The Best Made Washing Machine
From top‑rated tablets to burst‑proof hoses and shoe bags, we found the best products to keep your washing machine running smoothly. Expert picks rated by BP Score.
By Shane Wheeler
Updated September 11, 2026
Your washing machine is one of the hardest-working appliances in the home, but it also needs regular care to stay efficient and odor-free. From cleaning tablets that banish residue to durable hoses and handy accessories, the right products can make a big difference in performance and longevity. This guide, built from expert consensus, verified buyer feedback, and published specifications, helps you choose the best items to maintain your washing machine in 2026.
nnnWe evaluated dozens of washing machine cleaners, hoses, and laundry accessories, scoring each on a 0-to-10 BP Score based on ingredient effectiveness, ease of use, compatibility, and user satisfaction. Below are our top picks for every need and budget.
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| Award | Product | BP Score About BP ScoreThe BP Score is our own rating from 0 to 10, based on performance, design and build, ease of use, and value. It reflects independent research and is never influenced by manufacturers, retailers, or affiliate commissions. Learn more › | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall |
Glisten Washing Machine Cleaner 3-Pack
|
9.9/10 | $17.23 | Buy |
| Best Value |
Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets (12 Count)
|
9.9/10 | $18.99 | Buy |
ACTIVE 24-Pack Washing Machine Cleaner for Pets
|
9.9/10 | $27.95 | Buy | |
| Best Premium |
Uproot Clean Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets
|
9.9/10 | $49.99 | Buy |
Uproot Clean Washing Machine Cleaning Tablets 24
|
9.8/10 | $29.95 | Buy | |
| Best Budget |
OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner 4 ct
|
9.8/10 | $3.98 | Buy |
Yejesiy 4-Foot Stainless Steel Washer Hoses 2-Pack
|
9.7/10 | $9.98 | Buy | |
Affresh 6-Count Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets
|
9.7/10 | $10.98 | Buy | |
SHEELA HO Laundry Shoe Bag with Self-Locking
|
9.5/10 | $9.99 | Buy | |
Uproot Clean Washing Machine Cleaning Tablets 24
|
9.5/10 | $39.95 | Buy |
Glisten Washing Machine Cleaner 3-Pack
This liquid cleaner works during an empty hot water cycle to remove detergent residue, hard water buildup, and odors from both top and front loaders. It also helps clean door seals and detergent drawers, using a formula free of harsh chemicals that is safe for plumbing and septic systems.
Pros
- Powerful deep cleaner for residue and buildup
- No harsh chemicals, safe for plumbing and septic
- Cleans door seals and detergent drawers
- Easy to use in a normal wash cycle
- Made in USA with satisfaction guarantee
Cons
- Only available in fresh scent
Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets (12 Count)
This tablet-based cleaner uses time-release technology to remove bacteria, grime, and soap scum from washing machine interiors. It helps eliminate odors from pets, sweat, and mildew and is EPA Safer Choice certified. Safe for all machine types including HE and front-loaders.
Pros
- Time-release deep cleaning action
- Removes odor-causing residues
- Only one tablet per month needed
- Recommended by Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana
- EPA Safer Choice and septic safe
- Safe for all washing machine models
ACTIVE 24-Pack Washing Machine Cleaner for Pets
Specially formulated for pet owners, ACTIVE's enzyme tablet cleaner tackles hair, odor, and residue in all washer types. The 24-tablet pack provides a full year of monthly maintenance with a simple tub cycle.
Pros
- Powerful enzyme formula for pet hair and odor
- Septic safe and works in all washer types
- 24 tablets for 12 months of maintenance
- Easy to use with empty washer on hot cycle
- Safe for pets and household with natural enzymes
Cons
- Must use with empty washer, not in detergent drawer
Uproot Clean Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets
These enzyme-powered tablets target pet odors, hair, and grime in a single cycle. Ideal for households with multiple pets, they claim to dissolve accumulated fur and prolong machine life.
Pros
- Removes pet odors effectively
- Dissolves pet hair to prevent clogs
- Cleans hidden machine parts
- Works in front, top, and HE loaders
- 12-month supply in one pack
Cons
- Only 12 tablets per pack
Uproot Clean Washing Machine Cleaning Tablets 24
Uproot Clean's washing machine tablets are specially formulated for pet owners, using tea polyphenols and active enzymes to eliminate pet odors and reduce hair accumulation in the drum, valves, and hoses. They dissolve grime and residue in a single hot cycle, making them a targeted solution for laundry freshness and machine longevity.
