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The 8 Best Laundry Odor Removers of 2024

Tackle odor at the source with these powerful laundry tools

OxiClean Odor Blasters Stain & Odor Remover displayed on a two-tone beige patterned background

The Spruce / Lecia Landis

Even the best laundry detergent can’t always get the unpleasantness out of your smelly cycling shorts, perfume-soaked blouse, or general hot weather attire. Certain stains can leave behind unpleasant aromas, too. Whatever your reason for seeking out a laundry odor remover (no judgement here), rest assured that adding an odor remover to your routine wash—especially if you are very active—will give your clothes a much-needed refresh.

Some odor removers work by using oxygen boosts to deodorize your clothing, some contain essential oils to get things smelling fresh again, while others are formulated with enzymes. "In general ... enzymes are good at breaking down organic stains," says Jessika Ek, Senior Director, Digital Communications for the American Cleaning Institute. Some are better with food-related stains, while others may be more suited for bodily stains, whether from a person or a pet, Ek says.

To help you decide what's best for you, we researched and assessed the best odor removers on the market, evaluating each on effectiveness, ease of use, and convenience.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

OxiClean Odor Blasters Stain & Odor Remover

OxiClean Odor Blasters Stain & Odor Remover

Amazon

What We Like
  • Odor and stain remover

  • Easy to use

  • Can use as a soak for tough odors

  • Safe to use on many household surfaces

  • Color safe

What We Don't Like
  • Not safe for all fabrics

OxiClean Odor Blasters won over our hearts because it actually gets deep into the fibers of your clothes, sheets, aprons, and whatever else and lifts the dirt, grime, and stains that caused the odor in the first place. OxiClean works on everything from blood and sweat to grass stains and grease. If you need to tackle both stains and odors (let’s face it: If your clothes have odors, they likely also have stains), this is the perfect one-product answer.

To use this odor remover, add a scoop to your normal wash load and enjoy fresher, brighter clothes immediately. If you have extra-smelly clothing on your hands, you may need to soak it with OxiClean Odor Blasters before putting it through your washing machine. That process is also simple: Add one scoop of the powder to a gallon of water, drop it in your clothes, and let them soak for one to six hours, depending on the severity of the odor. After that, wash your laundry as you normally would.

This odor remover is chlorine-free and safe for colors—two things that are important if you are washing sweaty gym clothing made of performance fabrics. It works best if you use it periodically, but it's also safe enough to use in every load. Just make sure that you aren’t washing any delicate fabrics, such as silk or velvet.

You can also use OxiClean on other household surfaces, such as upholstery and even tile and grout. We recommend testing a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure that it won’t cause any discoloration.

Overall, OxiClean Odor Blasters packs a powerful punch in just one scoop of powder. It’s easy to use, color safe, and doubles as a stain remover for ultimate laundry day efficiency.

Type: Powder︱Amount: 5 pounds︱Number of Loads: Not listed︱Scent: Unscented︱Safe for High-Efficiency Machines: Yes

Best Budget

Arm & Hammer Clean Scentsations In-Wash Scent Booster

Amazon Arm & Hammer Clean Scentsations In-Wash Scent Booster With Odor Blaster

Amazon

What We Like
  • Three scents available

  • Easy to measure and use

  • Small bottle size for occasional use

What We Don't Like
  • Fragrance can be strong

  • Covers up unpleasant odors

If you only need a small amount of odor remover, but want something that can tackle tough jobs, Arm & Hammer Clean Scentsations powder is the way to go. Plus, it's a budget-friendly choice. This Scentsations powder is powerful and easy to use: You can use the cap as a measuring cup to ensure you’re dispensing the right amount in your laundry. Pour it directly into the washer drum, and wash your items as you normally would. It works on all fabrics that are machine-washable.

There are three scent options available: fresh burst, tropical paradise, and purifying waters. These scents work to cover up unpleasant odors rather than remove them entirely from the fabric. If you’re sensitive to fragrances, this likely isn’t the best option for you. The baking soda in the formula does help lift some odors and stains, although it is not as effective as other odor removers or other Arm & Hammer products designed for deep cleaning.

Type: Powder︱Amount: 37.8 ounces︱Number of Loads: Not listed︱Scent: Fresh burst, tropical paradise, purifying waters︱Safe for High-Efficiency Machines: Yes

Best Liquid Detergent

Nature's Miracle Laundry Boost

Nature's Miracle Laundry Boost

Amazon

What We Like
  • Works on many bodily fluids

  • Can be used as a presoak treatment

  • Great for pet odors

What We Don't Like
  • No fresh scent

Nature’s Miracle Laundry Boost is a true miracle for pet owners or anyone looking for a powerful liquid odor remover. It is made with bio-enzymatic odor-locking technology to remove odor-causing offenders from your smelliest items. This includes common pet odors such as urine, feces, vomit, and sweat. It also works on blood and grease. It doesn’t have any added scents, just a fresh laundry smell.

