Does your home still smell like your beloved pet even after a wash cycle? You love your furry friends, but their lingering odors on bedding, toys, and clothes can be frustrating. Standard laundry detergents often mask these smells temporarily, only for the scent to return later. It feels like you are stuck in a never-ending battle against pet odors.
Choosing the right detergent for pet odors is tricky. You worry about harsh chemicals irritating your pet’s skin, or products that simply don’t work. Finding a solution that cleans deeply and safely removes those stubborn smells is the real challenge. You need something effective, reliable, and safe for your whole family.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down what makes a detergent truly effective against pet smells. Learn what ingredients to look for, what pitfalls to avoid, and how to finally achieve a truly fresh-smelling home. Keep reading to discover the best strategies for tackling tough pet odors in your laundry room.
Top Detergent For Pet Odors Recommendations
No. 1
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. 2
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. 3
Skout's Honor Laundry Booster Stain & Odor Removal Additive - Plant-Powered Formula for Pet Bedding, Clothing, and Washable Pee Pads - Eco-Friendly & Cruelty-Free, 32 oz
- Powerful Pet Stain and Odor Remover - best laundry booster for pet odors, remove dog smell from laundry, safe laundry additive for pets. Effectively removes pet stains and odors from bedding, clothing, washable pee pads, and more.
- Professional Strength - Skout's Honor Laundry Booster offers professional-grade cleaning power, providing deep cleaning to tackle even the toughest pet stains and odors. Non-toxic - No Added Fragrance
- Plant-Powered Cleaner - 3X concentrated formula breaks down odor molecules and lifts away stains, ensuring a clean and fresh environment. Enhances your regular detergent - simply add to each load (HE-washer compatible, up to 32 loads)
- Eco-Friendly and Cruelty-Free - Never tested on animals - Manufactured under the California Green Chemistry Initiative, making it safe for pets, family, and home when used as directed
- Paw Pledge - Together with their customers, Skout's Honor provides a day's worth of food to an animal in need, with every product sold (Buy a Bottle, Feed an Animal).
No. 4
Odorcide Laundry Odor Eliminator Concentrate – Pet Odor Eliminator for Strong Odors – Pet Smell & Urine Odor Eliminator for Clothes – Laundry Odor Neutralizer w/Safe, Non-Enzymatic Formula (32 oz)
- Use what Your Vet Uses: Thornell is an excellent provider of pet odor eliminator for home and laundry products to the veterinary industry in North America. Use what the pros use! This powerful dog and cat odor eliminator concentrate for laundry can be used safely on towels, bedding, blankets, clothing, and all other machine-washable items.
- Tough on Strong Odors: Use this pet odor remover laundry concentrate to permanently and immediately remove odors from the first application, saving you time and money. This concentrated laundry deodorizer for clothes penetrates the source of the odor whereas other pet deodorizers for home and laundry only treat surface problems.
- Easy to Use & Cost Efficient: Add L.O.E. animal odor eliminator clothes additive to the pre-soak or auto-soak cycle, or directly with the detergent. For moderate odors, use only ½ oz per load. Our 32 oz bottle of dog and cat smell eliminator is good for 64 loads of laundry!
- Not an Enzyme, Not a Mask: Our pet smell odor eliminator concentrate features a unique non-enzymatic formula that works regardless of what application you have used before. Odorcide L.O.E works where other odor absorbers for home laundry products haven’t and won’t.
- Safe for Small Pets & Children: No need to fear, pets and children can safely be around anything treated with L.O.E. pet smell and cat urine odor eliminator immediately after use. Our concentrated deodorizer odor eliminator is non-toxic, non-irritating, non-carcinogenic, and biodegradable.
No. 5
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. 6
Bark2Basics Dog-Off Laundry Liquid Detergent, 1 Gallon - 128 Loads, Dog Friendly, Eliminates Pet Odors and Stains from Clothes, Towels, and Apparel, Ideal for Grooming Salons, Kennels, and More
- Get the dog off with DOGOFF! You’re probably thinking: Wow. Another laundry detergent option to choose from. But we’ve made the choice so simple, a dog could sniff out the awesomeness.
- Pet Safe - 100% safe for washing items such as towels, clothes, bedding, and more belonging to dogs, cats, and other pets.
- Naturally Derived, High-Powered Ingredients - Everything we use in our formulas is derived from nature. With super concentrated, biodegradable formulas, you can rest assured that you're using a product not only good for your doggo but also for the environment.
- Made by Grooming Supply Experts - We've been making products for the grooming industry for over 23 years, so we know a thing or two about high-quality pet products that perform. In fact, this professional-grade product was created with the grooming industry in mind!
- 1 oz = 128 loads! (Please note this product does not come with a scoop/cup)
No. 7
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.
