How To Use Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner: Easy Instructions And Best Practices

stay clean itself. In reality, that’s not the case. Over time, detergent residue, fabric softener, dirt, and even tiny bits of fabric can build up inside your washer. This buildup often leads to musty odors, cloudy spots on clothes, and in some cases, mold around the door seal. For families with young children or newborns, this can be especially worrying because baby clothes need to stay as fresh and hygienic as possible.

This is where Affresh washing machine cleaner comes in. Designed and recommended by leading appliance brands like Whirlpool and Maytag, Affresh tablets work by slowly dissolving during a hot cycle and reaching the hidden parts of the washer that are hard to scrub by hand. It helps remove residue, odor-causing bacteria, and grime that ordinary rinsing can’t reach. Because it’s tested for safety and efficiency, many experts trust Affresh as a reliable maintenance step for both top-loading and front-loading machines.

Regular use of Affresh doesn’t just make your washer smell better—it also helps the appliance run more efficiently, reduces wear on internal parts, and creates a cleaner environment for delicate fabrics like baby onesies and bedding. Most manufacturers suggest using a cleaning cycle with Affresh once a month or every 30 washes, but households with frequent laundry (like new parents) may benefit from doing it a little more often.

In this guide, you’ll find a clear step-by-step method for using Affresh in both top-load and front-load washers, along with expert tips, troubleshooting advice, and even alternatives if you don’t have Affresh on hand. We’ll also look at safe practices for families, ensuring your washer is always ready to keep your clothes—and especially your baby’s clothes—fresh, clean, and odor-free.

Step-by-Step: How to Use Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner

Universal Pre-Steps (For All Machines)

Before starting, it’s important to prepare your washer properly so that the Affresh cleaner can do its job effectively:

Remove all laundry: Make sure the drum is completely empty—never use Affresh during a normal wash load.
Check for foreign objects: Look inside the drum for coins, hairpins, or buttons that might interfere with cleaning.
Run a hot water flush (if needed): If the machine hasn’t been cleaned in months and has visible grime, a quick hot rinse can loosen debris before using Affresh.
Prepare cleaning tools: Keep a microfiber cloth ready for wiping down the drum and gasket afterward. Some people also like to wear gloves, especially if they’ll be scrubbing seals manually.

How to Use Affresh in a Top-Loading Washer

Using Affresh in a top-loader is straightforward:

Insert the tablet: Place one Affresh tablet directly into the washer drum. Do not put it in the dispenser tray.
Choose the right cycle: If your machine has a “Clean Washer” cycle, select it. If not, use the longest, hottest cycle with the highest water level available.
Let the cycle run: Allow the cleaning cycle to complete without pausing. This ensures the tablet has time to dissolve and reach hidden areas.
Wipe afterward: Once done, open the lid and check the drum. If there’s any loosened residue, wipe it away with a microfiber cloth.

How to Use Affresh in a Front-Loading Washer

Front-load washers are especially prone to odor and mold around the rubber gasket, so extra care helps.

Place the tablet in the drum: Drop a single Affresh tablet directly into the washer drum. Do not put it in the detergent drawer.
Select a cleaning cycle: If your washer has a “Tub Clean” or “Clean Washer” mode, use that setting on hot water. If not, choose a Normal or Heavy cycle on the hottest temperature, ideally with an extra rinse.
Let the cycle finish completely.
Check seals and gaskets: Afterward, carefully wipe the door seal, rubber gasket, and around the glass where moisture often lingers.
Leave the door ajar: Keeping the door slightly open helps air-dry the interior and prevents new odors.

Special Cases / Brand-Specific Notes

Whirlpool washers: Whirlpool owns Affresh, so most of their machines come with a dedicated “Clean Washer with Affresh” cycle. Always use this option if available.
Samsung washers: Samsung washers often include an “Eco Drum Clean” or similar cycle. Place the Affresh tablet in the drum and run that cycle on hot. Be sure to also clean the detergent drawer, which can collect residue.
Front-load washers in general: Focus on wiping the rubber gasket thoroughly after cleaning, and always leave the door slightly open afterward.
Top-load washers in general: Use the maximum water fill for better coverage. Since there’s no front gasket, aftercare is usually simpler.
Other forms of cleaner: While Affresh is best known for its tablets, some people use powder or liquid washing machine cleaners. In those cases, follow the manufacturer’s instructions—usually, they go into the drum or dispenser with a hot clean cycle.

