Washing Machine Cleaner Hacks: Surprising Uses You Didn’t Know About
When you think of washing machine cleaner, your first thought is probably obvious: keeping your washing machine fresh, clean, and free of mold and residue. But what if we told you this simple cleaning essential could do so much more? From bathroom scrubs to kitchen refreshes, the power-packed formula in products like Seaways Washing Machine Cleaner can go beyond just the washer.
Here are some clever, surprising hacks for using washing machine cleaner around your home that you probably never thought of!
1. Freshen Up Your Dishwasher
Dishwashers get grimy too, especially when food residue and mineral buildup start to affect performance. A scoop of washing machine cleaner in the bottom of an empty dishwasher followed by a hot cycle can help eliminate odors and deep-clean the interior. It works similarly to dishwasher-specific cleaners but is a great backup option!
How to use it:
-
Sprinkle 1 packet or scoop into the bottom of the empty dishwasher.
-
Run a hot wash cycle (no dishes).
-
Wipe down any remaining residue afterward.
2. Deodorize Your Trash Can
Trash cans are notorious for holding onto odors, even when empty. Use washing machine cleaner as a deodorizing soak. It breaks down odor-causing grime that clings to plastic or metal surfaces.
Hack tip:
-
Fill your trash can halfway with hot water.
-
Add half a packet of Seaways Washing Machine Cleaner.
-
Let it sit for 30 minutes, then scrub and rinse.
3. Revive Bathroom Tile Grout
Grimy grout lines can make a clean bathroom look dingy. Washing machine cleaner’s stain-lifting ingredients work wonders on mildew and soap scum.
Here’s how:
-
Mix a small amount of the cleaner with warm water to make a paste.
-
Apply it to grout lines using a toothbrush.
-
Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, scrub gently, and rinse.
4. Clean Smelly Sports Gear
Do your gym bags or sports shoes have a funk you can’t shake? A diluted wash using Seaways Washing Machine Cleaner can help eliminate deep-seated odors in synthetic materials.
Try this:
-
Soak gear in a solution of warm water and cleaner (1 packet per gallon).
-
Let it sit for 1-2 hours.
-
Rinse thoroughly and air dry.
5. Refresh Kitchen Sink Drains
Kitchen drains are a magnet for grease and odor. The foaming action of washing machine cleaner can help clean the pipes and neutralize odors.
Quick fix:
-
Pour a spoonful of cleaner into the drain.
-
Follow with boiling water.
-
Let it sit for 15 minutes, then flush with cold water.
6. Deep-Clean Your Mop Heads and Cleaning Cloths
Mop heads and rags absorb more grime than we like to think. Running them through a hot cycle with Seaways Washing Machine Cleaner (instead of detergent) can restore freshness and eliminate germs.
Pro tip:
-
Toss them in the washer with 1 packet of cleaner.
-
Run on the hottest setting.
-
Air dry for best results.
7. Eliminate Mildew Smell from Shower Curtains
Shower curtains and liners often develop a stubborn mildew smell. A soak in Seaways solution can bring them back to life.
Here’s how:
-
Fill the bathtub with warm water.
-
Add 1 packet of cleaner and stir to dissolve.
-
Submerge the curtain and soak for 1 hour.
-
Rinse and hang dry.
8. Tidy Up the Toilet Bowl
Out of toilet cleaner? No problem. The active cleaning agents in washing machine cleaner can dissolve mineral stains and eliminate odor in the toilet too.
Fast fix:
-
Sprinkle a small amount of cleaner into the bowl.
-
Let it sit for 10-20 minutes.
-
Scrub with a toilet brush and flush.
9. Clean Pet Accessories
Pet bowls, carriers, and plastic toys can develop a funky smell. A gentle soak with washing machine cleaner can remove bacteria and odors without harsh scrubbing.
Pet-safe tip:
-
Mix cleaner with warm water in a basin.
-
Soak items for 30 minutes.
-
Rinse thoroughly with clean water before giving them back to your pets.
10. Shine Up Garbage Disposals
Tired of that mystery odor from your kitchen sink? Washing machine cleaner can help clean blades and freshen up your disposal.
Simple steps:
-
Pour cleaner directly into the drain.
-
Let it sit for 15 minutes.
-
Run hot water and turn on the disposal for 30 seconds.
Final Thoughts
Who knew washing machine cleaner could be such a versatile household helper? With Seaways Washing Machine Cleaner, you can go beyond laundry and tackle dirt, grime, and odors in nearly every corner of your home. These unexpected hacks help you get more value from every packet—and keep your spaces smelling and looking their best.
Whether you’re deep-cleaning your washer, deodorizing the trash can, or freshening up sports gear, Seaways delivers powerful results with ease. Try one of these hacks today and see the difference a little ingenuity (and the right cleaner) can make!