Does that stubborn gym smell or lingering pet odor just refuse to leave your clothes, no matter how many times you wash them? You scrub, you soak, you even try those “extra strength” soaps, but that faint, unwelcome scent always seems to sneak back in. It’s frustrating when your laundry doesn’t smell truly clean!
Choosing the right odor-eliminating detergent feels like a maze. Some promise miracles but deliver weak results. Others use heavy perfumes that just mask the problem instead of solving it. You want a detergent that truly tackles the source of the funk without damaging your favorite fabrics or irritating sensitive skin. Finding that perfect balance is tougher than it looks.
In this guide, we cut through the marketing hype. We’ll show you exactly what ingredients truly work, how to read the labels like a pro, and which top-rated detergents actually deliver fresh results every single time. Get ready to say goodbye to lingering smells for good!
Top Odor Eliminating Detergent Recommendations
- One 5 lb box of OxiClean Odor Blasters Versatile Odor Eliminator and Stain Remover Powder laundry booster to get out tough stains and stubborn smells
- Oxygen-based, water-activated laundry booster gets out tough dirt, persistent spots and set-in stains, plus eliminates sweat, musty towel and body odors with OxiClean stain remover
- Works with regular detergent as a clothes stain remover and odor neutralizer to get clothes extra clean. For best results, use as a presoak before washing
- This OxiClean powder stain and laundry odor remover can be used as a kitchen cleaner, bathroom cleaner, and fabric odor eliminator for machine-washable fabrics so you are ready for any mess
- LAUNDRY DETERGENT ADDITIVE: Add Lysol Laundry Sanitizer to every wash, in the fabric softener drawer, to sanitize and deodorize smelly laundry. Lysol Laundry Sanitizer kills many bad odors that detergents leave behind.
- COLOR SAFE BLEACH ALTERNATIVE: Lysol Laundry Sanitizer is a bleach alternative that effectively kills 99.9% of bacteria, without the harshness of bleach. It's gentle on fabrics, effective in cold water, and is safe to use on colors and whites.
- LYSOL LAUNDRY SANITIZER: Better than in-wash scent boosters that just mask bad odors. Lysol Laundry Sanitizer kills the odor causing bacteria that laundry detergents alone can leave behind, even in cold water Can be used in standard and HE machines.
- ODOR ELIMINATOR FOR STRONG ODOR: Say goodbye to stubborn odors with Lysol Laundry Sanitizer, an advanced formula designed to act as an effective odor eliminator for even the toughest smells, leaving your clothes smelling fresh after every wash.
- One 166.5 fl oz bottle of ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean with Odor Blasters Laundry Detergent, Fresh Burst Liquid Laundry Detergent cleans 128 medium loads when used as directed
- Triple-power HE laundry detergent fights tough odors, blasts away stains and boosts freshness so your clothes look and smell their best
- With trusted ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda plus an odor fighter, this HE laundry detergent is formulated to deeply clean clothes and deliver lasting freshness
- Laundry stain remover forces out stubborn stains and nasty odors using OxiClean Stain Fighters to remove stains like food, grass, grease and more
- Powerful Laundry Odor Remover: 150 fl oz bottle of ARM & HAMMER Deep Clean Odor Formula Liquid Laundry Detergent, Radiant Burst Scent for a powerful clean with advanced odor removal technology
- pH Power Technology Laundry Detergent: This detergent liquid features pH Power Technology with millions of ionic micro-scrubbers that thoroughly clean stench-drenched, soaked-through clothes
- Deep-Cleaning Detergent: This odor remover penetrates between fibers to eliminate everyday dirt and tough odors while leaving a radiant burst scent in every load of laundry
- Versatile and HE-Compatible Detergent: Designed to work in all machines and at all temperatures, this HE-compatible concentrated laundry detergent makes washing easier and more effective
- LAUNDRY DETERGENT ADDITIVE: Add Lysol Laundry Sanitizer to every wash, in the fabric softener drawer, to sanitize and deodorize smelly laundry. Lysol Laundry Sanitizer kills many bad odors that detergents leave behind.