When More Than One Cycle Is Needed

Sometimes one cycle isn’t enough, especially if the washer hasn’t been cleaned in months or shows signs of heavy buildup.

Run multiple cycles: In very dirty machines, you may need 2–3 consecutive Affresh cycles.
Inspect after each cycle: Look for residue, slime, or debris loosened by the first cycle. Wipe down the drum and seals before running another.
Use a rinse-only cycle in between: This helps flush out loosened dirt and prevents buildup from re-settling.

By following these steps, you can restore even a heavily soiled washer back to a fresher, more hygienic state.

Aftercare & Best Practices for Maintenance

Wiping and Ventilation

Cleaning doesn’t end when the Affresh cycle finishes. A little aftercare goes a long way in keeping your washer fresh:

Wipe down key areas: Use a clean microfiber cloth to dry the drum, gasket edges, rubber seals, and the inside of the door or lid. These spots often trap moisture, which can lead to mold.
Clean dispensers weekly: Detergent and fabric softener trays collect sticky residue. Rinse them under warm water once a week and scrub with a soft brush if needed.
Leave the washer open: After every wash, leave the door (front-load) or lid (top-load) slightly ajar. This simple step allows airflow and prevents musty smells.

Scheduling & Reminders

Regular cleaning is easier if you treat it like a routine:

Set a calendar reminder: Add a monthly note on your phone or smart home app to run an Affresh cycle.
Follow machine indicators: Many newer washers have a “Clean Washer” light that reminds you when it’s time. Don’t ignore it.
Pick a routine day: Linking the habit to something familiar—like the first Saturday of every month—helps you stay consistent.

Use With Baby Laundry in Mind

For parents, keeping laundry safe for babies is extra important:

Run a rinse cycle after deep cleaning: This clears out any leftover cleaner before you wash baby clothes.
Stick with baby-safe detergents: Use fragrance-free, gentle detergents designed for sensitive skin.
Avoid over-cleaning: Monthly use of Affresh is enough. More frequent use isn’t necessary and won’t add benefits.
Check the gaskets more often: Rubber door seals on front-load washers trap lint, detergent, and even mold. Wiping them weekly helps keep laundry safe and fresh for your baby.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even when you follow the instructions, small issues can pop up. Here’s how to handle them:

Tablet didn’t dissolve: Make sure you’re using a hot cycle with enough water. Tablets dissolve slowly, and cooler settings may leave fragments.
Odor won’t go away: Run a second cycle with Affresh, and scrub the gasket with a soft brush. Lingering smells usually mean hidden buildup.
Residue in tight spots: Use cotton swabs, old toothbrushes, or soft detail brushes to reach corners in the dispenser or gasket folds.
Error codes during clean cycle: Some machines may display alerts if cycles are interrupted. Check your washer’s manual or manufacturer’s website for reset instructions.

Long-Term Benefits and Monitoring

Routine cleaning pays off more than many realize:

Improved efficiency: A clean washer uses less energy and water because it runs without obstruction.
Extended lifespan: Preventing buildup reduces wear on hoses, pumps, and seals, helping your washer last longer.
Know when to call a professional: If you notice repeated drainage issues, loud noises, or persistent odors despite regular cleaning, your washer may need servicing.
Monitor your habits: Using too much detergent, washing heavily soiled items too often, or living in areas with hard water can all increase buildup. Adjusting these habits helps reduce how often you need deep cleans.

Alternatives, Comparisons & When to Skip Affresh

Other Commercial Cleaners & Tablets

Affresh isn’t the only washing machine cleaner available. Several other products are commonly recommended:

OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner: Known for its strong oxygen-based formula. It’s effective at removing odors and residue, but some users find it leaves a powdery residue if not rinsed properly.
Lemi Shine Washing Machine Cleaner: Contains citric extracts, which are particularly good at breaking down mineral deposits and limescale. The citrus scent appeals to many, though it may not be as strong on deep grime.
Active Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets: A newer competitor, often marketed as eco-friendly. They are effective and affordable, but may require more frequent use.

Pros of Affresh compared to others:

Specifically recommended by Whirlpool and Maytag, which adds manufacturer trust.
Slow-dissolving formula that cleans hidden parts of the washer.
EPA Safer Choice certified, meaning it’s both effective and safe for septic systems.

Cons compared to others:

Slightly higher price than some generic brands.
Tablets have a mild scent that some people find less noticeable compared to citrus-based cleaners.

