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Finally Fresh Vs Affresh: 2021 Reviews
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Table of Contents - Finally Fresh Vs Affresh: 2021 Reviews
How we compared
Finally Fresh Vs Affresh
Customer Reviews
Team Experience
Product Testing
A musty whiff from your washing machine is anything but pleasant, especially on a freshly washed load of laundry. Even more horrifying is the buildup from leftover detergents, dust and water that is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mold.
The Cleaning King team knows just how important your washer is to your daily life, so we did some research on which product is the best for cleaning your washing machine without damaging it.
Your washing machine will gather buildup and sometimes bacteria, there is not much you can do about this. Your only solution is to regularly use a washing machine cleaner, it is the easiest way to get rid of all that smelly gunk that will transfer to your freshly washed clothes.
If you’ve tried everything under the sun, borax, bleach, vinegar, even leaving the door open and nothing has worked, today is your lucky day. The Cleaning King team has found some wonderful products that will make cleaning your washing machine regularly a breeze.
We’ve taken into account customer reviews, value for money, and how the products work without ruining the inner parts of your washing machine.
In this article, we will review Finally Fresh and Affresh cleaning products to help you buy the best cleaner for your washer.
Finally Fresh Vs Affresh
Finally Fresh Washing Machine Cleaner
Finally Fresh Review
Finally Fresh is made from EPA Safer Choice certified ingredients such as surfactants, bio enzymes, and sodium bicarbonate. The highly efficient active oxygen, biological enzyme ingredients provide triple decontamination to remove harmful and stagnant dirt, penetrate and dissolve all odor residues that may be generated in washing machines
It is a slow dissolving foam tablet that penetrates, dissolves and removes build up that causes odor in all types of washers.
The tablets last throughout an entire wash cycle and are guaranteed to kill 99% of bacteria and pathogens within half an hour, and this will help prevent any secondary pollution of your clothes. The special formula deeply cleans the washing machine tub and those hard to reach places.
The product has really good reviews from the handful of customers that have purchased it, but there are not enough for us to confidently give it a complete thumbs up. The original manufacturer of Finally Fresh is unknown, but the product seems to work quite well.
How to use Finally Fresh washing machine cleaner tablet:
- Put one tablet into the empty machine.
- Switch on the water and allow rotation for 15 minutes, switch off and allow to settle for 3 hours (water temperature is ideal to be initially at 40°C)
- Switch on and spin in normal mode.
- Drain the water out of the tub.
Stand-out features include
- The Finally Fresh tablet uses active oxygen decontamination properties to effectively remove bacteria and penetrate even the most stubborn residue from the surface of the washing machine.
- Finally Fresh Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets are safe to use and won’t harm the environment. They use EPA Safer Choice ingredients
- It is designed to dissolve slowing throughout the wash cycle, thoroughly breaking down any mold, bacteria and even oil
- The product has a two-year shelf life from the printed product date
- Highly compatible with all types of washing machines and can be used on both plastic and metal tanks
- 100% Safe and causes no damage to the inner parts of the washing machine.
- One tablet completely cleans the washing machine and keeps it that way for a month
Affresh Washing Machine Cleaner
Affresh Review
Affresh washing machine cleaner comes to us from the well-known Whirlpool Corporation. With over a 100 years in the business, it was only fitting that one of the best washing machine cleaners in the market would come from them.
With over 100,000 4.6 star ratings, Affresh washing machine cleaner is popular for a reason. The time-release tablets are EPA Safer Choice certified, septic-safe and designed to clean inside all machines, including HE (high efficiency).
The product is effective and efficient for many issues that you might have with your washing machine. What makes this product different is that it uses surfactant chemistry to remove the root cause of malodor.
Unlike bleach, which only kills bacteria, Affresh cleaner is formulated to slow-dissolve and get under residue, breaking it up enough so that it washes away easily, leaving you with a fresh smelling washer.
How to use the Affresh washing machine cleaner tablets in your washing machine:
- Empty the machine by removing all clothes.
- If you are using a front loader then place the tablets directly into the washer tub, for the top loader machine you can place the cleaner into the soap dispenser compartment.
- Select the tub clean cycle or the run cycle if your machine does not have that feature and use hot water. This will help to dissolve the tablet properly
- Clean away any residue that might be left over after running the cycle
- Always ensure that you do not ingest the tablet or let the product get into your eyes
Standout features include:
- One Affresh washing machine cleaner tablet keeps your machine fresh for a month
- You can purchase the six tablet package which should last you half a year
- The powerful formula will eliminate any buildup and residue from dirt, bacteria, mold, and detergents that are left behind when you do your laundry.
- The tablets are safe and do not cause any damage to any parts of your washing machine.
- Affresh is compatible with any type of washing machine
- It is a very popular washing machine cleaner with a record 101,137 4.6 star ratings, making it one of the best products currently on the market. Major brands in the industry recommend it for use on their products.
What causes the washing machine to get dirty?
Think of it like this, washing machines have low water levels and the water is not flowing rapidly, so the dirt from the clothes and from the detergents does not drain fully, especially in front-loading washing machines.