Pros
- Deep cleans drum, valves, seals, and filters in one cycle
- Effectively eliminates pet odors with tea polyphenols
- Reduces pet hair buildup and clogs with enzymes
- Suitable for front-load, top-load, and HE machines
- Dissolves built-up fats, grime, and residue
Cons
- Requires a hot or clean washer cycle, increasing energy use
- May leave residue requiring post-cycle wipe-down
OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner 4 ct
This washing machine cleaner targets odor-causing residues in any washer, including high-efficiency models. Each box contains four single-use pouches that are simply dropped into the drum and run on a hot cycle to refresh the machine.
Pros
- Removes odor-causing residues
- Works in standard and HE washers
- Easy single-pouch application
- Septic-safe formula
Cons
- Only 4 pouches per box
- Requires hot water cycle
- Not for use with laundry
Yejesiy 4-Foot Stainless Steel Washer Hoses 2-Pack
These color-coded washing machine hoses from Yejesiy feature a burst-proof stainless steel construction with brass nuts and a thickened rubber gasket for leak-free connections. They come with a 10-year warranty and are compatible with all standard washers, making them a reliable choice for easy DIY replacement.
Pros
- Stainless steel for corrosion resistance
- Burst-proof two-ply PVC core
- 10-year warranty included
- Easy to install without tools
- Fits all standard washing machines
Cons
- Only available in 4-foot length
Affresh 6-Count Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets
Affresh's washing machine cleaner tablets use a time-release formula to remove bacteria, grime, and soap scum, tackling odors from pets and sweat. Designed for monthly use, they are EPA Safer Choice certified and septic safe, compatible with all washer types.
Pros
- Time-release deep cleaning action
- Removes odors from pets and sweat
- Only one tablet needed per month
- Recommended by Whirlpool, Maytag, Amana
- EPA Safer Choice certified and septic safe
SHEELA HO Laundry Shoe Bag with Self-Locking
This reusable shoe bag is designed to protect both sneakers and the washing machine during cleaning. Its microfiber interior and bristles reduce noise and lift dirt effectively, making it a practical accessory for anyone who wants to wash shoes at home without hand scrubbing.
Pros
- Reduces washing noise
- Protects shoes and machine
- Durable YKK zipper
- Speeds up drying time
- Reusable and easy to use
Cons
- Only one color option
- Large size may not fit small loads
Uproot Clean Washing Machine Cleaning Tablets 24
These ultra-concentrated tablets promise 40% more cleaning power in a single cycle, targeting pet odors and fur buildup. They are designed for front-loaders, top-loaders, and HE machines, making them a versatile option for pet owners.
Pros
- Stronger formula for deep cleaning
- Effectively removes pet odors
- Reduces pet hair clogs
- Works with front and top loaders
- Easy single-tablet application
Cons
- Requires hot water cycle
- Tablet must not go in detergent drawer
Best Made Washing Machine Buying Guide
nnnTypes of Washing Machine Cleaners
nnnWashing machine cleaners come in tablets, powders, and liquids formulated to remove detergent buildup, mold, and odors. Enzymatic cleaners are especially effective for pet owners dealing with urine or hair residue, while citrus-based options tackle hard-water scale. For front-loaders, high-foaming tablets can help clear the pump and drain. If you have a high-efficiency (HE) machine, ensure the cleaner is labeled septic-safe to avoid damaging the system.
nnnOur research shows that brands like Affresh and OxiClean use oxygen-based bleaching agents that break down organic soils without harsh fumes. The BP Score reflects how well each product performs across top-loaders, front-loaders, and HE units, with user feedback confirming real-world results.
nnnCleaning Power and Frequency
nnnMost manufacturers recommend cleaning your machine every one to three months. A single-use tablet or a monthly maintenance product can prevent the musty smells caused by trapped moisture and bacteria. Some cleaners use a soak-and-scrub cycle to loosen grime, while others rely on a full wash cycle with hot water. Check whether the product requires an empty drum or allows a small load of linens for added agitation.
nnnFor heavy soils or hard water, a concentrated formula (like Uproot Clean Turbo) delivers deeper descaling. Budget-friendly options such as OxiClean still earn strong scores for routine maintenance. Pairing a cleaner with a quality automatic shut-off valve can prevent leaks during the cleaning cycle.
