12 Best Washing Machine Cleaner For Samsung of 2026 To Stop Sour Odors

1

Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner, Cleans Front Load and Top Load

View on Amazon

• TAR Score

  TAR Score is a ranking system developed by TopAppliancesReviews.com. TAR score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  9.2
• Brand
  Affresh

Key specs2

Cycle Compatibility

High-efficiency front and top-load washers

Form Factor

Pre-measured solid tablets drop directly into the empty drum, dissolving during the wash cycle to clean internal machine surfaces.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Formulated specifically for both front-load and top-load high-efficiency drums
• Drop-in tablet format requires no messy measuring or liquid pouring
• Designed to circulate cleaning agents into hard-to-reach drum recesses

Cons

• Six-tablet pack provides fewer monthly treatments than bulk alternatives
• Product packaging does not list specific scent or fragrance details

2

OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner with Odor Blasters, 4 Count

View on Amazon

• TAR Score

  TAR Score is a ranking system developed by TopAppliancesReviews.com. TAR score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  9.2
• Brand
  OxiClean

Key specs1

Odor Treatment

Utilizes specialized Odor Blasters chemistry to help neutralize musty smells trapped in washing machine tubs and seals.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Features Odor Blasters formula to target persistent sour washer smells
• Pre-measured individual doses simplify regular drum maintenance
• Compatible with standard cleaning cycles in high-efficiency washers

Cons

• Four-count pack runs out faster than larger multi-packs
• Listing does not specify tablet or powder format on the box

3

Washing Machine Cleaner by Tide, Washer Machine Cleaner Tablets for

View on Amazon

• TAR Score

  TAR Score is a ranking system developed by TopAppliancesReviews.com. TAR score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  9.2
• Brand
  Tide

Key specs2

Dissolve Speed

Activates 20% faster than standard tablets

Active Formula

• Oxygen cleaning agents paired with TAED superboost
• Formulated to break down grime in hard water conditions
• Septic-safe powder formulation

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Oxygen booster and TAED formula boosts cleaning action even in hard water
• Fast-activating powder packets begin working 20 percent faster than tablets
• Septic-safe composition leaves behind a mild fresh clean scent

Cons

• Box includes only three individually packaged powder packets
• Pouring powder packets can create airborne dust unlike solid tablets

4

Maravello Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler, Highly Efficient Septic Safe Deodorizer,

View on Amazon

• TAR Score

  TAR Score is a ranking system developed by TopAppliancesReviews.com. TAR score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  9.2
• Brand
  Maravello

Key specs2

Supply Duration

28 tablets for over 12 months of maintenance

Descaling Action

Engineered to remove mineral stains and detergent residues across top-load and front-load machine drums while protecting internal parts.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• 28-tablet pack provides more than a full year of monthly wash cycles
• Natural formula descales mineral deposits while freshening with a lemon scent
• Dual-action blue and white tablets protect machine components during cleaning

Cons

• Tablets require warm or hot water cycles to dissolve thoroughly
• Heavy residue trapped deep in door gaskets may still require manual wiping

5

Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler 24 Pack - Deep Cleaning Tablets

View on Amazon

• TAR Score

  TAR Score is a ranking system developed by TopAppliancesReviews.com. TAR score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  9.0
• Brand
  ACTIVE

Key specs2

Samsung Machine Fit

Verified for Samsung HE front and top-load washers

Residue Scrubbing

When exposed to water, these effervescent tablets transform into scrubbing powder cleaners to break down stubborn grime without manual brushing.

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Explicitly compatible with Samsung and other major HE washing machine models
• Effervescent tablets break down into deep-scrubbing powder inside the water
• Bulk 24-pack delivers a complete 12-month supply of monthly washer treatments
• Targets trapped residue inside the drum basket, internal parts, and rubber gasket

Cons

• Formulated exclusively for washing machines and cannot be used in dryers
• Extremely thick buildup behind old tubs may require consecutive cycles

6

Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler Tablets - (24 Tablets, 1 Year

View on Amazon

• TAR Score

  TAR Score is a ranking system developed by TopAppliancesReviews.com. TAR score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  9.0
• Brand
  CleanHike

Key specs2

Gasket Maintenance

Foaming tablets help lift residue and grime from the rubber door gasket and drum basket without requiring physical scrubbing.

