Affresh vs. DIY Washing Machine Cleaners (2025): Which Cleans Better and Keeps Odors Away?

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, detergent residue, or black mold spots, it’s time to give your washer a deep clean.

The real question is whether you should use a specialized cleaner like Affresh or opt for DIY options, such as vinegar and baking soda. I tested both methods to determine which one works best and which could potentially harm your machine over time. Here’s the honest breakdown with no marketing talk, just real results.

Read more: Natural Washing Machine Cleaner Solutions That Work

Why Your Washing Machine Needs Cleaning

Before we dive into the comparison, let’s understand why your washing machine gets dirty in the first place:

• Detergent buildup clings to the drum and hoses.
• Hard water minerals leave chalky deposits on internal parts.
• Moisture encourages mold and mildew, especially in front-loaders.
• Dirt and lint from clothes accumulate over time.

If left uncleaned, your washer can:

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

Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner: The Pros and Cons

What It Is

Affresh is a trusted cleaner designed specifically for washing machines. It’s available in tablet or powder form and contains oxygen-based bleach and citric acid to dissolve grime and mineral buildup. You can find it easily on Amazon, Walmart, or local appliance stores.

How to Use It

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

Pros

• Very effective on tough residue and mold
• Removes odor-causing bacteria instead of masking smells
• Safe for all washers, including HE models
• Simple to use with no measuring or mixing

Cons

• More expensive, usually $5–$10 for six tablets
• Contains cleaning agents that may not suit those preferring all-natural products
• Sometimes unavailable in smaller local stores

My Test Results

After cleaning my front-loading washer with Affresh, the drum looked brighter and cleaner. The musty odor disappeared completely and stayed gone for about three weeks before I needed another cleaning tablet.

DIY Washing Machine Cleaners: Vinegar and Baking Soda

How It Works

The most popular DIY washer cleaning combo uses white vinegar and baking soda. Vinegar acts as a mild acid to dissolve buildup, while baking soda helps scrub and deodorize the drum and seals.

Step-by-Step DIY Cleaning

1. Vinegar soak: Pour two cups of white vinegar into the drum and run a hot cycle.
2. Baking soda scrub: Mix half a cup of baking soda with a quarter cup of water, then scrub the rubber seal and detergent tray.
3. Final rinse: Run another hot cycle to flush out any residue.

Pros

• Cheap and easily available in any kitchen
• Natural and chemical-free, suitable for sensitive skin
• Good for quick maintenance between deep cleans

Cons

• Not strong enough for heavy mold or mineral deposits
• Vinegar can weaken rubber seals over time
• Odor relief is temporary and often returns after one or two weeks

My Test Results

The vinegar and baking soda method removed surface grime and gave a fresh scent. However, black mold in the gasket remained, and the smell returned after about ten days.

Affresh vs. DIY: Head-to-Head Comparison

Factor	Afresh	DIY (Vinegar & Baking Soda)
Cost per use	$1–$2	About $0.25
Effectiveness	Deep cleans	Light cleaning
Odor removal lasts	3–4 weeks	1–2 weeks
Safety	Safe for all machine parts	May degrade rubber seals long-term
Ease of use	Drop-in tablet	Measuring and mixing are required

When to Use Affresh vs. DIY

Choose Affresh If You:

• Have visible mold or mildew
• Own a front-loading washer that traps moisture
• Want a powerful, reliable clean with minimal effort
• Don’t mind spending a few extra dollars

Choose DIY If You:

• Need a quick and eco-friendly refresh
• Own a top-loader with less mold risk
• Prefer natural cleaning methods
• Clean your washer regularly for light maintenance

The Verdict: Which One Works Better?

For most households, the best solution is to use both methods strategically:

• Use Affresh every two to three months for a deep clean.
• Use vinegar and baking soda monthly for maintenance.

Exception: If your washer already has mold or a strong odor, skip DIY and go straight to Affresh, or use a diluted bleach cycle for severe buildup.

3 Pro Tips to Keep Your Washer Cleaner Longer

1. Leave the door open after each wash to let moisture evaporate.
2. Use less detergent, as excess soap causes buildup.
3. Clean the filter and detergent tray monthly, since they often trap residue.

Final Thoughts

Affresh wins when it comes to removing deep-seated grime and long-lasting odors, while DIY cleaners work great for lighter upkeep. If your washer smells like a gym bag, Affresh is your best bet. If it just needs a small refresh, vinegar and baking soda will do the job.

Have you tried either method? Share your experience in the comments below!