Finding the right laundry additives can make a big difference when mildew odors linger in fabrics. This guide highlights select laundry detergents and boosters designed to combat mildew odors, bacteria, and tough odors while remaining gentle on clothes. Each product below is evaluated for odor elimination, fabric safety, and compatibility with standard and high-efficiency machines. The table summarizes key product details to help you compare at a glance.
| Product | Brand | Type | Odor/Disinfectant Claim |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lysol Laundry Sanitizer Additive | Lysol | Detergent Additive | Sanitizes and deodorizes; kills bacteria; color-safe |
| Enzyme Laundry Booster Odor Remover | ACTIVE | Detergent Additive | Biological cleaner targets odors and stains |
| Lysol Disinfectant Laundry Sanitizer & Scent Booster | Lysol | Detergent Additive | Kills bacteria and odors; color-safe |
| ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters | Arm & Hammer | Liquid Detergent | Odor fighting, stain removal, lasting freshness |
| FunkAway Laundry Detergent Booster | FunkAway | Detergent Booster | Eliminates trapped-in odors and tough stains |
For mildew-prone items, you can combine a powerful odor-fighting booster with a proven disinfectant additive to improve freshness and reduce musty smells. The following product selections offer a mix of enzymatic science, odor-elimination chemistry, and plant-based options to fit different laundry routines and sensitivities.
Product Highlights
The following sections detail five products chosen for their mildew-targeted performance, with objective notes on how each may fit into a mildew-focused laundry routine. Each entry follows the same structure: a clickable title that links to Amazon, a visual, feature-backed description, and a concise assessment within a 250-word limit.
Lysol Laundry Sanitizer Additive, Crisp Linen
The Lysol Laundry Sanitizer Additive is designed to be added to every wash, in the fabric softener drawer, to sanitize and deodorize smelly laundry. It claims to kill many odor-causing bacteria and provides a color-safe bleach alternative that works in cold water. It’s compatible with standard and HE machines, making it a versatile option for both everyday loads and mildewy fabrics that require deeper odor control.
Key features include: 99.9% bacteria kill rate claim, safe on colors and whites, effective in cold water, and a step beyond scent boosters by addressing odor-causing microbes. For mildew remediation, this product helps tackle the root bacterial sources of musty smells rather than masking them with fragrance alone.
Enzyme Laundry Booster Odor Remover
ACTIVE’s Enzyme Laundry Booster Odor Remover uses lab-proven biological cleaning with bio-enzymatic action to remove odors and soils, not just mask them. The formula is fragrance-free and plant-based, designed to be gentle on fabrics while effectively eliminating odors from sweat, mildew, and other sources. It’s suitable for whites and colors and can be used on activewear fabrics that often trap odors.
Highlights include: a focus on odor removal at the source, heavy-duty stain removal capabilities, and a fragrance-free profile. This makes it an appealing option for households seeking a more natural odor solution or for clothes that carry persistent mildew odors that standard detergents struggle to address.
Lysol Disinfectant Laundry Sanitizer & Scent Booster
This Lysol option combines a disinfectant laundry sanitizer with a scent booster in one product. It provides a 99.9% bacteria kill rate and acts as a color-safe bleach alternative. Suitable for standard and HE machines, it targets odor-causing bacteria while infusing a light, lavender-scented finish that can help deter mildew-associated smells in future washes.
Essential attributes include: strong odor control, broad disinfection claim, and compatibility with different fabrics and machine types. It’s a practical choice for items that repeatedly harbor musty odors, such as gym gear, towels, and blankets, when a fragrance boost is desirable alongside sanitation.
ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean Odor Blasters
This liquid detergent adds Odor Blasters technology to Arm & Hammer’s classic formula. It focuses on fighting tough odors and boosting freshness, with baking soda enhancements and OxiClean power. The result is a robust option for daily laundry loads and mildew-prone fabrics that require stronger odor control and stain removal in one step.
Strengths include: high-capacity bottle (128 loads), effective odor fighting, and stain removal synergy. It’s well-suited for households dealing with persistent mildew smells in towels, activewear, and everyday garments, especially when combined with a compatible booster or sanitizer in hard-to-wreathe items.
FunkAway Laundry Detergent Booster
FunkAway targets extreme odors and stains with a specialized odor eliminator booster for gym clothes, pet bedding, towels, and bedding. It’s designed to work with other detergents to address trapped-in odors more aggressively, including mildew-related smells. Its versatility makes it a good option for sports gear or any items that see heavy use and moisture exposure.
Key points include: broad odor elimination spectrum (sweat, mildew, smoke, musty odors), compatibility with standard washes, and an emphasis on removing odors at the source. This booster is suitable for users who want an additive that complements existing detergents rather than replacing them.
Active Wear Laundry Detergent & Soak
Active’s blend is designed for sweat-related odors in activewear, using plant-based enzymes to remove smells from gym clothes and other athletic fabrics. It’s a powder concentrate intended for activewear and workout apparel, claimed to be safe for various fabrics and to remove odors generated by exercise and perspiration. For mildew-prone activewear, this product targets the persistent odor sources common in moisture-rich fabrics.
Considerations include: enzyme-based odor removal, suitability for activewear, and USA-made formulation. It’s a good fit for households with frequent workout gear that holds onto mildew-like smells after workouts, or for users who prefer enzyme-driven cleaning over harsher chemical boosters.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Odor source and fabric type: Mildew odors often stem from moisture-loving bacteria. Look for products that address bacteria or fungi in addition to masking scents. Enzymatic boosters excel on organic soils and sweat-related odors, while disinfectant additives target microbial sources.
- Machine compatibility: Most products in this selection are compatible with standard and HE machines. If you have high-efficiency hardware, confirm that the product is effective in cooler water and low-sudsing cycles.
- Fragrance vs. fragrance-free: Mildew odors can be persistent, so fragrance-free or lightly scented options may be preferable for sensitive users, but fragrance boosters can help maintain a refreshed feel after treatment.
- Color safety and fabric care: Consider color-safe formulas if you regularly wash whites and colors. Some products explicitly note color-safe bleach alternatives that resist fabric damage.
- Combination approach: For stubborn mildew odors, a two-step approach—an enzymatic or odor-eliminating booster paired with a sanitizer or disinfectant additive—often yields the strongest results with a balanced scent.
- Usage frequency and loads: Large-capacity detergents or boosters offer value for households with frequent mildew concerns. Follow label directions for load size and soil level for best results.
- Allergen and sensitivity considerations: For households with chemical sensitivities, fragrance-free enzymatic boosters and plant-based formulas may be preferable, while others may tolerate light scents used to deter mustiness.