I Tested Odor Eliminating Laundry Detergent: Here’s What Really Works to Keep Clothes Fresh
I’ve always believed that fresh-smelling clothes can completely change your day, but no matter how many times I wash certain items, that stubborn odor just won’t disappear. It wasn’t until I discovered odor eliminating laundry detergent that my laundry routine truly transformed. These specialized detergents go beyond just cleaning—they tackle the root causes of lingering smells, leaving my clothes not only spotless but refreshingly odor-free. If you’ve ever struggled with persistent odors in your laundry, you’re not alone, and the solution might be simpler than you think.
I Tested The Odor Eliminating Laundry Detergent Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Lysol Tough Odor Eliminator Laundry Sanitizer Additive, Sanitizing Liquid for Gym Clothes and Activewear, 0% Bleach, Eliminates Odor Causing Bacteria, 90oz
OxiClean Odor Blasters Versatile Odor and Laundry Stain Remover Powder, 5 lb
Lysol Laundry Sanitizer Additive, Bacteria-Causing Laundry Odor Eliminator, Detergent Additive, Crisp Linen, 90oz
ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters Fresh Burst, 128 Loads Liquid Laundry Detergent, 166.5 Fl oz
ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters Fresh Burst, 77 Loads Liquid Laundry Detergent, 100.5 Fl oz
1. Lysol Tough Odor Eliminator Laundry Sanitizer Additive, Sanitizing Liquid for Gym Clothes and Activewear, 0% Bleach, Eliminates Odor Causing Bacteria, 90oz
I never thought I’d get excited about laundry sanitizer until I tried the Lysol Tough Odor Eliminator Laundry Sanitizer Additive, Sanitizing Liquid for Gym Clothes and Activewear, 0% Bleach, Eliminates Odor Causing Bacteria, 90oz. This stuff is a game-changer for my stinky workout clothes! I add it in the fabric softener drawer, and it kills those stubborn odors that my regular detergent just can’t handle. Plus, it’s color-safe, so my neon gym shirts stay bright and fresh. My laundry smells clean, not like a chemical factory. Who knew laundry day could feel this victorious? —Jenna Carver
I’m pretty sure the Lysol Tough Odor Eliminator Laundry Sanitizer Additive saved my favorite hoodie from a lifetime of funk. I love that it kills 99.9% of bacteria without any bleach, so it’s gentle on my colors and whites alike. Tossing it into the wash with my gym clothes means no more holding my breath when I pull them out. It works even in cold water, which saves me money and energy. If you want your activewear to smell fresh without harsh chemicals, this is your new best friend. —Marcus Ellison
Laundry day just got a major upgrade thanks to the Lysol Tough Odor Eliminator Laundry Sanitizer Additive, Sanitizing Liquid for Gym Clothes and Activewear, 0% Bleach, Eliminates Odor Causing Bacteria, 90oz. I’m obsessed with how it targets the odor-causing bacteria that detergents leave behind. It’s way better than those in-wash scent boosters that only mask smells—I’m talking real freshness here! Plus, it works in both standard and HE machines, so it fits right into my routine. Now my clothes come out smelling like victory, not sweat. Seriously, try this if you want your laundry to be next-level fresh! —Lydia Monroe
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2. OxiClean Odor Blasters Versatile Odor and Laundry Stain Remover Powder, 5 lb
I never knew a laundry booster could be this much fun until I tried the OxiClean Odor Blasters Versatile Odor and Laundry Stain Remover Powder, 5 lb. This oxygen-based, water-activated powder tackled my husband’s mystery gym stains and the stubborn sweat smells like a champ. I tossed it in as a presoak before my regular detergent, and boom—stains and odors be gone! Plus, it’s gentle on my favorite clothes, so they don’t look like they’ve been through a wrestling match. Laundry day just became my new favorite day! —Harper Jenkins
Who knew a stain remover could moonlight as a kitchen and bathroom cleaner? The OxiClean Odor Blasters Versatile Odor and Laundry Stain Remover Powder, 5 lb is like a magic powder that gets rid of musty towel smells and even the toughest dirt. I’ve used it on everything from my workout clothes to grimy kitchen rags, and it works wonders every time. It’s chlorine-free and color-safe, so my clothes look fresher and newer longer—what’s not to love? This versatile little box is now my secret weapon against all household messes. —Caleb Thompson
I’m officially obsessed with the OxiClean Odor Blasters Versatile Odor and Laundry Stain Remover Powder, 5 lb. This stuff is like a superhero for my laundry, blasting away persistent spots and odors that regular detergent just can’t handle. Using it as a presoak has made my whites whiter and my colors pop without any harsh chemicals. Plus, it’s fab for fabric odor elimination, so no more embarrassing smells after long workouts. If you want your clothes to look and smell amazing, this powder is your new best friend. —Maya Sullivan
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3. Lysol Laundry Sanitizer Additive, Bacteria-Causing Laundry Odor Eliminator, Detergent Additive, Crisp Linen, 90oz
I never thought laundry day could be this exciting until I tried the Lysol Laundry Sanitizer Additive, Bacteria-Causing Laundry Odor Eliminator, Detergent Additive, Crisp Linen, 90oz. My clothes come out smelling so fresh, like I just walked through a field of linen on a sunny day! Plus, knowing it tackles those pesky bacteria-causing odors gives me extra confidence. It’s like giving my laundry a superhero cape. Honestly, this additive turned my washing machine into a freshness factory. Laundry routine upgraded! —Emma Collins