Septic Suitability

Septic-safe natural effervescent formula

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Formulated to freshen the wash basket, rubber door gasket, and internal parts
• Natural effervescent formula produces active foam to loosen hard water buildup
• 24-tablet count supplies a full year of monthly maintenance cycles

Cons

• Listing does not specify any added fragrance or scent profile
• Unsuitable for clothes drying appliances

7

GRIME LABS Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets - Penetrating Deep Clean

View on Amazon

• TAR Score

  TAR Score is a ranking system developed by TopAppliancesReviews.com. TAR score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  9.0
• Brand
  GRIME LABS

Key specs2

Internal Component Reach

• Circulates through drum basket, pump, and drain pipes
• Reaches water tank, door glass, and rubber door gasket
• EDTA-free and septic-tank safe

Routine Planning

Includes box calendar for 12 months of cycles

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Penetrating active oxygen formula targets pumps, filters, pipes, and gaskets
• Includes a printed scheduling calendar inside the box to track wash cycles
• EDTA-free and septic-safe formulation with 24 tablets for a 12-month supply
• Compatible across Samsung and other high-efficiency machine brands

Cons

• Scheduling calendar requires separate storage away from humid laundry rooms
• Drain pump filters clogged with hair or debris still require manual extraction

8

Eco-Gals Eco Swirlz Washing Machine Cleaner, 24 Count

View on Amazon

• TAR Score

  TAR Score is a ranking system developed by TopAppliancesReviews.com. TAR score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  9.0
• Brand
  ECO-GALS

Key specs1

Tablet Pack Volume

24 cleaning tablets per package

Pros & cons32

Pros

• 24-tablet package covers regular long-term cleaning routines
• Compact tablet format drops directly into empty washer tubs
• Designed to reduce stale tub odors with regular monthly cycles

Cons

• Listing details omit specific active ingredients and fragrance notes
• Water temperature guidance must be confirmed directly on the packaging

9

Renuv Washing Machine Cleaner Descaler For Front Load, Top Load

View on Amazon

• TAR Score

  TAR Score is a ranking system developed by TopAppliancesReviews.com. TAR score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  8.8
• Brand
  Renuv

Key specs2

Tablet Mass

40 grams per individual tablet

Dissolve Profile

The heavy-duty 40-gram tablets dissolve slowly throughout the wash cycle to provide continuous cleaning and descaling action.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Large 40-gram tablet mass provides heavy-duty cleaning power per wash cycle
• Slow-dissolving profile ensures cleaning agents circulate across extended cycles
• Septic-safe and eco-friendly descaling formula suitable for HE machines

Cons

• Total tablet count is not specified on the primary listing title or specs
• Slow-dissolving nature requires running full hot or warm cycles to prevent residue

10

True Fresh Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets, 15g of 25PCS big

View on Amazon

• TAR Score

  TAR Score is a ranking system developed by TopAppliancesReviews.com. TAR score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  8.8
• Brand
  True Fresh

Key specs2

Mineral Deposit Breakdown

Formulated with oxygen-based descaling agents that break down limescale, mineral deposits, and musty odors in pumps, valves, and hoses.

Dosage Size

25 solid tablets at 15 grams each

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Oxygen-based formula breaks down trapped residue in drums, valves, and hoses
• Descaling action dissolves limescale and mineral deposits from hard water
• 25-piece package provides substantial supply for monthly washer care
• Drop-in 15-gram solid tablets work in empty normal or hot water cycles

Cons

• Complete dissolution requires hot or normal wash cycle temperatures
• Manual filter cleaning is still needed for solid debris caught in drain traps

11

True Fresh Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets, 15 Solid Deep Cleaning

View on Amazon

• TAR Score

  TAR Score is a ranking system developed by TopAppliancesReviews.com. TAR score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  8.8
• Brand
  True Fresh

Key specs1

Self Clean Cycle Use

Designed to dissolve steadily during a Clean Washer or hot water cycle, breaking down into scrubbing powder to loosen trapped grime.

