Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner Review: Does It Actually Kill Mould, Bad Smells & Limescale?
Maintaining a clean washing machine is crucial for ensuring your laundry comes out fresh and hygienic.
Over time, washing machines can accumulate dirt, limescale, and bacteria, which not only affect the machine’s efficiency but also leave your clothes smelling less than fresh.
Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner is designed to tackle these issues, making it a must-have product for any household.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the benefits of using Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner, how it works, and why it’s an essential part of your cleaning routine.
Table of Contents
Our hands-on review of Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner
First Impressions
The Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner comes in a simple, 250 ml plastic bottle with clear instructions on the label. The packaging is compact and straightforward, with the familiar Dettol branding that inspires confidence in its antibacterial properties.
It must be mentioned that the bottle is small, I was surprised when it arrived from Amazon as was expecting it to be larger!
The lemon scent is advertised prominently, promising to leave your washing machine smelling fresh.
Upon opening the bottle, I was met with a strong, pleasant lemon fragrance.
The instructions are easy to follow, stating that you should pour the entire contents into the detergent drawer and run an empty cycle at a minimum of 60°C.
Using the Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner
Step 1: Preparation
Before starting, I made sure my washing machine was empty.
The instructions recommended removing any visible dirt or grime from the drum, seals, and door, which I did with a damp cloth.
I also checked the detergent drawer to make sure it was clear of any detergent residues or fabric softener buildup.
Step 2: Application
Pouring the liquid into the detergent drawer was simple.
The consistency is quite fluid, making it easy to pour without any mess.
The strong lemon scent was immediately noticeable and filled my laundry room with a fresh aroma.
Step 3: Running the Cycle
I set my washing machine to a full cycle at 60°C, as recommended. This took around an hour and a half. During the cycle, I could occasionally catch a whiff of the lemon scent, which reassured me that the product was doing its job.
Post-Clean Results
Inspection
After the cycle was complete, I opened the washing machine door to check the results.
The lemon scent was still noticeable but not overpowering. The drum and seals looked clean and shiny, with no visible residues or dirt.
I also noticed that the machine itself smelled much fresher than before, a significant improvement over the slightly musty odor that had been present previously.
Performance on Subsequent Washes
I used the machine the next day to wash a load of laundry, and I was pleased to find that the fresh lemon scent had dissipated just enough not to interfere with the smell of my laundry detergent.
The clothes came out smelling fresh and clean, with no lingering odors from the machine. I also noticed that the machine seemed to be running more smoothly, which could be due to the removal of any limescale or detergent buildup.
To enhance the results, I also cleaned my kitchen sink drain using Mr Muscle Drain Unlocker. My kitchen sink does tend to gurgle when the washing machine is running, and I have found Mr Muscle Drain Unblocker is the magic solution to prevent this from occurring. I use it once a month to keep the drain clear of blockages and prevent the gurgling. You can read my review of Mr Muscle Drain Unblocker here : Review : Mr. Muscle Drain Unblocker Sink & Drain Cleaner
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Effective Cleaning: The product effectively removed dirt, grime, and odors from my washing machine. | Price: Some may find it expensive for a single-use product. |
| Fresh Scent: The lemon scent left the machine smelling clean and fresh. | Strong Fragrance: While pleasant, the lemon scent may be too strong for some. |
| Easy to Use: The instructions are simple, and the application is straightforward. | Plastic Packaging: The bottle is plastic, which may not appeal to environmentally-conscious users. |
| Antibacterial Properties: The cleaner kills 99.9% of bacteria, ensuring a hygienic environment for washing clothes. | Single-Use Bottle: Each bottle is designed for one cleaning cycle, which can add up in cost if used regularly. |
| Compatibility: Suitable for both front-loading and top-loading machines. | Not a Substitute for Manual Cleaning: Heavily soiled machines may require additional manual cleaning. |
Final Thoughts
The Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner delivers on its promises. It’s an easy-to-use product that effectively cleans and deodorizes your washing machine, leaving it fresh and ready for your next laundry load.
The antibacterial properties are a significant plus, especially in households where hygiene is a top priority.
While the cost of a single-use bottle may be a consideration for some, the results speak for themselves.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to maintain your washing machine and ensure that your laundry is as clean and fresh as possible, Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner is definitely worth trying.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner is an effective and easy-to-use product that delivers on its promises. It’s a great option for those looking to maintain a clean, odor-free, and hygienic washing machine.
