What is in Washing Machine Cleaning Tablets? Washing Machine Cleaner Ingredients

If you’ve noticed your laundry isn’t coming out as fresh and clean as it used to, or there’s a funky smell to your clean linens, it might be because your washer needs a good clean. Don’t panic, you won’t need to roll up your sleeves and start scrubbing – that’s what washing machine cleaning tablets are for!

But what is in washing machine cleaning tablets, exactly? Are the ingredients safe for your machine, your clothes, your skin, and the environment? Today, we’ll talk about washing machine cleaner ingredients, helping you find tablets that are safe and effective for at-home use. 

We can tell you right away that if you’re looking for the best washing machine cleaning tablets, you can find them right here at Clean People! Read on to learn what makes ours the best washing machine cleaner tablets and which washing machine cleaner ingredients we use for your safety. 

Why Use Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets?

Before we talk about washing machine cleaner ingredients, why use these tablets in the first place? Do washing machine cleaner tablets work, or are they another unnecessary purchase? Actually, good-quality tablets can make a world of difference and are well worth the investment. 

Over time, mold, mildew, and detergent residues can build up inside your washing machine, leading to unpleasant odors that can transfer to your clothes. Washing machine cleaner tablets are formulated to break down and remove these residues, leaving your machine smelling fresh and clean.

Residue buildup can impact the performance of your washing machine, leading to longer wash cycles, less effective cleaning, and higher energy consumption. Regular use of cleaner tablets helps maintain optimal performance by keeping the internal components free from obstructions.

A well-maintained washing machine is likely to last longer. By regularly using cleaner tablets to prevent and remove buildup, you can reduce wear and tear on the machine’s parts, ultimately extending its lifespan and saving money on costly repairs or replacements.

And finally, using washing machine cleaner tablets couldn’t be easier. Generally, you just have to throw a tablet into your empty machine and run a cleaning or wash cycle – the tablet breaks down through the cycle and gets to work cleaning your machine while you go about your day. 

What is in Washing Machine Cleaning Tablets? 

So, we know they’re effective, but what is in washing machine cleaning tablets, really? Let’s take a look at the typical types of washing machine cleaner ingredients you can expect to find in most tablets. 

Types of Ingredients: Surfactants, Chelating Agents, Enzymes, and More

Washing machine cleaning tablets are formulated with a variety of powerful ingredients, each playing a crucial role in ensuring a thorough clean. Here’s what you can expect to see on a washing machine cleaner ingredients list. 

Surfactants: Breaking Down Residue and Grime

Surfactants are key ingredients in washing machine cleaner, responsible for breaking down residues and grime. They reduce the surface tension of water, allowing the tablets to more easily penetrate and dissolve stubborn residues left behind by detergents and fabric softeners. 

By emulsifying oils and lifting away dirt, surfactants ensure that the interior surfaces of your washing machine are left clean and free from buildup. Basically, they’re the soap or detergent component of washing machine cleaner tablets. 

Chelating Agents: Binding and Removing Mineral Deposits

Chelating agents play a vital role in combating the mineral deposits that can accumulate in your washing machine, especially in areas with hard water. These agents work by binding to metal ions such as calcium and magnesium, which are common culprits in limescale formation. 

Once bound, these minerals can be easily rinsed away, preventing the buildup of scale that can impair your machine’s efficiency and lifespan. If you have hard water, or you notice mineral deposits in your machine, chelating agents are an essential ingredient for your tablets. 

Enzymes: Targeting Organic Stains and Buildup

Enzymes are biological molecules that target and break down organic materials, such as proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. In washing machine cleaning tablets, enzymes focus on removing organic residues from laundry detergents and fabric softeners. 

If these residues aren’t removed, they can contribute to odors and bacteria growth. By effectively degrading these substances, enzymes help maintain a hygienic environment inside your washing machine, keeping it safe for your clothes and linens. 

Sodium Carbonate: Enhancing Cleaning Power and Deodorizing

Sodium carbonate, commonly known as washing soda, is a powerful cleaning agent included in many washing machine cleaning tablets. It enhances the cleaning power by softening water, which allows other cleaning agents to work more effectively. 

