Does your home sometimes carry a certain… *eau de canine*? You love your furry friend, but the lingering doggy odor on their favorite blankets, your cozy sweaters, and even the couch can be a challenge. You’ve tried washing everything, but that faint, stubborn smell just won’t budge. It’s frustrating, isn’t it? You want your home to smell fresh and clean, not like a dog park!
Choosing the right laundry detergent to tackle dog smells can feel like a treasure hunt with no map. So many detergents claim to be “odor-fighting,” but which ones actually work? You don’t want to waste money on products that don’t deliver, or worse, use something that might be too harsh for your dog’s belongings or your family’s skin. It’s a common problem for pet parents, and finding a solution shouldn’t be another chore.
This post is here to help! We’ll break down what makes a laundry detergent effective against dog smells and guide you toward the best choices. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for to banish those doggy odors for good. Get ready to breathe easier and enjoy a fresher-smelling home!
Top Laundry 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
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
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
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
Gain + Odor Defense Liquid Laundry Detergent, Super Fresh Blast Scent, 107 Loads, HE Compatible Washing Soap (Packaging May Vary)
- SCENT ADVENTURE: Formula designed to take your nose on a scent focused adventure with Super Fresh Blast fragrance
- 3 IN 1 PERFORMANCE: Liquid detergent made to help eliminate tough odors in wear while providing a strong clean and lasting scent
- MATCHES PLUS ODOR DEFENSE LINE: Liquid laundry detergent that matches with other Gain Plus Odor Defense products for one coordinated scent
- UNIVERSAL MACHINE USE: Washing detergent that works in many machines and water temperatures when used as directed
- SAFE ON ALL FABRICS: Laundry soap that is safe for use on all fabric types according to the label instructions
No. 6
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. 7
ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean with Odor Blasters Liquid Laundry Detergent, Laundry Odor Remover, Attacks Stains, Fresh Burst Scent, 74 Loads, 96.2 Fl Oz
- Removes tough odors: 96.2 fl oz bottle of ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean with Odor Blasters Liquid Laundry Detergent in a Fresh Burst Scent
- 3X odor power: Concentrated with 3X odor fighters in every load (vs. leading value detergent) for fresh, clean laundry
- Fights tough odors: Powered by Odor Blasters, this liquid detergent tackles tough odors like pet odors, damp clothes, sweat, musty towels, and body odor
- Triple power action: Powered by OxiClean, this dermatologist-tested detergent fights tough odors, boosts lasting freshness, and blasts away stains
- TRUSTED CLEAN: ARM & HAMMER is the #1 liquid laundry detergent brand (based on total wash loads sold, L52W ending 1/08/26)
No. 8
OxiClean Odor Blasters Versatile Odor and Laundry Stain Remover Powder, 5 lb
- 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
- Tough on stains yet gentle on fabric, this chlorine-free, color-safe, fabric stain remover formula removes odors and stains to help keep the clothes you love look newer, longer
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Tackling Dog Odors in Your Laundry
Is your dog a beloved member of the family, but their signature scent clinging to your clothes a bit too much? Don’t worry! Finding the right laundry detergent can make a huge difference. This guide will help you choose the best detergent to banish dog smells and keep your laundry smelling fresh.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for dog odor-fighting laundry detergent, keep these important features in mind:
- Odor Eliminators: Look for detergents that specifically mention “odor eliminators” or “odor neutralizers.” These ingredients actively break down the molecules causing the smell, rather than just masking them with fragrance.
- Enzyme Power: Enzymes are tiny helpers that break down organic matter. Dog smells often come from oils, proteins, and other organic stuff. Detergents with enzymes are excellent at getting rid of these stubborn odors.
- Pet-Specific Formulas: Some brands create detergents designed just for pet messes. These often have stronger odor-fighting capabilities tailored to pet-related smells.
- Hypoallergenic Options: If you or your family members have sensitive skin, a hypoallergenic detergent is a good choice. It means the detergent is less likely to cause irritation.