The antibacterial properties, combined with its ability to tackle dirt, grime, and limescale, make it a worthwhile investment for the long-term care of your appliance.
While the price may be a consideration for some, the convenience and effectiveness of the product generally justify the cost.
For those who prioritize hygiene and efficiency in their laundry routine, Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner is a reliable choice that can help extend the life of your washing machine and keep your laundry smelling fresh.
Why Your Washing Machine Needs Regular Cleaning
Before we explore the specifics of Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner, it’s important to understand why cleaning your washing machine is essential.
1. Build-Up of Residue
Over time, detergent, fabric softener, and dirt can build up inside your washing machine.
This residue can clog the pipes, reduce the efficiency of the machine, and even lead to unpleasant odors.
2. Bacterial Growth
The warm, moist environment inside a washing machine is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mold.
These can cause your clothes to smell bad and even transfer harmful bacteria to your laundry.
3. Limescale Accumulation
In areas with hard water, limescale can build up inside the machine.
This not only reduces the machine’s efficiency but can also lead to costly repairs if left untreated.
4. Odor Issues
A dirty washing machine can leave your clothes smelling musty or damp, even after they’ve been washed.
Regular cleaning helps eliminate these odors, ensuring your laundry always smells fresh.
What is Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner?
Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner is a specially formulated cleaner designed to remove dirt, limescale, and bacteria from the inside of your washing machine.
It is part of Dettol’s extensive range of cleaning products, known for their effectiveness and reliability in maintaining a clean and hygienic home.
Key Features of Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner
- Kills 99.9% of Bacteria: Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner effectively eliminates bacteria, ensuring your washing machine is hygienically clean.
- Removes Limescale: This product helps to break down and remove limescale build-up, which is particularly important in areas with hard water.
- Eliminates Odors: It tackles and removes the sources of bad odors, leaving your machine smelling fresh.
- Easy to Use: Designed for convenience, Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner can be used in a simple cleaning cycle, making it an easy addition to your routine.
Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner comes in some alternative scents (other than Citrus), including Original Scent, Lavender, Pomegranate and Blooming Beautiful.
Benefits of Using Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner
Using Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner offers several benefits that go beyond just a clean washing machine.
Here’s why it should be a regular part of your cleaning routine:
1. Improves Machine Efficiency
A clean washing machine operates more efficiently.
Detergent residue and limescale can cause blockages that make the machine work harder, using more energy and potentially leading to higher utility bills.
By keeping the machine clean, you ensure it runs smoothly and efficiently.
2. Prolongs Machine Lifespan
Regular cleaning with Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner can help extend the lifespan of your washing machine.
Limescale build-up and blocked pipes can cause wear and tear on the machine’s components, leading to expensive repairs or even the need for a replacement.
3. Hygienically Clean Laundry
By eliminating bacteria and mold from the inside of your washing machine, Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner ensures that your clothes come out clean and hygienic every time.
This is particularly important for families with young children or anyone with sensitive skin.
4. Eliminates Bad Odors
If your washing machine has started to smell musty or if your clothes come out of the wash with an unpleasant odor, it’s a sign that your machine needs cleaning.
Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner effectively removes the sources of these odors, leaving your machine and laundry smelling fresh.
5. Easy to Incorporate into Your Routine
Using Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner is easy and doesn’t require any extra effort beyond running an empty cycle.
It’s a simple yet effective way to maintain your washing machine without disrupting your routine.
Instructions of How to Use Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner
Using Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner is straightforward, but for the best results, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully.
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Prepare the Machine
Before using Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner, make sure your washing machine is completely empty.
Remove any laundry from the drum and ensure there are no stray socks or items left inside.
Step 2: Clean the Detergent Drawer
Remove the detergent drawer and rinse it under warm water. This step helps to remove any detergent residue that might interfere with the cleaning process.
For a thorough clean, use a small brush to scrub inside the drawer compartment.
Step 3: Add the Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner
Pour the entire contents of the Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner bottle into the detergent drawer.
There’s no need to add any additional detergent or cleaning products.
Step 4: Run a Cleaning Cycle
Set your washing machine to run on a normal cycle at the highest temperature setting available. 60c is recommended.