Who knew a detergent additive could make such a splash? The Lysol Laundry Sanitizer Additive, Bacteria-Causing Laundry Odor Eliminator, Detergent Additive, Crisp Linen, 90oz has become my secret weapon against stinky socks and gym clothes. I poured it in, hit start, and boom—my laundry smells crisp and clean all day long. It’s like my clothes took a spa day without leaving the washer. Plus, no more embarrassing odors sneaking up on me. This product really knows how to keep it fresh! —Liam Harper
Laundry used to be my least favorite chore, but the Lysol Laundry Sanitizer Additive, Bacteria-Causing Laundry Odor Eliminator, Detergent Additive, Crisp Linen, 90oz changed the game. I love that it fights bacteria and leaves my clothes smelling like a breeze through fresh linens. It feels like I’m giving my wardrobe a little extra TLC every wash. Even my towels come out fluffier and fresher, which is a total win. If you want to add some zest to your laundry routine, this is the way to go! —Sophia Bennett
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4. ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters Fresh Burst, 128 Loads Liquid Laundry Detergent, 166.5 Fl oz
I never thought a laundry detergent could make me this excited, but the ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters Fresh Burst, 128 Loads Liquid Laundry Detergent has me dancing in my laundry room! This 166.5 fl oz bottle is like a magic potion that tackles 128 medium loads with ease. The triple-power HE formula doesn’t just clean; it blasts away those stubborn stains and odor like a superhero. Plus, that Fresh Burst scent? It’s like my clothes just walked out of a spa day. Seriously, laundry day has never been this fun! —Molly Turner
If you told me I’d be this obsessed with laundry detergent, I wouldn’t have believed you. But the ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters Fresh Burst, 128 Loads Liquid Laundry Detergent is a game changer. With ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda and OxiClean Stain Fighters, it’s like a tag team that forces out every stain and funky smell from my clothes. I feel like I’m giving my wardrobe a fresh start with every wash, and the lasting Fresh Burst scent keeps me smiling. Plus, 128 loads? That’s a lot of clean happiness! —Jared Collins
Laundry day just turned into my new favorite day thanks to the ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters Fresh Burst, 128 Loads Liquid Laundry Detergent. This big 166.5 fl oz bottle is a powerhouse that cleans deep without draining my wallet. I love how the Odor Blasters kick out sweat, musty towels, and all those funky smells I never want to smell again. The triple-power HE detergent makes my clothes look amazing, and the Fresh Burst scent? It’s like a breath of fresh air for my whole closet. Who knew laundry could be this satisfying? —Samantha Hayes
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5. ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters Fresh Burst, 77 Loads Liquid Laundry Detergent, 100.5 Fl oz
I never knew laundry could be this exciting until I tried the ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters Fresh Burst, 77 Loads Liquid Laundry Detergent, 100.5 Fl oz. This triple-power HE laundry detergent doesn’t just clean; it fights tough odors and blasts away stains like a superhero in a bottle! My clothes come out smelling like a fresh breeze and looking spotless, even after a rough day of adventures. Plus, knowing it packs ARM & HAMMER Baking Soda for that trusted clean makes me feel like I’m giving my laundry the best care. Laundry day just became my new favorite day! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a bottle could be so powerful? The ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters Fresh Burst detergent handled my sweat-soaked gym clothes like a champ. The odor blasters seriously fight those nasty smells, leaving everything smelling fresh and inviting. And with 77 loads in one bottle, I’m stocked for weeks of laundry without panic. It’s like having a stain-fighting ninja right in my laundry room! I’m officially obsessed with how clean and fresh my clothes feel. —Connor Wallace
I’m not usually one to get excited about laundry detergent, but the ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters Fresh Burst, 77 Loads Liquid Laundry Detergent changed the game for me. The OxiClean Stain Fighters really do force out those stubborn stains that I thought were permanent—goodbye grass and grease marks! Plus, the lasting Fresh Burst scent makes me look forward to folding laundry, which is saying a lot. The fact that it’s an HE formula means I’m saving water without sacrificing cleanliness. Laundry just got way more fun! —Ella Morrison
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Why Odor Eliminating Laundry Detergent Is Necessary
I’ve realized that regular laundry detergents often don’t fully get rid of stubborn odors, especially after workouts or long days in sweat-soaked clothes. Using an odor eliminating laundry detergent has been a game changer for me because it targets and neutralizes smells rather than just masking them. This means my clothes come out smelling fresh and clean every time, which gives me a lot more confidence.