- Fragrance Options: While odor eliminators are key, you can also choose between unscented or lightly scented options. Some people prefer a clean, neutral smell, while others like a subtle hint of freshness.
Important Materials and Ingredients
Understanding what’s inside your detergent helps you make a smart choice.
- Surfactants: These are the cleaning agents that lift dirt and oils from fabrics. They are essential for any detergent.
- Enzymes (Amylase, Protease, Lipase): As mentioned before, these are powerful. Amylase breaks down starches, protease tackles proteins (like those in dander), and lipase breaks down fats and oils.
- Odor Neutralizers: Ingredients like baking soda or activated charcoal can absorb and neutralize odors. Some detergents use specialized chemical compounds for this.
- Builders: These help the surfactants work better, especially in hard water.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all dog odor detergents are created equal. Here’s what makes a difference:
- Concentration: Highly concentrated detergents often mean you need less product per load, which can be more effective and economical.
- Formulation: A well-balanced formula with effective odor-fighting ingredients will work better than one that relies heavily on masking fragrances.
- Water Temperature: Hot water generally helps detergents work more effectively, especially with tough stains and odors. Always check the garment’s care label.
- Pre-treatment: For really stubborn smells, pre-treating the fabric with an enzyme-based stain remover or soaking the item before washing can significantly improve results.
- Overuse of Fragrance: Detergents that rely solely on strong perfumes might just cover up the smell temporarily. The odor can return once the fragrance fades.
User Experience and Use Cases
How do people actually use these detergents, and what are they good for?
- Everyday Laundry: Use it for your dog’s bedding, blankets, towels, and even your own clothes that might have picked up a doggy scent from cuddling.
- Accident Cleanup: It’s a lifesaver for accidents like muddy paw prints, slobber, or even pet-related messes.
- Sensitive Skin: Many users with sensitive skin find pet-specific, hypoallergenic formulas to be gentle yet effective.
- Multi-Pet Households: If you have multiple furry friends, a powerful odor-eliminating detergent is essential for keeping your home smelling fresh.
- Air Freshener Alternative: Instead of using sprays, washing items with a good odor-fighting detergent is a more permanent solution to pet smells.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What makes dog smell different from regular laundry smells?
A: Dog smells come from oils on their skin and fur, plus things they pick up from outside. These smells can be stronger and stickier than regular dirt.
Q: Can I use regular detergent for dog smells?
A: Regular detergent might help a little, but it often just covers up the smell. Special dog odor detergents have ingredients that break down the smell instead of just hiding it.
Q: How do enzyme detergents work on dog smells?
A: Enzymes are like tiny cleaners. They eat away at the stuff that causes dog smells, like oils and dander. This gets rid of the smell completely.
Q: Are there any detergents that are good for sensitive skin and dog smells?
A: Yes! Look for “hypoallergenic” and “gentle” on the label. These are made to be mild but still fight tough odors.
Q: Should I wash dog items separately from my own clothes?
A: It’s a good idea to wash pet items separately, especially if the smell is strong. This helps keep your clothes from picking up the odor.
Q: How much detergent should I use for heavily soiled items?
A: Always follow the instructions on the detergent bottle. For tough smells, you might need to use a little more or do a pre-soak.
Q: Will a scented detergent hide dog smells better?
A: A strong scent might hide the smell for a short time. But a detergent with good odor eliminators will actually get rid of the smell, so you don’t need as much perfume.
Q: Can I use these detergents in a high-efficiency (HE) washing machine?
A: Yes, most detergents made for HE machines are clearly labeled. They use less water but are still effective.
Q: How long does it take for dog smells to go away after washing?
A: If you use a good odor-fighting detergent and follow the washing instructions, the smell should be gone after one wash. For very strong smells, a second wash or pre-soak might be needed.
Q: Are there any natural ingredients that help with dog odors in laundry?
A: Some natural options like baking soda can help absorb odors. Many effective detergents also use plant-derived enzymes.