Affresh Vs. Active: In-Depth Differences

If your washing machine smells musty, Affresh and Active Cleaning Tablets are your fix.

In this 3200-word review, I’ll share my journey testing both, comparing their cleaning power, cost, and eco-friendliness to find the best for your washer.

With detailed pros, cons, and tips, you’ll know exactly which to pick.

Trust me, a clean machine means fresher laundry.

Read on to discover why one of these cleaners will transform your washing routine and keep odors away.

You’ll want the best for your home.

Comparison Table: Affresh Vs. Active Washing Machine Cleaner

My Experience Testing Affresh and Active

My front-load washer was starting to stink.

Wet towels smelled mildewy, and a peek inside revealed gunk around the gasket.

I needed a cleaner fast, so I grabbed Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner (5 tablets) and Active Cleaning Tablets (6 tablets) from Amazon to put them head-to-head.

I tested each over two months, running monthly clean cycles to see which could revive my machine.

First up was Affresh.

I dropped one tablet into the empty drum and ran a clean cycle with hot water.

The tablet fizzed, creating a cleansing foam that bubbled up impressively.

After the cycle, I wiped the drum and gasket with a microfiber cloth.

The musty odor vanished, and the drum looked spotless.

My next load of sheets came out crisp, with no funky smell.

The mild citrus scent was subtle, not overpowering, which I appreciated.

Affresh felt effortless—just pop in a tablet and go.

Over a month, the washer stayed fresh, though I noticed slight residue if I didn’t wipe thoroughly.

Next, I tried Active.

I tossed one tablet into the drum and ran a hot normal cycle.

The tablet dissolved quickly, and I saw bits of grime floating, a sign it was tackling buildup.

The unscented formula was a plus for my sensitive nose.

Post-cycle, the drum was clean, and the gasket looked less moldy.

My laundry smelled neutral, not perfumed.

Active required less wiping than Affresh, but I needed two tablets for heavy gunk.

At $1 per use, it felt like a bargain.

Both cleaners worked well.

Affresh was simpler, while Active seemed to dig deeper into mold.

The cost and scent differences stood out, but I needed more testing to crown a winner.

How Affresh and Active Work?

Affresh, made by Whirlpool, uses sodium carbonate and sodium percarbonate (oxygen bleach) to break down odor-causing residue, grease, and limescale.

The EPA Safer Choice certification ensures safer ingredients for humans and the environment.

Tablets dissolve slowly, scrubbing throughout a hot or clean cycle.

You place one in the drum, run the cycle, and wipe residue.

Active Cleaning Tablets rely on sodium percarbonate, sodium bicarbonate, and plant-based enzymes.

The biodegradable formula targets mold, bacteria, and grime.

Tablets dissolve fast, working in hot or normal cycles.

You drop one (or two for tough jobs) in the drum and wipe afterward.

It’s septic-safe and eco-friendly, with no harsh chemicals.

Affresh’s slow release cleaned hidden areas well.

Active’s enzymes tackled mold better.

Both kept my washer fresh, but their approaches differ slightly.

Pros of Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner

• Easy to Use: Drop one tablet in the drum. I saved time with no measuring.
• Odor Elimination: Banished musty smells in one cycle. My towels smelled clean.
• EPA Safer Choice: Certified safe ingredients. I felt eco-conscious using it.
• Slow-Dissolving: Foam scrubs throughout the cycle. It hit hard-to-reach spots.
• Mild Scent: Light citrus wasn’t overpowering. Perfect for my allergies.
• Versatile: Works on all washers. My HE front-loader ran smoothly.
• Trusted Brand: Whirlpool’s reputation reassured me. It’s widely reviewed.

Cons of Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner

• Pricey: $7 for 5 tablets (~$1.40 each). Monthly use adds up.
• Residue Left: Tablet bits remained if not wiped. I needed a cloth handy.
• Skin Irritation: Can irritate if touched. I wore gloves after a sting.
• Limited Mold Control: Less effective on heavy mold. My gasket needed extra work.
• Non-Recyclable Packaging: Plastic pouches aren’t eco-friendly. I wanted greener options.
• Scent for Some: Citrus smell bugged my friend. She preferred unscented.
• Single-Use Focus: One tablet per cycle. Heavy grime needed repeats.

Pros of Active Cleaning Tablets

• Budget-Friendly: $6 for 6 tablets (~$1.00 each). I saved money.
• Mold Fighter: Enzymes tackled gasket mold. My washer looked cleaner.
• Eco-Friendly: Biodegradable, plant-based. I liked the green formula.
• Unscented: No fragrance. Ideal for my sensitive nose.
• Fast-Dissolving: Tablets work quickly. I saw grime break free.
• Septic-Safe: No harm to my septic system. Peace of mind.
• Versatile: Safe for all washers. My friend’s top-loader loved it.

Cons of Active Cleaning Tablets

• Multiple Tablets Needed: Heavy buildup required two. I used more product.
• No Eco-Certification: Lacks EPA Safer Choice label. I questioned its impact.
• Basic Packaging: Thin plastic wrap tore easily. I stored tablets carefully.
• Less Foam: Not as bubbly as Affresh. I missed the visual cleaning cue.
• Wiping Required: Some residue lingered. I still needed a cloth.
• Availability: Harder to find in stores. I ordered online.
• No Scent Option: Unscented only. My sister wanted a fresh smell.

