Does your clean laundry still carry a faint, unwelcome reminder of your furry best friend? You wash their bedding, their favorite toys, even your own blankets they sneak onto, but that distinct “dog smell” seems to cling stubbornly to the fibers. It’s frustrating when you want that fresh, clean scent, but instead, you’re left battling lingering odors that just won’t quit.
Choosing the right detergent for pet odors is tricky. Many standard cleaners just mask the smell temporarily, or worse, they contain harsh chemicals that might irritate your dog’s sensitive skin. You need a solution that truly eliminates the source of the odor without harming your pup or your fabrics. This is where specialized formulas come into play.
In this guide, we break down exactly what makes a detergent effective against tough pet smells. We will explore the best ingredients to look for, what to avoid, and how to wash pet items correctly for lasting freshness. Keep reading to finally conquer that dog smell and enjoy truly clean laundry!
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
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
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. 4
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. 5
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. 6
Good Natured Brand | Pet Stain & Odor Remover for Laundry | Pet Laundry Detergent for Dogs Beds, Cat Pee, Smell, Dog Drool | Hypoallergenic & Non-Toxic | Peppermint | 47oz 94 Loads
- Powerful Pet Stain & Odor Remover - Say goodbye to stubborn pet messes! From urine and drool to lingering odors, our Pet Laundry Detergent tackles it all. Working at a molecular level, it effectively removes stains and ensures your clothes and pet supplies are deeply cleaned and refreshed.
- Motherly Care for Sensitive Paws & Skin - Keep your pet’s skin calm and comfortable with our natural Pet Laundry Detergent. Designed to prevent irritation from harsh chemicals, this free and clear laundry detergent ensures their bedding and blankets stay clean, soft, and safe for sensitive paws, making it ideal for cozy snuggles.
- The Go-To Detergent for All Pet Supplies - Good Natured Brand Pet Laundry Detergent is a must-have for any pet parent. It’s ideal for cleaning bedding, blankets, and toys, effortlessly dissolving in any washing machine—whether standard or HE models. Experience hassle-free, effective cleaning every time.
- Concentrated Cleaning Power in Every Box - Enjoy more value with less product! Our concentrated laundry soap provides up to 94 loads per box, giving you incredible long-lasting performance. With fewer purchases and more savings, it's the smart choice for busy pet households.
- Eco-Friendly & Biodegradable - Choose sustainability with our biodegradable powder laundry detergent, made in the USA. Offering a powerful alternative to chemically harsh products, it’s the responsible option for your cleaning supplies. Join us in fostering a cleaner, greener planet, one load at a time.
No. 7
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. 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 for Dog Smell Detergents
Does your furry friend bring home the funk? Dog odors can linger on bedding, toys, and even your favorite couch. Choosing the right detergent is key to winning the battle against stubborn pet smells. This guide helps you pick the best cleaner for a fresh-smelling home.
Key Features to Look For
The best dog odor detergents offer more than just a nice scent. Look for these important features:
- Enzymatic Action: This is the most crucial feature. Enzymes are tiny “cleaners” that eat away the odor-causing bacteria. They destroy the smell at its source, unlike perfumes that just cover it up.
- Odor Neutralization: Good formulas don’t mask odors; they neutralize them. Check labels for terms like “odor eliminator” or “neutralizing technology.”
- Fabric Safety: Ensure the detergent works well with your fabrics. If you wash dog beds often, you need something safe for heavy-duty materials but gentle enough not to damage synthetic fibers or fleece.
- Concentration: Highly concentrated formulas mean you use less product per load, saving you money over time.
Important Materials and Ingredients
What’s inside the bottle matters greatly for effectiveness and safety.
What to Seek Out:
- Enzymes: Look for specific enzyme types like protease, amylase, or lipase. These target different types of organic matter (like drool or grease).
- Plant-Based Surfactants: These are the cleaning agents derived from plants. They lift dirt and oil effectively.
What to Avoid:
- Harsh Chemicals: Avoid products listing high amounts of chlorine bleach or ammonia. These chemicals can damage fabrics and irritate your dog’s skin if residues remain.
- Heavy Perfumes: Overpowering artificial fragrances often signal that the product is only masking the smell. Strong perfumes can also bother sensitive dogs.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Product quality directly impacts how well you eliminate that wet dog smell. High-quality detergents offer long-lasting results.
Quality Boosters:
- Deep Penetration: The best detergents penetrate deep into the fibers of blankets or kennel pads where odor molecules hide.
- Residue-Free Rinse: A high-quality formula rinses completely clean. Leftover detergent residue can sometimes attract more dirt or irritate your pet.
Quality Reducers:
- Fragrance Overload: If a product relies too heavily on strong perfumes, the odor will likely return quickly after the scent fades.
- Low Enzyme Count: If the formula uses only basic soap without specialized enzymes, it will only clean the visible dirt, leaving the smell behind.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the detergent affects your final results. Consider how often you need to wash pet items.
Common Use Cases:
- Bedding Washing: Use the enzyme detergent for weekly washes of dog beds and blankets. Always use the hottest water setting the fabric allows for maximum enzyme activation.
- Accident Cleanup: For accidents on clothing or rugs, pre-soaking the area in a diluted solution of the detergent can help break down the stain and smell before the main wash cycle.
- Toy Sanitizing: Use a milder concentration for cleaning durable dog toys that can be tossed in the machine.
A good user experience means the product works well without requiring extra steps. Look for detergents that work effectively in both standard and High-Efficiency (HE) washing machines. Always follow the dosage instructions. Too little won’t clean; too much won’t rinse out properly.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dog Smell Detergent
Q: Can I just use my regular laundry detergent?
A: Regular detergents often only mask pet odors with heavy perfumes. They usually lack the necessary enzymes to truly break down the organic matter causing the smell.
Q: Are enzyme detergents safe for my washing machine?
A: Yes. Most modern enzyme detergents are designed to be safe for all standard and HE washing machines. They work effectively even in cold water.
Q: Should I use fabric softener with pet odor detergent?
A: No. Fabric softeners coat fibers, which can lock in odors and reduce the effectiveness of the odor-eliminating enzymes in the detergent.
Q: How much detergent should I use for a very smelly dog bed?
A: Check the bottle, but generally, use one extra capful of the enzyme detergent compared to a normal load size when dealing with heavy pet odors.
Q: Will this detergent fade my dark-colored pet blankets?
A: High-quality enzyme detergents are usually color-safe. However, always test a small, hidden area first, especially if the item is very delicate.
Q: What if the smell doesn’t completely disappear after the first wash?
A: Re-wash the item immediately. For severe odors, try soaking the item in a bucket of water mixed with the detergent for 30 minutes before running a second full wash cycle.
Q: Do I need a special detergent for urine smells versus general dog smell?
A: While general odor detergents help, formulas specifically labeled for pet urine often contain specialized enzymes that target uric acid crystals, making them more effective for accidents.
Q: How long do the good odor-eliminating effects last?
A: When the odor-causing bacteria are destroyed by enzymes, the smell is gone for good. If the smell returns quickly, the original detergent might have only masked the odor.
Q: Can I use this detergent to clean my dog’s toys?
A: Yes, if the toys are machine washable. It helps remove slobber and dirt buildup that can cause odors.
Q: Are these specialized detergents more expensive?
A: They can cost slightly more upfront. However, because they clean more effectively, you might use them less frequently than standard detergents, often making them cost-effective in the long run.