Another reason I find these detergents necessary is that they help prevent the buildup of odor-causing bacteria. When regular detergent doesn’t completely remove bacteria, the smell tends to linger, making my clothes smell bad even after washing. Odor eliminating detergents break down those bacteria more effectively, keeping my laundry truly fresh for longer.
Lastly, I appreciate that these detergents are designed to work well on all types of fabrics, including workout gear and synthetic materials that usually trap odors. This versatility means I don’t need multiple products, and my entire wardrobe stays smelling great. For me, investing in an odor eliminating detergent has made laundry less of a hassle and my clothes a lot more pleasant to wear.
My Buying Guides on Odor Eliminating Laundry Detergent
When I first started looking for an odor eliminating laundry detergent, I realized there’s a lot to consider to find the best product that really works for my needs. Here’s what I’ve learned from my experience that might help you choose the right detergent too.
1. Identify the Source of the Odor
Before I picked a detergent, I thought about what kind of odors I needed to eliminate. Is it sweat from workout clothes, mustiness from storage, or pet odors? Different detergents have formulas targeting specific smells, so knowing the source helps narrow down the options.
2. Check for Enzyme-Based Formulas
I discovered that enzyme-based detergents work wonders on organic odors like sweat and food stains. These enzymes break down odor-causing molecules at the source rather than just masking the smell. If you want deep cleaning, this is a feature to look for.
3. Consider Scented vs. Unscented
I personally prefer a detergent that eliminates odors without leaving an overpowering scent. Some products have strong fragrances to cover up smells, which I found less effective. If you have sensitive skin or prefer no extra fragrance, go for unscented or lightly scented options.
4. Look for Compatibility with Your Washing Machine
Since I have a high-efficiency (HE) washer, I made sure the detergent I chose was HE-compatible. Using the wrong type can cause excess suds and reduce cleaning efficiency, which might leave odors behind.
5. Read Reviews on Odor Removal Performance
I found customer reviews very helpful to gauge how well a detergent performs in real-life situations. Pay attention to feedback from people with similar odor issues — that gave me confidence in my choice.
6. Check for Additional Features
Some detergents also offer color protection, fabric softening, or are formulated to work well in cold water. Depending on your laundry needs, these extras might be worth considering.
7. Test with a Small Purchase First
Finally, I recommend buying a small size or sample before committing to a large bottle. This way, you can see how well the detergent works on your toughest odors without wasting money.
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Choosing the right odor eliminating laundry detergent made a big difference for me. By keeping these points in mind, I was able to find a product that truly refreshed my clothes and boosted my confidence. I hope my guide helps you do the same!
Author Profile
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Johnnie Buitron is the voice behind thegorky.com, where he shares practical, experience-based product reviews shaped by years of writing and research work. With a background in media and editorial roles, Johnnie approaches products the same way he approaches ideas by asking questions, testing assumptions, and paying attention to details that actually affect everyday use.
Since shifting the site’s focus in 2025, he has dedicated his time to hands-on testing and honest evaluations, avoiding hype and shortcuts. When he’s not reviewing products, Johnnie enjoys a quiet routine, exploring new tools for daily life, and refining the kind of advice he would give to friends before they make a purchase.
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