You can opt for the pour bottle or the squeeze bottle—whichever is the easiest application method for you. You can use Nature's Miracle detergent alongside your normal detergent in the same wash cycle. You can also use it as a presoak treatment for serious smells. Either way, this odor-removing detergent really works.

Type: Liquid︱Amount: 32 ounces︱Number of Loads: Not listed︱Scent: Unscented︱Safe for High-Efficiency Machines: Yes

Best Spray

OxiClean MaxForce Laundry Stain Remover Spray

Amazon OxiClean MaxForce Laundry Stain Remover Spray, 12 Fl. oz.

Amazon

What We Like
  • Removes odors at the source

  • Can precisely target stains and odors

  • Easy to use

What We Don't Like
  • Not for daily laundry freshening

This OxiClean Max Force 5-in-1 Power Laundry Spray is a powerful stain remover. As a result, it removes odor-causing culprits and gets your laundry fresh. Even though stain removal is its primary purpose, its odor-removing ability is still unmatched when compared to other odor remover sprays. Just remember that it is intended for as-needed use rather than a daily addition to your laundry. This OxiClean spray works on grease and oil, food, drink, grass stains, blood, soil, and clay. No matter what kind of stain and odors come your way, you can likely spray it away with this product.

Keep in mind that this is a spot treatment and is not intended for overall freshness. To use, spray it on a specific stained area, let it sit anywhere from five minutes to seven days (depending on the stain level), and then wash your clothing as you normally would.

Type: Spray︱Amount: 12-16 ounces︱Number of Loads: Not listed︱Scent: Unscented︱Safe for High-Efficiency Machines: Yes

Best Pods

Tide Odor Rescue In-Wash Laundry Booster Pacs

Tide Odor Rescue In-Wash Laundry Booster Pacs

Amazon

What We Like
  • Convenient

  • Gets dirt out of fibers

  • Works with all detergents

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

  • Fixed amount of odor remover

If convenience is your number one priority, opt for odor remover pods. The Tide Odor Rescue In-Wash Laundry Booster packs couldn’t be easier to use, and the formula works even on really tough smells. It's ideal for athletes and those who are dealing with very sweaty, very stinky clothes. Just toss a pod in your regular laundry, and it will get the stink out. You can even use it alongside other laundry detergent pods (as well as with liquid and powder detergent) to make your whole routine easy.

These pods are a bit expensive, which isn’t surprising given the convenience. They work by getting into the fibers of your clothing and linens for a really thorough clean that removes odor-causing dirt. If you have specific items—such as performance athletic wear—that hangs onto odors, these are well worth the cost. Because this odor remover is in pod form, you won’t be able to adjust the amount dispensed for super tough or very light odors.

Type: Pods︱Amount: 27︱Number of Loads: 27︱Scent: Unscented︱Safe for High-Efficiency Machines: Yes

Best Eco-Friendly

Branch Basics Oxygen Boost

Branch Basics Oxygen Boost

Branch Basics

What We Like
  • Free of bleach, ammonia, fragrances, and dyes

  • Gets stains out

  • Brightens whites

What We Don't Like
  • Expensive

  • Not as effective as chemical formulas

Want to remove odors without relying on bleach, ammonia, fragrances, or dyes? Try Branch Basics Oxygen Boost. The company's proprietary formula is great for those with chemical or fragrance sensitivities who prefer to purchase environmentally-conscious laundry products. It's also a good option for parents of young children who want to limit their exposure to potentially hazardous ingredients. This formula uses sodium percarbonate and sodium bicarbonate to get stains out, freshen your laundry, and brighten your whites.

This is more expensive than some other odor removers, and it doesn’t perform quite as well as the hard-hitting chemical formulas. If you just want a boost to your already clean laundry, you’ll be happy with the odor reduction of the Branch Basics Oxygen Boost. If you have really smelly clothes, you might need to try multiple applications, which can get pricey.

Type: Powder︱Amount: 4 pounds︱Number of Loads: 64︱Scent: Unscented︱Safe for High-Efficiency Machines: Yes

Best for Sweat

Active Wear Laundry Detergent & Soak

Amazon Active Wear Laundry Detergent & Soak

Amazon

What We Like
  • Works on oil and sweat

  • Enzyme formula

  • Free of harmful chemicals

What We Don't Like
  • Soaking uses up product quickly

Another enzyme formula, the Active Wear Laundry Detergent & Soak is perfect for people who would rather spend their time at the gym than do countless loads of laundry. Performance fabrics used in athletic apparel are woven very tightly, which is one reason why they hang onto odors even after they are washed. The Active Wear soak specifically targets oil and sweat in the fibers, two of the biggest culprits that cause odors.

The formula is safe to use in all washing machines and for those with a septic system. It doesn’t include sodium laurel sulfate (SLS), phosphate, bleach, dyes, or softeners. Instead, it's made with plant-based enzymes. You can use it as a regular laundry detergent or as a soaking formula for very soiled or stinky items. While it does come in a large quantity, you’ll go through it quickly if you use it as a soak because it requires up to four scoops.

