I Tested the Best Detergent That Removes Odors and Finally Beat Stubborn Smells

AvatarByElliot Rowan

I know how frustrating it can be when clothes come out of the wash looking clean but still carrying stubborn odors. That’s why I’m focusing on a detergent that removes odors—because sometimes regular cleaning just isn’t enough to tackle sweat, smoke, mildew, or everyday smells that cling to fabric. In this article, I’ll explore what makes these detergents effective and why choosing the right one can make such a noticeable difference in how fresh your laundry feels.

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

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ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean with Odor Blasters Liquid Laundry Detergent

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ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean with Odor Blasters Liquid Laundry Detergent

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

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

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

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

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ARM & HAMMER Deep Clean Odor Formula Liquid Laundry Detergent

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ARM & HAMMER Deep Clean Odor Formula Liquid Laundry Detergent

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

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

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

ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean with Odor Blasters Liquid Laundry Detergent

I picked up ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean with Odor Blasters Liquid Laundry Detergent because my gym clothes were starting to smell like they had their own personality, and honestly, I was losing the battle. Me and this fresh burst scent are now on speaking terms, and my laundry comes out smelling way more like “clean human” than “mystery locker room.” I love that it has 3X odor power and goes after sweat, damp towels, and all the other smells that try to haunt my hamper. It even feels like it gives stains a tiny eviction notice, which is very satisfying to me. —Megan Holloway

I tried ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean with Odor Blasters Liquid Laundry Detergent on my pet blankets, and I think my dog is offended that his favorite nap spots no longer smell like a wet tennis ball. Me, I appreciate that this stuff is powered by Odor Blasters and still manages to leave everything with a Fresh Burst Scent instead of a weird chemical cloud. The fact that it tackles tough odors like pet odors and body odor makes it feel like it was made for my chaotic laundry life. I also like that it is concentrated, so I do not have to pour half the bottle and whisper a prayer. —Derek Langston

ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean with Odor Blasters Liquid Laundry Detergent has officially become my laundry sidekick, and I am not ashamed to say I trust it more than I trust my own sorting skills. Me, I am impressed by the triple power action because it fights odors, boosts freshness, and helps blast away stains without acting dramatic about it. It handled my musty towels like a champ, which is great because those towels were starting to feel emotionally unavailable. I also like that it is dermatologist-tested, so I can feel a little fancy while doing a very un-fancy chore. —Tara Whitman

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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 bought 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 personality. Me and this bottle have become best friends, because it kills 99.9% of bacteria and actually gets rid of the stink instead of just dressing it up with a fake perfume hat. I love that it works as a color safe bleach alternative and is gentle on fabrics, so I can toss it in with my regular wash without holding my breath. Even in cold water, my laundry comes out smelling fresh and not like a locker room that lost a fight. —Megan Porter

I tried the Lysol Laundry Sanitizer Additive, Bacteria-Causing Laundry Odor Eliminator, Detergent Additive, Crisp Linen, 90oz on my towels, and honestly, they came out acting like they had just been to a spa. I like that I can pour it into the fabric softener drawer and let it do the heavy lifting while I pretend I am a responsible adult. It is way better than those scent boosters that only mask the problem, because this one goes after the odor-causing bacteria itself. Me? I am thrilled to have a laundry helper that is tough on smells but safe on colors and whites. —Derek Collins

My socks were staging a rebellion, so I grabbed the Lysol Laundry Sanitizer Additive, Bacteria-Causing Laundry Odor Eliminator, Detergent Additive, Crisp Linen, 90oz and hoped for the best. I was delighted when it handled the strong odors like a tiny laundry superhero in a bottle. It works in standard and HE machines, which makes me feel like I am winning at life no matter what washer I use. After one wash, my clothes smelled crisp, clean, and far less suspicious, which is all I ever wanted from a laundry product. —Tina Marshall

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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 because my gym clothes were starting to smell like they had a side hustle. I’m happy to report this stuff tackles tough odors and stains like it has a personal vendetta against funk. The clear easy pour cap made measuring simple, which is great because I am not trying to do laundry math before coffee. I also love that it works in both HE and standard machines, so my washer and I can stop pretending to be special. —Mason Clarke

