Let’s face it, packing light on adventures often means compromising on fresh clothes. Between sweaty hikes, cramped spaces, and limited washing opportunities, travel more than often leaves your clothes less than fragrant. That’s why I always have a travel-sized odor eliminator for laundry with me no matter where I go. These odor eliminators not only offer a convenient solution to tackle stinky odors from my clothes but also take minimal space in my luggage. No more oversized, bottled detergent! In this post, I’m going to highlight the top travel-friendly options on the market. I’ve tried them all, and I have a feeling you’ll love them, too. From small containers perfect for tossing in a gym bag to TSA-approved options that fit neatly into a toiletry kit, these odor fighters pack a powerful punch!
Table of contents
- Earth Greenz Eco Sheets Laundry Detergent
- SilverWorks! Laundry Deodorizer Sheets
- Dirty Labs Bio Enzyme Laundry Booster
- Molly’s Suds Original Laundry Powder
- Nonaste High-Performance Laundry Detergent
- ecoegg Laundry Egg
- ACTIVE Laundry Detergent Sheets
- Tide Ultra OXI Power PODS with Odor Eliminators
- Clean People Laundry Detergent Sheets
- Arm & Hammer Power Sheets
- Defunkify Powder Laundry Detergent
- Tru Earth Eco-Strips Laundry Detergent
- Dropps Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent Pods
- Our Verdict!
- How To Choose The Best Travel-Sized Odor Eliminators for Laundry?
- What removes strong odors from clothes?
- How do people get their clothes to smell so good?
- Why does my laundry still smell after washing?
Earth Greenz Eco Sheets Laundry Detergent
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For eco-conscious travelers looking for a convenient, easy-to-use, and sustainable odor fighter, the Earth Greenz Eco Sheets Laundry Detergent is an excellent choice. One sheet was all it took for me to tackle stains and odors in a single wash. I found them super convenient to use, as I just had to toss them straight into the washing machine. Despite their small size, these portable sheets pack a cleaning punch on par with liquid detergents.
Suitable for all washing machine types, the sheets work effectively across cotton, linens, activewear, and other laundry loads. This versatility also makes them great for travel, so you can maintain greener washing habits wherever you go. Best of all, these sheets are safe for sensitive skin. Also, as a pet owner, I love how they’re also pet-friendly.
Pros
- The sheets are easy to tear and use.
- They’re eco-friendly and biodegradable.
- It comes in a compact cardboard box, which is perfect for travel.
Cons
- The cardboard box doesn’t protect the sheets from moisture.
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SilverWorks! Laundry Deodorizer Sheets
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Those who are searching for a reliable odor eliminator should take a look at SilverWorks! Laundry Deodorizer Sheets. Using just one natural active ingredient – silver ions – these fragrance-free sheets effectively remove tough odors like sweat, body odor, nicotine, urine, and more from fabrics. I used them to wash my sweaty, stinky hiking socks and hiking clothes, and they made my gear smell amazing.
Unlike some questionable options on the market, these sheets don’t just mask smells. They actually eliminate odors at their source and prevent them from coming back. Moreover, I love that these sheets are environmentally friendly and designed for use on all fabric colors and types. They are also hypoallergenic, making them safe for sensitive skin. No more putting up with musty, sweaty, or skunky clothes.
Pros
- These sheets are made by engineers and scientists.
- They can keep odors away with just one active ingredient.
- They’re fragrance-free.
Cons
- The packaging is a bit flimsy.
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Dirty Labs Bio Enzyme Laundry Booster
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Best Packaging. Including the Dirty Labs Bio Enzyme Laundry Booster on this list is a must. One of its key selling points is the use of a natural and patented enzyme formula as its active ingredient, which Dirty Labs claims is the first of its kind to be used in the US market. What’s so special about this so-called enzyme? Well, it can help break down biological stains like sweat and grime at a molecular level. I was impressed at how simply adding a scoop of this booster to my regular laundry detergent helped remove some difficult set-in stains like yellowing underarm stains.
Apart from the effectiveness of the enzyme formula, this product also shines because of its non-toxic ingredients. The packaging, too, is made from recyclable or responsibly sourced materials. You can boost the effectiveness with Dirty Labs detergents, but that’s not a must. After all, I had great results just by adding this booster to whatever detergent I had on hand.
