Does your home smell faintly of “wet dog,” even after a fresh wash? You love your furry friends dearly, but let’s face it, their gear can carry some serious odors and dander. Washing pet bedding, toys, and blankets with your regular laundry detergent often doesn’t cut it. That harsh soap might irritate sensitive paws or noses, or simply fail to tackle that deep-set, earthy smell that only a muddy adventure can create.
Choosing the right detergent for your pet’s items is more complicated than it seems. You need something powerful enough to eliminate smells and germs but gentle enough to keep Fido’s favorite blanket soft and safe for snuggling. Sorting through labels promising “natural” versus “heavy-duty” can feel like a confusing chore.
Don’t worry! This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what makes a pet-specific detergent effective and safe. Keep reading to discover how to banish those stubborn pet odors for good, protect your pet’s skin, and keep their items clean and fresh. Let’s dive into finding the perfect cleaner for your four-legged family member!
Top Pet Laundry Detergent Recommendations
No. 1
Pet Laundry Detergent Odor Remover - ACTIVE Enzyme Based Powder Detergent for Dogs Beds, Cat Pee, HE Washer Friendly Natural Enzymatic Deodorizer, Urine, Smell, Dog Drool, Stain Eliminator - 64 Loads
- Concentrated Powder Detergent: ACTIVE Pet Detergent is a Powerful, High Efficiency Compatible Odor Destroyer & Stain Eliminating Detergent. Every Scoop has a Natural Cleaning Power to Handle any Mess, Stain, or Smell left behind by your pet.
- Suitable for all Pet Laundry: Including Pet Bed, Clothing, Leash, Harness, Blankets, Towels, Furniture Covers & More! ACTIVE is an All-in-One Laundry Detergent Compatible With All Fabric Types, Even Use on your own Clothing and Bedding that smells like your pet!
- Bio Based Enzyme Cleaner: ACTIVE Enzyme Laundry Detergent is Formulated to Target Pesky Stains and Odors, Including Pet Urine, Cat & Dog Pee, Vomit, Slobber, Dirt, Grime, Oils and Protein Stains. ACTIVE Enzymes even get rid of Wet Dog Odor, and others stubborn scents
- Natural & Fragrance Free: ACTIVE Pet Detergent is a Natural Laundry Stain Remover, Free of Harsh Chemicals and Gentle for Pets and Sensitive Skin. ACTIVE Actually Removes Odors rather than using scents to cover them up like some alternatives
- Best Value 64 Loads: Compare ACTIVE Dog Laundry Detergent to liquids that take up more space with less uses. Our Value Pack Comes in a Bulk 2 Lb bag so you can Keep Your Pet Laundry Taken Care Of!
No. 2
Febreze Laundry Detergent Additive for Pet Supplies, Maximum Strength In Wash Pet Odor Eliminator, Designed to Remove Tough Odors in Fabrics and Clothing in a Single Wash, Fresh Scent, 98 fl oz
- FEBREZE IN WASH PET ODOR ELIMINATOR: You will receive (1) 98 Fl Oz bottle of Febreze Maximum Strength In Wash Pet Odor Eliminator laundry detergent additive. Remove tough pet odors from fabrics and clothing in a single wash. Brought to you by Nehemiah Manufacturing.
- MAXIMUM STRENGTH LAUNDRY ODOR ELIMINATOR: This detergent additive removes even the toughest pet odors instead of just masking them. Ideal for removing odors from cat and dog beds, sofa covers, pet carriers, dog collars, pet urine and more!
- FOR BEST RESULTS: Pretreat hard-to-remove odors by placing the item in hot water, add 1 capful of Febreze In Wash Pet Odor Eliminator and soak. Continue with normal wash. For Light Odors use 1 capful. For Heavy, use 1 1/2 capfuls. For Extreme Odors, use up to 2 capfuls
- SAFE TO USE WITH LAUNDRY PRODUCTS: Febreze In Wash Pet Odor Eliminator is safe to use with laundry detergent pods, liquid laundry detergent, fabric softeners, and bleaches. Compatible with regular and high efficiency washing machines.
- SUBSCRIBE & SAVE: Never run out of Febreze In Wash Pet Odor Eliminator Laundry Additive when you add it to your subscriptions. Save with every purchase
No. 3
Nature’s Miracle Laundry Boost In-Wash Stain and Odor Remover, 32 Ounces, Laundry Stain and Odor Removing Additive For All Machines
- LAUNDRY BIO-ENZYMATIC FORMULA: Helps break down and destroy tough pet stains and odors, such as urine, feces, vomit, blood, grass and drool.