This will allow the cleaner to thoroughly cleanse the machine’s interior, including the drum, pipes, and other components.
Step 5: Wipe Down the Drum and Seal
After the cycle is complete, open the door and wipe down the inside of the drum, the door, and the rubber seal with a clean, damp cloth.
This will remove any remaining residue and ensure your machine is sparkling clean.
Step 6: Repeat Monthly
For best results, it’s recommended to use Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner once a month.
This regular maintenance will help keep your machine in top condition and prevent the build-up of dirt and bacteria.
Does Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner Kill Black Mould?
If you’ve noticed black mould building up around your washing machine door seal or detergent drawer, you’re not alone — it’s one of the most common hygiene problems in modern machines, especially front-loaders. The good news is that Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner is designed to help tackle precisely this issue.
The product’s active antibacterial ingredient, Benzalkonium Chloride, is a powerful disinfectant known for killing mould spores, bacteria, and the microbes that cause unpleasant odours. When used regularly, it helps prevent the regrowth of black mould in hard-to-reach areas such as:
- The rubber door seal, where moisture and detergent residue collect.
- The drum interior, where biofilm and dirt can accumulate.
- The detergent drawer, often a hidden hotspot for mould growth.
However, it’s important to understand that Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner primarily kills surface-level mould and bacteria. For heavy mould infestations — particularly if the seal is visibly blackened — you may need to:
- Manually clean the seal with a cloth dipped in a mild bleach solution or white vinegar before using Dettol.
- Run a Dettol cleaning cycle (60°C with 250ml of product) to disinfect the drum and internal parts.
- Repeat monthly to maintain freshness and prevent mould from returning.
Regular use of Dettol helps ensure that your machine stays clean, fresh-smelling, and hygienically safe, reducing the build-up of mould spores that can transfer to clothes and cause musty odours.
💡 Tip: After each wash, leave your door and detergent drawer slightly open to allow air circulation and stop black mould from reforming.
Related Reading: How to Dry Laundry in a Small Apartment or Home (learn how indoor humidity affects mould growth.) and 5 Best Humidity Absorbing Plants to Naturally Prevent Mould in Damp Homes (natural ways to keep moisture and mould under control indoors).
How to Use Dettol Cleaner to Eliminate Bad Smells
If your washing machine has started to smell musty or sour, it’s usually due to bacteria and detergent build-up in the drum, seal, and pipes. The Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner is specifically formulated to kill 99.9% of odour-causing bacteria, leaving your appliance fresh and hygienic.
Here’s the recommended method to use it effectively:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Shake the bottle well before use.
- Pour 250ml (half a bottle) of Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner directly into the drum — not the detergent drawer.
- Run a full cycle at 60°C, with no laundry inside. This ensures the antibacterial agents can circulate freely through the drum, pipes, and seals.
- Once complete, wipe down the door seal and detergent drawer with a clean cloth to remove loosened residue.
You should repeat this process every two months (or monthly for heavily used machines) to keep odours at bay. For persistent smells, a second treatment within a few days can help neutralise any remaining bacteria.
Why This Works
The active formula breaks down grease, detergent scum, and bacteria biofilm, which are the main culprits behind lingering washing machine odours. By disinfecting the drum and seal, Dettol not only removes bad smells but also prevents them from coming back — leaving your laundry fresher than ever.
🧺 Pro Tip: Keep your washing machine dry between cycles. After cleaning, leave the door open for a few hours to allow full drying and better airflow.
Related Reading: Review: Kärcher Window Vac for Condensation Control (learn how to manage indoor damp that can cause musty laundry) and How to Tackle Mould in Your Home (simple home strategies for mould prevention and air freshness).
Tips for Maintaining a Clean Washing Machine
In addition to using Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner, there are a few other steps you can take to keep your washing machine clean and running efficiently.
1. Leave the Door Open After Use
One of the simplest ways to prevent mold and mildew from developing inside your washing machine is to leave the door open after each use.
This allows the interior of the machine to dry out, reducing the moisture that bacteria and mold need to thrive.
2. Use the Right Amount of Detergent
Using too much detergent can lead to excess residue building up inside the machine.
Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for detergent amounts, and consider using high-efficiency (HE) detergent if you have an HE machine.
3. Wipe Down Seals and Gaskets
The rubber seals and gaskets around the door are common areas for mold and bacteria to grow.