Also, sodium carbonate acts as a deodorizer, neutralizing unpleasant odors and leaving your washing machine smelling fresh. Its alkaline nature helps to break down grease and grime, contributing to a thorough and effective clean.

The Specific Washing Machine Cleaner Ingredients in Our Tablets at Clean People

So, that’s an overview of what is in washing machine cleaning tablets, but what specifically are the ingredients in washing machine cleaner tablets from Clean People? Here at Clean People, we proudly use only the most effective, safe ingredients in all our products. 

For effective cleaning power, we include sodium carbonate, sodium metasilicate, sodium carbonate peroxide, and sodium cocoyl isethionate. We include key enzymes that naturally break down organic material, including amylase and protease. 

We make our tablets (and in turn, your washing machine) smell fresh and clean with sweet almond oil and lemongrass leaf oil, and use sodium citrate, sodium gluconate, and citric acid as safe, effective chelating agents. For a full list of ingredients, visit our website!

How Our Formulation Stacks Up to the Competition

At Clean People, we use simple, effective, plant and mineral-based ingredients. We’ve found the most effective cleaning agents and created a potent formula that cleans deep inside your washing machine’s components, but doesn’t contain anything that could harm your health. 

We also know everybody’s washing machine is different, which is why we’ve formulated our tablets to work perfectly whether you have a front-loader, top-loader, or high-efficiency machine. Plus, our tablets are free from sulfates, dyes, parabens, and other harmful ingredients found in some alternatives. 

And, if you’re looking for a laundry detergent that’s crafted with similar care, we also have the the best eco friendly laundry detergent. Our best laundry detergent sheets are a great alternative to plastic bottles, and lightweight, making them the best travel detergent with clean ingredients. 

Tips on Using Your Washing Machine Cleaning Tablets

So, you’re familiar with the ingredients in washing machine cleaner, but how do you actually use them? Here’s how to use washing machine cleaner tablets safely and effectively to keep your washer clean and your laundry fresh. 

Preparation

First, make sure your washing machine is empty. Running a cleaning cycle with clothes or other items inside can interfere with the cleaning process and may damage your laundry. Remove any visible dirt, lint, or detergent buildup from the door seal and detergent drawer. 

Usage Instructions

Our cleaning tablets can be placed directly in the washing machine drum, not the detergent compartment. Just place one tablet in the drum and you’re good to go. Choose a cleaning cycle if your machine has one, or run a normal wash with hot water if you don’t have a designated cleaning cycle. 

Throughout the cycle, the tablet will clean your machine’s components as it dissolves. Once the cleaning cycle is complete, gently pull back the rubber door seal and wipe it down with a towel or sponge – this prevents mold or mildew from growing there. 

Frequency

We recommend using a cleaning tablet to clean your machine once a month, but you can adjust this based on your machine usage. You may also find that if you have hard water that leads to a lot of mineral buildup, you need to clean your machine more frequently. 

Preventive Measures for a Clean Washer

In addition to using cleaning tablets, adopting some preventive measures can help keep your washing machine clean. After each wash, leave the washing machine door open for a few hours to allow air circulation and prevent mold and mildew growth.

Clean the detergent drawer, door seal, and filter regularly, as these areas can harbor residues and bacteria. If you have a high-efficiency machine, use high-efficiency detergent (like our detergent sheets!) as it produces fewer suds and leaves less residue. 

Final Thoughts on What is in Washing Machine Cleaning Tablets

Understanding the ingredients in washing machine cleaner tablets is essential – some cleaners contain harsh ingredients that could damage your machine, or affect the health of you and your family. 

At Clean People, we rely on the natural cleaning power of mineral and plant-based ingredients in our tablets. Our tablets are formulated to clean deep into your machine’s components, without risking your health, damaging your machine, or negatively impacting our waterways. 

Rather than investing in harsh chemical cleaners or slaving over DIY washing machine cleaner tablets that don’t really work, try Clean People and see the difference a clean washing machine can make!