- GENTLE ON FABRICS: Perfect for use on clothing, pet beds and more—not for use on specialty fabrics, including washable silk, khaki, fluorescents, wool, suede and leathers.
- SAFE FOR PETS AND HOME: Formulated without phosphates, parabens, sulfates and bleach, this product is safe for use around pets and home, when used as directed.
- ODORCAPTURE 360 TECHNOLOGY: An odor neutralizing system from Nature’s Miracle, the brand you trust because it works!
- WORKS IN ALL MACHINES INCLUDING HE: Use in addition to your laundry detergent to help loosen and remove tough pet stains and odors.
No. 4
LaundraPet 3X Strength Premium Laundry Detergent with Enzyme Cleaner - 64 Oz (96 Washes) Pet Stain and Odor Eliminator, Enzymatic Detergent by Alpha Tech Pet
- Eliminates pet odors and stains - LaundraPet enzymatic laundry detergent by Alpha Tech Pet is designed to remove animal pet odors and stains from pet poop and urine, and heavy soils from washable garments, leaving them soft and smelling fresh!
- Triple-action enzymatic power - Offering 3x cleaning efficacy, LaundraPet is a pet laundry detergent fortified with enzymatic technology that boosts cleaning power by 15%. It can be used in cold water, saving energy consumption.
- Veterinarian-approved - This pet enzyme cleaner is an effective pet odor eliminator with the purest cleaning ingredients for home, clinics, or kennels. It is a dermatologist-approved, all-natural, family and pet-safe detergent.
- Perfect for high-efficiency washers - Its low-sudsing formula is ideal for high-efficiency machines, making it the choice of groomers, vets, and pet owners. Plus, an economical pet cleaning solution as you can get up to 96 washes (1oz for HE and 2oz for regular washers).
- Trusted animal care solutions - With over 38 years in business, Alpha Tech Pet delivers eco-friendly, USA-made products scientifically formulated for effective and gentle pet care solutions.
No. 5
Lysol Laundry Sanitizer Additive, Bacteria-Causing Laundry Odor Eliminator, Detergent Additive, Crisp Linen, 90oz
- 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.
- HOUSEHOLD ESSENTIALS and CLEANING SUPPLIES: Lysol is a leader in disinfection. Shop our range of household cleaning supplies including disinfectant wipes, toilet bowl cleaners, air sanitizers, and disinfectant sprays. The best protection is prevention
No. 6
ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner for Pet Owners Enzymatic Deep Clean Descaler for Cat & Dog Hair, Urine, Odor, Residue, 24 Septic-Safe Tablets for Top Load, Front Loader, HE Washer Tub - 1 Year Supply
- Specially Formulated for Pet Owners: ACTIVE Pet Hair Remover Washing Machine Cleaner with Ultra-concentrated 5-in-1 Active Enzyme Blend powers away pet hair buildup, sludge, oil, soap, limescale, effectively reducing drain clogs and hair accumulation! Keep clothes Fresh & Clean without pet fur clinging
- Pro Washer Pet Odor Eliminator: ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaner and Deodorizer gets to the root of bad odors, removing stinky gunk, odor-causing grime, debris from washer drum, drain, seal, valves. Effortlessly eliminate washing machine odor for good
- Suitable for All Washers: ACTIVE Washer Machine Cleaner Tablets are Safe for Septic Systems, HE, Front-Loading Washer, Top-loader, Front Load, Compatible with Whirlpool, LG, Samsung, GE, Speed Queen, Maytag, Amana
- Safe Choice for Pets & Household: Enzyme Washing Machine Cleaner uses Simple ingredients & natural enzymes that are tough on grime, but gentle on machines. Compare pet hair dissolver products with harsh chemicals that leave harmful residue and fragrances
- Best Value Washing Machine Enzyme Cleaner: Bulk 12 Month Supply in each 24-Tablet Pack. Use ACTIVE Washing Machine Cleaning Tablets monthly to Protect your washer, Extend its lifespan, Save over time. Compare Trusted Heavy Duty Washing Machine Cleaner to brands with less tabs and low quality formula
No. 7
Enzyme Laundry Booster Odor Remover - 2 lbs Unscented Enzymatic Clothes Stain Cleaner Powder, Natural Deodorizer with Bio Active Enzymes, Detergent Additive Eliminator for Sweat, Oil, Blood - 64 Loads
- Powerful Bio Enzymatic Cleaner: ACTIVE Laundry Odor Removers Boost your normal laundry detergent to effectively target Stains & Odors, not mask them like washing soda or in-wash scent boosters. It uses Lab-proven Biological Cleaning to remove laundry odor & strong smell
- Heavy Duty Stain Remover for clothes: Our Enzyme Laundry Additive Powder is formulated for Stain Removal of dirty clothes, perfect for Funk, Grease, Armpit Sweat stain, Blood stain, Oil and more!