Pros
- It’s effective in removing stains without irritating skin.
- The 1.05 lbs packaging is travel-friendly.
- Free of dyes and fragrances.
Cons
- Opening the lid for the first time needs extra effort.
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Molly’s Suds Original Laundry Powder
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Molly’s Suds Original Laundry Powder is a plant-based, environmentally-friendly odor fighter that effectively removes not only funks but also stains without using harsh chemicals. A little bit goes a long way with this laundry powder. During testing, I used only a tablespoon scoop for a load, and it provided me with a deep clean, even on some of my heavily soiled clothing. What’s more, the brand claims that it dissolves well in all types of washing machines.
While effectively removing odors and stains, this product contains no artificial fragrances or dyes, making it a safer choice for babies and children. For those who prefer a light scent, there is also a lightly scented version with an enjoyable, clean linen smell. Also, it’s available in several sizes, which are 3 lbs, 5 lbs, and 10 lbs. For travel, opt for the lightest one!
Pros
- This laundry powder is available in multiple refreshing scents.
- It comes with a clear instruction.
- This product is safe for sensitive skin.
Cons
- The scent might be too subtle for some people’s preferences.
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Nonaste High-Performance Laundry Detergent
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The Nonaste High-Performance Laundry Detergent is designed with athletes and travelers in mind. Coming in a convenient 3 oz bottle that meets TSA standards for carry-ons, it’s easy to keep your workout clothes clean no matter where your travels take you. I put Nonaste to the test on my smelly gym clothes and was impressed with how well it tackled odors that other detergents tend to just cover up with perfumes. No more embarrassing smells!
A little goes a long way too – for really dirty clothes use half the bottle, for everyday post-workout laundry a third was plenty. Beyond cleaning performance, Nonaste checks all the boxes for the environmentally-conscious traveler. The plant-based formula is phosphate-free, safe for all colors, and gentle on performance fabrics like moisture-wicking, quick-dry tops.
Pros
- This detergent can also be used without a washing machine.
- The travel-sized variant is available in bottles of three.
- It lifts and removes odors effectively, not just covers them.
Cons
- It’s quite pricey.
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ecoegg Laundry Egg
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Most Reusable. The ecoegg Laundry Egg has to be the cutest odor eliminator for clothing on the market. Just look at the picture below! However, it has more to offer than just aesthetics. Simplicity is key with the Laundry Egg. Even when I used it for the first time, it was simple. I only had to toss it in the washing machine drum along with my clothes. The mineral pellet and a small amount of detergent formula would then provide effective cleaning power and make my funky clothes smell good. After 70 cleans, you can purchase fragrance refills to recharge the egg.
“This laundry egg is fantastic. It reduces plastic waste, affordable over the long run, and get clothes fresh and clean.”
WOW Travel
Another major perk of this item is its hypoallergenic and dermatologically-tested formula. Free of irritating enzymes, it’s an excellent option for those with sensitive skin prone to detergent rashes. Additionally, I also love the lack of powder or liquid buildup, making it a gentler option on my washing machine. For those looking to make an eco-conscious switch in their laundry routine, the Laundry Egg checks all the boxes. Learn more about this product here!
Pros
- It has one of the most innovative and adorable designs out there.
- This laundry egg is reusable for up to 70 times.
- It’s simple to use and comes with easy-to-understand instructions.
Cons
- Limited scent options.
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ACTIVE Laundry Detergent Sheets
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Say hello to the ACTIVE Laundry Detergent Sheets! These are some of the travelers’ top odor eliminators for clothing. First, let’s talk about the space-saving design of these thin sheets. Without bulky bottles or jugs, the sheets have a tiny environmental footprint. I had a two-day trip not too long ago, and I didn’t even have to bring the whole package. I only needed to bring two sheets and keep them inside a small zip-lock bag. Talk about convenience!
What sets ACTIVE sheets apart is their commitment to sustainability. The sheets themselves are plastic-free, biodegradable, and made from natural, plant-based ingredients. This non-toxic formula is gentle on sensitive skin. Based on my experience, I can tell you that the fast-dissolving paper sheets get to work quickly, leaving behind a light linen fragrance.
