As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Pet bedding, blankets, towels, and washable toys can hold onto urine, feces, drool, and wet-dog odors long after a normal wash. The right Pet Laundry Detergent should target those messes without making fabric care more complicated.
Look for enzyme-based cleaning if stains and organic odors are your main concern. You should also consider whether you want a standalone detergent, an in-wash booster, a fragrance-free formula, or a large container for frequent loads.
These five picks were selected from the provided product details for their distinct cleaning approaches, load capacity, fabric-safety claims, and suitability for different pet-laundry routines. The list includes powders, liquid additives, concentrated formulas, and high-volume options.
Our top pick combines enzyme-based odor removal, fragrance-free cleaning, and HE-washer compatibility. The other choices suit heavy odors, occasional boosting, multi-pet households, and shoppers who prefer larger formats.
Our Top 5 Pet Laundry Detergent Picks at a Glance
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
 |
ACTIVE Pet Laundry Detergent Fragrance-free HE washing |
Check Price |
 |
Nature’s Miracle Laundry Boost Tough stains and odors |
Check Price |
 |
Febreze In-Wash Pet Odor Eliminator Maximum-strength odor removal |
Check Price |
 |
ATP LaundraPet 3X Enzyme Detergent Frequent pet laundry |
Check Price |
 |
Bark2Basics Dog-Off Pet Detergent Large multi-pet households |
Check Price |
Top 5 Pet Laundry Detergent: Detailed Reviews
1. ACTIVE Pet Laundry Detergent
ACTIVE Pet Laundry Detergent is a concentrated enzyme powder designed to tackle pet urine, vomit, slobber, dirt, oils, grime, and other protein-based stains. Its bio-based formula targets odors instead of covering them with fragrance, making it a practical choice for sensitive pets or skin. The powder works in HE machines and is intended for beds, blankets, towels, clothing, leashes, harnesses, and furniture covers. Add one to two scoops per load, with the 2-pound bag covering up to 64 loads.
What We Like:
- The enzyme formula targets both stains and pet odors.
- Its fragrance-free formula avoids adding scent to freshly washed bedding.
- HE-washer compatibility suits modern high-efficiency machines.
- One detergent can handle bedding, towels, clothing, and washable gear.
- The concentrated powder offers up to 64 loads per 2-pound bag.
What Could Be Improved:
- You need to measure one to two scoops for each load rather than use a premeasured dose.
- It may not suit shoppers who want a scented finish after washing.
- The bag requires storage space and may be less convenient than a compact liquid container.
Buy it if you want a fragrance-free, HE-friendly cleaner for recurring pet laundry and odor-heavy messes. It fits homes with sensitive pets or skin particularly well. Skip it if you prefer scented detergent, premeasured pods, or a liquid format that requires less measuring.
2. Nature’s Miracle Laundry Boost
Nature’s Miracle Laundry Boost is a Pet Laundry Detergent additive for tackling stubborn messes in clothing, pet beds, and other washable items. Its bio-enzymatic formula helps break down stains and odors from urine, feces, vomit, blood, grass, and drool, while OdorCapture 360 technology adds odor neutralization. Use it alongside your regular detergent in any washing machine, including HE models. The formula avoids phosphates, parabens, sulfates, and bleach, but it is not suitable for washable silk, khaki, fluorescents, wool, suede, or leather.
What We Like:
- The enzyme formula targets a broad range of pet stains and odors.
- OdorCapture 360 adds dedicated odor neutralization during washing.
- It works with standard and HE washing machines.
- You can use it on clothing, pet beds, and other suitable washable fabrics.
- The formula avoids phosphates, parabens, sulfates, and bleach.
What Could Be Improved:
- It is an additive, so you still need your usual laundry detergent.
- The fabric restrictions exclude several specialty materials.
- Results depend on following the product directions and using suitable washable items.
Buy it if pet bedding or clothing regularly carries urine, vomit, drool, or other persistent odors and you want an enzyme-based laundry booster. Skip it if you need a standalone detergent or wash specialty fabrics such as wool, silk, suede, or leather.
3. Febreze In-Wash Pet Odor Eliminator
Pet Laundry Detergent shoppers should know that Febreze In-Wash Pet Odor Eliminator is a 98-fluid-ounce additive, not a standalone detergent. It targets tough odors in fabric items such as cat and dog beds, sofa covers, and pet car interiors, working alongside your usual detergent, pods, fabric softener, or bleach. For light odors, add one capful during a normal wash. For stubborn smells, pretreat by soaking the item in hot water with one capful, then wash normally.
What We Like:
- It focuses on stubborn pet odors rather than simply masking them.
- The 98-ounce bottle suits repeated bedding and fabric-care needs.
- You can use it with regular detergents, pods, softeners, and bleach.
- It works for pet beds, sofa covers, and other washable fabric items.
- The hot-water soak gives you a pretreatment option for harder odors.
What Could Be Improved:
- It is an additive, so you still need a separate laundry detergent for cleaning.
- Stubborn odors require an extra hot-water soaking step before the normal wash.
- The instructions specify one capful, which adds another dosing step to laundry.
Buy it if your main problem is persistent dog or cat odor in washable bedding, covers, and other fabrics, especially if you already have a preferred detergent. Skip it if you want one product to clean and deodorize laundry, or if you prefer a simpler wash routine without pretreating severe smells.
4. ATP LaundraPet 3X Enzyme Detergent
ATP LaundraPet 3X Enzyme Laundry Detergent is a veterinarian-formulated Pet Laundry Detergent for washable garments and bedding affected by pet poop, urine, odors, and heavy soil. Its triple-action enzymatic formula is designed to improve cleaning efficacy by 15%, targeting messes that need more than basic washing. It also works in cold water, giving you a lower-temperature washing option. The 1/2-gallon container is labeled for up to 96 washes, making it a practical choice for households that handle pet laundry regularly.
