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.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Nature’s Miracle Laundry Boost
Enzymatic cleaner
Can also be used as a pre-cleaner
Reasonable cost
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Best Value
Odoban Laundry & Air Freshener
Disinfectant
Deodorizer
Cost-effective
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Premium Choice
Skout’s Honor Laundry Booster
All-natural and non-toxic
Eco-friendly and cruelty-free
Help animals in need with the purchase
Check Price
Persil Liquid Laundry Detergent
Cost-effective
Strong cleaning and odor eliminating power
Enzymatic cleaner
Check Price
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 – Reviews
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.
Type Of Product: Laundry additive
Cleaning Method: Enzymatic
Available Size: 32 ounces
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Pros
Enzymatic cleaner
Can also be used as a pre-cleaner
Reasonable cost
Cons
Less effective with older smells
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.
Enzymatic cleaner
Can also be used as a pre-cleaner
Reasonable cost
- Enzymatic cleaner
- Can also be used as a pre-cleaner
- Reasonable cost
Less effective with older smells
- Less effective with older smells
Type Of Product: Laundry disinfectant/deodorizer
Cleaning Method: Chemical
Available Size: 1 gallon
Pros
Disinfectant
Deodorizer
Cost-effective
Cons
Strong scent
Not all-natural, harsh chemical
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.
Disinfectant
Deodorizer
Cost-effective
- Disinfectant
- Deodorizer
- Cost-effective
Strong scent
Not all-natural, harsh chemical
- Strong scent
- Not all-natural, harsh chemical
Type Of Product: Laundry additive
Cleaning Method: All-natural surfactant
Available Size: 32 ounces
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
- Persil ProClean Liquid Laundry Detergent & Odor Fighter
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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.
All-natural and non-toxic
Eco-friendly and cruelty-free
Help animals in need with the purchase
- All-natural and non-toxic
- Eco-friendly and cruelty-free
- Help animals in need with the purchase
Expensive
Small bottle size
Doesn’t always work effectively
- Expensive
- Small bottle size
- Doesn’t always work effectively
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Type Of Product: Laundry detergent
Cleaning Method: Enzymatic
Available Size: 82.5 ounces
Pros
Cost-effective
Strong cleaning and odor eliminating power
Enzymatic cleaner
Cons
Not all-natural
Strong scent
Some issues with the bottle leaking
- Defunkify Powder Laundry Detergent
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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.
Cost-effective
Strong cleaning and odor eliminating power
Enzymatic cleaner
- Cost-effective
- Strong cleaning and odor eliminating power
- Enzymatic cleaner
Not all-natural
Strong scent
Some issues with the bottle leaking
- Not all-natural
- Strong scent
- Some issues with the bottle leaking
Type Of Product: Laundry detergent
Cleaning Method: Enzymatic
Available Size: 55 ounces
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
- Tide Simply Pods Odor Rescue Laundry Detergent
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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.
Designed for old, set-in odors
Fragrance, dye, and filler-free
Cost-effective
- Designed for old, set-in odors
- Fragrance, dye, and filler-free
- Cost-effective
Not as good for stains
Might not always work well on its own
- Not as good for stains
- Might not always work well on its own
Type Of Product: Laundry detergent
Cleaning Method: Oxidizing
Available Size: 55 count, 72 count
Pros
Easy to use
Works in all types of washers
Effective
Cons
Strong scent
Sometimes leaves residue
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.
Easy to use
Works in all types of washers
Effective
- Easy to use
- Works in all types of washers
- Effective
Strong scent
Sometimes leaves residue
- Strong scent
- Sometimes leaves residue
Type Of Product: Laundry additive
Cleaning Method: Molecular
Available Size: 16 ounces
Pros
Non-toxic, bio-degradable
Unique odor-eliminating method
Cons
It may not always work
Expensive
- Febreze Laundry Pet Odor Eliminator
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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.
Non-toxic, bio-degradable
Unique odor-eliminating method
- Non-toxic, bio-degradable
- Unique odor-eliminating method
It may not always work
Expensive
- It may not always work
- Expensive
Type Of Product: Laundry additive
Cleaning Method: Chemical
Available Size: 50 ounces, 98 ounces
Pros
Designed for pet odors
Works with any washer or detergent
Cons
Some issues with bottles leaking
Recent quality concerns
- LaundraPet Premium Laundry Detergent
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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.
Designed for pet odors
Works with any washer or detergent
- Designed for pet odors
- Works with any washer or detergent
Some issues with bottles leaking
Recent quality concerns
- Some issues with bottles leaking
- Recent quality concerns
Type Of Product: Laundry detergent
Cleaning Method: Surfactant
Available Size: 64 ounces
Pros
Designed specifically for pet laundry
Non-toxic
Cons
Bottle leaks
Expensive
- Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters
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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.
Designed specifically for pet laundry
Non-toxic
- Designed specifically for pet laundry
- Non-toxic
Bottle leaks
Expensive
- Bottle leaks
- Expensive
Type Of Product: Laundry detergent
Cleaning Method: Oxidizing, baking soda, enzymes
Available Size: 61 ounces, 122 ounces
Pros
Cost-effective
Works on stains and odors
Cons
Strong scent
Some issues with bottle leakage
Cost-effective
Works on stains and odors
- Cost-effective
- Works on stains and odors
Strong scent
Some issues with bottle leakage
- Strong scent
- Some issues with bottle leakage
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.
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.
No matter how hard you try, pets will always leave you cleaning up smells, stains, vomit, hair, and everything in between. With the Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray, you can advance your clean-up routine!
It permanently removes the very worst pet stains and smells (and truly makes clean-up a breeze). Click here to learn more, order a bottle, and freshen up your home today.
At Pet Keen, we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding products of this cool cat company!
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’s 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.
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.
Related read: 10 Easy Ways to Remove Pet Hair From Laundry
Featured Image Credit: Frezi Gate, Shutterstock
