Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner: Does It Leave A Scent?

Affresh is a washing machine cleaner that comes in the form of tablets. It is designed to be used once a month or every 30 wash cycles to deep clean your washing machine and help remove odour-causing residues and grime. The tablets are placed inside the drum of the machine and are used in conjunction with a cleaning cycle using hot water. While Affresh is marketed as having a light, fresh fragrance, some users have complained about the product leaving an overpowering smell. Affresh is also more expensive than some other cleaning alternatives, such as bleach or vinegar.

Affresh is made from two main ingredients: sodium percarbonate and sodium carbonate

Affresh is a popular cleaning product with a unique blend of ingredients designed to effectively clean and maintain various household appliances. The two main active ingredients in Affresh are sodium percarbonate and sodium carbonate. These ingredients work together to tackle dirt, grime, and residue, leaving appliances fresh and clean.

Sodium percarbonate, often referred to as "oxygen-based bleach" or "oxygen bleach," is a key component in Affresh. It does not contain any chlorine, making it safe for stainless steel appliances and pipes. When mixed with water, sodium percarbonate releases hydrogen peroxide, which is highly effective in eliminating dirt and odour-causing residues. This oxygen-based bleach helps to remove tough stains and eliminate unpleasant odours.

Sodium carbonate, also known as washing soda or soda ash, is the second primary ingredient in Affresh. This powerful alkaline compound is widely used in laundry detergents, dishwashing detergents, all-purpose cleaners, and sanitizing sprays. It has the ability to cut through grease and soften water, preventing the buildup of mineral deposits on appliances. Sodium carbonate is also found in soap-making and is commonly included in green cleaning products.

Together, sodium percarbonate and sodium carbonate create a dynamic duo that powers Affresh's cleaning performance. They are often found in Affresh products designed for washing machines, dishwashers, and other household appliances. While the exact formula for Affresh is not publicly disclosed, understanding the roles of these two main ingredients provides insight into the product's effectiveness in tackling grime and odour-causing residues.

In addition to these primary ingredients, Affresh also contains other components such as polyethylene glycol, glucono-delta-lactone, and fragrance, among others. These additional ingredients contribute to the overall cleaning effectiveness, stability, and pleasant user experience of Affresh products.

Affresh tablets are placed inside the empty washing machine, not the dispenser

Affresh tablets are designed to be placed inside the drum of your empty washing machine, not the dispenser. This is because the tablets are designed to slowly release their cleaning agents over time, so they need to be placed somewhere where they can be dissolved by the water in the machine.

To use Affresh tablets, first remove any clothing or other items from your washer. Then, open the package and place one tablet inside the empty washing machine drum. Do not place the tablet in the dispenser. Next, start your washer. If your washer has a "Clean Washer" cycle, choose that. Otherwise, select a "Normal" or "Heavy" cycle with hot water. Finally, if there is any residue left in the washer after the cycle, wipe it away with a clean microfiber cloth.

Affresh tablets are an effective way to deep clean your washing machine and remove odour-causing residues and grime. They are specially formulated to tackle spots that are hard to reach inside the washing machine, such as the gasket of your front loader, the drum, under or around the lid or door, and in your dispensers. The tablets are also safe for your washing machine and are EPA Safer Choice certified.

Affresh tablets are time-released, slowly dissolving throughout the wash cycle

Step 1: Prepare Your Washer and Add Affresh Tablet

Firstly, remove any clothing or other items from your washer. Then, open the package of Affresh washing machine cleaner tablets and select one tablet. Place the Affresh tablet inside your empty washing machine, not inside the dispenser.

Step 2: Start Your Washer

Choose the "Clean Washer" cycle if your washer has one. If not, select the "Normal" or "Heavy" cycle with hot water temperature. Refer to your washer model's "Use and Care Guide" for specific instructions. Finally, start the washer.

Step 3: Wipe Away Residue

After the cycle is complete, use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe away any residue that may be left in the washer. Since the Affresh tablets are time-released, some residue may remain at the bottom of the tub, which is normal. Simply remove this excess residue with your cloth.

Step 4: Repeat if Needed

It is recommended to repeat this process if:

• You have never cleaned your washer before.
• It has been more than six months since the last cleaning.
• There is excessive residue buildup or a strong odour.

In extreme cases, you may need to run up to three consecutive cleaning cycles.

Additional Tips for a Fresh-Smelling Washer

• Keep the door of your front-loading washer or the lid of your top-loading washer open between loads to allow ventilation and reduce the chances of mould or mildew growth.
• Wipe down the rubber gasket of your front loader after each use to prevent the buildup of grime and odour-causing residues.
• Clean out the detergent dispensers of your washing machine weekly to prevent the accumulation of residue.
• Schedule your monthly Affresh washer cleaning on your calendar to ensure regular maintenance.

By following these steps and tips, you can effectively use Affresh tablets to deep clean your washing machine, removing odours and keeping it in optimal condition.

Affresh is safe for septic systems and municipal water supplies

Affresh is a popular cleaning product used to tackle grime, dirt, and residue in washing machines, dishwashers, and garbage disposals. It is designed to eliminate odours, dirt, and residue. Affresh tablets are made from sodium carbonate, citric acid, and sodium percarbonate. These compounds are septic system-friendly and break down effectively during the wastewater treatment process. Affresh is safe for septic systems and municipal water supplies when used as directed. It is crucial to follow the instructions on the bottle to avoid disrupting the balance of bacteria in the septic tank.

Affresh is also safe for use in septic systems when cleaning dishwashers. It is the #1 recommended product by Whirlpool, KitchenAid, and Maytag brands. Affresh dishwasher cleaner tablets are U.S. EPA Safer Choice-certified and septic-tank safe. They can be used to clean all dishwasher machine makes and models. It is recommended to use Affresh dishwasher cleaner tablets monthly or more often if needed to maximize machine performance.

Affresh is EPA Safer Choice Certified

The Safer Choice program is an EPA Pollution Prevention (P2) program that includes practices that reduce, eliminate, or prevent pollution at its source, such as using safer ingredients in products. The program provides a list of safer chemical ingredients (SCIL) that can be used in products. Manufacturers can follow the steps provided by the program to get the Safer Choice label on their products.

Affresh's washing machine cleaner is designed to rid your washing machine of any leftover debris, soap scum, hard water buildup, and bacteria. It uses a powerful oxidizing formula and comes in a pleasant citrus scent. The product is safe to use with top-loading, front-loading, and high-efficiency machines.

Affresh is also committed to sustainability and has products to help keep other appliances clean, such as cooktops, dishwashers, and garbage disposers.

Frequently asked questions