DIY Options & When They Are Useful

For those who prefer homemade solutions, DIY cleaners can help between Affresh cycles, though they aren’t perfect replacements:

Baking soda + hydrogen peroxide mix: This combination works well for deodorizing and whitening. You can sprinkle baking soda in the drum and add a small amount of peroxide to the dispenser for a lighter clean.
Lemon juice: Effective for tackling mineral buildup in areas with hard water. It’s natural, but not strong enough for deep cleaning on its own.
Occasional bleach rinse: Bleach can disinfect and kill mold, but it should be used sparingly. Overuse may damage rubber parts and leave a strong chemical smell.
Vinegar caution: While vinegar is a popular DIY option, appliance experts warn against frequent use. It can corrode hoses, seals, and rubber gaskets, shortening the life of your washer.

DIY methods are best used as light maintenance or when you’ve run out of commercial cleaner. For long-term care, products like Affresh remain the safer choice.

When You Don’t Need Affresh

There are times when Affresh may not be necessary:

Newer machines with self-cleaning features: Some modern washers automatically run a cleaning cycle, reducing the need for extra products.
Infrequent use: If your washer is only used a few times a month, you won’t have as much buildup. Occasional manual cleaning may be enough.
After professional servicing: If a technician has recently deep-cleaned your washer, you can wait longer before using Affresh again.

Even in these cases, it’s still helpful to maintain simple habits like wiping seals, leaving the door open, and using the right amount of detergent.

Conclusion

Learning how to use Affresh washing machine cleaner is a simple but powerful way to keep your washer in top condition. By running a monthly cleaning cycle, wiping seals and dispensers, and letting the machine air out, you prevent odors, protect delicate fabrics, and extend the lifespan of your appliance.

For new parents, this routine is especially valuable—keeping baby clothes and bedding fresh, safe, and free from hidden residue. Whether you own a top-loader, front-loader, Whirlpool, Samsung, or any other brand, Affresh provides a trusted, easy-to-use solution that fits into your regular laundry care.

Make it part of your monthly routine, and pair it with smart aftercare habits like wiping and ventilation. If you’d like more details, you can check your washer’s manual, visit the Affresh manufacturer’s guide, or read related resources on proper laundry and appliance maintenance. A little attention goes a long way in ensuring your washer—and your family’s clothes—stay truly clean.

FAQ

Do I Have To Use Affresh To Clean My Washing Machine?

Not necessarily. Some people use other cleaners or mild DIY options. However, Affresh is recommended by many manufacturers because it’s tested to safely clean hidden areas of the washer without causing damage.

Can I Use Affresh If I Have A Septic System?

Yes. Affresh tablets are septic-safe and carry the EPA Safer Choice certification, meaning they are both effective and environmentally responsible.

Is Affresh Safe For All Washer Brands (LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, GE)?

Yes. Affresh can be used in all major brands of both front-load and top-load washers. Whirlpool and Maytag specifically endorse it, but it works in LG, Samsung, GE, and other machines as well.

Can I Run A Regular Laundry Load Mixing Baby Clothes Right After A Clean Cycle?

It’s best to run a quick rinse cycle with plain water after using Affresh, especially before washing baby clothes or items for sensitive skin. This ensures no cleaner residue is left behind.

Will Affresh Void My Warranty Or Damage Parts?

No. Since it is recommended by appliance manufacturers, using Affresh will not void your warranty. In fact, some companies list it in their care instructions.

Tablet Left Residue — Is That Normal?

A small amount of residue can sometimes remain if the cycle wasn’t hot enough or if the washer didn’t use enough water. Simply wipe it out with a cloth and consider using a hotter cycle next time.

What Temperature Is Ideal For Best Efficacy?

Affresh works best with hot water cycles, which help dissolve the tablet fully and allow the cleaner to reach deeper into hoses and internal parts.

Is Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner The Same Or Interchangeable?

No. The dishwasher version is formulated differently for grease and food residue. Always use the cleaner that matches the appliance for the best results.

Disclaimer: The information in this article about how to use Affresh washing machine cleaner is provided for general guidance and educational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, washing machine models and manufacturer recommendations may vary. Always check your appliance’s user manual and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of both the washer and the cleaning product. The author is not responsible for any damage or issues resulting from the misuse of products or failure to follow official guidelines. For persistent problems or unusual machine behavior, consult a qualified appliance technician.

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