Type: Powder︱Amount: 48 ounces︱Number of Loads: 90︱Scent: Unscented︱Safe for High-Efficiency Machines: Yes

Best for Pet Odors

Zero Odor Laundry Odor Eliminator

Zero Odor Laundry Odor Eliminator

Amazon

What We Like
  • Gets odors out at molecular level

  • Very concentrated formula

  • Works with all washing machines

What We Don't Like
  • Measuring cup not included

To get rid of stubborn pet odors, you’ll need something that's extra concentrated. The Zero Odor formula uses an odor-eliminating agent to get rid of the odors at the molecular level. It is also safe for all washing machines, so you don’t need to worry about your beloved pet having a reaction to their freshly laundered items. 

You only need to use 2-4 ounces per wash for this odor eliminator to be effective. While the cap and bottle are convenient, there’s no measuring cup included. It is also a bit expensive for the size. Fortunately, it gets the odor-causing molecules out, so your pet is less likely to have an accident on the same item again. And if you’re a pet owner, you know that breaking that habit is priceless.

Type: Liquid︱Amount: 16 ounces︱Number of Loads: 8︱Scent: Unscented︱Safe for High-Efficiency Machines: Yes

Final Verdict

Our top pick is OxiClean Odor Blasters Versatile Stain and Odor Remover because it is simply the most effective odor remover out there. It’s very easy to use, safe for colors, and removes stains. If you’re only looking to treat odors occasionally, Arm & Hammer Clean Scentsations In-Wash Scent Booster is a budget-friendly option that is sold in smaller quantities. It also has a nice fresh scent.

What to Look For in a Laundry Odor Remover

Type

Laundry odor removers come in powder, liquid, or pod form. They are commonly added to the wash cycle, either as needed or as part of your laundry routine. Spray odor removers are also effective, but they are better when used to pre-treat specific stains and spots that have odors. Pods are the most convenient odor remover, but also the most expensive.

Washing Conditions

Most laundry odor removers work with a standard washing machine. Many also work with high-efficiency washing machines, although the recommended amount or instructions for use might change depending on the type of machine you own. If you have a septic system, look for a formula that is septic-safe. Finally, make sure that you follow the instructions for use and pay close attention to the fabric type and water temperature needed for safe and effective results. You may need to wash your clothes on a hotter setting than usual.

Scent

Look for a laundry odor remover that eliminates odors rather than covers them up with fragrances. Once the smells from your dirty laundry are removed, some odor remover boosts use a fragrance to add an extra element of freshness. Some people who are sensitive to chemicals may prefer fragrance-free odor removers.

FAQ
  • How do you remove pet urine odors from laundry?

    Look for an odor remover with enzymes to address the soiled spot that is causing the pet-related odor. "There are a lot of great products on the market for pet stain removal and they'll have enzymes in them that'll help break down those proteins and really remove the smell," says Jessica Ek, Senior Director, Digital Communications for the American Cleaning Institute. Many formulas with these ingredients are marked specifically for use with pet stains—just make sure you don’t let your pet ingest any odor remover as they can be harmful.

  • Why does my laundry not smell fresh?

    Even clean laundry can stink when things like oil, grease, food, and grime get embedded into the fabric fibers over time. Most odor removers are formulated to get into the fibers of your clothing and linens to remove these odor-causing particles. Consider using an odor remover as a part of your regular laundry routine. If the smell persists, you might need to troubleshoot your washer for potential causes.

  • Does borax remove odors from clothes?

    Borax, or sodium tetraborate, is a salt that is used to eliminate odors around the home. It can remove odors from clothes—especially food odors and cooking grease. Many odor removers use a similar formula or active ingredient to target odors and odor-causing particles. Borax is safe to use on clothing, but not as convenient or effective as some other products designed specifically for laundry use. Read more about how to use borax in your laundry.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was researched and written by Katie Melynn, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Melynn has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. As a Navy Veteran, she has used multiple laundry boosts from this list to keep her uniforms and physical fitness apparel clean and fresh. Now a mom of three, Melynn relies on products that are convenient and easy to use. To compile this list, she prioritized effectiveness and simplicity.

Dena Ogden, commerce writer for The Spruce specializing in Appliances, Cleaning, Organization, and Tech, also contributed to this piece. She consulted internal research conducted with Jessica Ek, Senior Director, Digital Communications for the American Cleaning Institute.

Updated by
Mary Marlowe Leverette
Mary Marlowe Leverette 2018

Mary Marlowe Leverette is one of the industry's most highly-regarded housekeeping and fabric care experts, sharing her knowledge on efficient housekeeping, laundry, and textile conservation. She is also a Master Gardener with over 40+ years of experience and 20+ years of writing experience. Mary is also a member of The Spruce Gardening and Plant Care Review Board.

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