Does your furry friend leave behind a certain… aroma? You love your dog, but sometimes their natural scent can linger on your favorite blankets, their beds, and even your clothes. It’s a common problem for dog owners, and finding a detergent that truly tackles that distinct “dog smell” can feel like a never-ending quest.
You’ve probably tried a few different detergents already. Maybe some made things smell okay for a little while, but the dog smell always seemed to creep back. Or perhaps you worried about using harsh chemicals that might irritate your dog’s skin or your family’s lungs. It’s frustrating to spend money on products that don’t work or raise other concerns.
This post is here to help! We’ll break down what to look for in a detergent that’s tough on dog smells but gentle where it counts. You’ll learn how to choose the best options so you can enjoy a fresh-smelling home and a clean, happy pet. Get ready to say goodbye to stubborn dog odors for good!
Top Detergent For Dog Smell 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
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. 3
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. 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
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. 6
Poochie Suds Pet Laundry Detergent, Enzyme Cleaner and Odor Remover, Hypoallergenic and Fragrance-Free Pet Safe Detergent for Dog and Cat Bedding, Blankets, Toys and Gear, Made in USA, 16 fl oz
- Cleans & Deodorizes What Your Pet Loves Most: Uses naturally derived enzymes to help break down the messy stuff like drool, oils, and food stains on your pet’s favorite blankets, beds, and soft toys
- Odor Remover: Fragrance-free formula helps neutralize and eliminate dog and cat odors at the source, instead of masking them with synthetic scents like many conventional detergents
- Kind to Sensitive Skin: Hypoallergenic and made without dyes, added scents, phthalates, or sulfates; just a gentle clean you can feel good about using around allergy-prone pets and people
- Made Thoughtfully, Close to Home: Made in the USA with carefully chosen ingredients and packaged in a recyclable bottle; never tested on animals
- Concentrated Formula: Lasts up to 32 loads with no booster needed; use two capfuls for regular laundry or four capfuls for larger or heavily soiled loads; for deep stains or heavy messes, a separate pre-soak treatment may be helpful; to sanitize, follow your washer's sanitize cycle settings
No. 7
Katziela Enzyme Based Powder Laundry Detergent for Cat Pee, Deodorizer, Urine, Dogs Beds, Pee Pads, Dog Drool, Stain Eliminator 64 Loads
- DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR PET LAUNDRY Regular detergents aren’t made for pet messes. Katziela Pet Laundry Detergent is formulated to target urine residue, drool, body oils, feces stains, and fabric buildup commonly found in dog beds, cat blankets, reusable pee pads, and crate mats.
- ENZYME-BASED ODOR BREAKDOWN — NOT PERFUME COVER-UP Natural bio-enzymes work to break down the organic source of odors instead of masking smells with heavy fragrance. Leaves fabrics truly clean and fresh without overpowering scents.
- OXYGEN-POWERED STAIN LIFTING Blended with oxygen-based cleaning power to help lift deep-set stains and discoloration caused by accidents, saliva, and everyday pet use — while remaining safe for washable pet fabrics.
- HE & STANDARD WASHER SAFE Fully dissolving powder formula works in both HE and traditional washing machines. Rinses clean without leaving sticky residue that can trap future odors or irritate sensitive pets.
- CONCENTRATED — UP TO 64 LOADS High-efficiency concentrated formula means you use less per wash. Ideal for frequent pet laundry routines, including beds, blankets, washable pee pads, car seat covers, and everyday household fabrics.
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.
Banish Doggy Odors: Your Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Detergent
Does your furry friend bring a certain… aroma into your home? Don’t worry, it’s a common dog owner problem! Luckily, there are special detergents designed to tackle those stubborn dog smells from your pet’s bedding, toys, and even your clothes. This guide will help you find the perfect solution.
What to Look For in a Dog Smell Detergent
When you’re shopping, keep these key features in mind:
Powerful Odor Eliminators
- Enzymes: These tiny helpers are the superheroes of odor removal. They break down the smelly molecules left behind by your dog, rather than just masking the scent. Look for detergents that specifically mention “enzymatic cleaners.”
