If you’ve ever found yourself staring at those little Affresh cleaning tablets, wondering, “Wait… can I just use one cleaner for both my washing machine and dishwasher?”—you’re not alone. It’s a fair question! After all, they look similar, they’re both made for cleaning appliances, and they both help remove buildup. But are they actually the same thing? Let’s break it down.
1. The Quick Answer: Nope, They’re Not the Same!
Affresh makes separate cleaners for washing machines and dishwashers, and they’re designed differently to tackle very different kinds of grime. Using one in place of the other might not be as effective—and in some cases, it could even cause issues. But why? Let’s dive deeper.
2. What’s Inside? The Ingredient Breakdown
Both Affresh washing machine cleaner and dishwasher cleaner contain powerful cleaning agents, but they’re formulated to break down different types of buildup:
🧼 Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner: Designed to remove residue from detergent, fabric softener, and mildew, which tend to accumulate in washers, especially high-efficiency (HE) models. It also fights against musty odors that can develop from trapped moisture.
🍽️ Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner: Made to tackle mineral deposits, grease, and food residue, which build up inside dishwashers over time. It helps prevent spots on dishes and keeps the spray arms and filter functioning properly.
Different messes, different formulas! Makes sense, right?
3. Can You Swap Them? (Spoiler: It’s Not Recommended!)
It might be tempting to use whatever you have on hand, but here’s why it’s best to stick with the right cleaner for each appliance:
🚫 Using Dishwasher Cleaner in a Washing Machine: While it might help break down some gunk, it’s not designed to remove detergent and fabric softener buildup, and it won’t do much for mildew and odor issues.
🚫 Using Washing Machine Cleaner in a Dishwasher: Washing machine cleaner isn’t made to break down grease and mineral deposits from hard water, so it might not fully clean your dishwasher—and could even leave behind residue that affects how your dishes come out.
So, in short—no, they’re not interchangeable.
4. How to Keep Both Appliances Clean the Right Way
Now that we’ve settled that, here’s how to properly maintain each appliance:
✔️ For Washing Machines: Use Affresh washing machine cleaner once a month (or more often if you notice musty smells). Run a cleaning cycle with hot water and make sure to wipe down the rubber seal and detergent drawer occasionally.
✔️ For Dishwashers: Use Affresh dishwasher cleaner once a month to prevent mineral buildup. Place the tablet in the bottom of the dishwasher (not the detergent dispenser) and run a normal cycle with hot water.
Bonus tip: Keeping the doors slightly open after use helps prevent trapped moisture and odors!
Final Thoughts: Stick to the Right Cleaner for the Job
While Affresh makes great cleaning products for both washing machines and dishwashers, they’re not one-size-fits-all. Each cleaner is specifically formulated to target different types of buildup, so using the right one will give you the best results.
Still tempted to swap them? Trust us—it’s worth grabbing the right product. Your appliances (and your dishes and laundry) will thank you!