- Gentle on All Fabrics: Our Fragrance Free Laundry Boost Plant-based Formula uses zero harsh chemicals. Natural enhancer for whites & colors. Even safe for pesky activewear fabrics
- Value 64 Load Package: ACTIVE Enzyme Cleaner Concentrated 32-oz size is good for 64 Loads compared to other products with 1 lb or less
- Compatible with all Washers & Detergents: Add Laundry Booster Powder to your usual detergent & cleaners! HE, Front & Top load Washer Approved. Also use as laundry soak pretreat powder in order to treat set-in stain
No. 8
Pet Parents® PetTergent®, Enzymatic Pet Laundry Detergent, 32 oz 32 Loads Pet Stain Remover & Pet Odor Eliminator, Laundry Detergent for Pets (Calming, 32 oz)
- PETTERGENT - THE PET LAUNDRY DETERGENT: Your furbaby's favorite soft toy, dog blanket, pet bed, collars, clothes, and all other laundry items get dirty & smelly over time and need to be washed. PetTergent is the first and & only pet safe laundry detergent made specifically for pet smells, stains, and soils, & their microbiome so there's no need for additives, boosters, stain sticks, or sprays to use on top of your human detergent. Your furbaby has their own laundry, they need PetTergent.
- SPECIFIC TO PET STAINS: Human laundry detergent is formulated for human needs, like coffee, ketchup, & body odor, not formulated for "that dog smell", stains, soils, or pet odors from pet messes like crusty dog toys, cat urine, feces, blood, vomit, & that stubborn 'dog' smell that you just can't seem to get out. Human stains & odors are different than pet stains & odors, so the laundry detergent to handle these should be different too. PetTergent was formulated specifically as a pet detergent for pet laundry needs; cleaning, deodorizing, eliminating stains for fresh & clean laundry, while being safe for their skin & noses.
- PET ENZYME LAUNDRY DETERGENT: We were tired of turning over laundry labels and finding tons of chemicals, so we did something about it. Human laundry detergents often contain toxic ingredients like bleach, ammonia, & formaldehyde that can be passed to your furbaby by playing or snuggling. Instead, PetTergent, the dog laundry detergent, uses naturally-occurring enzyme blends as a pet stain remover, OdorArmor and SebumDestroyer as pet odor removers, and uses pet-safe & biodegradable surfactants to clean pet laundry.
- PET SAFE LAUNDRY DETERGENT: Pet skin is up to 10x thinner than our own skin, and their noses are up to 100,000x better than ours, meaning their needs are physically, biologically, and chemically different. Just because human laundry detergent works for us, doesn't mean it'll work for our pets. PetTergent is formulated not only to be specific to pet messes, but made with pet safe ingredients and vet-approved, pet-safe scents to not irritate pet skin or noses, and is safe to use on all laundry.
- GREENER PET LAUNDRY: You might've checked your own laundry detergent for how 'green' it is, how about your pets? PetTergent is made with 90%+ bio-based and biodegradable ingredients derived from nature, and all ingredients are approved by the EPA Safer Chemicals Ingredients list, and bottled in recyclable packaging. So we can protect our pets and keep their world beautiful. At Pet Parents, we continuously strive to improve pet products, and PetTergent is no different.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: A Purrfect Choice for Pet Laundry
Keeping your furry friend’s bedding, toys, and clothes clean is important. Pet odors and dander can stick to fabrics. Regular laundry soap might not cut it. You need a detergent made just for pets. This guide helps you choose the best one.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, check the label for these important features. They make a big difference in how well the detergent works and how safe it is for your pet.
Odor Elimination Power
- Enzymatic Formulas: Look for detergents containing enzymes. These tiny helpers eat away at the organic matter that causes stubborn pet smells, like urine or vomit. They destroy the odor source, not just cover it up.