No. 8
FunkAway Laundry Detergent Booster, 32 oz., Eliminates Extreme Trapped-In Odors and Stains from Activewear, Sports Uniforms, Pet Bedding, Towels and Bed Linens
- 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 Efficiency (HE) washing machines
- LIVE A FUNK‑FREE LIFE: Discover our complete collection of odor eliminators, including room freshener, smoke smell eliminator for home, and automotive air fresheners that help control odors in all parts of your life
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Eliminating Pet Odors for Good
Pets bring joy, but they also bring smells! From muddy paws to accident surprises, pet odors can linger. Choosing the right detergent makes all the difference. This guide helps you find the best cleaner for your furry friend’s messes.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, focus on what the detergent promises to do. A great pet odor detergent does more than just mask smells.
1. Enzyme Technology
- Why it matters: Enzymes are tiny helpers. They eat up the odor-causing bacteria, not just cover them up. Look for products listing “enzymatic action.”
- What it does: These break down proteins from urine, feces, and vomit.
2. Scent Profile
- Strong vs. Light: Some people want a powerful, clean scent. Others prefer unscented or very light citrus/herbal smells.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Very strong perfumes can irritate sensitive pets (and people).
3. Surface Compatibility
- Check the label! Does it work on carpets, upholstery, hard floors, or just laundry? Versatility is a bonus.
Important Ingredients and Materials
What’s inside the bottle truly matters for safety and effectiveness.
Safe and Effective Ingredients
- Enzymes (Protease, Amylase, Lipase): These are the workhorses for breaking down organic stains and smells.
- Oxygen Bleaches (Safe versions): These help lift color stains without damaging most fabrics like chlorine bleach does.
- Natural Deodorizers: Ingredients like baking soda or activated charcoal can help absorb bad smells naturally.
Ingredients to Be Wary Of
- Ammonia: Never use ammonia-based cleaners on pet accidents. Ammonia smells like urine to pets, which encourages them to mark the spot again.
- Phenols: These chemicals can be toxic to cats and dogs, even in small amounts.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all odor removers perform the same way. Quality depends on how well the product handles tough, set-in smells.
What Boosts Quality?
- Longer Contact Time: The best products need time to work. If the instructions say to let it soak for 15 minutes, follow that! Deep penetration equals better results.
- Concentration: Highly concentrated formulas usually mean you get more cleaning power per drop.
What Lowers Quality?
- Masking Agents: If a product relies only on heavy perfume, the odor will return once the perfume fades. This is a low-quality fix.
- Fast Evaporation: If the cleaner dries too quickly, the enzymes do not have enough time to fully eliminate the odor source.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about when and where you will use the product most often.
Everyday Cleaning vs. Emergency Cleanup
- Laundry Detergent Add-In: If you wash pet bedding frequently, look for an enzyme additive that mixes right into your washing machine cycle. This keeps bedding fresh.
- Spot Treatment Sprays: For accidents, you need a fast-acting spray. These should be easy to grab and use immediately. Good sprays soak in well and don’t leave sticky residue.
Ease of Use
A good detergent should be simple. You should not need special gloves or ventilation for standard use. If the bottle is hard to open or the measuring cup is messy, your experience will be frustrating.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Pet Odor Detergents
Q: How fast should I use a pet odor cleaner after an accident?
A: Use it immediately! The sooner you treat the spot, the easier it is to remove the odor completely before it sinks deep into the padding or wood underneath.
Q: Can I use regular laundry detergent for pet bedding?
A: Regular detergent cleans dirt, but it often fails to destroy the odor-causing bacteria. You should add an enzymatic booster or use a detergent specifically designed for pet odors.
Q: Are enzyme cleaners safe for my septic tank?
A: Most modern, high-quality enzyme cleaners are safe for septic systems because the enzymes are natural and break down organic matter.
Q: Will these cleaners remove tough cat urine smell?
A: Yes, cat urine is very strong due to its uric acid crystals. You must use a product containing strong enzymes specifically designed to break down those uric acid crystals for total success.
Q: How long does the odor removal usually last?
A: If the product works correctly by destroying the source, the smell should be gone permanently. If it returns, the source material was not fully treated.
Q: Do I need to scrub really hard?
A: Scrubbing helps bring the cleaner into the stain, but the chemical action of the enzymes does the heavy lifting. Gentle blotting or light brushing is often enough.
Q: Can I use these on hardwood floors?
A: Yes, many are safe for sealed hard floors, but always test a small, hidden area first. Avoid letting any liquid pool for too long on wood surfaces.
Q: Are “natural” odor removers better than chemical ones?
A: Not always. “Natural” often means plant-based enzymes, which can be very effective. However, some strong chemical formulas (like those with strong oxidizers) may be needed for very old, deep stains.
Q: What if the smell is coming from my dog’s breath?
A: Detergents are for surfaces and laundry, not for internal use. Bad breath usually needs a vet check-up or special dental chews.
Q: Do these products help with dog smell on furniture fabric?
A: Absolutely. Fabric absorbs dog dander and body oils, causing a general musty smell. A fabric-safe spray or laundry additive will refresh the upholstery.