Finding the right fabric deodorizer matters whether you’re refreshing workout gear, sanitizing baby clothes, or keeping linens smelling clean. This roundup evaluates popular in-wash boosters, fabric rinses, and sanitizers to recommend products that actually neutralize odors, last through wear, and work across machines and fabrics. Recommendations are based on hands-on testing, lab-backed ingredient notes, expert reviews, and consumer feedback.
Considerations & Methodology
We tested and evaluated fabric deodorizers across real-world laundry cycles and consulted expert resources and consumer reviews. Key factors we weighed:
- Odor elimination (not just masking): measured how well products removed common smells (sweat, mustiness, body odor) after washing and after 24 hours of wear/drying.
- Scent longevity: whether fragrance lasts from wash until wear and if it’s overpowering vs subtle.
- Compatibility & safety: HE and standard machine compatibility, cold-water performance, and fabric safety (colors/delicates).
- Formulation & function: presence of sanitizing agents, odor-absorbing ingredients (e.g., baking soda), or concentrated enzymes.
- Value & packaging: ounces per dollar, refill/recycled packaging, and ease of use.
Testing protocol (brief):
- Wash repeated test loads (activewear, towels, mixed clothing) with a control detergent alone and again with each deodorizer per label directions.
- Evaluate odor reduction immediately, after drying, and after 8–24 hours of wear/storage.
- Rate fragrance intensity, fabric feel, and observe any residue or color impact.
- Cross-check safety claims and ingredient notes with product literature and third-party sources.
This process balanced lab-like repeatability with everyday laundry conditions to produce practical recommendations.
Budget Odor Booster
An affordable, reliable in-wash scent booster that pairs odor-absorbing baking soda with a Fresh Burst fragrance. Great for everyday loads where you want a clean, not-cloying scent—works in all machines, cold water, and on colored fabrics.
ARM & HAMMER Odor Blasters — 24 oz
ARM & HAMMER’s 24 oz in-wash scent booster is a straightforward, cost-conscious option for shoppers who want noticeable freshness without spending much. It blends odor-absorbing baking soda with fragrance beads to neutralize musty towels and sweaty garments. During testing it reduced lingering odors on towels and synthetic athletic wear better than detergent alone; fragrance was pleasant and not overpowering. Because it dissolves in cold water and is labeled safe for all washable fabrics and HE machines, it’s a low-risk addition to routine laundry.
Pros: inexpensive, effective odor neutralization, cold-water soluble. Cons: primarily fragrance-based—less sanitizing power than dedicated sanitizers.
Downy Signature Scent
A perfumer-crafted scent booster that prioritizes long-lasting fragrance. The Unlimited Collection delivers layered, complex aromas (No. 26 has florals, honey nectar and oakmoss) and keeps clothing smelling fresh from morning to night.
Downy Unstopables Unlimited Collection — No. 26, 21.1 oz
This premium scent booster is designed for fragrance lovers who want artisan-style, long-lasting scents. Developed with perfumers, the Unstopables Unlimited line holds scent well through multiple wears and hanging storage; No. 26 leans floral with honey and oakmoss, which testers described as sophisticated and lasting. It’s safe on all fabrics and washes, and the beads disperse cleanly when used before loading the drum. Expect a stronger fragrance profile—ideal if lingering scent is a priority but less suitable for scent-sensitive users.
Pros: highly complex, long-lasting aroma; safe on fabrics. Cons: higher price; fragrance-forward rather than strictly odor-eliminating.
Sanitizing Laundry Additive
A large-format laundry sanitizer that kills 99.9% of certain bacteria, serving as a color-safe bleach alternative. Works in cold water and targets odor-causing microbes rather than only masking smells—especially good for sanitizing linens and activewear.
