Pet Odor Eliminator vs. Detergent for Pet Laundry
By Molly's Suds | Published: 2026-10-14
Category: Comparisons
A pet odor eliminator targets urine, poop, and vomit odors at the source, while regular detergent handles everyday dirt. Here's how to choose for pet bedding and clothes.
Quick answer
For laundry that smells strongly of pet urine, poop, or vomit, use a pet odor eliminator that breaks down odors at the source. For routine washing of dog blankets, pet beds, and clothes that are dirty but not heavily soiled, a regular natural laundry detergent is enough. If you want one product that handles both everyday dirt and stubborn pet messes, choose a detergent formulated with enzymes.
What a pet odor eliminator does that detergent doesn't
A pet odor eliminator is built to break down the source of the smell, not just cover it. Molly's Suds Pet Odor Eliminator is designed to destroy tough pet odors from urine, poop, and vomit, and it leaves behind a Fluffy Fresh scent that comes from a natural clean-linen aroma rather than synthetic fragrances. It contains no harsh chemicals, so it is pet-approved and sniff-safe for your whole pack.
Regular detergent, even a good natural one, is formulated to lift dirt, oils, and stains from fabric. It can reduce pet odor, but it does not specifically target the compounds in pet waste. That difference matters most when the smell has soaked into absorbent items like dog blankets, crate pads, or a favorite chair cover.
When regular detergent is the better choice
For weekly laundry that just smells like dog or cat, a regular natural detergent is simpler and more economical. Molly's Suds 2-in-1 Original Laundry Powder with Oxygen Brightener BOOST combines Original Laundry Powder with Oxygen Brightener Bleach Alternative in one scoop, so it deep cleans, whitens, brightens, and removes tough stains. It is made with only 7 simple ingredients and uses just one tablespoon per load.
If your pet laundry is mostly muddy paw prints, drool, and general outdoor grime, this kind of detergent handles the job without an extra step. It also works in standard, commercial, and high-efficiency (HE) washers, so you can use it in whatever machine you have.
How to get pet smell out of laundry: a practical sequence
Start by removing solid waste from the fabric before washing. For urine, poop, or vomit odors, pretreat or wash with a pet odor eliminator according to its label. For everyday pet laundry, use a regular detergent and add an oxygen brightener if you want extra whitening or stain removal. Always check the care tag before choosing a water temperature, and avoid overloading the washer so the cleaning agents can circulate.
If the smell lingers after one wash, repeat the odor eliminator step rather than increasing the amount of regular detergent. More detergent does not equal more odor removal, and excess detergent can leave residue that traps smells.
A starter kit that covers both jobs
If you are setting up a pet laundry routine from scratch, the Clean Laundry Starter Kit bundles best-selling laundry supplies: one Original Laundry Powder (70 loads) in your choice of Peppermint or Unscented, one Stain Remover Spray, one Oxygen Whitener Bleach Alternative, and a Wool Dryer Ball Set with three balls. It can be used in standard, commercial, and high-efficiency (HE) washers.
This kit does not include the Pet Odor Eliminator, so it is best for households that mostly need everyday cleaning plus stain and odor support. If pet waste odors are your main problem, add the Pet Odor Eliminator separately.
Trade-offs to weigh before you buy
- Targeted odor removal vs. everyday cleaning: A pet odor eliminator is formulated specifically for urine, poop, and vomit odors. A regular detergent is formulated for general dirt, oils, and stains. Using only detergent on heavy pet waste odors may leave a lingering smell; using only an odor eliminator on everyday grime may not lift ordinary stains as well. Match the product to the mess. Keep both on hand if your pet has accidents and also gets regularly dirty.
- Scent and ingredient preferences: Molly's Suds Pet Odor Eliminator uses a Fluffy Fresh scent from a natural clean-linen aroma with no synthetic fragrances. The 2-in-1 Original Laundry Powder with Oxygen Brightener BOOST is made with only 7 simple ingredients and comes in a Title option. Super Powder Laundry Detergent with Enzymes is available in Lavender, Ocean Mist, and Unscented. If fragrance sensitivity is a concern, choose an unscented detergent option and check the odor eliminator label for the scent description.
- Cost and convenience: The Pet Odor Eliminator is a separate step, while the 2-in-1 powder and Super Powder are single-scoop detergents that clean and deodorize in one wash. The Clean Laundry Starter Kit bundles multiple products for a broader routine but does not include the Pet Odor Eliminator. For occasional accidents, a dedicated eliminator is worth the extra step. For weekly pet laundry, a single detergent keeps the routine simple.
Product facts at a glance
- Pet Odor Eliminator: Destroys tough pet odors from urine, poop, and vomit; Fluffy Fresh scent leaves a natural clean-linen aroma with no synthetic fragrances; no harsh chemicals. This is the targeted choice when the smell comes from pet waste, not just everyday dirt.
- 2-in-1 Original Laundry Powder with Oxygen Brightener BOOST: 2-in-1 formula combines Original Laundry Powder with Oxygen Brightener Bleach Alternative to deep clean, whiten, brighten, and remove tough stains in a single scoop; made with only 7 simple ingredients; one tablespoon per load. A practical everyday detergent for pet bedding and clothes that need stain and odor support without a separate booster.
- Super Powder Laundry Detergent with Enzymes: Super Powder Laundry Detergent with Enzymes is designed to tackle dirty laundry while remaining gentle; enzymes strip away stains and odors and help reduce pilling; available in Lavender, Ocean Mist, and Unscented; works in standard, commercial, and HE washers. Enzymes make this a strong middle ground for pet laundry that has both stains and lingering odor.
Which should you choose?
Best for
- Homes with puppies, senior pets, or any pet that has accidents on bedding or clothes
- Pet owners who need to remove urine, poop, or vomit odors at the source
- People who want a pet-safe, no-harsh-chemical odor remover for clothes and blankets
Not for
- Everyday laundry that only needs general cleaning and light deodorizing
- Households looking for a single product to handle both stains and heavy pet waste odors
- Shoppers who prefer an unscented product for all pet laundry
