If you haven’t picked out a washer yet, check out my post on where to find the best washing machine in German, which rounds up top shops and models. Now, let’s help you maintain it. In this post, I’ll walk you through a handful of dm washing machine cleaners , how to use them effectively, and how regular care can save you money in the long run.

DM Washing Machine Maintenance Products

1. Denkmit Waschmaschinenpflege Reiniger (Maschinenpfleger, 250 ml) Cost – 1.45 €

• What it does: Cleans limescale, residue, and hidden gunk in the drum, detergent drawer, heating element, and hoses – leaving your machine hygienic and odor-free
• How to use:

1. Fill a bowl with ~4 L of warm water and pour in solution up to the second line on the bottle. Soak the detergent drawer (remove it first) for 30 minutes, clean it, then re-insert.
2. Pour the rest into the main detergent compartment, and run the machine empty on a 60 °C cycle (no pre-wash, no detergent).

Frequency: 2–3 times per year keeps your machine functioning optimally.

2. Denkmit Waschmaschinenreiniger Hygiene (250 ml, biozid product) Cost – 1.45 €

• What it does: Similar to the above, with extra emphasis on germ-fighting thanks to its hygiene formulation. Helps maintain both performance and cleanliness.
• Usage: Follow the same steps as for the Maschinenpfleger – soaking the drawer, then a hot, empty wash.
• Why choose this? If germs or odors are your worry, the “Hygiene” variant adds a powerful edge.

Somat Intensiv-Maschinen-Reiniger (250 ml) Cost – 2.45 €

• What it does: A premium maintenance cleaner – effective for limescale, grease, and detergent residue deep in your washer.
• Usage: Usually follows the same protocol – dissolve, soak the drawer, run a 60 °C empty wash. Check packaging for precise instructions.
• Note: Slightly more expensive than dm’s own brands, but strong reviews suggest it delivers a deeper clean.

Hygiene rinse laundry disinfection 20WL, 1.5 l Cost – 1.25 €

Hygienespüler (fabric conditioner with hygiene benefits) helps when things start smelling. It’s a good quick fix, though less targeted than a deep-clean product.

Cleaner for mold in detergent drawer

This one is simple, cheaper and non dm. Using a rubbing alcohol or mix of vinegar and soda in the drawer, plus some practical steps:

1. Remove and dry the drawer after each wash

2. Leave your washer door open to ventilate

3. Run a maintenance cycle (60–90 °C) without detergent, every few months

Blog Summary

Quick Takeaways for Washing Machine Maintenance

• Regular care matters: It prevents costly repairs, keeps your washer energy-efficient, and ensures hygiene.
• Top dm products:
  • Denkmit Maschinenpfleger – deep clean for limescale & residue.
  • Denkmit Hygiene Cleaner – extra germ & odor protection.
  • Somat Intensiv Cleaner – strong, heavy-duty cleaning.
• How to use them: Soak the detergent drawer, then run an empty 60 °C cycle every 3–4 months.
• DIY hacks: Use Hygienespüler for quick odor fixes, clean mold with rubbing alcohol, always leave the washer door open, and run hot empty cycles now and then.

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Check out my guide on the best washing machine in Germany

Where to find the best washing machine in Germany?

Need a guide on Best DM products for your Dishwasher? Check this blog out!

DM Products for Dishwasher