Best Detergents for Eliminating Smelly Clothes and Odors
Dealing with smelly clothes can be frustrating, but choosing the right detergent can make a huge difference. This guide covers the best detergents for smelly clothes that effectively remove odors, including sweat and bacteria odors, while keeping fabrics fresh. Below is a summary table highlighting key products for quick comparison.
| Product | Brand | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters | Arm & Hammer | Triple-power formula, baking soda for odor removal, 128 loads |
| ARM & HAMMER Deep Clean Odor Formula | Arm & Hammer | Micro-scrubbers, deep fiber cleaning, radiant burst scent |
| Lysol Disinfectant Laundry Sanitizer | Lysol | Kills 99.9% bacteria, bleach alternative, safe on colors |
| Active Wear Laundry Detergent & Soak | ACTIVE | Natural enzymes, targets sweat odors, for workout apparel |
| OxiClean Odor Blasters Powder | OxiClean | Oxygen-based booster, stain remover, presoak recommended |
ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters Fresh Burst
This liquid laundry detergent delivers triple-power cleaning designed to fight tough odors, blast stains, and boost freshness for up to 128 medium loads. With trusted ARM & HAMMER baking soda plus odor-fighting agents, it deeply cleans fabrics and leaves long-lasting freshness. It’s formulated for HE machines, ensuring efficient and effective odor elimination, especially suited for smelly clothes affected by sweat, pets, or musty odors.
ARM & HAMMER Deep Clean Odor Formula Liquid Detergent
Featuring pH Power Technology with millions of micro-scrubbers, this detergent penetrates fabric fibers to target odors and dirt trapped deep inside. Ideal for stench-drenched and soaked-through clothes, it ensures a deep clean with radiant burst scent. Compatibility with HE washers and economical 68 loads capacity make it a practical choice for persistent odor problems.
Lysol Disinfectant Laundry Sanitizer & Scent Booster
This laundry additive works alongside detergents by killing 99.9% of bacteria that cause odors, something many detergents alone cannot achieve. It is a safe bleach alternative that deodorizes fabrics without harsh chemicals. It’s gentle on colors and whites, works in cold water, and helps sanitize and eliminate bacterial odors from smelly clothes including sportswear, towels, and everyday laundry.
Active Wear Laundry Detergent & Soak
Specially formulated for athletic and workout clothes, this powdered detergent uses all-natural plant-based enzymes to effectively remove sweat and body odors. It is compatible with all activewear brands and cleans items such as yoga pants, compression underwear, and gym jerseys. Designed to eliminate challenging smells from exercise gear, it keeps fabrics fresh without using harsh chemicals.
OxiClean Odor Blasters Versatile Odor and Stain Remover
This 5 lb powder is a versatile oxygen-based laundry booster that enhances detergent cleaning by getting out tough stains, lingering sweat, musty towels, and body odors. It’s recommended as a presoak to tackle stubborn smells, making your laundry significantly fresher. It works well in combination with regular detergents for a deep clean and odor neutralization benefit.
Buying Guide for the Best Detergents to Remove Odors from Clothes
When selecting a detergent to handle smelly clothes, several factors come into play. Understanding these can help you choose a product well-suited for your laundry needs:
Effectiveness Against Odors
- Odor-Fighting Ingredients: Look for detergents with baking soda, enzymes, or specialized odor blockers designed to neutralize smells rather than mask them.
- Sanitizing Properties: Products like Lysol Laundry Sanitizer that kill bacteria can enhance odor removal by targeting the root cause in fabrics.
Compatibility
- Washing Machine Type: Check if the detergent is HE (High Efficiency) compatible to ensure optimal cleaning performance and avoid excess suds.
- Fabric and Color Safety: Select detergents that are safe for colors and delicate fabrics if you mix different garment types.
Form and Convenience
- Liquid vs Powder: Liquids usually dissolve quickly and work well for pre-treating stains, whereas powders can be better for boosting odor and stain removal, especially as a presoak.
- Concentrated Packs: Convenience packs like Power Paks provide measured doses and multi-action cleaning benefits.
Specialized Uses
- Activewear: Detergents with enzymatic formulas are ideal for removing sweat odors from workout gear.
- Persistent Smells: Deep cleaning formulas with micro-scrubbers or oxygen boosters help tackle tough odors that have soaked into fabrics.
Scent and Freshness
- Fragrance Preferences: Consider if you want a strong scent, a mild fresh smell, or fragrance-free options.
- Masking vs Neutralizing: Quality detergents neutralize odors at the source rather than just masking them with fragrance.
Choosing a detergent with these considerations will help you maintain clean, odor-free clothes that feel fresh and comfortable to wear.