Washing Machine Cleaner Face-Off: True Fresh vs Active – Which Cleans Best?

A well-maintained washing machine means fresher clothes, cleaner laundry, and a longer-lasting appliance. Over time, detergent residue, mildew, pet hair, and limescale can accumulate inside your washer—especially in humid areas or homes with hard water. This buildup can cause unpleasant odors and even shorten your washer’s lifespan.

Two leading contenders claim to solve this problem: True Fresh Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets and Active Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets. We put them through a side-by-side comparison to see which one comes out on top.

True Fresh Washing Machine Cleaner – The Deep-Clean Champion

When it comes to penetrating deep into your washer’s hidden areas, True Fresh delivers. These slow-dissolving tablets are designed to target pipes, seals, and hard-to-reach corners, eliminating stubborn residue and odor-causing buildup.

Key Details:

• Price: $22.97 (25-pack)

• Cost per Tablet: $0.92

• Type: Slow-dissolving, individually wrapped

• Compatibility: All machine types (HE, front-load, top-load) + septic safe

• Best Use: Monthly hot water cycle

Why It Stands Out:

• Reaches deep into internal components for thorough cleaning.

• Effectively eliminates odors rather than masking them.

• Leaves a fresh but subtle scent.

• Safe for all washer types.

• Affordable for long-term maintenance.

Possible Drawbacks:

• Works best with a hot cycle.

• Individually wrapped tablets aren’t eco-friendly.

Active Washing Machine Cleaner – The Versatile All-Rounder

Active brings flexibility to the table, doubling as a cleaner for both washing machines and dishwashers. Its quick-dissolving formula works well in cold or short cycles, making it ideal for quick maintenance cleans.

Key Details:

• Price: $21.95 (24-pack)

• Cost per Tablet: ~$0.91

• Type: Fast-dissolving tablets

• Compatibility: Washing machines & dishwashers

• Best Use: Monthly

Where It Shines:

• Great for quick cleaning cycles.

• Controls light odors effectively.

• Multi-purpose use for both washers and dishwashers.

Limitations:

• Not as strong against heavy buildup.

• Shorter contact time due to fast dissolution.

• Less cost-effective if used only for washing machines.

  
  

Head-to-Head: True Fresh vs Active

Cleaning Power:

• Winner: True Fresh – Best for heavy buildup, mildew, and deep cleaning.

• Runner-up: Active – Better for light maintenance cleaning.

Odor Control:

• Winner: True Fresh – Completely removes tough odors.

• Runner-up: Active – Works for mild odors only.

Dissolution Speed:

• True Fresh: Best in hot water for deep clean.

• Active: Best in cold water for quick cycles.

Scent:

• True Fresh: Fresh and pleasant, not overpowering.

• Active: Light, neutral scent for sensitive users.

Compatibility & Safety:

• Tie – Both work in all machines and are septic-safe.

Versatility:

• Winner: Active – Works in both washers and dishwashers.

Value per Tablet:

• Nearly identical cost, with True Fresh offering better long-term performance.

Eco-Friendliness:

• Tie – Both use plastic wrapping; no sustainable packaging option yet.

Verdict – True Fresh Takes the Crown

If your washer handles heavy loads, pet hair, or suffers from hard-water buildup, True Fresh is the better choice. It delivers a deep clean, tackles stubborn odors, and keeps machines running like new.

Choose True Fresh if you want:

• Intensive internal cleaning.

• Long-lasting odor elimination.

• Fresher laundry every wash.

Meanwhile, Active is a solid pick for those seeking a versatile cleaner for both dishwashers and washing machines or quick cold-cycle cleans.

Final Word

A single cleaning tablet each month can make a big difference in your washer’s health and your laundry’s freshness. For deep cleaning power, True Fresh leads the race. For multi-use convenience, Active holds its ground. Either way, regular cleaning will extend your washer’s life and keep your laundry smelling its best.