Washing machines get funky. You toss in load after load, and over time all that detergent, fabric softener, lint, and damp air decide to team up and turn your washer into a swampy little cave.

So picking the right cleaner actually matters.

Two of the most popular options people keep comparing are Affresh and Active. They look similar on the shelf, both promise a sparkling drum, and both come in tidy tablet form.

So the question becomes: which one suits your washer and your habits better?

In this post, I’ll compare Affresh vs Active washing machine cleaners to help you figure out what to get.

#1 Main Ingredients

Affresh and Active both use oxygen-based cleaning ingredients, but they aren’t identical.

Affresh leans heavily on sodium percarbonate, which basically turns into oxygen bubbles that lift grime, residue, and funky buildup from the inside of your machine.

It’s strong, predictable, and does its job without much drama.

Active uses sodium percarbonate too, but mixes in citric acid, sodium bicarbonate, and a few extra cleansing agents. The vibe is more of a “multi-angle” clean instead of a single big punch.

You get fizzing, a bit of acid power, and a blend that targets both residue and light mineral deposits.

Affresh = simpler, stronger oxidizing punch.
Active = blended formula with extra helpers.

#2 Cleaning Power

Affresh is better than Active for deep cleaning.

If your washer has serious buildup like that gummy fabric softener sludge, detergent crust, or sticky film in the drum, Affresh tends to outperform Active.

Those oxygen bubbles hit the grime hard and break it apart in a way you can genuinely feel after the cycle finishes.

Active still cleans well, especially on lighter buildup, but it doesn’t bring the same heavy-hitting deep-clean punch as Affresh.

It feels more like a maintenance cleaner than a reset button.

#3 Odor Control

Affresh is better at odor control.

When a washer smells musty or sour, the real problem is the residue hidden inside the drum and under the gasket.

Affresh does a better job removing the stuff that causes those nasty smells.

Active still helps, especially if your odor problem is mild, but Affresh just clears the stink faster and keeps things fresh longer. But it feels more like a heavy-duty deodorizer.

Active is more of a “keep it clean so it doesn’t start smelling again” option.

#4 Mold Removal

Mold around the gasket, inside the dispenser, or sneaking into hidden corners is super common, especially in front-loaders.

It’s not fun to deal with, but both cleaners help to some degree.

Affresh does well removing mold stains, especially the lighter surface-level ones.

You’ll still need to manually wipe the rubber gasket area afterward, but the tablet softens that buildup so it wipes off easier.

Active has an edge on the descaling side thanks to the citric acid.

If the mold is mixed with mineral deposits or has that gritty feel, Active breaks it down a bit better. It won’t fix deep, black mold on its own, but it helps loosen stuff so you can finish the job with a quick wipe.

#5 Smell

Affresh smells better after the clean.

Once the cycle finishes, Affresh leaves a clean, light fragrance that instantly makes the washer feel fresher. It’s noticeable but not too strong.

Active stays closer to neutral. You’ll barely smell anything, which is perfect for people who dislike fragrances or want a no-scent wash environment.

If you’re going for a fresh “just cleaned” scent, Affresh wins. If fragrance-free matters more, Active takes that point.

But overall, for pleasant smell, Affresh is ahead.

#6 Prices

Active is usually cheaper than Affresh.

It’s cheaper per tablet, and that adds up fast if you clean your machine regularly. You can easily stick to a monthly cleaning schedule without feeling like you’re buying something premium every time.

#7 Safety & Material Compatibility

Both cleaners are made for front-load and top-load machines, including HE models, so no worries there. They dissolve well, don’t damage interior materials, and don’t leave behind weird films when used correctly.

Affresh is known for being septic-safe and designed specifically for washing machine systems. It plays nicely with metal, plastic, rubber, and hoses.

Active is also safe, as long as you follow normal cleaning instructions and avoid throwing multiple tablets in “just for extra power.”

Its citric acid is gentle, but like any cleaner, you don’t want to go overboard.

So both are safe choices. No one is taking risks with their washer here.

#8 Ease Of Use

Both Affresh and Active are super easy to use, but Active dissolves faster.

You just pop a tablet into your washing machine’s drum, run a hot wash cycle, and you’re good to go. It’s pretty much that simple for both products.

Affresh is known for being a bit more straightforward because you don’t need to do anything extra - just the tablet and the cycle.

Active is similarly easy, but it might require a little more planning, especially if you need to use it to tackle deeper problems.

But still, nothing too complicated here.

#9 Eco Friendliness

Active is eco-friendlier than Affresh.

Between more recyclable packaging and a formula that leans into mineral-based ingredients, Active feels a little more environmentally gentle.

Affresh also uses safe ingredients and avoids harsh chemicals, but people often point out that the packaging isn’t as recyclable.

Both are eco-safe overall, but Active takes a clear lead in this category.

Should I Get Active Or Affresh?

The short answer: go with what your washer actually needs.

If your washer is in rough shape, you’re smelling funky odors, or you haven’t run a cleaner in ages, Affresh is the stronger and more effective choice. It gives your machine a real reset and brings it back to a cleaner baseline fast.

If your washer is already in decent shape and you just want to keep it that way without spending much, Active fits the job perfectly.

It’s affordable, effective enough for regular cleaning, and great for upkeep.

Some people even use both: Affresh every few months for deep cleaning, Active in between for maintenance. But you don’t have to double up.

Just match the cleaner to your habits and how clean your washer currently is.

Bottom Line

The main difference between Affresh and Active is that Affresh is better for deep cleaning, strong odor removal, dissolving heavy residue, and leaving a fresher scent.

Active, on the other hand, is better for regular maintenance cleaning, breaking down mineral-mixed buildup, offering more natural-leaning ingredients, costing less per use, and providing more eco-friendly packaging.

Affresh Vs Active Washing Machine Cleaner