What We Like:
- Targets pet poop and urine stains on washable items.
- Enzymatic cleaning addresses pet odors and heavy soils.
- Triple-action technology boosts cleaning efficacy by 15%.
- Works in cold water for flexible wash settings.
- The container is labeled for up to 96 washes.
What Could Be Improved:
- It is intended for washable garments, so it will not replace a cleaner for non-washable items.
- Up to 96 washes is a maximum, so the actual yield may vary with detergent use per load.
- The available details do not specify fragrance or sensitive-skin compatibility, which some households may want to confirm first.
Buy it if you wash pet bedding or garments often and want enzyme-based help with urine, poop, odors, and heavy soil, especially in cold water. Skip it if you need a non-washable-item cleaner or require confirmed fragrance and sensitive-skin details before choosing.
5. Bark2Basics Dog-Off Pet Detergent
Bark2Basics Dog-Off Pet Laundry Detergent is a concentrated, naturally derived formula for washing pet bedding, towels, clothes, and other washable items. Its 1-gallon container provides 128 loads, making it suited to high-volume laundry in large multi-pet households. The biodegradable ingredients are designed to remove pet odors and stains, while the formula is labeled safe for items belonging to dogs, cats, and other pets. Because the product does not include a scoop or measuring cup, you will need to measure each load with your own utensil.
What We Like:
- The 128-load yield suits frequent washing and multi-pet homes.
- Naturally derived ingredients offer a more appealing choice for shoppers seeking a biodegradable formula.
- The detergent is labeled safe for dog, cat, and other pet items.
- It targets both pet odors and stains in bedding, towels, and clothing.
- The concentrated gallon format reduces the need to replace detergent frequently.
What Could Be Improved:
- No scoop or measuring cup is included, so you must provide your own way to measure the detergent.
- The large one-gallon container may be less convenient if you have limited storage space.
- The product information does not specify fragrance details or washing-machine compatibility.
Choose Bark2Basics Dog-Off if you wash pet bedding, towels, and clothing often, especially in a large multi-pet household. Its 128-load capacity and naturally derived formula fit high-volume routines. Skip it if you want included measuring tools, need a smaller container, or require clearly stated fragrance and machine-compatibility details.
How to Choose Pet Laundry Detergent
Pet Laundry Detergent should match the messes you deal with most, your washing machine, and how often you clean bedding. A detergent that handles routine odor may not be the right choice for heavily soiled blankets, while a stain-focused formula may be more than you need for everyday loads. Start by identifying your main problem rather than choosing by scent or packaging alone.
Choose for stains, odors, or routine washing
Look for a product aimed at your most common laundry issue. Odor-focused options make sense if bedding retains pet smells after washing, while stain-focused formulas suit accidents, muddy paws, and visible marks. If you wash pet bedding frequently and the loads are usually lightly soiled, a detergent designed for regular use may be the more practical choice.
Check washing-machine compatibility
Your washer matters. Confirm that the detergent works with your machine type, especially if you use a high-efficiency washer. Using a compatible formula helps you follow the intended washing process and avoid choosing a product that does not suit your equipment. Always read the label for dosing and cycle guidance.
Consider fragrance and household sensitivities
Fragrance can make freshly washed bedding smell cleaner, but it is not essential for removing dirt or pet messes. If you or anyone in your home is sensitive to scented products, a fragrance-free option may be easier to live with. Also consider how much scent you want left on bedding that your pet sleeps on regularly.
Match the bottle to your laundry routine
Frequent washing, multiple pets, and large bedding loads can change what matters most. A product that suits occasional cleaning may be less convenient when you run laundry often. Think about the amount of pet laundry you handle, whether you need help with both stains and odors, and whether one detergent can cover your usual loads.
Finally, read the full product directions before buying. Pay attention to any stated limits, recommended use, and handling guidance. The best choice is the one whose purpose, machine compatibility, and scent profile fit your actual routine, not simply the one with the strongest claim.
Pet Laundry Detergent FAQs
Can I use pet laundry detergent in a high-efficiency washer?
Yes, but only if the product is labeled for high-efficiency washing. Check the packaging before use and follow its dosing instructions. A detergent intended for HE machines is the safer choice for routine pet bedding loads in that type of washer.
Should I choose fragrance-free or scented pet laundry detergent?
Choose fragrance-free if you prefer no added scent or have household sensitivities. Choose scented detergent only if you want a noticeable fragrance after washing. Scent preference should come after checking whether the formula suits your stains, odors, and washing machine.
What type of detergent is best for pet odors?
An odor-focused detergent is the most direct choice for bedding that keeps smelling after washing. Compare that purpose with your other needs, since some loads may also require help with visible stains. Follow the product label for the intended amount and cycle.
How often should I wash pet bedding?
Wash pet bedding according to how quickly it collects hair, dirt, stains, or odor. Pets that spend more time outdoors or share bedding with other animals may require more frequent laundry. Choose a detergent that fits the amount of washing your household actually does.
Is a pet-specific laundry detergent necessary?
Not always, but a pet-specific formula can focus on the problems common to pet bedding, such as odors and stains. The important factors are the product’s stated purpose, washer compatibility, scent profile, and suitability for your normal laundry routine.
Which Pet Laundry Detergent Should You Choose?
ACTIVE Pet Laundry Detergent is the best overall pick because its fragrance-free formula is suited to HE washing and everyday pet-bedding care. Nature’s Miracle Laundry Boost is the best alternative if tough stains and odors are your main concern. The other options have clearer specialist roles: Febreze targets maximum-strength odor removal, ATP suits frequent pet laundry, and Bark2Basics is aimed at large multi-pet households.