nnnEase of Use and Compatibility
nnnThe best cleaner is one you’ll actually use. Pre-measured tablets are mess-free and require no pouring, while liquid concentrates allow you to adjust the dose for heavily soiled machines. Most tablets are compatible with standard top-loaders and front-loaders, but some models (like compact or mini washing machines) may need smaller doses or shorter cycles. Always verify the cleaner’s label for your machine type and water hardness.
nnnUser reviews consistently praise products that dissolve fully without leaving residue. The BP Score factors in ease of use as reported by verified buyers, with lower-scoring items often suffering from incomplete dissolution or packaging issues.
nnnAdditional Accessories: Hoses and Bags
nnnBeyond cleaners, upgrading your washing machine’s hoses to stainless steel braided models reduces the risk of burst leaks. The Yejesiy 4 ft hoses come in a two-pack with a standard 3/4-inch interface that fits nearly every modern washer. For protecting delicate items, a shoe washing bag keeps sneakers and athletic shoes from banging inside the drum. These accessories extend the life of both your machine and your clothing.
nnnIf you have a portable washing machine, check the hose thread size, some compact units use quick-connect adapters instead of standard 3/4-inch fittings. The same goes for clothes dryers, which share many replacement parts but require different vent hoses.
nnnWhy You Should Trust Us
nnnBestProducts is an independent review site that evaluates products entirely through research. We do not conduct our own product trials; our evaluations are grounded in research, published data, expert review consensus, and verified buyer feedback. Each item is scored on our BP Score (0 to 10) using a consistent set of criteria tailored to the category, covering effectiveness, safety, ease of use, durability, and customer satisfaction. Our recommendations are free from manufacturer influence, and we clearly disclose our affiliate relationships so you can shop with confidence.
nnnFinal Thoughts
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- Best Overall: Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner, 12 Ct., With a top BP Score of 9.9, this number‑one cleaner combines proven oxygen‑based formula with great user reviews for all machine types. nnn
- Best for Pet Owners: ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner, Enzymatic tablets that break down pet hair, urine, and odors; also septic‑safe and scored 9.9. nnn
- Best Value: OxiClean Washing Machine Cleaner, At a budget price, it still achieves a 9.8 BP Score thanks to its odor‑fighting power. nnn
- Best Hose Upgrade: Yejesiy 4 ft Stainless Steel Hoses, Burst‑proof construction and standard fit earn a 9.7 BP Score. nnn
- Best Shoe Bag: SHEELA HO Shoe Washing Machine Bag, Self‑locking zipper and microfiber interior keep sneakers safe; scored 9.5. nn
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Whether you need a routine cleaner, a solution for pet messes, or sturdy accessories, these top‑scoring picks will help keep your washing machine running smoothly for years. For more appliance maintenance advice, explore our appliances section.
nnnFrequently Asked Questions
nnnHow often should I clean my washing machine?
nnnMost experts recommend cleaning your machine every 1 to 3 months, depending on usage and water hardness. If you notice musty odors or visible residue, it’s time for a deep clean. Using a high‑score cleaner like Affresh monthly can prevent buildup.
nnnCan I use washing machine cleaner in a front‑loader?
nnnYes, most tablet and liquid cleaners are safe for front‑loaders, top‑loaders, and high‑efficiency machines. Check the label to ensure the product is low‑foaming for HE machines and septic‑safe if needed. Our top picks are all compatible with modern washers.
nnnAre stainless steel washing machine hoses worth the upgrade?
nnnAbsolutely. Stainless steel braided hoses are significantly more resistant to bursting than rubber hoses, reducing the risk of flooding. The Yejesiy 4 ft hoses we recommend feature a burst‑proof design and fit standard 3/4-inch connections.
nnnDo I need a special bag to wash sneakers?
nnnA shoe washing bag protects your machine from scuffs and your shoes from damage. The SHEELA HO bag has a self‑locking zipper and soft microfiber interior that cushions sneakers during the cycle. For best results, remove laces and place shoes in the bag on a gentle cycle.
nnnHow do I choose between a tablet and a liquid cleaner?
nnnTablets are convenient, pre‑measured, and dissolve completely in hot water. Liquids allow you to adjust the dose for heavily soiled machines. Both types work effectively; the best choice depends on your preference and machine’s requirements. Our buying guide covers both forms.
nAbout the author
Shane covers refrigerators and washing machines for BestProducts, weighing capacity, energy use, and the repair records that decide whether a machine lasts a decade. He helps readers spend on the features that matter and skip the ones that fail early.