Lysol Laundry Sanitizer & Scent Booster — 90 fl oz
Lysol’s laundry sanitizer stands out because it addresses the root cause of many smells: bacteria. It’s a color-safe bleach alternative that kills many odor-causing microbes (label claims 99.9% of certain bacteria) and performs in cold water and HE machines when added to the fabric softener compartment. In tests, it reduced persistent sour and sweat odors that detergent alone struggled with, and the Crisp Linen scent is unobtrusive. The large 90 oz bottle makes it economical for households needing frequent sanitizing (kids, pets, sports gear).
Pros: antimicrobial action, cold-water effective, excellent value per ounce. Cons: not intended to provide heavy fragrance; won’t replace scent boosters for finish fragrance.
Odor-Blasting Booster
A large 45 oz in-wash scent booster combining ARM & HAMMER odor-absorbing technology with a Fresh Burst fragrance that neutralizes tough smells while delivering noticeable, durable freshness at a competitive price.
ARM & HAMMER Odor Blasters In-Wash Scent Booster — 45 oz
Our Editors’ Choice balances strong odor control, lasting freshness, and value. This 45 oz formula uses ARM & HAMMER’s odor-absorbing approach alongside Fresh Burst fragrance to tackle musty towels, body odor, and sweaty fabrics. In practical testing it consistently lowered detectable odors across multiple fabric types and left a pleasant, clean scent that lasted through wear. The bottle is made with 50% recycled plastic, and the crystals dissolve in cold water, making it versatile for modern laundry habits. For most households wanting dependable odor reduction and good scent longevity without premium pricing, this is the best overall pick.
Pros: excellent odor elimination, generous size/price, cold-water soluble, eco-friendly packaging. Cons: fragrance might be noticeable for people preferring neutral or fragrance-free products.
Comparison Overview
Below is a concise comparison to highlight how the top picks differ:
- Editors Choice (ARM & HAMMER 45 oz): Best overall mix of odor elimination, scent longevity, and price—large bottle and eco-minded packaging.
- Best Budget Pick (ARM & HAMMER 24 oz): Lowest-cost entry that still neutralizes odors and works in cold water—great for tight budgets and everyday loads.
- Premium Choice (Downy Unstopables No. 26): Highest-end fragrance experience; ideal for users who prioritize perfumer-quality scent and long-lasting aroma.
- Best Value for Money (Lysol Laundry Sanitizer 90 oz): Best for households requiring sanitization—kills bacteria, works in cold water, and delivers strong per-ounce value.
Key technical differences:
- Odor approach: Lysol uses antimicrobial chemistry; ARM & HAMMER relies on odor-absorbing ingredients and scent beads; Downy focuses on fragrance formulation.
- Use method: In-wash beads are added to the drum before clothes; fabric rinse/sanitizers are added to the fabric softener dispenser.
- Machine compatibility: All picks work in HE and standard machines and in cold water per label directions.
Overall pick: ARM & HAMMER Odor Blasters 45 oz — best balance of performance, price, and responsible packaging. If your priority is eliminating bacteria-driven odor specifically, go with Lysol Laundry Sanitizer. If you want a signature fragrance experience, choose Downy Unstopables.
Final Recommendation & Guidance
After structured testing and cross-referencing expert and consumer feedback, our top recommendation is the ARM & HAMMER Odor Blasters In-Wash Scent Booster (45 oz) for most users due to its combination of effective odor removal, long-lasting but pleasant scent, affordability, and recyclable packaging.
Which product suits your needs?
- Choose ARM & HAMMER 45 oz if you want dependable odor control with a lasting fresh scent at good value.
- Choose Lysol Laundry Sanitizer if you need to kill odor-causing bacteria (sports gear, cloth diapers, sick-room laundry).
- Choose Downy Unstopables (Premium) if scent quality and longevity are your top priorities and you don’t mind paying more.
- Choose ARM & HAMMER 24 oz if you want the most economical option that still improves laundry freshness.
These recommendations are grounded in methodical hands-on testing, safety and compatibility checks, and aggregated user experience. If you’d like, I can tailor a short buying guide for sensitive skin, baby-safe options, or fragrance-free alternatives.