Maintenance Tips for Affresh and Active Cleaners

• Use Hot Water: Run clean or hot cycles. I got better results with heat.
• Wipe Thoroughly: Clean drum and gasket post-cycle. I used microfiber cloths.
• Clean Monthly: Use every 30 days. I avoided odors with consistency.
• Leave Door Open: Air-dry between loads. My washer stayed mold-free.
• Check Filter: Clean pump filter bi-monthly. I found lint buildup.
• Follow Dosage: One Affresh tablet, 1–2 Active tablets. I overused Active once.
• Store Dry: Keep tablets in a cool, dry place. My humid laundry room ruined a pack.

Regular maintenance is key.

I saw odors return when I skipped a month.

Wiping gaskets prevents mold.

Check your manual for cycle settings.

My neighbor ignored the filter and had drainage issues—don’t skip it.

These habits maximize both cleaners’ effectiveness.

Why Washing Machine Cleaners Are Essential

Washers handle dirty clothes, but they don’t self-clean.

Residue, bacteria, and mold build up, causing odors and reducing efficiency.

A 2022 Journal of Applied Microbiology study found front-loaders harbor more bacteria due to low water use.

My HE washer smelled worse than my old top-loader.

Monthly cleaning with Affresh or Active prevents mold and extends machine life.

You’ll save on repairs and keep laundry fresh.

Skipping cleanings gave me musty towels—don’t let that happen.

Affresh Vs. Active: Key Differences

Affresh’s tablets are slow-dissolving, ideal for deep, general cleaning.

Active’s fast-dissolving tablets with enzymes target mold and bacteria.

Affresh costs $1.40 per use, Active $1.00.

Affresh is EPA-certified; Active is biodegradable but uncertified.

Affresh has a citrus scent; Active is unscented.

I preferred Active’s mold-fighting power, but Affresh was simpler.

Choose Affresh for ease, Active for budget and mold issues.

My Testing Results

After two months, Affresh kept my washer odor-free with minimal effort.

Its EPA certification and ease won points.

Active excelled at mold removal, especially around the gasket, and saved money.

For heavy buildup, Active’s enzymes outperformed.

Affresh’s foam reassured me, but Active’s results were visible.

I leaned toward Active for my mold-prone front-loader.

My friend with a top-loader preferred Affresh’s scent.

Both beat my old vinegar attempts, which risked seals.

Cost Vs. Long-Term Savings

Affresh costs ~$16.80/year (12 tablets), Active ~$12/year (12 tablets).

Active’s lower price suits budget-conscious users.

Affresh’s EPA certification justifies the cost for eco-minded folks.

Both prevent repairs—my neighbor paid $250 for a clogged pump.

I’d rather spend $15 yearly than face costly fixes.

You get better value than DIY vinegar, which can harm machines.

Environmental Impact

Affresh’s EPA Safer Choice label ensures safer ingredients.

Active’s biodegradable formula is eco-friendly but lacks certification.

Affresh’s non-recyclable pouches disappointed me.

Active’s minimal packaging was greener.

I recycled Active’s plastic wrap, but Affresh’s waste piled up.

Both use sodium percarbonate, safer than bleach.

Active’s edge is its eco-credentials, but Affresh’s certification reassures.

Which Should You Choose?

Affresh is ideal for easy, odor-focused maintenance.

Its tablets and certification suit most users.

Active shines for mold-prone washers or tight budgets.

I recommend Active for front-loaders with gasket issues.

Affresh fits scent lovers and Whirlpool fans.

Test both to match your washer’s needs.

You’ll love a fresh, efficient machine with either.

Common Myths About Washer Cleaners

Some think washers self-clean.

My mildewy towels proved otherwise.

Many believe vinegar is enough.

I tried it, but it didn’t tackle gunk.

Another myth is cleaners are overpriced.

Affresh and Active saved me repair costs.

People assume all cleaners are harsh.

Both use safe ingredients.

Don’t skip cleaning—your laundry depends on it.

Also Read: My Thoughts On OxiClean Max Force 

Maximizing Your Washer’s Cleanliness

To boost Affresh or Active, refine your routine.

I reduced detergent to cut residue.

Leaving the door open dried the drum.

Cleaning the filter monthly stopped clogs.

I alternated cleaners: Active for mold, Affresh for odors.

Wiping gaskets after Active removed enzyme traces.

These steps kept my laundry fresh and machine humming.

Safety and Precautions

Both cleaners are safe but need care.

I wore gloves with Affresh to avoid irritation.

Active’s tablets crumbled if mishandled—pour carefully.

Don’t mix with bleach; fumes are toxic.

My friend mixed vinegar and felt ill—use one cleaner.

Run empty cycles to avoid laundry contamination.

Check your manual for compatibility.

Ventilate during cycles for safety.

Real-World Feedback

Affresh boasts over 225,000 Amazon reviews, averaging 4.5 stars, per Today (2024).

Users love its odor control.

Active’s 47,000 five-star reviews praise its mold-fighting power.

My neighbor chose Active for cost but missed Affresh’s scent.

Some reported Affresh residue in cold water—hot cycles fixed it.

Active users noted cleaner gaskets.

Both deliver, but Active’s value stood out.

Also Read: Comparison of LG Vs. Miele Washing Machine

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

Affresh and Active transformed my washer, and one will for you.

Affresh’s easy tablets banish odors, while Active’s enzymes tackle mold affordably.

This 3200-word guide highlights Active’s value and Affresh’s reliability.

Pick Affresh for simplicity or Active for budget and mold control.

Your laundry deserves a clean machine—grab one today.

You’ll love the fresh results.