- COLOR SAFE BLEACH ALTERNATIVE: Lysol Laundry Sanitizer is a bleach alternative that effectively kills 99.9% of bacteria, without the harshness of bleach. It's gentle on fabrics, effective in cold water, and is safe to use on colors and whites.
- LYSOL LAUNDRY SANITIZER: Better than in-wash scent boosters that just mask bad odors. Lysol Laundry Sanitizer kills the odor causing bacteria that laundry detergents alone can leave behind, even in cold water Can be used in standard and HE machines.
- ODOR ELIMINATOR FOR STRONG ODOR: Say goodbye to stubborn odors with Lysol Laundry Sanitizer, an advanced formula designed to act as an effective odor eliminator for even the toughest smells, leaving your clothes smelling fresh after every wash.
- One 42-count bag of ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean with Odor Blasters 5-in-1 concentrated laundry detergent Power Paks with an amazing Fresh Burst scent
- 5 cleaning benefits in 1 this concentrated odor remover has 5-in-1 power that eliminates tough odors, attacks stains, whitens whites, brightens colors, and adds a boost of Fresh Burst fragrance that leaves your laundry smelling fresh and clean
- A deep cleaning ARM & HAMMER laundry detergent; concentrated ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean with Odor Blasters delivers powerful cleaning and lasting freshness in convenient pak form
- Powered by Odor Blasters, these laundry Power Paks tackle the toughest laundry odors; don't let everyday odors stay in your clothes, this laundry odor remover eliminates odors and dirt for a deep clean
- Odor eliminator laundry In All Your Laundry - Perfect for Athletic Clothes and Active and gym wear, pet bedding, blankets, smoke smell, fabric deodorizer etc
- Cleans Your Washing Machine - Eliminate Tough Laundry Odors and clean & deodorize your washing machine at the same time
- Safe For You & Your Washing Machine - Use in Traditional and HE Washing Machines, Safe to use with All Detergents. Safe for Human and Pet Bedding & Clothing
- How To Use: Add two (2) ounces of Zero Odor Laundry to wash load at the same time (and same location) that you add your favorite detergent.
- EXTREME ODOR & STAIN ELIMINATOR: Unlike laundry detergent alone, FunkAway Laundry Detergent Booster attacks trapped‑in odors and soils at the source, acting as a powerful laundry odor eliminator for gym clothes, pet bedding and everyday laundry
- WORKS ON ALL SMELLS: Eliminate sweat, mildew, smoke, skunk, food, and musty odors fast. Ideal as laundry scent boosters, pet laundry detergent odor remover, and smoke odor eliminator for anything you use for hard work and play
- REMOVES STUBBORN STAINS: When regular detergent isn't enough, add FunkAway laundry scent booster and stain remover to de-funk clothes. Our laundry odor remover helps lift and remove tough stains and odors without rewashing
- POWERFUL FORMULA: FunkAway’s exclusive OM Complex eliminates odors at the source instead of covering them up. Our odor eliminator laundry liquid is safe for all fabrics and compatible with regular and High Efficient (HE) washing machines
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Odor Eliminating Detergent
Do you struggle with stubborn smells in your laundry, like sweat, mildew, or pet odors? Odor-eliminating detergent is your secret weapon! This guide helps you choose the best formula to keep your clothes smelling fresh. We break down what matters most so you can shop smart.
Key Features to Look For
Not all detergents are created equal. Look for these essential features:
- Odor-Neutralizing Technology: The best detergents don’t just mask smells with heavy perfumes. They use special ingredients that chemically break down odor molecules. Look for terms like “odor-destroying” or “enzyme-based.”
- Concentration Level: Concentrated formulas pack more cleaning power into a smaller bottle. You use less product per load, which saves money and reduces plastic waste.
- Compatibility: Check if the detergent works well with your washing machine type (HE or standard). Most modern formulas are safe for High-Efficiency (HE) machines.
- Stain Removal Power: A great odor fighter should also clean well. Ensure it tackles common stains alongside the smells.