Regularly wiping these down with a damp cloth and a little bit of vinegar can help prevent the build-up of grime and keep your machine smelling fresh.
4. Run Hot Wash Cycles Regularly
Occasionally running a hot wash cycle without any laundry can help to keep your machine clean.
This is particularly important if you usually wash clothes on a cold or low-temperature setting, as hot water is more effective at killing bacteria and removing dirt.
5. Clean the Detergent Drawer and Filter
The detergent drawer and the filter are often overlooked areas that can accumulate dirt and grime.
Regularly cleaning these components can help to maintain the efficiency of your machine and prevent unpleasant odors.
Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner vs. Other Products
While Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner is highly effective, it’s worth comparing it to other products on the market to understand its advantages.
Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner vs. Dr. Beckmann Service-it Deep Clean
- Bacteria and Mold Removal: Both products claim to eliminate 99.9% of bacteria and mold, but Dettol has a stronger reputation for its antibacterial properties.
- Odor Elimination: Dettol is particularly effective at eliminating bad odors, leaving a fresh scent after use.
- Ease of Use: Both products are easy to use, but Dettol’s clear instructions and straightforward application make it a convenient choice for most users.
- Price: Dettol is competitively priced, offering excellent value for money considering its effectiveness.
Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner vs. Calgon 3-in-1 Washing Machine Cleaner
- Limescale Protection: Calgon is well-known for its limescale prevention properties, which are slightly more advanced than Dettol’s.
- Bacteria and Odor Removal: Dettol excels in bacteria removal and odor elimination, making it the better choice for hygiene-focused cleaning.
- Frequency of Use: Calgon recommends more frequent use to protect against limescale, whereas Dettol’s once-a-month recommendation is more convenient for busy households.
Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner vs. HG Service Engineer Washing Machine Cleaner
- Professional Grade: HG Service Engineer is marketed as a professional-grade cleaner, making it more suitable for deep cleaning and maintenance. However, Dettol is easier for regular use and still highly effective.
- Price Point: HG Service Engineer is generally more expensive, reflecting its professional-grade formulation. Dettol offers a more budget-friendly option without compromising on quality.
HG Service Engineer Dishwasher and Washing Machine Descaler 200g
Frequently Asked Questions about Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner
How often should I use Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner?
It is recommended to use Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner once a month to maintain a clean and efficient washing machine.
Can I use Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner in a front-loading machine?
Yes, Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner is suitable for both front-loading and top-loading washing machines.
Is Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner safe for septic tanks?
Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner is generally safe for use with septic systems. However, it’s always best to check the product label or consult with the manufacturer if you have concerns.
Will Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner remove limescale?
Yes, Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner is formulated to help break down and remove limescale, especially in areas with hard water.
Does Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner have a strong scent?
Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner leaves a fresh scent after use, but it’s not overpowering. It effectively removes bad odors from the machine.
Can I use Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner with clothes in the machine?
No, Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner should only be used in an empty washing machine.
Is Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner safe for all washing machines?
Yes, Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner is safe for use in all washing machines, including both front-loading and top-loading models.
Can I use Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner in a washer-dryer combo?
Yes, Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner can be used in washer-dryer combos. Just ensure the machine is set to a wash cycle only.
Does Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner help with mold removal?
Yes, Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner helps to remove and prevent mold build-up in your washing machine.
Is Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner environmentally friendly?
Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner is formulated to be effective while also being mindful of environmental impact. However, it’s always good practice to use cleaning products sparingly and responsibly.
Conclusion: Why Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner is a Must-Have
Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner is an essential product for anyone looking to maintain a clean, efficient, and odor-free washing machine.
Its ability to kill 99.9% of bacteria, remove limescale, and eliminate odors makes it a top choice for households everywhere.
By incorporating Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner into your regular cleaning routine, you can ensure that your washing machine remains in top condition, delivering fresh, clean laundry every time.
Whether you’re dealing with limescale, bacteria, or just want to keep your machine running efficiently, Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner is the solution you need.
With its ease of use and proven effectiveness, Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner stands out as a reliable and cost-effective way to maintain the cleanliness and performance of your washing machine.
So, why wait? Make Dettol Washing Machine Cleaner a part of your cleaning arsenal and enjoy the benefits of a spotless, hygienic washing machine today.
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