Wondering what you can use instead of the Affresh washing machine cleaner?

I have good news for you - you've got plenty of great options.

In this quick guide, I'll walk you through some natural and store-bought cleaners that'll keep your washing machine in great shape.

These Affresh alternatives work really well, and some might even save you money!

#1 Vinegar And Baking Soda

You can't go wrong with vinegar and baking soda - it's probably the most popular alternative to Affresh, and for good reason.

Here's what you do: grab a cup of baking soda and two cups of white vinegar, then put them right in your washing machine's drum. Run it on hot water, and these two ingredients will get to work.

The baking soda scrubs away buildup while the vinegar breaks down mineral deposits and gets rid of bacteria.

The best part? No harsh chemicals needed.

You can even use this combo to clean your machine every month - it's that gentle. Many people also like to run an extra rinse cycle afterward just to make sure everything's completely clean.

Also Read: Blue stains after washing clothes

#2 Borax

Borax is another great natural substitute if you don't want to use Affresh tablets.

Just put about one-third cup of Borax in your washer and run a cleaning cycle. It's actually a natural mineral, so it's not as harsh on your machine as some chemical cleaners can be.

It works pretty much the same way Affresh does, making it perfect if you want something more natural.

You can even use it along with your regular detergent in normal loads to help keep things clean between deep cleanings.

#3 OxiClean

Next on our list is OxiClean which also has the same main active ingredients as Affresh.

OxiClean works well in both standard and high-efficiency machines. A lot of people don't know this, but it's also really effective at removing that gunky buildup that can form around the rubber seals of front-loading washers.

OxiClean comes with their Odor Blasters formula in pre-measured pouches - no measuring needed.

Using it is super easy: just empty a pouch into your empty washing machine and run it with hot water. If your machine has a "Clean Washer" cycle, you can use that too.

Plus, the formula is designed to dissolve completely, so you don't have to worry about any residue being left behind.

Also Read: Soaking clothes in OxiClean overnight

#4 Other Oxygen Bleach Based Cleaners

Oxygen bleach cleaners (they're made with sodium percarbonate) are good Affresh alternatives and are effective at cleaning washing machines.

When you use these, the oxygen molecules they release break down all the gunk and sanitize your machine at the same time.

Just put them straight in the drum and run a hot wash cycle.

These cleaners are better for the environment than cleaners made with chlorine too.

They're particularly good at cleaning the hard-to-reach parts of your machine, like the agitator in top-loaders or the drum paddles in front-loaders

Plus, they're color-safe and won't damage any rubber seals or gaskets in your machine.

#5 Washing Soda

Washing soda, also known as sodium carbonate, is another good substitute.

One thing that makes washing soda special is its high alkalinity - this means it's really good at cutting through grease and oils that can build up in your washer over time.

You'll want to use about two cups of washing soda and mix it with 500 ml of white vinegar.

Here's how to do it: first, run a hot cycle with the washing soda, then do another cycle with the vinegar. This combo is really good at dealing with hard water and gets your washer super clean.

It's especially great if you've got tough buildup or smells that just won't go away.

#6 Lemi Shine Machine Cleaner

Want something from the store that won't break the bank? Try Lemi Shine Machine Cleaner.

You can find it in most stores, and it costs less than Affresh but works just as well.

What makes Lemi Shine special is its citric acid-based formula, which is particularly good at removing hard water deposits and mineral buildup. The citric acid comes from real citrus fruits, giving it a natural cleaning power that's still gentle on your machine.

It also comes with detailed instructions for both front-loading and top-loading machines, making it super easy to use correctly.

People who use it really like how well it cleans and gets rid of bad smells.

Bottom Line

Affresh works well, but you've got lots of other Affresh alternatives that work great too.

If you want to go natural and save some money, try vinegar and baking soda or Borax. Want something ready to use? OxiClean and Lemi Shine have got you covered.

The most important thing isn't really which cleaner you pick - it's making sure you clean your machine regularly. Pick whatever works best for you and clean your machine monthly.

Oh, and don't forget to leave the door open between washes!

FAQs

Is Affresh Just Baking Soda?

No, Affresh is not just baking soda. It’s a specially formulated cleaning tablet containing ingredients beyond baking soda, designed to break down residue, grime, and hard water deposits in appliances.

Is Affresh The Same As Bleach?

No, Affresh is not the same as bleach. While it has cleaning agents to remove odor-causing residues, it does not contain bleach, making it safe for regular appliance maintenance.

Is Affresh Toxic?

Affresh is generally considered safe when used as directed. However, avoid ingestion and keep it out of reach of children and pets, as the cleaning agents can be harmful if swallowed.

6 Affresh Alternatives To Clean Your Washing Machine