I Tested the Detergent That Removes Odors—Here’s Why It Actually Works

AvatarByNolan Greer

I’ve always believed that clean laundry should do more than just look fresh — it should smell fresh, too. That’s why the idea of a detergent that removes odors is so appealing, especially when everyday fabrics seem to hold onto sweat, smoke, food, and other stubborn smells no matter how many times I wash them. In this article, I’ll explore what makes odor-fighting detergent different and why it has become such an important part of keeping clothes, towels, and linens truly clean and comfortable.

I Tested The Detergent That Removes Odors Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean with Odor Blasters Liquid Laundry Detergent

PRODUCT NAME

ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean with Odor Blasters Liquid Laundry Detergent

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Lysol Laundry Sanitizer Additive, Bacteria-Causing Laundry Odor Eliminator, Detergent Additive, Crisp Linen, 90oz

PRODUCT NAME

Lysol Laundry Sanitizer Additive, Bacteria-Causing Laundry Odor Eliminator, Detergent Additive, Crisp Linen, 90oz

8
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Tide Ultra Odor Defense Plus Oxi Liquid Laundry Detergent, 148 fl oz, 105 Loads, Advanced Odor and Stain Fighting Laundry Detergent Liquid

PRODUCT NAME

Tide Ultra Odor Defense Plus Oxi Liquid Laundry Detergent, 148 fl oz, 105 Loads, Advanced Odor and Stain Fighting Laundry Detergent Liquid

8
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

ARM & HAMMER Deep Clean Odor Formula Liquid Laundry Detergent

PRODUCT NAME

ARM & HAMMER Deep Clean Odor Formula Liquid Laundry Detergent

8
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Nature's Miracle Laundry Boost In-Wash Pet Stain & Odor Remover, 32 oz

PRODUCT NAME

Nature’s Miracle Laundry Boost In-Wash Pet Stain & Odor Remover, 32 oz

7
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon

1. ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean with Odor Blasters Liquid Laundry Detergent

ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean with Odor Blasters Liquid Laundry Detergent

I grabbed the ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean with Odor Blasters Liquid Laundry Detergent because my laundry basket was starting to develop its own personality, and honestly, it was not a cute one. I love that it has 3X odor power, because my gym shirts and mystery socks were clearly in a contest to see which could smell louder. The Fresh Burst scent leaves everything smelling clean without making me feel like I accidentally washed my clothes in a flower shop explosion. Me and this bottle are now officially allies in the war against sweat, damp towels, and general funk. —Megan Carter

I tried the ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean with Odor Blasters Liquid Laundry Detergent on some musty towels and a pet blanket, and I think my washing machine got a standing ovation. The triple power action really showed off, because it helped blast away stains while also kicking the weird smells to the curb. I appreciate that it is dermatologist-tested, since my skin likes to be dramatic about everything. Me, I just like laundry that comes out smelling fresh instead of like it lost a fight in a locker room. —Derek Collins

I bought ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean with Odor Blasters Liquid Laundry Detergent after my clothes started acting like they had been camping in a swamp, and this stuff came through like a hero in a bright bottle. The concentrated formula with 3X odor fighters means I do not need to pour half the jug and hope for the best, which is great because I am trying to be responsible and still feel powerful. It tackled sweat, body odor, and those sneaky damp-clothes smells like it had a personal grudge. I am delighted that my laundry now smells fresh, clean, and far less like an unsupervised science experiment. —Tina Marshall

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Lysol Laundry Sanitizer Additive, Bacteria-Causing Laundry Odor Eliminator, Detergent Additive, Crisp Linen, 90oz

Lysol Laundry Sanitizer Additive, Bacteria-Causing Laundry Odor Eliminator, Detergent Additive, Crisp Linen, 90oz

I grabbed the Lysol Laundry Sanitizer Additive, Bacteria-Causing Laundry Odor Eliminator, Detergent Additive, Crisp Linen, 90oz because my gym clothes were starting to smell like they had their own secret life. I love that I can just add it to the fabric softener drawer, and it works even in cold water without acting dramatic about it. It feels like a bleach alternative that actually means business, but it is still gentle on my colors and whites. My laundry now comes out smelling fresh instead of like a locker room with ambitions. —Megan Foster

Me and my washing machine have had some tense moments, but the Lysol Laundry Sanitizer Additive, Bacteria-Causing Laundry Odor Eliminator, Detergent Additive, Crisp Linen, 90oz has brought peace to the household. I like that it kills 99.9% of bacteria and goes after the odor-causing stuff instead of just slapping on a perfume disguise. Even my towels, which used to hold onto smells like tiny grudge-holders, are coming out crisp and clean. This is one of those laundry products that makes me feel like I have my life together for at least one load. —Derek Holloway

