Maintaining a clean dishwasher is crucial for both appliance longevity and sparkling clean dishes. Over time, hidden grime, limescale, and odor-causing bacteria can build up inside the pump, tub, and hoses, leading to unpleasant smells and reduced performance. This is where a dedicated cleaner like Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner becomes an essential part of your home care routine. In this comprehensive review and guide, we'll dive deep into what makes this product a top choice for monthly dishwasher maintenance.
What is Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner?
Affresh is a leading brand in appliance cleaning, trusted by manufacturers and homeowners alike. Their dishwasher cleaner comes in a convenient tablet form, specifically designed to tackle the unique challenges inside your machine. Unlike regular dish detergent, these tablets are formulated to penetrate and dissolve the stubborn residues that detergents leave behind, including grease, limescale, mineral deposits, and food particles. A single box provides a 6-month supply, making it a cost-effective solution for ongoing appliance cleaning.
Key Benefits and How It Works
The primary promise of Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner is to power away odor-causing bacteria, limescale, mineral deposits, and grime. But how does it achieve this? The tablets contain powerful, yet appliance-safe, oxidizing agents and cleaning surfactants. When activated by hot water, they create a deep-cleaning foam that circulates throughout the entire system—reaching the tub, pump, and hidden hoses where mold and mildew often thrive. This process effectively breaks down and flushes out the buildup that can cause foul odors and affect washing performance. For homes with hard water, its ability to combat mineral scale is particularly valuable.
In-Depth Performance Review
Effectiveness Against Odors
One of the most common complaints about dishwashers is a persistent, musty odor. This is often caused by bacteria and food debris trapped in the filter, spray arms, and door seals. In our testing, using Affresh tablets consistently resulted in a noticeably fresher-smelling machine. The formula is specifically engineered to eliminate odor at its source rather than just masking it with fragrance. After a cleaning cycle, the dishwasher interior smelled clean and neutral, a clear sign that the bacteria had been addressed.
Limescale and Mineral Deposit Removal
Hard water leaves behind white, chalky limescale that can clog spray jets and reduce heating element efficiency. Affresh's formula is excellent at dissolving these deposits. We observed cleaner spray arms and a shinier tub interior after use. Regular use can help maintain water flow and heating efficiency, potentially saving on energy costs over time. This proactive hard water treatment is simpler than dealing with severe scaling later.
Cleaning the Pump and Hidden Areas
The pump is the heart of your dishwasher, and it's also a prime location for grime accumulation. Standard cycles don't clean this component. Affresh's circulating foam action is designed to penetrate these areas. While you can't see the pump, the improved drainage and overall machine performance post-cleaning are good indicators of its effectiveness. Using a dedicated cleaner is the best way to clean dishwasher pump and internal hoses.
How to Use Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner Tablets
Using Affresh is remarkably simple, which is a big part of its appeal. For optimal results, remove any dishes from the machine. Place one tablet in the main detergent cup or directly in the bottom of the empty tub. Run the dishwasher on the hottest and longest cycle available (like a Heavy or Sanitize cycle). Do not add any detergent or rinse aid. Once the cycle is complete, your dishwasher is clean and ready for its next load of dishes. For maintenance, the brand recommends using one tablet monthly.
Affresh vs. DIY Cleaning Methods
Many people resort to DIY solutions like vinegar or baking soda. While these can offer mild deodorizing, they are not as comprehensive or safe for all appliance components. Vinegar's acidity can degrade rubber seals over time, and baking soda can leave residues. Affresh tablets are engineered to be safe for all dishwasher parts while providing a powerful, targeted clean. They are a more reliable and convenient solution for thorough appliance cleaning.
Who Should Use Affresh Cleaner?
This product is ideal for any dishwasher owner, but it's especially recommended for those who notice odors, have hard water, or don't regularly clean their machine. It's also a great preventative measure for new dishwasher owners who want to maintain peak performance from the start. Incorporating these dishwasher cleaner tablets into your routine is a small step that pays significant dividends in appliance health and dish cleanliness.
Final Verdict and Recommendations
After thorough evaluation, Affresh Dishwasher Cleaner delivers on its promises. It effectively reduces odors, removes limescale, and cleans areas regular cycles miss. The convenient tablet form and 6-month supply make adherence to a monthly dishwasher maintenance schedule easy. We highly recommend it as a non-negotiable part of caring for this essential kitchen appliance. A clean dishwasher isn't just about smell; it's about efficiency, longevity, and truly clean dishes.