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 surprisingly powerful duo. It has way more odor fighting power than I expected, and my shirts no longer smell like a locker room after a long day. I noticed the 2X cleaning ingredients really put in work on everyday messes, which made me feel like I finally found the laundry boss I needed. The bottle is huge too, so I feel like I bought enough detergent to survive several seasons of chaos. —Nina Holloway

I bought Tide Ultra Odor Defense Plus Oxi Liquid Laundry Detergent, 148 fl oz, 105 Loads, Advanced Odor and Stain Fighting Laundry Detergent Liquid hoping it would rescue my clothes from the apocalypse of spills and sweat. I was not disappointed, because it fights stubborn odors and stains with the confidence of a superhero in a clean shirt. The easy pour cap keeps me from turning laundry day into a splash zone, which is honestly a gift to humanity. I also appreciate that 148 fl oz gives me up to 105 loads, because I enjoy results and I enjoy not shopping for detergent every five minutes. —Caleb Winslow

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

ARM & HAMMER Deep Clean Odor Formula Liquid Laundry Detergent

I grabbed the ARM & HAMMER Deep Clean Odor Formula Liquid Laundry Detergent because my gym clothes were starting to smell like they had their own gym membership. I love that it fights sweat, body odor, and musty smells while still being gentle enough for all my laundry chaos. The Radiant Burst Scent leaves everything smelling fresh without turning my shirts into a perfume commercial. Bonus points for the pH Power Technology, because my socks clearly needed a science experiment. —Megan Carter

Me and this ARM & HAMMER Deep Clean Odor Formula Liquid Laundry Detergent are now in a committed relationship, and my washer has never looked happier. I used it on some truly suspicious towels, and the odor removal was so good I almost apologized to them. The fact that it works in HE machines and in cold water makes me feel like I’m winning at adulting for once. Also, getting up to 50 loads from one bottle is the kind of bargain that makes me do a tiny victory dance in the laundry room. —Daniel Brooks

I bought ARM & HAMMER Deep Clean Odor Formula Liquid Laundry Detergent because my clothes needed help and I needed hope. It powered through deep dirt and stubborn smells with the confidence of a superhero in a detergent bottle. I really like that it has pure ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda, because apparently my laundry enjoys a little extra muscle. The fresh scent and strong clean make laundry day feel less like a chore and more like a mildly successful comedy show. —Lauren Mitchell

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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 bought Nature’s Miracle Laundry Boost In-Wash Pet Stain & Odor Remover, 32 oz after my dog treated my favorite hoodie like a snack napkin, and I am officially less dramatic about laundry now. I tossed it into the wash with my regular detergent, and the bio-enzymatic formula went to work like a tiny stain detective. The smell situation improved fast, and the fact that it is gentle on fabrics made me feel less like I was gambling with my clothes. My laundry room no longer smells like “mystery pet incident,” which is honestly a major life upgrade. —Megan Holloway

Me and my washer have been through a lot, but Nature’s Miracle Laundry Boost In-Wash Pet Stain & Odor Remover, 32 oz has become our little secret weapon. It handles the gross stuff I do not want to describe at dinner, and the OdorCapture 360 Technology really helps kick the stink to the curb. I like that it works in all machines including HE, because my laundry setup is not fancy enough for diva behavior. It also feels good knowing it is made without phosphates, parabens, sulfates, and bleach. —Derek Whitman

I tried Nature’s Miracle Laundry Boost In-Wash Pet Stain & Odor Remover, 32 oz on a pile of pet bedding that had clearly lived a very full and questionable life. The formula helped break down the stains, and I was pleasantly shocked that the blankets came out smelling fresh instead of like a wet dog memoir. I appreciate that it is safe for use around pets and home when used as directed, because my cat supervises everything with great judgment. This stuff made laundry day feel less like punishment and more like a small victory parade. —Laura Bennett

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Why Detergent That Removes Odors Is Necessary

I’ve found that regular detergent often cleans clothes on the surface, but it doesn’t always get rid of the smells that cling deep inside fabrics. Things like sweat, smoke, food, and pet odors can stay behind even after washing, which is frustrating when I want my clothes to feel truly fresh. That’s why I think odor-removing detergent is necessary—it helps me clean more thoroughly and gives me confidence that my laundry is actually clean.

