improvement. In that case, we'd certainly state that this eco-friendly option isn't as effective as other options - it's a powerful way of tackling limescale. Still, it's not as effective as some less environmentally sustainable options.

That being said, for the price, and its longevity, the Ecoegg is the perfect way to maintain a washing machine over time, and it will keep your washing and the machine itself smelling fresh.

Potentially the most powerful washing machine cleaner on the market, the HG Deep Clean washing machine cleaner is suitable for those looking to give their older machine a total cleanse. Perfect for blasting away grime and dirt build-up from years of use, the HG Deep Clean washing machine cleaner is a tough descaler and antibacterial, leaving your washing machine cleaner than ever before.

With only two packets included, this washing machine cleaner is designed to be used every three months, which is a lot less frequent and more convenient than other options, but at £2 per use, it's a pricey method of cleaning your washing machine.

But you're ultimately paying for a powerful washing machine cleaner, and that's precisely what you get: the most effective washing machine cleaner on the market, you cannot beat the HG Deep Clean for a total system cleanse.

A brilliantly cost-effective washing machine cleaner, the environmentally friendly Magnozone ball is a simple design that specifically targets limescale. Using magnets, the Ecozone Magnoball is used during a clothes wash, where it bounces and collects limescale, preventing it from building up inside the drum of the washing machine and in the pipes.

An effective solution for maintaining a washing machine, but not an immediate solution to cleaning long-term limescale build-up, the Ecozone Magnoball is a great option for cutting back on spending and helping out the planet, thanks to its total lack of used-up harmful chemicals.

A brilliant alternative to cleaning your washing machine, use the Magnoball up to five times before seeing results, you won't regret it.

One of the more potent washing machine cleaners on the market, Vamoosh is a fantastic solution to cleaning your washing machine in a pinch, and it's incredibly affordable too.

Use to dissolve even hair from your washing machine, this is the be-all-end-all washing machine cleaner, perfect for defeating even the toughest of limescale buildup, along with mould and mildew.

Our only gripe with the Vamoosh washing machine cleaner is its sheer chemical potency, which simply can't be good for the environment. We'd certainly recommend using it with caution as it can cause serious irritation if it contacts your eyes.

The Vamoosh six-in-one washing machine also has a fresh lemon scent, leaving your washing machine smelling perfectly divine after you're finished. Leave on the hottest cycle with the washing machine cleaner in the dispenser drawer and watch the magic happen.

The perfect solution for an array of kitchen appliances, the Care and Protect power pod descaler and degreaser is fantastic for those struggling with grease in their washing: cutting through it can be a challenge, but it's not impossible, especially with the right washing machine cleaner.

Excellent for tackling mould, dirt, limescale and especially grease, the Care and Protect triple power pod is simply brilliant for any washing machine, and works well even at low temperatures, unlike most washing machine cleaners.

We'd recommend the Care and Protect washing machine cleaner even more if it were a little more cost-effective: yes, it lasts for up to six months, but many other options offer longer washing machine coverage at a similar, if not lower cost - which is something to bear in mind if you're on a budget.

A great way of saving money in the long run, buying in bulk is of course a well-known method of cutting back costs, and the Pro-Kleen washing machine cleaner is precisely that. At five litres, you've got a huge amount of washing machine cleaner for a low price, and it's incredibly effective too.

Fresh-smelling and long-lasting, clean your washing machine every month or between 30 washes, and you'll have a clean-smelling washing machine for over four years with this affordable investment into cleaner washing.

Handling a five-litre jug of harmful chemicals might not be for everyone, especially for older users - it's a heavy, bulky and obtrusive container for a washing machine cleaner which you'll end up using every now and then, so it's better if you've got a great amount of space for cleaning products, the space under your sink may not suffice.

An effective, powerful cleaning solution against limescale, grease and mould, the Pro-Kleen washing machine is an ideal method of keeping dirt at bay and your washing as fresh as can be.

For those dealing with limescale problems, Tesco's excellent limescale prevention gel is an ideal washing machine cleaner that's readily available and very cheap.

Pour into the dispenser drawer alongside your laundry detergent and dissolve any pesky limescale build-up in a flash. Since Tesco's Limescale prevention gel is suitable only for tackling limescale, the chemicals aren't harmful to clothing, so they can be used alongside a wash, which is fantastic for cutting back on energy bills.

Of course, this gel solution isn't a total fix for all of your washing machine's problems and acts largely as a preventative measure, so it's not ideal for total cleansing if you've already got a problem, which is worth bearing in mind when buying.

But for a gentle, non-toxic washing machine cleaner to be used alongside your washing, you cannot beat this fantastic limescale prevention gel from Tesco.

A fantastically cost-effective and long-lasting solution to bad-smelling washing machines, Sainsbury's washing machine cleaner is cheap, tough and easy to use, with strong results every time.

For less than £2.50 with a whopping litre of liquid, you can keep your washing machine sparkling clean with this fantastic washing machine cleaner, effective against mould, mildew and limescale.

It's not the best washing machine cleaner on the market, granted, but it's certainly great for battling and preventing dirt build-up.

Great value, affordable and easy to grab from the supermarket, Sainsbury's washing machine cleaner might just be one of the best of the year.