Additionally, using cold water majority of the time adds to the problem because of the increased possibility of buildup on the inner parts such as the detergent dispensers and the rubber door gasket.
Finally Fresh Vs Affresh – Detailed Comparison
For you to get a better understanding of the two products, the Cleaning King Team has compared and rated the performance of the Finally Fresh washing machine cleaner tablet and the Affresh washing machine cleaner tablet. Here are some comparisons and differences.
Cleaning efficiency and odor
The Finally Fresh washing machine cleaner and the Affresh washing machine cleaner are both very efficient in cleaning away any odor causing dirt. They both leave a fresh smell after use although we have seen some complaints about the Affresh washing machine cleaning tablet leaving behind a residue which you will need to clean.
We did not find any records of the product itself having a malodor, which is a plus.
Packaging
Both the Finally Fresh and the Affresh washing machine cleaner come in tablet form that are packaged with a six months’ supply. That means that for half a year you can use both products once a month. This goes a long way in maintaining your washing machine.
Shelf life
Both the Finally Fresh washing machine cleaner tablet and the Affresh washing machine cleaner have a shelf life of 2 years, making them equal in that regard.
Types of machines that can be used
Both the Finally Fresh and the Affresh washing machine tablets can be used on standard, front loading, top loading and high efficiency washing machines regardless of the interior.
Environmental Factors
Bleach is a wonderful antibacterial detergent, but it is not very good for the environment. Luckily both products do not contain bleach, which is not effective at cleaning the washing machine thoroughly, anyway. The ingredients for both the Finally Fresh and the Affresh washing machine tablets are environmentally friendly.
What we recommend
There is not a lot of information or reviews about the Finally Fresh washing machine cleaner tablets. The manufacturer is not really known, and the product has not been endorsed by any brands as far as our research showed.
There were also some complaints about the product not arriving on time and about poor quality, so there might be some counterfeits out there. But with no way of knowing the manufacturer, it’s hard to see the differences between the counterfeit and the original.
We therefore recommend that you go for the Affresh washing machine cleaner. It has so many positive reviews, and it works great. Voted as one of Amazon’s top sellers in 2018, we have no doubt that it will work well for you.
Buyers’ Guide – Washing Machine Cleaners
Types of Washing Machine Cleaners
What makes a good washing machine cleaner is simple, it needs to be strong enough to break down grime and dirt without damaging the washer’s internal parts. Frequently cleaning your machine will extend its lifespan and you get a more efficient appliance.
Most washing machine cleaners in the market work for any type of washer, be it top-loading or front-loading. The only thing that you have to watch out for is whether the washing machine cleaner is for standard or high-efficiency (HE) washers.
There are four forms of washing machine cleaners available. Let’s take a brief look at them below.
Tablets
One of the most popular types of washing machine cleaners is tablets. They are designed to slowly dissolve throughout the cleaning cycles so that tough dirt is removed. They are easy to use. All you need to do is to place one tablet in your empty washing machine and run it with hot water.
Gel or Liquid
Gel or liquid washing machine cleaners are also easy to use. You just place them in the detergent compartment and run the hot water cycle in your washing machine. They are a great option, but it can be a bit challenging to know the exact measurements to use, unlike with tablets.
Sprays
Though not as popular as the first two types, sprays are a very convenient on the go option. You will not need to run a cycle to use the washing machine cleaner sprays. Just grab your spray bottle and clean away.
They are perfect for cleaning and disinfecting the easy to reach surfaces of the washing machine like the door seals, the washer drum, etc. They are not great if you are looking for a deep cleaning for your washing machine. For that we recommend that you use either a tablet or the liquid or gel washing machine cleaners.
Wipes
Washing machine cleaner wipes can be used if you want to scrub the surfaces of your washer. You can use them for daily or weekly maintenance to keep unpleasant odors and smells away. You do not need to run a cycle with this type of cleaning product, so again we do not recommend them if you want to deep clean.
Keeping the inside of your washing machine clean has many benefits, the most important being that your appliance can serve you for a longer period of time. A washing machine cleaner will save you money on repairs and keep your clothes smelling fresh. Let’s take a look at what makes a good washing machine cleaner.
Does it kill germs?
The whole point of washing clothes is to clean them and keep germs at bay, especially if you have children. A good washing machine cleaner will have antibacterial properties, so be on the lookout for products that contain germ killing ingredients.
Does it remove limescale?
Hard water is pretty hard to run away from. Almost everywhere in the world, people are supplied with hard water in their homes. Unless you invest in equipment to get rid of these damaging components in your water supply, you will most likely be using hard water.
Why is hard water bad for your washing machine? Because it ruins appliances over time. Hard water leaves a whitish film called limescale which reduces the flow of water along pipes and clogs taps and valves. Not only does it reduce the efficiency of your washing machine, it contributes to the buildup of mold, mildew and unpleasant odors.
Does it get rid of odors?
The best washing machine cleaners will get rid of odors, leaving you with fresh smelling laundry.
There is nothing as frustrating or embarrassing as your clothes smelling musty and damp, no matter how often you wash them.