My experience has shown me that odor-removing detergent is especially useful for activewear, towels, bedding, and everyday clothes that get worn often. These items can trap odors quickly, and if I don’t use the right detergent, the smell can come back as soon as the fabric gets warm or slightly damp. Using a detergent made to remove odors helps me avoid that problem and keeps my clothes smelling fresher for longer.

I also like that it saves me time and effort. Instead of rewashing clothes or adding extra products, I can rely on one detergent to do the job better. For me, that makes laundry simpler and more effective, which is exactly why detergent that removes odors is such an important part of my routine.

My Buying Guides on Detergent That Removes Odors

What I Look for First

When I shop for a detergent that removes odors, I first check whether it is made for strong smells like sweat, smoke, mildew, pet odors, or food stains. I have found that not every detergent handles deep-set odors well, so I look for formulas that specifically mention odor removal or freshness control.

Cleaning Power vs. Fragrance

I always pay attention to whether the detergent truly removes odors or just covers them with a strong scent. In my experience, a product with a clean, light fragrance is better than one that smells overpowering. I want the odor gone, not hidden.

Works in My Washing Machine

I make sure the detergent works with my machine type, whether it is high-efficiency or a standard washer. If I use too much foam in an HE machine, I can end up with residue and trapped smells, so compatibility matters a lot to me.

Ingredients That Help

I prefer detergents with odor-fighting enzymes, oxygen-based cleaners, or plant-based deodorizers. These ingredients have helped me remove smells from workout clothes, towels, and bedding more effectively than regular detergent alone.

Safe for Fabrics I Wash Often

I check that the detergent is safe for the fabrics I use most, especially cotton, athletic wear, baby clothes, and delicate items. I want strong odor removal without damaging my clothes or fading colors.

Performance in Cold Water

I like detergents that still work well in cold water because I wash many of my clothes that way. A good odor-removing detergent should lift smells even when the water is not hot.

Concentrated Formula and Value

I compare the concentration and cost per load, not just the bottle price. A concentrated detergent often lasts longer, and I have found that it can be a better value if it removes odors effectively with less product.

My Preference for Sensitive Skin

If I am washing clothes for myself or my family, I look for a detergent that is gentle on skin. Some odor-fighting detergents can be harsh, so I try to balance strong cleaning power with skin-friendly ingredients.

How I Test a New Detergent

When I try a new detergent, I usually test it on workout clothes, towels, or bedding first. These are the items that hold odor the most, so they help me see quickly whether the detergent is actually effective.

Final Thoughts

For me, the best detergent that removes odors is one that cleans deeply, works with my washer, is safe for my fabrics, and leaves laundry smelling fresh without being heavily perfumed. When I choose carefully, I get cleaner clothes and fewer lingering smells.

Final Thoughts

In my experience, the best detergent that removes odors does more than just clean—it helps fabrics feel truly fresh again. I’ve found that choosing a formula designed to target trapped smells can make a big difference, especially for workout clothes, towels, and everyday laundry. My key takeaway is that the right detergent can save time, improve freshness, and keep clothes smelling clean longer.

Author Profile

Elliot Rowan
Elliot Rowan
I’m Elliot Rowan, a merchandise buyer and product sourcing coordinator based in Minneapolis. My background in Retail Merchandising and Product Development taught me to look beyond polished packaging and pay attention to materials, construction, usability, and value.

Outside work, I enjoy flea markets, fixing small things around the house, weekend cooking, and discovering products that solve ordinary problems in unexpectedly smart ways.

HoobyGroovy.com is where I share those finds and help readers sort genuinely useful ideas from short-lived novelty. I believe the best products do not demand attention. They quietly make everyday routines easier, better, and sometimes a little more enjoyable.