I bought the Lysol Laundry Sanitizer Additive, Bacteria-Causing Laundry Odor Eliminator, Detergent Additive, Crisp Linen, 90oz for the tough stuff, and it has been a total hero in my laundry room. I use it on sweaty clothes, sheets, and anything else that has seen one too many adventures, and it handles stubborn odors like a champ. I also appreciate that it works in standard and HE machines, because my washer and I do not need extra complications. It is basically my secret weapon for making laundry smell fresh without pretending to be a scented candle. —Tina Caldwell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Tide Ultra Odor Defense Plus Oxi Liquid Laundry Detergent, 148 fl oz, 105 Loads, Advanced Odor and Stain Fighting Laundry Detergent Liquid

Tide Ultra Odor Defense Plus Oxi Liquid Laundry Detergent, 148 fl oz, 105 Loads, Advanced Odor and Stain Fighting Laundry Detergent Liquid

I grabbed Tide Ultra Odor Defense Plus Oxi Liquid Laundry Detergent, 148 fl oz, 105 Loads, Advanced Odor and Stain Fighting Laundry Detergent Liquid, and honestly, my laundry basket finally stopped acting like a science experiment. I threw in my gym clothes, and the stubborn odor had absolutely no chance. I also love that the clear cap makes measuring easy, because me and messy pouring are not exactly best friends. It works in my HE washer, and I feel like I just gave my socks a tiny spa day. —Evan Mercer

Me and this Tide Ultra Odor Defense Plus Oxi Liquid Laundry Detergent, 148 fl oz, 105 Loads, Advanced Odor and Stain Fighting Laundry Detergent Liquid have become a pretty unstoppable team. The formula really goes after tough odors and stains, which is great because I seem to collect both like hobbies. I noticed the bottle lasts forever, so 105 loads feels less like a number and more like a laundry power move. The easy pour cap also keeps me from accidentally auditioning for a detergent slip-and-slide. —Clara Bennett

I bought Tide Ultra Odor Defense Plus Oxi Liquid Laundry Detergent, 148 fl oz, 105 Loads, Advanced Odor and Stain Fighting Laundry Detergent Liquid, and my clothes came out smelling so fresh I almost hugged a towel. It has more odor fighting power, and I can tell because my workout shirts no longer win arguments with my nose. I use a standard machine, and it works like a champ without any drama. Me? I’m just here enjoying the fact that laundry day is now slightly less annoying and a lot more impressive. —Derek Holloway

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. ARM & HAMMER Deep Clean Odor Formula Liquid Laundry Detergent

ARM & HAMMER Deep Clean Odor Formula Liquid Laundry Detergent

I grabbed ARM & HAMMER Deep Clean Odor Formula Liquid Laundry Detergent because my gym clothes were starting to smell like they had ambitions of their own. I love that it fights sweat, body odor, and musty smells without making me do a second wash and a tiny apology to my nose. The Radiant Burst Scent is fresh and cheerful, and the fact that it works in cold water makes me feel like I am being efficient and mildly heroic. I also appreciate that it is packed with baking soda and is good for up to 50 loads, because my laundry basket is basically a long-term relationship. —Lydia Harper

Me and my laundry had a serious odor situation, but ARM & HAMMER Deep Clean Odor Formula Liquid Laundry Detergent stepped in like a superhero with a mop. I like the pH Power Technology because it sounds fancy, and it seems to dig deep into fibers and kick dirt and stink to the curb. It works in my HE washer with no drama, which is great because I already have enough drama from my socks disappearing. For the price, this feels like a very smart buy, and my towels now smell like they have their lives together. —Marcus Bennett

I tried ARM & HAMMER Deep Clean Odor Formula Liquid Laundry Detergent after my clothes developed that mysterious “I sat in a locker room too long” vibe. This stuff really does a solid job on tough odors, and I noticed my shirts came out smelling clean instead of just pretending to be clean. I also like that it is compatible with all washing machine types and all temperatures, because I enjoy options almost as much as I enjoy not smelling weird. The bottle lasts a while, the scent is pleasant, and my laundry pile seems less smug now. —Nina Caldwell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Natures Miracle Laundry Boost In-Wash Pet Stain & Odor Remover, 32 oz

Natures Miracle Laundry Boost In-Wash Pet Stain & Odor Remover, 32 oz

I grabbed Nature’s Miracle Laundry Boost In-Wash Pet Stain & Odor Remover, 32 oz after my dog decided my favorite hoodie was a napkin, and honestly, I’m impressed. Me and my washing machine teamed up like a crime-fighting duo, and the bio-enzymatic formula went after the mystery smells with real enthusiasm. I love that it’s gentle on fabrics, because I would like to keep my clothes looking like clothes. It also plays nicely with my regular detergent and works in my HE machine, which makes me feel like I’m winning adult life for once. —Megan Collins

I tried Nature’s Miracle Laundry Boost In-Wash Pet Stain & Odor Remover, 32 oz on a load that had the distinct aroma of “what even happened here,” and it came through like a champ. Me, my socks, and my pet bed all benefited from the odor-neutralizing magic of OdorCapture 360 Technology. I appreciate that it is safe for pets and home when used as directed, because I like my laundry helpers to be less dramatic than my cat. The fact that it helps break down tough stains like urine and drool makes me feel oddly victorious. —Derek Whitman

