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Home > Cats > 10 Best Laundry Detergents for Cat Urine in 2024: Reviews & Top Picks

10 Best Laundry Detergents for Cat Urine in 2024: Reviews & Top Picks

A large white plastic bottle of laundry detergent and a stack of rolled-up blankets

Few things are as frustrating as heading to your bed after a long, tiring day, only to find that your new kitten has decided to use your favorite comforter as a toilet. Not only do you now have to change your sheets instead of falling into them, you know that if you don’t completely eliminate the urine smell from your bedding, your kitten will also just come right back and do it all over again.

So, what is the best option to wash out the urine scent? To help you decide, we’ve rounded up reviews of what we think are the 10 best laundry detergents for cat urine this year. Take a read of our thoughts on these products to help you pick just the right one for you.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Nature’s Miracle Laundry Boost Nature’s Miracle Laundry Boost
  • Enzymatic cleaner
  • Can also be used as a pre-cleaner
  • Reasonable cost
  • Best Value
    Second place
    Odoban Laundry & Air Freshener Odoban Laundry & Air Freshener
  • Disinfectant 
  • Deodorizer
  • Cost-effective
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Skout’s Honor Laundry Booster Skout’s Honor Laundry Booster
  • All-natural and non-toxic
  • Eco-friendly and cruelty-free
  • Help animals in need with the purchase
  • Persil Liquid Laundry Detergent Persil Liquid Laundry Detergent
  • Cost-effective
  • Strong cleaning and odor eliminating power
  • Enzymatic cleaner
  • Defunkify Powder Laundry Detergent Defunkify Powder Laundry Detergent
  • Designed for old, set-in odors
  • Fragrance, dye, and filler-free
  • Cost-effective
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    The 10 Best Laundry Detergent For Cat Urine

    1. Nature’s Miracle Stain & Odor Laundry Boost – Best Overall

    Nature's Miracle Stain & Odor Additive Laundry Boost

    Type Of Product: Laundry additive
    Cleaning Method: Enzymatic
    Available Size: 32 ounces

    Our pick for the best overall laundry detergent for cat urine is technically a laundry additive but is one of the most effective products when it comes to removing pet stains and odors. Nature’s Miracle Stain & Odor Laundry Additive Boost can be used as either a pre-treatment for urine-soaked materials or added to the wash cycle. This enzyme cleaner works to break down smells completely rather than just washing them out or masking them with fragrance. Like many of these types of products, it’s most effective on new urine accidents rather than older, set-in stains and smells. Most users found this product worked very well and left both their laundry and washing machine free of urine odor.

    Pros
    • Enzymatic cleaner
    • Can also be used as a pre-cleaner
    • Reasonable cost
    Cons
    • Less effective with older smells

    2. Odoban Disinfectant Laundry & Air Freshener – Best Value

    OdoBan Disinfectant Laundry & Air Freshener Concentrate

    Type Of Product: Laundry disinfectant/deodorizer
    Cleaning Method: Chemical
    Available Size: 1 gallon

    Our choice of best laundry detergent for cat urine for the money is the Odoban Laundry Disinfectant Laundry & Air Freshener Concentrate. Available in a large, gallon size, this is the choice for those who have a large volume of urine-stained laundry. Again, not a laundry detergent but a laundry additive, this product is also a powerful disinfectant, not only eliminating urine odor but any bacteria left behind as well. This is not an all-natural cleaner and proper precautions should be taken when using it. Users with children will want to use extra caution or choose a different laundry cleaner. Some users objected to the strong scent of this product, but most found it effective at cleaning and removing odors.

    Pros
    • Disinfectant
    • Deodorizer
    • Cost-effective
    Cons
    • Strong scent
    • Not all-natural, harsh chemical

    3. Skout’s Honor Laundry Booster – Premium Choice

    Skout's Honor Laundry Booster Stain & Odor Removal Additive

    Type Of Product: Laundry additive
    Cleaning Method: All-natural surfactant
    Available Size: 32 ounces

    Our premium choice for cleaning cat urine from your laundry is the Skout’s Honor Laundry Booster. This product is non-toxic when used as directed and made from plant-based, eco-friendly ingredients. While it’s a little more expensive than other products on our list, it’s the best choice for those who prefer all-natural cleaning products. Charitable cat owners will also appreciate that the company donates meals to shelter pets for every bottle sold. While reviews are generally positive, some users didn’t find that this product worked as well as an enzyme or chemical-based odor control. Another concern with this product is the small bottle size, which doesn’t allow many uses before running out.

