Best Laundry Detergent for Pet Odor

There are many amazing benefits to owning pets, but there are also a few downfalls.

Perhaps one of the biggest obstacles we can encounter as dog owners is when our pup’s natural smell starts to become a bit too strong for our liking.

While regular grooming and bathing your dog can certainly help to cut down on any potential odors, sometimes pet smells can be difficult to get rid of completely.

Investing in a good laundry detergent is a great way to combat pet odor in your dog’s bedding and even on your own sheets and clothes.

Below are our best picks.

Best Laundry Detergent for Pet Odor

1. Defunkify Active Wash Laundry Detergent

This laundry detergent is made from eco-friendly, plant-based enzymes which are approved by the EPA Safer Choice Program.

While it’s specifically made for athletic wear, its superior ability to lift away dirt and strong odors means it also works well for removing pet smells.

Free from any kind of phosphates, dyes, chlorine, and artificial fragrances, you don’t have to worry about you or your dog having an adverse reaction to it.

Also, the product is safe for all machines, creates minimal mess while you’re using it and there’s very little measuring involved, as one small scoop does a full load.

2. Fresh Wave Odor Removing Laundry Booster

This laundry booster is reputed to fight stubborn odors, however, there are no harsh chemicals used – only all-natural, plant-based ingredients.

The biodegradable plant extracts from cedar, pine needle, lime, and clove remove smells from blankets, towels, pet bedding, and other fabrics rather than simply masking them over.

It’s also suitable for high-efficiency machines and an excellent deodorizer for carpets and area rugs.

Made with the environment in mind, the product is completely recyclable and non-toxic, which means it’s safe for use with both pets and children.

Just keep in mind that if you’re not into ‘Pine-sol smell’, then this is probably not for you.

3. LaundraPet Premium Laundry Detergent

Designed specifically for pets and vet offices, this laundry detergent provides you with a great value, as one bottle is able to tackle up to 96 loads of laundry.

Compatible both with high efficiency and regular washing machines, the triple formula not only removes pet odors but also gets rid of even the heaviest soils and stains.

This makes it a perfect option for dog beds, dog blankets, and washable pee pads.

The product comes with a money-back guarantee, and as an added bonus, it meets EPA (Environment Protection Authority) standards, so you can be sure you’re making a good choice for the planet as well.

The only problem is that it has a strong smell.

4. Nature’s Miracle Laundry Boost

You can use this laundry booster in addition to your regular detergent, or put it directly on fabrics as a spot pre-treatment for removing particularly difficult stains and odors.

It utilizes a bio-enzymatic formula that attaches to the source of the smell, whisking it away and leaving a clean, fresh scent behind.

Additionally, the product comes in a handy 32 fluid-ounce container and requires just a quarter of a cup per load. And the best thing is, it’s also effective in cold temperatures.

That said, while it doesn’t contain any potentially harmful phosphates, unfortunately, it does contain parabens.

5. Out ProWash Workwear Odor Eliminator Detergent

You might love this laundry detergent for its ability to get deeply rooted smells out of your own clothing and activewear, but you’ll be surprised how well it works on your dog’s laundry, too.

It’s safe for use on all kinds of fabrics and in both regular and high-efficiency washers. Plus, it quickly removes dirt and even the deepest-seated stains caused by pets, food, cosmetics, etc.

Lightly scented and without phosphates, you can use the product alone as a detergent or as a booster, and while it’s relatively small in size, it’s also very reasonably priced.

6. Rockin’ Green Active Wear Laundry Detergent

This high-performance laundry detergent has a specialized filth fighter enzyme blend made from plant-based ingredients.

It penetrates deep down into fabrics of any kind to permeate and completely remove stains and odors, so the material is left clean, residue-free, and deodorized.

Created with no parabens, dyes, or artificial fragrance, it contains tea tree oil – an all-natural ingredient that’s well known for its ability to clean and sanitize.

Although it’s not ideal for sensitive skin.

The product is compatible with all washing machines (high efficiency included) and is eco-friendly as well. For best results, make sure to follow the instructions on the back.

7. Skout’s Honor Professional Strength Laundry Booster

BEST PICK

This triple concentrated laundry booster gets rid of hard-to-combat pet odors, like urine, feces, and vomit, and is safe for most fabrics and all washing machines.

It features a proprietary green surfactant (named BioKore) to eliminate tough stains, while the deodorizer singles out and destroys bad smells at their source.

Furthermore, it has a very light lemon scent and it uses non-toxic, biodegradable ingredients instead of hydrogen peroxide and other potentially harmful additives.

Boasting a money-back guarantee, it’s also worth mentioning that the product comes with Skout’s Paw Pledge, which means each bottle sold provides an entire day worth of food for a needy animal.

8. Sport Suds Sport Detergent

This laundry detergent is made with natural ingredients that are hypoallergenic and non-toxic, so you won’t find any bleach, dyes, phosphates, sulfates, or perfumes in it.

Designed for high efficiency and front-loading washing machines, it works by breaking up and washing away lingering smells and can be used on everything from workout clothes to dog mats.

There’s also no gunky buildup or residue leftover afterward, which minimizes the chances of it causing irritation to the skin.

The product comes in a foldable zippered pouch, therefore making it ideal for slipping into your bag or carry-on. But it only does up to 40 full loads of laundry.

9. Sweat X Sport Extreme Laundry Detergent

One of the best products to eliminate persistent odors from gym clothing and other activewear, this concentrated laundry detergent is also perfect for tackling pet smells.

Using NANOVASIVE technology, it scrubs away body oils, sweat, and hard-to-lose pet stains that are built up over time without causing damage to fabrics.

It’s also compatible with all types of washing machines, including high-efficiency models.

The product is non-toxic and biodegradable and there are no dyes or harsh perfumes, so it’s not only good for the environment, but for everyone in the house.

My only complaint is that it has a watery consistency.

10. Zero Odor Laundry Odor Eliminator

This laundry detergent uses patented molecular technology to get rid of stubborn pet odors, without masking or covering them up with fragrances or perfumes.

Not only does it leave your dog’s bedding, as well as your own clothes smelling great, but it also helps to clean and deodorize your washing machine each time you use it.

Safe for normal and high-efficiency washing machines, the product contains non-toxic, biodegradable ingredients and works well for almost every fabric.

Unfortunately, the label doesn’t state the name of the preservative and colorant.

What to Look for in a Laundry Detergent for Pet Odor?

Effectiveness: Ideally, look for a product that’s specifically geared towards pets, but most detergents that are meant for activewear will work well.

You want something that will attack the odor at its source and completely get rid of it rather than something full of artificial fragrances that will simply cover up the smell.

Safety: Laundry detergent can be harsh and irritating to your dog’s skin.

Find something made from natural, plant-based ingredients that’s free from bleach, parabens, hydrogen peroxide, or brighteners.

Compatibility: Be sure the laundry detergent you select will work with the kind of washing machine you’ll be using.

While it’s okay to use high-efficiency laundry detergent in a regular washing machine, using regular detergents in a high-efficiency washer is not recommended.

What Can I Do If My Laundry Still Smells?

Laundry detergents are used to remove stains and odors from fabrics, and if you’re willing to select the best products, these might work well on their own.

Laundry boosters are a more concentrated formula that’s used in addition to detergent in order to add extra power to the load.

However, you can also use some natural products to help freshen up your laundry.

These include baking soda, which is a natural odor absorber, and white vinegar, which also works to lock onto and whisk away unpleasant smells.

There are harsher, more chemical-based alternatives you can try, such as borax, but these are not advisable for anything that will come in close contact with your pet’s skin.