Pros
- The packaging is designed with travelers in mind.
- These sheets are effective in both hot and cold water cycles.
- Great for people with sensitive skin.
Cons
- Lack of scent options.
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Tide Ultra OXI Power PODS with Odor Eliminators
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Best for Activewear. The Tide Ultra OXI Power PODS with Odor Eliminators promise to provide outstanding cleaning power to handle even the toughest stains and odors. I tested these pods on several loads of laundry, including my workout clothes and dingy white socks. The single-use liquid pods were very convenient to toss straight into the washing machine drum, and they had a fresh, pleasant scent of citrus and pine that lingered slightly after washing.
On top of that, I was impressed with their cleaning ability. They completely removed all the expected tough stains like sweat and grass stains. What really stood out was how bright and like-new they made faded clothes appear. Additionally, the built-in odor eliminators lived up to their claim, leaving my clothes emerging from the washer and dryer smelling fresh and clean without any lingering funky smells.
Pros
- These pods have superior stain-fighting ingredients and whitening technology.
- They’re easy to use and small enough for travel.
- There are various sizes with different counts to choose from.
Cons
- They can be a bit pricey for some people.
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Clean People Laundry Detergent Sheets
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Looking for a gentle yet effective odor eliminator for clothes that are also kind to the planet? Look no further than the Clean People Laundry Detergent Sheets. These sheets are perfect for people with sensitive skin like me. I was pleased to discover that the sheets cleaned very effectively, rivaling and even sometimes surpassing the cleaning power of regular liquid detergents, all while using plant-based, non-toxic ingredients. Stains, even difficult ones like grass and makeup, came out easily, and my gym clothes smelt so fresh.
Despite their cleaning prowess, these sheets are free of dyes, chlorine, parabens, phosphates, and other harsh chemicals, making them hypoallergenic and safe for those with sensitivities. I had no skin irritation whatsoever after using them. In addition to being gentle and effective, they’re wonderfully convenient. The thin sheets dissolve easily in contact with water, making them fuss-free to use. Check out what people have to say in the official page’s review section!
Pros
- These sheets come in recyclable paper packaging.
- Each pack contains either 32, 96, or 192 loads’ worth.
- The fresh scent smells good without being overpowering.
Cons
- They’re more expensive than many other detergent sheets.
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Arm & Hammer Power Sheets
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The Arm & Hamer Power Sheets are the perfect mess-free solution to tackle laundry, even when you’re traveling. This concentrated laundry detergent comes in the form of dissolvable sheets that deliver a powerful clean, completely replacing the need for heavy liquid detergent bottles. I’ve used these sheets a few times, and they have always cleaned my clothes properly, including my darker clothes, so I never have to worry about faded colors.
This travel-sized odor eliminator features 50 sheets and can handle up to 100 small or 50 medium loads. This makes it a great value for money. Furthermore, these sheets use Quick Dissolve technology to fully incorporate into the wash water, activating well even in cold temperatures. So, you don’t have to worry about undissolved powder clumps or detergent residue being left behind on your clothes. Just fresh, clean laundry.
Pros
- These sheets allow you to skip the spills and leaks.
- With pre-measured sheets, you don’t have to measure anything anymore.
- The sheets dissolve quickly.
Cons
- The clean scent is nice but could’ve been a bit stronger.
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Defunkify Powder Laundry Detergent
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Most Powerful. Are you searching for powerful odor eliminators for clothes that get the job done with just a small scoop? Defunkify Powder Laundry Detergent is here to save the day. I work out a lot. Hence, I sweat a lot, too. Living up to its name, this detergent was able to remove built-up odor issues, freshening up some of my stinkiest gym clothes.
In addition to being ultra-powerful on odors, Defunkify Powder also scores points for being fragrance-free, dye-free, and filler-free. The formula uses a simple yet high-performing set of ingredients focused on getting clothes clean and odor-free without any added perfumes or masks. I was also surprised when I learned that it had earned the EPA’s Safer Choice certification, too. What more could you ask for?
Pros
- It’s one of the most powerful and effective odor eliminators on the market.