Important Materials Inside the Bottle
The ingredients list tells the whole story. Pay attention to these components:
Enzymes are Essential
Enzymes are tiny helpers that “eat” organic stains and odors. Common types include protease (for protein stains like blood or sweat) and lipase (for grease and oil smells). A good odor detergent must contain a robust enzyme blend.
Surfactants for Cleaning
Surfactants are the cleaning agents. They lift dirt and oil away from the fabric so the water can rinse them out. High-quality surfactants ensure a deep clean.
Fragrance vs. Free & Clear
Some people love a strong scent. Others have sensitive skin or dislike perfumes. If you prefer no scent, choose a “Free & Clear” option. If you want a lasting clean smell, look for products with long-lasting essential oils instead of harsh artificial perfumes.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of your detergent depends on its formulation and how you use it.
What Boosts Quality?
- Long-Lasting Effects: The best detergents keep odors away even after the clothes are dry and stored in the closet.
- Cold Water Performance: Modern formulas that clean effectively in cold water save energy and protect delicate fabrics.
What Lowers Quality?
- Residue Buildup: Cheap detergents sometimes leave a waxy residue on clothes or inside your machine. This residue can actually trap new odors over time.
- Over-Reliance on Fragrance: If a detergent only smells strong right out of the wash but the odor returns quickly, it is only masking the problem, not eliminating it.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use the detergent. This guides your final purchase decision.
Common Odor Battlegrounds
Odor eliminators shine in specific situations:
- Athletic Wear: Synthetic fabrics often trap sweat smells deeply. You need a powerful enzyme cleaner here.
- Pet Bedding and Towels: Animal odors require strong neutralization.
- Mildew/Musty Smells: If clothes sat too long in the washer, these detergents help rescue them.
How to Get the Best Results
Always follow the directions on the bottle. For very strong odors, you might need to soak the items first or use the “Heavy Duty” setting on your machine. Don’t overload the washer; clothes need room to move so the detergent can reach every fiber.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Odor Eliminating Detergent
Q: How is odor-eliminating detergent different from regular detergent?
A: Regular detergent cleans dirt. Odor eliminators use special ingredients, like enzymes, that actively destroy the odor-causing molecules, not just cover them up.
Q: Can I use this detergent for everyday laundry?
A: Yes, you absolutely can. It cleans regular dirt well, but it is extra helpful when you know tough smells are present.
Q: Is it safe for HE washing machines?
A: Most modern odor detergents are specially formulated to be low-sudsing and safe for High-Efficiency (HE) washers.
Q: Do these detergents harm colored clothes?
A: Good odor detergents do not use harsh bleach. They are generally color-safe, but always check the label for specific warnings.
Q: How much detergent should I use?
A: Always use the amount recommended on the packaging. Using too much can leave residue, which traps future odors.
Q: Will the odor-fighting power wash out completely?
A: The odor-fighting technology is designed to work deep in the fabric. The bad smell is gone, but a light, clean scent might remain, depending on the formula you choose.
Q: What if my clothes still smell after washing?
A: First, try soaking the items in a solution of the detergent and water for an hour before rewashing. If the smell persists, the odor may be deeply set, and you might need a second treatment.
Q: Are enzyme detergents sensitive-skin friendly?
A: Sometimes enzymes can cause irritation. If you have very sensitive skin, look for an odor-eliminating product specifically labeled as “Hypoallergenic” or “For Sensitive Skin.”
Q: Can I use this on mildewed towels?
A: Yes, this is one of its best uses! Treat mildewed items with the detergent, perhaps adding a little white vinegar to the rinse cycle for extra help.
Q: How long does the fresh smell last?
A: A high-quality formula keeps clothes smelling fresh for several weeks while stored in a drawer or closet.
Hi, I’m Mallory Crusta, the heart and mind behind LovelyPetSpot.com.. As a passionate pet enthusiast, I created this space to share my experiences, expertise, and love for all things pets. Whether it’s helpful tips, heartfelt stories, or advice for pet parents, my mission is to make the journey of caring for your furry, feathery, or scaly friends as joyful and fulfilling as possible. Join me in celebrating the incredible bond we share with our animal companions!