How to take care of your Washing Machine
We have discussed in brief how to clean your washing machine using the cleaner tablets, but there is a bit more that goes into taking care of a washing machine.
Dealing with dirty laundry on a frequent basis can lead to a washing machine that smells moldy and an unpleasant mildew smell on your clothes that is not very easy to get rid of. The rubber seals are prone to mold and grime, and the inbuilt filter can only drain so much.
Here are some few tips and good practices that you can implement to get ahead of the situation before it gets worse and to prevent it from happening in the future.
- Always remember to take out your laundry as soon as the cycle ends. This will help prevent the buildup of odor
- Remove any extra debris like coins, paper or pet hair because they tend to make the situation worse by getting stuck in places that you cannot see or reach. Make sure that you check the pockets for anything that might clog up the drainage system.
- You can get rid of pet hair from your machine tub by letting the washer air dry and then gently vacuuming up the residual hair.
- Try to use hot water wash all the time because this keeps the internal drainage system working efficiently. Cold water is occasionally okay if you have certain loads that will not fare well in hot or warm water.
- Clean your washing machine’s seals and interior periodically with a cloth and some washing machine spray cleaner and wipe around the rubber seals at the door. A lot of small things like socks can get stuck in there and can be the root cause of your issue.
- Manually unclogging the filter is also a good way to take care of your washing machine. The filter catches every small object that might have washed away in the washer. Blocked filters can cause nasty and musty smells in your washing machine, so make sure that you read your owner’s manual about the proper way to disconnect the machine and unclog the filter.
- Leaving the washing machine door open is a good practice to have because this will prevent mold and mildew. Air circulation is important to dry out any remaining moisture in your washing machine.
- If you live in an area with hard water, you might want to invest in a water filtration system for your entire house. Not only is it a healthier alternative for your family, it will most certainly preserve the lifespan of your washing machine. Hard water causes limescale, and this by-product is very damaging to appliances in the long run.
- Replace the water hoses or any other parts that might need an upgrade. Using your washing machine without the parts working properly is a bad idea. It could lead to your washing machine packing up completely. Make it a habit to check parts regularly for any leaks, cracking or bulging. We recommend that parts be replaced after every five years.
- Do not overload the machine, this will shorten its lifespan and you will not get value for your money. Make sure that you use the appropriate amounts of load, water pressure and detergent.
Conclusion – Finally Fresh Vs Affresh
Both these products are a good option for you in terms of their efficiency. They both work pretty well to get rid of the dirt in your washing machine, and they are not made from harmful ingredients. For the most part, both products seem to be at par with each other.
However, the Finally Fresh washing machine cleaner is not very well known, and it does not have satisfactory reviews. The Cleaning King Team is a bit skeptical to recommend this product to you because the name of the manufacturer is not known and there are complaints about fake products and delayed shipping from some customers. Doing your due diligence with this product might be difficult because of that.
For that reason, we suggest that you stick to the Affresh washing machine cleaner. It is produced by a reputable well-known brand and the hundreds of thousands of reviews are a testament to just how fantastic of a product this is.
See how Affresh held up in our overall tests for the Best Washing Machine Cleaner
Cleaning King's Choice - Finally Fresh Vs Affresh
Finally Fresh Vs Affresh FAQs
Yes, it is. Washing machines are breeding grounds for germs and smells that will linger on your clothes. Whilst doing your laundry in hot water will get rid of some of that dirt, a washing machine needs a monthly deep cleaning session to really flush out this dirt.
There are so many good washing machine products out there, so much so that narrowing it down is difficult. If the washing machine cleaner that you want to buy can deep clean your machine without damaging it and has antibacterial properties, then it is a good product.
DIY products like vinegar and bicarbonate of soda do work pretty well. However, the best thing to use to clean your washing machine is a washing machine cleaner. The product is specifically designed to give your washer a thorough rinse, you cannot replicate that with DIY detergents.
Most definitely. Products like Affresh washing machine cleaner are also dishwasher safe. You can use a washing machine cleaner in a dishwasher
You should clean your washing machine filter every 4 to 6 months. The filter catches paper, hair, coins and any other debris that you might not see when you do your laundry. It is important that your filter does not get clogged.
Buildup from leftover detergents, dirt or oil creates the perfect environment for mold and germs to thrive. This will not only leave you with musty smelling clothes, but your machine will not last very long either.
Yes, you need to sanitize your laundry periodically, especially now with Covid-19. But the laundry detergents do a pretty good job if you have not been exposed to the virus.
The typical lifespan for a washing machine is 11 years, however some top brand models can last for up to 20 years. You can prolong this lifespan by taking good care of your washing machine.
The jury is still out on this one, so it all comes down to your preference. Top loaders are cheaper, easier to clean and can handle a bit more load. They are however not as efficient in cleaning clothes as front loaders.
Front loaders consume way less energy and use less water than top loaders. They are also more stylish and elegant than top loaders. They are however prone to mold and dirt buildup quicker than top loaders. At the end of the day, the choice is yours.
High-efficiency washers are the new kids on the block. These washing machines are manufactured to reduce the amount of water and electricity they use during a single wash cycle. This will save you money on your electricity and water bills.