- Odor Neutralizers: Some detergents use ingredients that chemically change odor molecules, making them disappear. This is another effective way to get rid of smells.
Pet-Safe Ingredients
- Hypoallergenic: If your dog has sensitive skin, a hypoallergenic detergent is a must. It means fewer harsh chemicals that could cause irritation.
- Free of Harsh Chemicals: Avoid detergents with strong perfumes, dyes, or phosphates. These can be irritating to both your dog and your family.
Fabric Compatibility
- Gentle on Fabrics: You want a detergent that cleans effectively without damaging your dog’s bedding, blankets, or your clothing. Check if it’s safe for delicates, colors, or specific materials.
Important Materials and What They Do
Understanding the ingredients helps you make a smart choice.
Enzymes: The Odor Destroyers
- These are natural proteins. Different enzymes target different types of organic matter. For dog smells, you’ll often find proteases (break down proteins), lipases (break down fats), and amylases (break down starches).
Surfactants: The Cleaning Powerhouses
- These are the ingredients that lift dirt and grime away from fabrics. They help the detergent work its magic.
Odor Absorbers
- Some detergents include ingredients like activated charcoal or baking soda. These materials trap odor molecules.
Factors That Make a Detergent Great (or Not So Great)
Quality can vary. Here’s what to watch out for.
What Makes a Detergent High Quality:
- Effective Odor Removal: Does it truly get rid of the smell, or just cover it up?
- Gentle Formulation: Is it safe for pets and sensitive skin?
- Concentrated Formulas: A little often goes a long way, saving you money.
- Good Reviews: What do other dog owners say about its performance?
What Can Reduce Quality:
- Overpowering Fragrances: These can mask odors temporarily but don’t solve the problem. They can also be irritating.
- Harsh Chemicals: These can damage fabrics and harm your pet.
- Weak Enzyme Action: If the enzymes aren’t strong enough, they won’t break down the odors effectively.
User Experience and When to Use It
Think about how you’ll use the detergent and what situations it’s best for.
Everyday Cleaning
- Use it regularly for your dog’s bedding, blankets, and washable toys. This prevents smells from building up.
Accident Cleanup
- Accidents happen! These detergents are great for washing out urine or other messes from fabrics.
Freshening Up
- Even if there isn’t a major mess, a wash with a dog-specific detergent can make everything smell fresh again.
Clothing and Upholstery
- Some detergents can be used on your own clothes or even for spot cleaning upholstery that your dog might have rested on. Always test in an inconspicuous area first.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dog Smell Detergents
Q: What makes dog smells so hard to get rid of?
A: Dog smells come from organic matter like oils from their skin, saliva, and accidents. These can cling to fabrics.
Q: Are enzyme-based detergents better for dog smells?
A: Yes, enzymes break down the odor-causing molecules, which is more effective than just masking them.
Q: Can I use regular laundry detergent for dog items?
A: Regular detergent might clean, but it often doesn’t fully eliminate tough dog odors. It can also be too harsh for some dog bedding.
Q: How often should I wash my dog’s bedding?
A: It’s best to wash it at least once a week, or more often if your dog has accidents or spends a lot of time outside.
Q: Will these detergents irritate my dog’s skin?
A: Look for hypoallergenic and fragrance-free options. These are generally safe for sensitive pets.
Q: Can I use these detergents on my own clothes?
A: Many are safe for regular laundry. They can help remove lingering dog smells from your clothes.
Q: What if my dog has allergies?
A: Choose detergents that are specifically labeled as hypoallergenic and free of common allergens and harsh perfumes.
Q: How should I store dog smell detergent?
A: Store it in a cool, dry place, away from children and pets, just like any other cleaning product.
Q: Can these detergents remove stains too?
A: Some do have stain-fighting abilities, but their primary job is odor removal. For tough stains, you might need a pre-treatment.
Q: Where can I buy these special detergents?
A: You can find them at most pet stores, major supermarkets, and online retailers.