- Though unscented, it makes your clothes smell nice.
- Its 0.55 oz size is perfect for travelers.
Cons
- Some people might prefer scented odor eliminators over unscented ones.
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Tru Earth Eco-Strips Laundry Detergent
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Introducing you to the Tru Earth Eco-Strips Laundry Detergent, an innovative option that comes in the form of dissolvable strips rather than liquid or powder. Don’t worry, as I’ve tested these strips before, and they provided me with the same quality clean you’d expect from a traditional detergent. What’s more, they’re free of harsh chemicals and safe for even sensitive skin.
One of the biggest selling points of Eco-Strips is their plastic-free packaging. The strips produce less waste compared to jug detergents, have a smaller carbon footprint, and the compact size takes up less storage space. Perfect for travel, the packaging is lightweight and easy to handle. But what I loved the most when using them was that I didn’t have to measure anything. All I had to do was grab one strip per load and let it do its magic. Even in Strolling Through Life’s review, she thinks it’s worth the money!
Pros
- These strips offer a mess and fuss-free laundry experience.
- Despite their small size, the strips pack a strong cleaning ability.
- They’re available in three different scents.
Cons
- They’re on the pricier side.
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Dropps Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent Pods
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Best Overall. Sitting on top of this list are the Dropps Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent Pods. Seen as the best odor eliminator for laundry by many, these pods are tiny but mighty. True to their name, these pods effectively tackle even the toughest stains and deepest-set odors, leaving clothes remarkably fresh with a pleasant, long-lasting scent. At first, I was skeptical because of the size of each pod, but to my surprise, it was enough to make my clothes feel like new.
Moreover, their universal use is another major perk. Yep, they’re compatible across all machine types and water temperatures. On top of that, the compact packaging isn’t only tidy and storage-friendly, but it’s also made from recyclable cardboard. Best of all, they’re available in four different scents, including the unscented version. However, I think the Orange Blossom variant is the best.
Pros
- These detergent pods are super easy to use.
- The packaging is biodegradable.
- Thanks to their compact design, they’re perfect for on-the-go.
Cons
- The scent is too subtle for some people.
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Our Verdict!
Based on my experience with them, I think the Dropps Stain & Odor Laundry Detergent Pods are the best overall option. However, the rest are great, too. To help you pick the right choice, I’ve categorized some of the standouts based on their biggest selling point:
- Most Powerful: Defunkify Powder Laundry Detergent
- Best for Activewear: Tide Ultra OXI Power PODS with Odor Eliminators
- Most Reusable: ecoegg Laundry Egg
- Best Packaging: Dirty Labs Bio Enzyme Laundry Booster
How To Choose The Best Travel-Sized Odor Eliminators for Laundry?
Choosing the right odor eliminator can be tricky. To make sure you choose the right product for your laundry, you should consider the following things:
Effectiveness
Countless odor eliminators are on the market, but not all are great. You’ll want an odor eliminator that can actually neutralize and remove tough odors rather than just masking them. So, look for ones with active ingredients like enzymes or oxidizers that break down odor molecules.
Fabric safety
Trust me, you don’t want to have clothes with faded colors, right? That’s why you have to make sure the odor eliminator is safe to use on the types of fabrics you plan to apply it to. That’s because some can damage delicate materials if directions aren’t followed. Always check the labels for any fabric restrictions.
Scent
If you want a pleasant scent left behind, look for odor eliminators with natural essential oils or light fragrances. However, you don’t want the scent to be overpowering. Also, consider unscented options if you prefer no scent.
To make sure you smell good no matter what, check out these travel-sized deodorant sprays and travel-sized colognes for spring as well!
What removes strong odors from clothes?
Some people use vinegar or baking soda to remove odor from their clothes. If they don’t work, you can consider using an odor eliminator designed specifically to tackle the odors.
How do people get their clothes to smell so good?
There are many ways people achieve that fresh scent on their clothes. You can use scent boosters, add essential oils, or scented odor eliminators to get that smell.
Why does my laundry still smell after washing?
The most common cause for this problem is none other than mold and mildew. To fix this problem, you can try cleaning your washing machine properly and using scented detergent.