Pros & cons32

Pros

• Breaks down into deep-scrubbing powder that dissolves gradually in water
• Fully compatible with Samsung front-load and top-load washer models
• 15-pack supply supports over a year of monthly drum care

Cons

• Manufacturer instructions recommend wiping the tub with a cloth after use
• Requires running a Clean Washer or Hot Water cycle for proper dissolution

12

Glisten Washer Magic Machine Cleaner, Remove Odors and Buildup, Cleans

View on Amazon

• TAR Score

  TAR Score is a ranking system developed by TopAppliancesReviews.com. TAR score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

  8.8
• Brand
  Glisten

Key specs2

Liquid Dispensing

12 fl oz liquid dissolves immediately

Environmental Standard

Earned EPA Safer Choice recognition, verifying that its odor-eliminating and buildup-removing ingredients meet strict safety standards.

Pros & cons42

Pros

• Liquid formula distributes immediately without tablet dissolution lag
• Certified as an EPA Safer Choice winner for safer chemical ingredients
• Cleans both front-load and top-load washers during an empty normal cycle
• Manufactured in the USA with a satisfaction guarantee

Cons

• 12-ounce single bottle provides fewer treatments than bulk tablet packs
• Liquid format requires careful pouring into dispenser cups to avoid drips

Last update on 2026-10-09 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Can you use these cleaners with a Samsung washer Self Clean cycle?

Yes, dedicated washer cleaners work with high-efficiency cycles, including Samsung Self Clean and tub clean settings. Effervescent foaming tablets and descalers are compatible with Samsung front-load and top-load machines, dissolving in warm or hot water to strip scum from the drum walls. Drop the tablet directly into the bottom of the empty drum rather than into the detergent dispenser tray so it dissolves properly during the cycle. If you use a liquid formula such as Glisten Washer Magic, run an empty, normal cycle as indicated on the bottle to flush out residue.

Will washer cleaner tablets remove sour mildew smells from the rubber door gasket?

Yes, foaming descaling tablets target odor-causing grime that settles along the laundry tub seal and door gasket. Effervescent options like deep cleaning tablets produce an active foam that penetrates the moisture pockets where detergent sludge and mildew gather. While the bubbling action lifts scum from behind the drum and seal during the wash, wiping the rubber folds with a clean towel immediately after the cycle clears out any loosened sludge that did not rinse away.

Are effervescent tablets better than powder or liquid cleaners for drum grime?

Both cleaner formats target residue effectively, but they work with different dissolution speeds. Powder packets like Tide Washing Machine Cleaner feature surface active ingredients engineered to activate 20 percent faster than tablets to attack deposits right away. Effervescent tablets dissolve steadily across the cycle, using active oxygen foaming to descale mineral deposits and grime on the drum surface. Liquid cleaners disperse instantly in water, which works well if you want a fast treatment during an empty normal cycle without waiting for a tablet to break down.

Can a washing machine cleaner clear residue from the drain pump and hoses?

Yes, oxygen-based cleaner formulas circulate beyond the stainless steel basket into the internal drain system. Tablets from brands like True Fresh use an oxygen-based formula that breaks down residue and buildup in the drum, pump, valves, and hoses. Their descaling action also lifts limescale and mineral deposits left by hard water before the rinse water drains away. Using a dedicated washing machine deep cleaner on a regular basis keeps internal hoses flowing freely and prevents stagnant water smells from backing up into the drum.

Are washing machine descaler tablets safe for homes with septic systems?

Yes, many washer descaler tablets are explicitly formulated to be septic safe. Options such as Maravello and eco-friendly effervescent descaler tablets break down buildup without disrupting the beneficial bacteria needed in septic tanks. These oxygen-based formulas eliminate sour odors without using harsh chlorine bleach that can weaken rubber gaskets or damage drainage lines. Always verify that the package specifically states septic safe if your home runs on a private waste system.

What cycle should you run if your washer does not have a dedicated clean setting?

Run a standard empty cycle on your washer using the hottest water option available. Liquid treatments like Glisten Washer Magic are designed specifically to work during an empty, normal cycle to lift odor-causing residue. For tablets or powders, place the dose straight into the empty wash basket, select a heavy-duty or sanitize cycle, and allow the hot water to circulate the foaming cleaner. Adding an extra rinse at the end helps flush away any dislodged grime before you wash your next load of laundry.