Best Laundry Detergents for Mildew and Odor Removal
Mildew and stubborn odors can linger in laundry even after washing. The products below are selected for their odor-fighting power, enzyme action, and mildew-targeting formulas, designed for both standard and HE machines. Each option ranges from enzyme-based boost to odor eliminators and scent boosters, offering multiple angles to tackle tough laundry smells. Use in combination with a regular detergent for best results, especially on athletic wear, towels, and bedding.
| Product | Brand | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Lysol Laundry Sanitizer Additive | Lysol | Kills odor-causing bacteria; bleach alternative |
| ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters | Arm & Hammer | Tripe-power odor removal and freshness |
| Enzyme Laundry Booster Odor Remover | ACTIVE | Bio enzymatic odor and stain removal |
| CitriSafe Remedy Laundry Liquid Detergent | CitriSafe | All-natural enzyme-based mildew and dirt lifting |
| FunkAway Laundry Detergent Booster | FunkAway | Eliminates extreme odors from hard-to-clean fabrics |
Lysol Laundry Sanitizer Additive
Lysol Laundry Sanitizer Additive is designed to sanitize and deodorize laundry in every wash. It helps remove odors that detergents alone may leave behind and acts as a color-safe bleach alternative. The product is formulated to effectively kill odor-causing bacteria, including in cold water, and is suitable for both standard and HE washing machines. Use in the fabric softener compartment or directly with the detergent for best results in odor control.
Features include: a bacteria-killing sanitizing action, a color-safe formulation that works in cold water, and better odor control than traditional scent boosters. It provides a straightforward option for households dealing with persistent laundry odors and mildew-related smells without heavy chemical bleaching.
ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters Fresh Burst
This liquid detergent blends ARM & HAMMER with OxiClean odor blasters to tackle tough odors and stains. The formula claims to fight odors deeply and deliver lasting freshness across a variety of fabrics, including activewear. Aimed at households with heavy odor challenges, its triple-power approach helps cleanse fabrics beyond surface-level freshness and is designed for HE washers as well.
Key points: strong odor elimination, stain-fighting capability, and long-lasting freshness. The detergent emphasizes baking soda-based odor control, which is popular for mildew-prone laundry like gym gear and towels.
Enzyme Laundry Booster Odor Remover
ACTIVE’s Enzyme Laundry Booster adds a powerful enzymatic cleaning boost to remove odors rather than mask them. It targets sweat, body oils, and mildew smells with bio-active enzymes, making it especially suitable for athletic wear, active fabrics, and heavily soiled garments. The formula is fragrance-free and designed to be gentle on fabrics while improving overall odor control when used with your regular detergent.
Highlights include: enzyme-based odor removal, heavy-duty stain targeting, and plant-based formulas that are gentle on materials. It is positioned as a natural option for odor elimination, rather than masking scents with fragrances.
CitriSafe Remedy Laundry Liquid Detergent
CitriSafe Remedy Laundry Liquid Detergent is an environmentally friendly, concentrated option that emphasizes natural surfactants and botanical blends. It is fragrance-free and designed to lift dirt and mildew odors without harsh chemicals. This product may be especially appealing to households seeking an eco-conscious approach to mildew-related odors and sensitive skin considerations.
Considerations include: all-natural blend, fragrance-free operation, and environmentally friendly formulation. It is useful as a supplementary boost for odors and as a general-purpose detergent for mildew-prone loads, particularly when you want to avoid synthetic additives.
FunkAway Laundry Detergent Booster
FunkAway Laundry Detergent Booster is designed to tackle extreme odors and stains from activewear, pet bedding, towels, and linens. The booster works by addressing trapped-in odors that standard detergents may miss, helping to refresh fabrics that experience heavy use and strong smells. It can be used with regular laundry cycles to boost odor elimination.
Pros include targeted odor removal for tough fabrics, effective action against sweat and mildew odors, and broad compatibility with most detergents. It is positioned as a practical add-on for households dealing with persistent odor issues in multiple fabric types.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations and Comparisons
Odor control needs vary by fabric type, washing machine, and the source of mildew or stink. When selecting a product, consider the following:
- Odor Source: If mildew is due to damp towels or gym wear, enzyme-based boosters and sanitizer additives often perform best by breaking down odor-causing compounds at the source.
- Fabric Compatibility: Look for color-safe and gentle formulations for dyed fabrics, delicates, and activewear. Enzyme-based products may be fragrance-free in some options, which benefits sensitive skin.
- Washing Machine Type: HE machines benefit from formulas designed for low-water conditions and high efficiency. Confirm product compatibility with your washer model.
- Direct Sanitizing Action: Products named as sanitizers or disinfectants offer additional protection against bacteria and odor-causing agents, which can be helpful for towels and bedding.
- Environment and Allergies: If fragrance-free or plant-based options are preferred, choose CitriSafe or fragrance-free enzyme boosters. Botanical blends can be gentler on skin and the environment.
- Combination Use: For persistent mildew odors, pairing a detergent booster with a sanitizer additive often yields the strongest results, especially for multi-load households with mildew-prone items.
Choosing among these options depends on your home’s odor sources, fabric types, and sensitivity to scents. For broad mildew control, consider a core detergent plus an odor-eliminating booster, and add a sanitizing agent for stubborn odors in towels and bedding.