I’ve been tackling laundry for years, and let me tell you, finding the right stain and odor fighter is a game-changer. OxiClean has been my go-to for a while, but when I stumbled across OxiClean Odor Blasters, I wondered: is it just a fancy name, or does it really outshine the classic?
In this article, I’m breaking down the differences, advantages, and drawbacks of OxiClean Odor Blasters versus Regular OxiClean. You’ll get a clear picture of which product suits your needs, with a detailed comparison to help you decide.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | OxiClean Odor Blasters | Regular OxiClean |
| Primary Function | Stain and odor elimination | Stain removal and fabric brightening |
| Odor Removal | Specialized for tough odors (sweat, musty towels) | General stain and mild odor removal |
| Key Ingredient | Sodium percarbonate + odor-neutralizing agents | Sodium percarbonate + brighteners |
| Forms Available | Powder, liquid | Powder, liquid, pods, sprays |
| Scent | Mild, fresh scent (fragrance-free options) | Often unscented or lightly fragranced |
| Best For | Smelly workout clothes, pet bedding, towels | General stains, whitening, household cleaning |
| Chlorine-Free | Yes | Yes |
| Price per Load (Approx.) | $0.62 | $0.25–$0.40 |
| Eco-Friendly | Biodegradable, dye-free options | Biodegradable, some eco-friendly options |
| Versatility | Laundry, upholstery, grout, hard surfaces | Laundry, carpets, upholstery, hard surfaces |
My Journey With OxiClean Products
Laundry is my battlefield, and stains are the enemy. From my kid’s grass-stained soccer uniforms to my gym clothes that smell like a locker room, I’ve tested countless products. OxiClean has always been a reliable ally, but when I saw Odor Blasters on the shelf, I was curious.
Could it really handle the funk better than the classic? I decided to put both to the test, using them on everything from sweaty workout gear to musty towels forgotten in the hamper. Here’s what I found after weeks of washing, soaking, and sniffing.
What Is OxiClean Odor Blasters?
OxiClean Odor Blasters is marketed as a laundry booster with a laser focus on eliminating tough odors while still tackling stains.
It’s not a detergent but an additive you toss into your wash alongside your regular soap.
The magic lies in its oxygen-based formula, powered by sodium percarbonate, which releases hydrogen peroxide and soda ash when mixed with water.
What sets it apart is the addition of odor-neutralizing agents designed to zap smells like sweat, pet odors, and musty towels.
Available in powder and liquid forms, it’s versatile enough for laundry, upholstery, and even hard surfaces like grout.
I first tried Odor Blasters on my husband’s gym shirts, which, let’s be honest, could clear a room. After a single wash with a scoop of the powder, the shirts came out smelling fresh—not perfumed, just clean.
The stains were gone too, which was a bonus. It felt like a small victory, but I needed to know how it stacked up against the original.
Key Features of OxiClean Odor Blasters
Let’s break down what makes Odor Blasters stand out. First, its odor-fighting formula is tailored for the stinkiest culprits: gym clothes, pet bedding, and those damp towels you forgot about.
The oxygen-based cleaning power tackles both stains and smells, and it’s chlorine-free, so it’s gentler on fabrics than traditional bleach. I love that it’s safe for colorfast fabrics and works in both high-efficiency (HE) and standard washing machines.
Another perk is its versatility. Beyond laundry, I’ve used it to clean grout in my bathroom and even freshen up a smelly picnic mat. The powder form is easy to measure with the included scoop, though I’ve heard some folks complain about spillage from the container.
The liquid version is convenient for spot treatments, but I stick to powder for cost savings.
Pros of OxiClean Odor Blasters
- Unmatched Odor Elimination: This stuff is a lifesaver for smelly laundry. My son’s hockey gear and my yoga mats came out odor-free after a single wash.
- Versatile Applications: It’s not just for clothes. I’ve used it on pet bedding, curtains, and even as a grout cleaner with impressive results.
- Gentle on Fabrics: Despite its power, it’s color-safe and won’t degrade fibers like chlorine bleach does.
- Biodegradable Options: The dye-free, fragrance-free versions are eco-friendly and safe for septic systems.
- Easy to Use: Just add a scoop to your wash or mix with water for soaking or spot cleaning.
Cons of OxiClean Odor Blasters
- Strong Scent for Some: While I find the scent mild, some users, especially those sensitive to fragrances, report it’s too strong and lingers. One person on a forum had to throw out sheets after soaking them because the smell was overwhelming.
- Higher Cost per Load: At around $0.62 per load, it’s pricier than Regular OxiClean, which can be a drawback for frequent use.
- Powder Spillage Issues: The container design isn’t perfect, and I’ve had powder leak during scooping, which is messy.
