Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner Review 2025: Does It Really Work? My Honest Experience.

I’ll be honest, I never thought about cleaning my washing machine. After all, it runs with soap and water every day, right? That changed the day I pulled out a load of gym clothes that somehow smelled worse than before washing. Out of frustration, I decided to try Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner after seeing it recommended everywhere online.

Read more: Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner, What It Is and Why You Need It

What Exactly Is Affresh?

Affresh is a specialized cleaner made to remove residue, odor, and buildup from inside your washing machine. It’s available in:

• Tablet form: The most common and convenient option.
• Powder packets: A less messy alternative for deep cleaning.

Key ingredients include:

• Oxygen-based bleach that breaks down grime and organic buildup.
• Citric acid to dissolve hard-water deposits and limescale.
• Surfactants that lift and rinse away soap residue.

Unlike typical DIY mixtures, Affresh is:

• Recommended by major brands like Whirlpool and Maytag.
• Safe for all washer types, including HE, top-load, and front-load models.
• Formulated not to harm internal parts or rubber seals.

Why I Decided to Try It

My washing machine was showing clear signs of trouble:

• Smell test: My “clean” towels had a faint mildew odor.
• Visible grime: Black mold was forming around the rubber door seal.
• Residue: The detergent drawer had a chalky, white buildup.

I’d already tried cleaning with vinegar and baking soda. It helped for a few days, but the smell always came back. At just about $5 for a three-pack at Walmart, Affresh seemed worth trying.

How to Use Affresh (Step-by-Step)

You’ll need:

• 1 Affresh tablet
• A microfiber cloth
• An old toothbrush for scrubbing

Cleaning process:

1. Remove all clothes from the drum.
2. Place one tablet directly into the empty drum.
3. Run a hot water cycle (no detergent or additives).
4. After the cycle, wipe the door seal with vinegar if you see any mold spots.
5. Clean the detergent drawer with warm, soapy water.
6. If you’re sensitive to scents, run one quick rinse cycle afterward.

Pro tip: Run this cleaning process at night since the full cycle can take over an hour.

My Results (Before and After)

Before Affresh:

• Musty smell on clothes even after washing.
• Black mold around the gasket.
• Cloudy film covering the stainless-steel drum.

After using Affresh:

• ✅ Smell completely gone.
• ✅ Mold about 90% removed (a little manual scrubbing finished the job).
• ✅ The drum looked much brighter and cleaner.

How long did the results last?
The odor-free freshness lasted about 4 to 6 weeks, and the visible cleanliness lasted around 2 to 3 months before another deep clean was needed.

Who Should Use Affresh?

Perfect for:

• Front-load washer owners (known for mold buildup).
• Homes with hard water.
• People who use fabric softener regularly.
• Anyone with allergies or asthma (helps remove bacteria and residue).

Maybe skip if:

• Your washer is brand new (under 6 months old).
• You prefer natural cleaning solutions only.
• You already do monthly vinegar rinses and manual cleaning.

Common Complaints and My Experience

1. “It didn’t remove all the mold.”
True. Some spots needed manual scrubbing. Using a toothbrush with vinegar after the Affresh cycle solved this.

2. “The smell is too strong.”
Some users find the scent chemical-like during the cycle. I simply ran an extra rinse afterward, and it was fine.

3. “The freshness doesn’t last long.”
Partly true in humid areas. For best results, use Affresh monthly instead of quarterly.

3 Tips for Better Results

• Combine with light scrubbing: Wipe the door seal and tray during or after the cycle.
• Use the hottest water setting: it helps dissolve residue faster.
• Keep the door open afterward: air circulation prevents mold and mildew.

Final Verdict: Is Affresh Worth It?

After using it for six months, my honest opinion is simple: Yes, it’s worth it.

It’s more effective than vinegar or baking soda for removing odors and buildup. It’s easy to use, requires no measuring or mixing, and helps prevent bigger issues like clogged filters or worn-out motors.

The only downside is that you’ll still need to manually scrub stubborn mold spots in front-load washers. But overall, it’s a small effort for a much cleaner and fresher machine.

My Rating: ⭐ 4.5 out of 5

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I use Affresh?
A: Once a month for front-loaders, every two to three 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-based bleach is septic-safe.

Q: Will it void my warranty?
A: No, it’s actually recommended by most major appliance manufacturers.

Bottom Line

If your washing machine smells musty or hasn’t been cleaned in months, Affresh is definitely worth trying. It’s not perfect, but it strikes the best balance between convenience, safety, and effectiveness.

Try it if:

• Your clothes come out smelling bad.
• DIY cleaning hasn’t worked.
• You want a quick, hassle-free solution.

Skip it if:

• Your washer is brand new.
• You prefer all-natural cleaners.
• You don’t mind regular manual cleaning.

After trying many cleaning methods, Affresh remains my go-to choice for keeping my washer fresh, clean, and performing at its best.