New to front loading washing machines back in 2013, we did not know how smelly they can get. So we learned, “by fire,” how important it is to keep their odors tame. We learned that you must now and again, cycle the washer through with a decent cleaner like Tide. So, in this Tide washing machine cleaner review, we discuss our test of this cleaner. We list the pros and cons we thought of while using this washer cleaner.
Well, our noses soon taught us how important such a regimen is for preserving a clean smelling clothes washer. These, as well as top loaders, can develop smells and odors. The smells come from mold and mildew. Those often grow around the seals, in the piping, and in the washtub itself.
The Need to Clean a Washing Machine
Front load washing machines seem prone to harboring these unclean smells. The washer in our apartment at the time was a front loader. So, finding a workable deodorizing solution rose to top priority for us. Our quest for a good deodorizing product ended when we found Tide Washing Machine Cleaner.
This Tide cleaner works quite well. You simply dump a pouch into your empty washer. Then run it through the regular wash cycle (NOT the specialized cleaning cycle, mind you). Then, any mildew or moldy smells immediately disappear, replaced by a … hmmmm… not sure how to describe it, …. The fresh aroma hints that the washer is now clean. The scent seems like a floral sort, with a tinge of perfume thrown in. It’s unique, but definitely more pleasant than the smell of old, soggy clothes.
The instructions suggest running one pouch through the washer once per month. Plus, they say to do it once per week for three weeks for really bad washers.
Now, we only wash a couple loads per week. So our front loader stays odor free for two or three months. We just leave its door open between washings. Then, the odors rarely build up more than a few times per year. So we only use a few Tide treatments annually.
Tide Washing Machine Cleaner Review: Benefits, Pros, Advantages, and Benefits
Single Portion, Pre Measured Pouches
These airtight thick plastic bags keep the active ingredients fresh until use. Resembling thick cellophane, they cannot be easily torn open; requiring sharp scissors instead. Do not open the pouches until ready to use them, as doing so might render this product less effective.
Cheap to Buy
We purchased the five-pouch box for approximately $10. Cheaper solutions, such as straight bleach and baking soda may or may not work. They may be effective alternatives in at times. But if you have little time to goof around, go with Tide. If you need a washing machine cleaner that does it right the first time, Tide is that sort of beast. Though more expensive than baking soda, Tide cleans the washer right the first time.
Removes Soap, Dirt, and Minerals Buildup
Not only does this deodorize, but it helps keep small pipes and openings in the washer from clogging. Tide helps preserve High Efficiency performance therefore.
Odor Remover
Highly potent smell stopper. The scent left behind strongly suggests that the washing machine has definitely been cleaned thoroughly.
For Front Loading and Top Loading Washing Machines
We’ve used Tide without damage on washers that recommend against chlorine bleach.
Tide Washing Machine Cleaner is Safe for Septic Tanks
Since this product relies primarily on oxidation to work, its effect has limited duration as the active chemicals oxidize. By the time it reaches the septic tank after washer cleaning, its active ingredients have become essentially inert.
Tide Washing Machine Cleaner Ingredients
These include surfactants, oxygen bleach (percarbonate), sodium carbonate, sodium sulfate, and perfume.
Tide Washing Machine Cleaner Review: Cons, Limitations, Problems, and Disadvantages
Can Irritate Nose and Eyes
Avoid this eye or nose irritation by pouring the powder slowly into the washer. Watch out not to create a “dust cloud” in the air.
May Not be Cheapest Washing Machine Cleaner
Numerous “home” remedies can work well to deodorize clothes washing machines. But Tide, though costlier, works better in a wide array of washers.
Aroma can Stay Strong for Days After Use
While the clean scent is nice at first, it can get irritating, as it sometimes does for us. It stays strong in the washer over a day after use. Suggestion to Tide: Cut back on the perfume.
But if the scent really bothers you, that’s easy to fix. Run the washer through another regular, hot water cycle. But don’t add any soap or additional Tide cleaner. A soap less wash cycle rinses out any left over cleaner from the washer. Doing this may limit the long-term effectiveness of this product. That is, your washer may smell badly again in a shorter time.
Tide Washing Machine Cleaner Review: Our Rating
Each pouch costs roughly $2. You use one pouch per cleaning. We found Tide washer cleaner a reasonable price point. Tide provides a low effort, long lasting answer to the recurring front loading washing machine stench. Tide solves it conveniently and effectively. Aside from the strong, lingering perfume scent, this product indeed works as advertised. So we’d rate Tide washing machine cleaner at 97 out of 100.
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References for this Tide Washing Machine Cleaner Review
Revision History
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- 2019-06-12: Tuned the targeting for ”, removed ad code scripts, and added more links and tags.
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- 2015-07-30: Originally published.