- Not a Standalone Detergent: You still need regular detergent, which adds to the overall cost and complexity of your laundry routine.
What Is Regular OxiClean?
Regular OxiClean, officially called OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover, is the OG of the brand.
It’s a powerhouse for removing stains, brightening fabrics, and even cleaning household surfaces like carpets and tile.
Like Odor Blasters, it uses sodium percarbonate as its core ingredient, but it’s blended with surfactants and brighteners to enhance stain removal and fabric whitening.
It comes in multiple forms—powder, liquid, pods, and sprays—making it a jack-of-all-trades for cleaning.
I’ve used Regular OxiClean for years, especially for pre-soaking white clothes or tackling mystery stains on my kids’ clothes. It’s reliable, but I’ve noticed it doesn’t always conquer the toughest odors, like the lingering sweat in my running gear.
That’s where I hoped Odor Blasters would shine.
Key Features of Regular OxiClean
Regular OxiClean is a beast when it comes to stains. Whether it’s red wine on a tablecloth or grass on jeans, it rarely lets me down. The formula is designed to lift tough stains like grease, blood, and food while brightening whites without fading colors.
Like Odor Blasters, it’s chlorine-free and safe for most fabrics, but it leans more toward stain removal and fabric brightening than odor elimination.
I’ve used it for more than just laundry—think carpet stains, upholstery, and even patio furniture. The variety of forms (pods, sprays, etc.) makes it super flexible, and the powder is economical for large loads.
However, it’s not as targeted for odors, which is where I started noticing its limitations.
Pros of Regular OxiClean
- Stain-Fighting Powerhouse: It tackles a wide range of stains, from food to grease, with ease. My white towels look brand new after a soak.
- Cost-Effective: At $0.25–$0.40 per load, it’s more budget-friendly than Odor Blasters for everyday use.
- Multiple Forms: Powders, liquids, pods, and sprays give you options for different cleaning tasks.
- Household Versatility: I’ve used it on everything from carpets to kitchen counters, making it a true multi-tasker.
- Widely Available: You can find it at nearly any store, from Walmart to Amazon, often at a lower price than Odor Blasters.
Cons of Regular OxiClean
- Weaker on Odors: It’s not as effective on stubborn smells like sweat or pet odors. My gym clothes sometimes needed an extra wash.
- Less Targeted Formula: While it’s great for stains, it doesn’t have the specialized odor-neutralizing agents of Odor Blasters.
- Can Clump in Humid Conditions: The powder can harden if not stored properly, which I learned the hard way in my humid laundry room.
- Brighteners May Not Suit All Fabrics: The brightening agents can sometimes affect delicate or non-colorfast fabrics.
My Testing Process
To get a fair comparison, I put both products through their paces. I gathered a pile of laundry with various issues: sweat-stained gym clothes, a musty towel, a pet blanket with a lingering doggy smell, and some white shirts with food stains.
I used my standard HE washing machine, added my usual detergent (All Free and Clear), and followed the label instructions for each product.
For Odor Blasters, I added a scoop of powder to the wash for one load and used the liquid version as a pre-soak for another. For Regular OxiClean, I did the same, using the powder for one load and soaking another with the liquid spray.
I also tested both on non-laundry tasks, like cleaning grout and refreshing upholstery.
Performance Comparison of OxiClean Odor Blasters And Regular OxiClean
- Odor Removal
Odor Blasters lived up to its name.
My gym clothes, which usually need multiple washes to lose that sweaty funk, came out completely odor-free.
The pet blanket was another win—no trace of dog smell. The musty towel?
Fresh as new. Regular OxiClean, on the other hand, struggled with these tough odors.
The gym clothes still had a faint smell, and the pet blanket needed a second wash. For mild odors, Regular OxiClean was fine, but it couldn’t match Odor Blasters’ targeted approach.
- Stain Removal
Regular OxiClean took the crown here. The food stains on my white shirts vanished completely, and the grass stains on my kid’s soccer uniform were barely visible after a soak. Odor Blasters did a decent job on stains, but it wasn’t as consistent.
Some set-in stains, like old grease marks, required a second treatment. If stains are your main concern, Regular OxiClean is the better bet.
- Fabric Brightening
Regular OxiClean’s brightening agents gave my white towels and shirts a noticeable lift, making them look crisp and clean. Odor Blasters didn’t have the same whitening effect, which makes sense since it’s not designed for brightening.
If you’re washing whites, Regular OxiClean is your friend.
- Versatility
Both products are versatile, but Regular OxiClean edges out slightly because of its broader range of forms (pods, sprays, etc.). I used it to clean a stained carpet with great results, and it worked wonders on my patio furniture.