    Pros
    • All-natural and non-toxic
    • Eco-friendly and cruelty-free
    • Help animals in need with the purchase
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Small bottle size
    • Doesn’t always work effectively

    4. Persil ProClean Liquid Laundry Detergent & Odor Fighter

    Persil ProClean Liquid Laundry Detergent

    Type Of Product: Laundry detergent
    Cleaning Method: Enzymatic
    Available Size: 82.5 ounces

    For powerful cleaning and urine scent elimination, try the Persil ProClean Liquid Laundry Detergent & Odor Fighter with odor-fighting additives. This detergent uses enzymes to break down both stains and odors, allowing them to be washed away completely. Because it’s so concentrated, only a minimal amount is needed for maximum cleaning, making this a cost-effective and long-lasting detergent choice. This detergent isn’t labeled for sensitive skin and is harmful if swallowed, so be careful to keep it away from children or pets. Some users disliked the strong scent of this detergent and there are some issues with the bottles leaking during shipment. Overall, this product receives strong marks for cleaning and deodorizing power, making it an excellent choice for washing your cat’s urine laundry.

    Pros
    • Cost-effective
    • Strong cleaning and odor eliminating power
    • Enzymatic cleaner
    Cons
    • Not all-natural
    • Strong scent
    • Some issues with the bottle leaking

    5. Defunkify Powder Laundry Detergent

    Defunkify Powder Laundry Detergent

    Type Of Product: Laundry detergent
    Cleaning Method: Enzymatic
    Available Size: 55 ounces

    The only powder detergent option on our list, Defunkify Powder Laundry Detergent uses EPA-approved ingredients to create this powerful, enzyme-based cleaner. Fragrance-free and made without dyes and fillers, this detergent is a good choice for those with allergies or sensitive skin, human or cat! Because it’s a powder detergent, only a small amount is required for each load, making this a cost-effective choice despite the smaller package size. The product advertises itself as working on even old, built-in odors but users had mixed reviews as to the effectiveness. Some found that the product only worked when combined with other laundry detergents. It also doesn’t work as well on stains, which is an issue when it comes to washing cat urine out.

    Pros
    • Designed for old, set-in odors
    • Fragrance, dye, and filler-free
    • Cost-effective
    Cons
    • Not as good for stains
    • Might not always work well on its own

    6. Tide Simply Pods Odor Rescue Laundry Detergent

    Tide Simply Pods Odor Rescue

    Type Of Product: Laundry detergent
    Cleaning Method: Oxidizing
    Available Size: 55 count, 72 count

    Keep these well out of reach of your kids, but Tide Simply Pods Odor Rescue Laundry Detergent is simply excellent when it comes to fighting cat urine stain and odor. Combining a detergent, oxidizing odor-fighting product, and a fresh fragrance, Tide Pods are easy-to-use and work in all types of washing machines. Those who are sensitive to smells might find this detergent a little overwhelming. Tide products generally are among the best when it comes to cleaning the dirtiest, smelliest items, and, based on user reviews, this one is no different. The convenience of the pods is the major selling point of this detergent, although a few users found that they left behind a residue on the laundry after washing. This could be dangerous for your cat because this product shouldn’t be swallowed.

    Pros
    • Easy to use
    • Works in all types of washers
    • Effective
    Cons
    • Strong scent
    • Sometimes leaves residue

    7. Zero Odor Laundry Odor Eliminator

    Zero Odor Laundry Pet Odor Eliminator

    Type Of Product: Laundry additive
    Cleaning Method: Molecular
    Available Size: 16 ounces

    This unique odor-eliminating product is designed to work with regular laundry detergent or as a pre-treatment. Zero Odor Laundry Odor Eliminator contains molecular technology that bonds with scent odors and changes them to become odor-free. This laundry additive is non-toxic and bio-degradable, making it another good option for those who worry about using chemical cleaners and detergents. The product does leave a fragrance behind, making it less ideal for those with allergies and sensitivities. Some users did not have success with this product and it only comes in a small bottle which doesn’t last long. This laundry cleaner is also more expensive than some others on our list.

    Pros
    • Non-toxic, bio-degradable
    • Unique odor-eliminating method
    Cons
    • It may not always work
    • Expensive

    8. Febreze Laundry Pet Odor Eliminator

    Febreze Laundry Pet Odor Eliminator

    Type Of Product: Laundry additive
    Cleaning Method: Chemical
    Available Size: 50 ounces, 98 ounces

    Made by one of the most well-known air freshener and odor-eliminating brands, the Febreze Laundry Pet Odor Eliminator is specifically designed to wipe out even the toughest pet smells, like cat urine. Safe to use with any washer, laundry detergent, or fabric softener, this product leaves behind a fresh scent but not one that’s simply masking the stinky odors of your laundry. Recent purchasers of this product note that the scent may have changed and is not as pleasant. Most users found this product worked as designed but others were not as impressed. There are also some issues with bottle leakage during shipment.