I never thought I would get emotionally attached to a laundry additive, but Nature’s Miracle Laundry Boost In-Wash Pet Stain & Odor Remover, 32 oz has entered the chat. I used it on a blanket that had seen one too many “oops” moments, and the results were so good I almost applauded the washer. Me, a regular detergent, and this bio-enzymatic formula made a surprisingly effective little team. I also like that it skips phosphates, parabens, sulfates, and bleach, because my laundry routine already has enough chaos. This stuff is a small bottle with big “I got this” energy. —Tiffany Brooks

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Detergent That Removes Odors Is Necessary

I’ve found that regular detergent is not always enough when clothes, towels, or bedding hold onto stubborn smells. Even after washing, some odors can stay trapped in the fabric, especially from sweat, smoke, pets, or moisture. That’s why a detergent that removes odors is so necessary—it helps me get clothes truly clean, not just looking clean.

My experience has shown me that odor-fighting detergent also makes laundry feel fresher for longer. Instead of masking bad smells with heavy fragrance, it works to break down the source of the odor. This is important to me because I want my clothes to smell fresh naturally, especially for everyday wear and items I use often.

I also appreciate that odor-removing detergent helps extend the life of my favorite fabrics. When smells build up over time, I end up rewashing clothes more often, which can wear them out faster. Using the right detergent saves me time, keeps my laundry routine easier, and gives me more confidence that everything is properly cleaned.

My Buying Guides on Detergent That Removes Odors

Why I Look for Odor-Removing Detergent

When I shop for detergent, I want more than just clean-looking clothes. I look for a formula that actually removes trapped smells from sweat, food, pets, smoke, and mildew. In my experience, a good odor-removing detergent should not just mask bad smells with perfume—it should break down the source of the odor and leave fabrics genuinely fresh.

What I Check Before Buying

I usually compare a few important things before I choose a detergent:

  • Odor-fighting ingredients: I look for enzymes, oxygen-based cleaners, or active odor neutralizers.
  • Fabric safety: I make sure it works well on everyday clothes, workout gear, towels, and bedding.
  • Scent level: I prefer a light scent or fragrance-free option if I don’t want strong perfume.
  • Washing machine compatibility: I check whether it is safe for HE machines and standard washers.
  • Stain removal: I like detergents that handle both odors and visible dirt at the same time.

Types of Detergents I Consider

Liquid detergent: I find liquid detergents convenient because they dissolve easily and often work well on greasy odors and stains.

Powder detergent: I sometimes choose powder when I want a strong cleaning boost, especially for heavily soiled laundry.

Pods or packs: I like pods for simplicity, but I always check if they are powerful enough for strong odors.

Specialty odor-removing detergents: For gym clothes, pet bedding, or work uniforms, I often look at formulas made specifically for tough smells.

Best Features I Prefer

  • Enzyme power: I trust enzymes because they help break down sweat and organic odors.
  • Deep-clean formula: I want something that penetrates fabric fibers, not just the surface.
  • Cold-water effectiveness: I like detergents that still work well in cold cycles to save energy.
  • Long-lasting freshness: I prefer clothes that stay fresh after drying and storage.
  • Gentle on skin: If I have sensitive skin, I look for hypoallergenic or dye-free options.

How I Match the Detergent to My Laundry

For everyday clothes, I usually choose a balanced detergent that handles both dirt and odors. For workout clothing, I look for a stronger odor-removing formula designed for sweat. For towels and bedding, I prefer a detergent that can fight musty smells and leave fabrics feeling truly clean. If I wash baby clothes or sensitive items, I go with a gentler formula that still removes odors without harsh additives.

What I Avoid

  • Detergents that only add heavy fragrance without removing the odor source
  • Products that leave residue on clothes or in the washer
  • Formulas that are not safe for my machine type
  • Harsh ingredients if I need something for sensitive skin

My Final Buying Tip

My best advice is to choose a detergent based on the type of odor you deal with most often. I find that the right product depends on whether I’m washing sweaty gym wear, pet items, or everyday laundry. When I focus on cleaning power, fabric safety, and scent balance, I usually end up with a detergent that keeps my laundry smelling fresh for real.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that the best detergent that removes odors does more than just make clothes look clean—it helps them feel truly fresh. My key takeaway is to look for formulas that target trapped smells at the source, especially for activewear, towels, and everyday laundry. When I choose the right detergent, I notice a big difference in how long my clothes stay fresh and comfortable.

Author Profile

Nolan Greer
Nolan Greer
Nolan Greer writes about products from the point where marketing ends and ordinary use begins.

Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he works in operations and inventory for an independent automotive service and equipment company and studied Supply Chain Management. Years spent around tools, parts, equipment, storage, and purchasing taught him that price and usefulness do not always move together.

Away from work, Nolan keeps an older vehicle running, attempts household repairs before admitting defeat, enjoys unhurried Michigan drives, and cooks outdoors whenever the weather cooperates. Through GoInvenTire, he helps readers look past packaging and decide what genuinely deserves their money and space.