Odor Blasters was equally effective on non-laundry tasks like grout cleaning, but its liquid form is less common, limiting its flexibility.
- Ease of Use
Both are straightforward to use, but I found Odor Blasters’ powder scoop more prone to spillage. Regular OxiClean’s pods are a game-changer for convenience, though they’re pricier.
For soaking, both require mixing with water, but Odor Blasters’ instructions were clearer for non-laundry applications.
Cost and Value Analysis
Cost is a big factor when choosing between these two.
Regular OxiClean is the more economical choice, with a cost per load of about $0.25–$0.40, depending on the form and retailer.
Odor Blasters, at $0.62 per load, feels like a premium product.
For occasional use on smelly laundry, Odor Blasters is worth the splurge, but for everyday laundry, Regular OxiClean’s lower price and solid performance make it more practical.
I also looked at eco-friendliness. Both products offer biodegradable options, but Odor Blasters has fragrance-free versions that are hypoallergenic and safe for septic systems, which is a plus if you’re environmentally conscious or have sensitive skin.
When To Choose OxiClean Odor Blasters?
Odor Blasters is your go-to if odors are your primary concern. It’s perfect for households with athletes, pets, or anyone dealing with persistent smells like musty towels or body odor. I’d recommend it for:
- Workout clothes that hold onto sweat smells
- Pet bedding or blankets
- Towels or linens left damp too long
- Non-laundry tasks like cleaning upholstery or grout
If you’re sensitive to fragrances, look for the dye-free, fragrance-free version, but be prepared for a higher cost per load.
When To Choose Regular OxiClean?
Regular OxiClean is the better pick for general laundry needs, especially if stains and fabric brightening are your focus. It’s ideal for:
- Everyday laundry with tough stains (food, grass, grease)
- Whitening white clothes or linens
- Household cleaning tasks like carpets or upholstery
- Budget-conscious shoppers who want a multi-purpose cleaner
It’s less effective on odors, so if smells are a big issue, you might need to pair it with another product or double up on washes.
Real-World Scenarios
Let me paint a picture of how these products fit into real life. Imagine you’re a parent like me, dealing with a mix of kid stains and sweaty sports gear. You’d probably keep both products on hand: Regular OxiClean for the ketchup stains on your kid’s shirts and Odor Blasters for their soccer socks.
Or maybe you’re a pet owner with a dog that loves rolling in who-knows-what. Odor Blasters will save your nose, while Regular OxiClean keeps your pet’s bedding looking clean.
For non-laundry tasks, both shine. I used Odor Blasters to freshen up a musty couch cushion, and it worked like a charm. Regular OxiClean tackled a coffee stain on my carpet with ease. Your choice depends on whether you’re fighting smells or stains.
Potential Drawbacks To Consider
No product is perfect. With Odor Blasters, the fragrance issue is real for some users. One online reviewer mentioned having to throw out sheets because the scent was too strong, which is a dealbreaker if you’re sensitive to smells.
The higher cost also adds up if you’re doing multiple loads a week. Regular OxiClean’s clumping issue in humid conditions annoyed me, and its weaker odor-fighting ability means it’s not a one-stop solution for all laundry woes.
Tips For Getting The Most Out of Both Products
- Pre-Soak for Best Results: Both products work better when you soak items first. Use warm water (104–120°F) and follow the label for measurements.
- Store Properly: Keep powders in airtight containers to avoid clumping, especially in humid areas.
- Test on Delicates: Always test on an inconspicuous area, as both can affect non-colorfast fabrics.
- Combine with Detergent: Neither is a standalone detergent, so pair with a good one for optimal cleaning.
- Use the Right Amount: Overusing can leave residue, especially with Odor Blasters. Stick to the recommended scoop size.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No, Odor Blasters is a specialized formula focused on odor elimination and stain removal, while Regular OxiClean emphasizes stain removal and fabric brightening.
It can remove mild odors but isn’t as effective as Odor Blasters for tough smells like sweat or pet odors.
No, it’s not chlorine bleach. It uses sodium percarbonate, an oxygen-based cleaner that’s gentler on fabrics.
No, it’s a laundry booster, not a detergent. You need to use it with regular detergent for best results.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Pick?
So, what’s the verdict? If you’re battling stubborn odors from workout clothes, pet bedding, or musty towels, OxiClean Odor Blasters is your best bet. Its targeted formula makes quick work of smells, though it comes at a higher cost and may have a lingering scent for some.
If stains and brightening are your main concerns, Regular OxiClean is the way to go—its versatility and lower price make it a staple for everyday laundry and household cleaning. You can’t go wrong with either, but knowing your needs will help you choose. Keep both on hand, and you’ll be ready for any laundry challenge.