- Long-Lasting Freshness: Some formulas offer extended freshness. This means your pet’s favorite blanket stays smelling clean longer.
Gentleness and Hypoallergenic Qualities
- Sensitive Skin Formulas: Pets often have sensitive skin. Choose products labeled “hypoallergenic” or “dermatologist tested.” These usually lack harsh chemicals that cause itching or irritation.
- Dye and Fragrance Free: Strong perfumes and bright dyes are unnecessary. They can irritate your pet’s nose and skin. Simple formulas are often the best.
Cleaning Strength for Pet Messes
- Stain Removal: Mud, grass, and accidents happen. The detergent must tackle tough pet stains effectively.
- Compatibility with Machines: Ensure the detergent works well in both standard and High-Efficiency (HE) washing machines.
Important Ingredients and Materials
The ingredients list tells the real story. You want powerful cleaning without dangerous additives.
Good Ingredients
- Plant-Derived Surfactants: These are the cleaning agents. Plant-based surfactants lift dirt gently but effectively.
- Natural Enzymes: As mentioned, enzymes are crucial for breaking down biological stains and odors.
Ingredients to Avoid
- Phosphates: These harm the environment when washed down the drain. Many modern detergents skip them, but check anyway.
- Optical Brighteners: These chemicals make clothes look whiter by sticking to the fabric. They can irritate sensitive pet skin.
- Harsh Solvents: Avoid strong chemical solvents used in heavy-duty human detergents. They are too aggressive for pet bedding.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The quality of a pet detergent depends on what it leaves behind and how much you need to use.
Quality Boosters
- Concentration: Highly concentrated detergents offer better value. You use less product per load but get strong cleaning power.
- Residue Testing: The best detergents rinse out completely. Leftover soap residue can attract more dirt or irritate your pet.
Quality Reducers
- Excessive Foaming: Too much foam means the soap does not rinse properly. This is especially true in HE machines.
- Masking Agents: If the product relies heavily on strong perfumes to cover smells, it is masking the problem instead of solving it. True quality means odor elimination.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use the detergent. This affects your daily routine.
Common Use Cases
- Bedding Washes: This is the most common use. You need a detergent that tackles deep-set dander and oil buildup.
- Toy Cleaning: Soft toys need gentle cleaning. A mild formula prevents fabric breakdown.
- Accident Cleanup: When accidents happen on washable rugs or clothing, the detergent must handle pet-specific stains quickly.
Ease of Use
Good detergents measure easily. They dissolve quickly in water, even in cold washes. Read user reviews to see if people find the product easy to handle and if it truly removes the “wet dog” smell from towels.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Pet Laundry Detergent
Q: Can I use regular laundry detergent for my pet’s things?
A: You can, but it is not ideal. Regular soaps often contain perfumes and chemicals that irritate your pet’s skin or fail to neutralize deep pet odors effectively.
Q: How often should I wash my dog’s bedding?
A: Aim to wash pet bedding at least once a week. If your pet sheds a lot or has allergies, wash it more often.
Q: Will pet detergent harm my washing machine?
A: No. Most modern pet detergents are designed to be safe for both standard and HE machines. Check the label to be sure.
Q: What makes pet detergent different from baby detergent?
A: Pet detergents focus heavily on breaking down biological odors (like urine and body oils) using specialized enzymes. Baby detergents focus more on being dye-free and mild for human skin.
Q: Do I need to use fabric softener with pet detergent?
A: It is usually best to skip fabric softener. Softeners can coat the fibers, trapping odors inside the fabric over time. The detergent should leave things soft enough on its own.
Q: What are enzymes in detergent?
A: Enzymes are natural proteins that act like scissors. They cut up the odor-causing molecules from pet messes, destroying the smell permanently.
Q: Can this detergent remove cat urine smell?
A: Yes, if the detergent contains strong enzymatic action. Enzymes are very effective against the ammonia found in urine.
Q: Is it okay if my pet touches bedding right after washing?
A: Yes. High-quality pet detergents leave behind no harsh residue, so it is safe for your pet to use their bedding immediately after drying.
Q: Should I use hot or cold water?
A: Check the garment care label first. Many pet items wash well in cold water, which saves energy. Enzyme cleaners work well even in cool water.
Q: How much detergent should I use for a heavily soiled load?
A: Always follow the instructions on the bottle. For very dirty items, you might use slightly more, but never overload the machine. Overloading prevents proper rinsing.