If you’re wondering whether you can toss an Affresh dishwasher cleaner tablet into your top-loading washing machine, the short answer is: No, you shouldn’t. While it might seem like a convenient solution—after all, both appliances need cleaning, right?—the reality is that dishwasher cleaners and washing machine cleaners are formulated differently and serve distinct purposes.
Let’s break it down and explore why using a dishwasher cleaner in your washing machine isn’t a great idea, what could happen if you do, and what you should use instead.
1. The Difference Between Dishwasher and Washing Machine Cleaners
At first glance, both appliances deal with water, detergent, and buildup over time. However, the kind of residue, grime, and contaminants they face are quite different:
- Dishwashers accumulate food particles, grease, and mineral buildup from hard water.
- Washing machines develop soap scum, fabric softener residue, mold, and mildew due to detergent accumulation and moisture retention.
Because of these differences, Affresh designs separate cleaners for each appliance. The dishwasher version contains degreasers and surfactants that target food and grease, while the washing machine cleaner is formulated to break down soap buildup, mold, and odor-causing residues.
2. What Happens If You Use Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner in a Washing Machine?
If you accidentally (or intentionally) use Affresh dishwasher cleaner in your top-loading washer, you might face a few issues:
a) Ineffective Cleaning
Since dishwasher cleaner isn’t designed to break down the residues found in washing machines, it might not remove soap scum, mold, or odors as effectively as a proper washing machine cleaner.
b) Excess Suds or Residue
Dishwasher cleaners contain surfactants that work well in dishwashers but can create excessive suds in a washing machine. This can lead to:
- Poor rinsing, leaving behind a soapy film.
- Potential overflow issues (especially in front-loading washers).
- Residue buildup that affects your laundry’s cleanliness.
c) Possible Damage to the Machine
Over time, using the wrong cleaner might affect rubber seals, hoses, and internal components. Some dishwasher cleaners contain harsh descalers that are too strong for a washing machine’s drum and pipes.
3. What Should You Use Instead?
For a top-loading washing machine, it’s best to stick to Affresh washing machine cleaner tablets, which are designed specifically for removing detergent buildup, mildew, and musty odors.
If you don’t have Affresh washing machine cleaner on hand, here are some effective alternatives:
- White Vinegar: Pour 2 cups into the drum and run a hot water cycle. This helps dissolve soap scum and eliminate odors.
- Baking Soda: Add ½ cup to the drum for deodorizing and gentle scrubbing action.
- Bleach: Use 1 cup (without mixing with vinegar) to kill bacteria and mold.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: A natural disinfectant that can break down grime without harsh chemicals.
4. What If You Already Used Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner in Your Washer?
Don’t worry—if you’ve already used a dishwasher cleaner in your top-loading washing machine, simply run an extra rinse cycle with hot water to remove any leftover residue. If you notice excessive suds, run another cycle with just water to clear everything out.
Final Verdict: Stick to the Right Cleaner
Using Affresh dishwasher cleaner in a top-loading washing machine isn’t recommended because it’s not designed for the type of residue found in washers. Instead, use a washing machine cleaner or natural alternatives like vinegar and baking soda to keep your washer fresh and functioning properly.
Pro Tip: To maintain a clean washing machine, leave the lid open after each use to prevent mold buildup and wipe down the drum regularly.