    Pros
    • Designed for pet odors
    • Works with any washer or detergent
    Cons
    • Some issues with bottles leaking
    • Recent quality concerns

    9. LaundraPet Premium Laundry Detergent

    LaundraPet Premium Laundry Detergent

    Type Of Product: Laundry detergent
    Cleaning Method: Surfactant
    Available Size: 64 ounces

    This pet-specific laundry detergent is soap-free and has low suds, making it a good choice for high-efficiency washing machines. The company specifically markets this product to kennels, veterinarians, and animal shelters as a pet-specific laundry detergent. LaundraPet Premium Laundry Detergent is gentle and non-toxic, usually well-tolerated by sensitive and allergic humans and animals. Generally effective at removing pet odors, some users didn’t find that it worked well enough to justify the higher price compared to other, not pet-specific detergents. Another complaint about this product is that the bottle tends to leak. Overall, this product seems to work, but not more effectively than regular laundry detergents.

    Pros
    • Designed specifically for pet laundry
    • Non-toxic
    Cons
    • Bottle leaks
    • Expensive

    10. Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters

    Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters

    Type Of Product: Laundry detergent
    Cleaning Method: Oxidizing, baking soda, enzymes
    Available Size: 61 ounces, 122 ounces

    This inexpensive laundry detergent uses the natural odor-fighting power of baking soda combined with OxiClean to remove both urine stains and smells. Made by an old and trusted company, Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters leaves behind a fresh scent once it destroys the odors in your laundry. Extremely well-reviewed, this laundry detergent is a great combination of low cost and highly effective cleaning and odor-fighting power. Because it does have a strong scent, this product is not a good choice for people with allergies or sensitivities. Users also complain that the bottle has issues with leaking especially during shipment.

    Pros
    • Cost-effective
    • Works on stains and odors
    Cons
    • Strong scent
    • Some issues with bottle leakage

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    Buying Guide: Selecting the Best Laundry Detergents For Cat Urine

    Before you make your final decision about how to clean up your cat urine laundry, here are a few points to consider.

    Laundry Additive or Laundry Detergent?

    We reviewed both laundry additives or boosters and laundry detergents on our list because each serves a specific purpose. Cleaning cat urine requires both heavy odor control power and cleaning power. Some products are designed for one over the other. If you prefer to minimize the number of products you add to your laundry, consider one of the combination detergent and odor fighters. If you find that you need a more targeted odor control product, a laundry additive may be the better choice.

    spraying carpet cleaner on the carpet
    Image By: Syda Productions, Shutterstock

    To Pre-Treat or Not Pre-Treat?

    Check the directions carefully before you make your final choice. Some of the products on our list work most effectively if the soiled laundry is pre-soaked before washing. If you don’t have the time or motivation for this, choose a product that works just in a wash cycle.

    Chemical or All-Natural?

    If you prefer to use natural cleaning products in your home, there’s a detergent or additive on this list for you. However, the trade-off will likely be a more expensive product that might not work quite as well as chemical detergents. This is often the case for all-natural products so you could already be okay with this.

    Why Is Your Cat Urinating Inappropriately in the First Place?

    This won’t change the fact that you’ll still need to do laundry and we can help you with that but it is worth investigating why your cat is peeing in places they shouldn’t. Inappropriate urination is a major issue among pet cats and one of the most common reasons kitties end up being surrendered to animal shelters.

    Cats may have medical or behavioral issues that lead to urinating outside the litter box. No matter what age your cat is, the first step is to rule out any medical causes by making an appointment with your vet. Your veterinarian can help you diagnose and treat any infections or other conditions.

    If your cat is having behavioral issues, your veterinarian can help with those too. They can offer advice on how many litter boxes you should have and where to place them. If your cat needs behavioral medications, your vet will be able to prescribe them.

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    Conclusion

    As the best overall laundry detergent for cat urine, Nature’s Miracle Laundry Boost offers highly effective odor elimination at a reasonable cost. Our best value choice, Odoban Laundry Disinfectant combines both deodorizing and disinfecting power. Urinary accidents happen to even the best cats and fortunately, there are a lot of laundry products out there to help clean up after them. Hopefully, our reviews of these 10 laundry detergents give you a good starting point as you try to find the product that works best for you.


    Featured Image Credit: Frezi Gate, Shutterstock

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