As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. We get commissions for purchases made through links on this website from Amazon and other third parties.
You can sometimes use enzyme cleaner with laundry detergent, but do not mix them together unless the enzyme cleaner label says it is safe. The safer method is to use the enzyme cleaner as a pretreatment, let it work for the recommended time, and then wash the item with regular detergent.
Some enzyme laundry products are made to go directly into the washer. Others are spot cleaners meant only for pretreating stains. Always check the product directions before combining anything.
Why Enzyme Cleaners and Detergent Are Used Together
Enzyme cleaners break down certain stain materials into smaller pieces that are easier to wash away. They are often used on stains and odors from:
- Urine
- Sweat
- Blood
- Food
- Milk
- Pet accidents
- Body oils
Laundry detergent then helps lift the loosened material from the fabric and carry it away during the wash cycle.
Using both products can work well, but the order matters. The enzyme cleaner usually needs direct contact with the stain and enough time to work before detergent is added.
The Safest Way to Use Both Products
1. Check the care label and product directions
Read the fabric care label before treating or washing the item. Also read the enzyme cleaner label.
Look for instructions about:
- Safe fabric types
- Pretreatment time
- Water temperature
- Whether the product can go into a washing machine
- Whether it can be used with detergent
- Whether the fabric should be color-tested first
Do not assume every enzyme cleaner works the same way. A pet carpet cleaner may not be suitable for sheets, mattress covers, or clothing.
2. Test a hidden area
Apply a small amount to an inside seam, corner, or other hidden spot. Wait for the time listed on the label, rinse it, and check for fading or texture changes.
This is especially important for dark bedding, printed sheets, delicate fabrics, and items with special finishes.
3. Apply the enzyme cleaner first
Blot up as much of the spill as possible. Do not rub a wet stain deeper into the fabric.
Apply the enzyme cleaner directly to the stained area. Use enough to reach the material holding the stain, but do not soak the item more than necessary.
For a pet accident on a removable mattress cover, for example, treat the affected area rather than pouring cleaner over the entire cover.
4. Let it sit for the recommended time
Enzymes need time to work. Follow the label instead of guessing.
Letting the cleaner dry completely may make some stains harder to rinse, while leaving it on too long may affect certain fabrics. Longer is not always better.
5. Wash with laundry detergent
After the pretreatment time, wash the item with your normal amount of detergent unless the cleaner label gives different instructions.
Do not add extra detergent because the stain is strong. Too much detergent can leave residue in sheets, blankets, and mattress protectors.
6. Check before drying
Inspect and smell the item after washing. Do not use high dryer heat until the stain and odor are gone.
Heat can make some remaining stains or smells harder to remove. Repeat the treatment if needed, following the fabric and cleaner instructions.
Can You Pour Enzyme Cleaner and Detergent Into the Washer Together?
Only when the enzyme cleaner is labeled as a laundry additive or washer-safe product.
Some enzyme products are designed to be added:
- Directly to the wash drum
- To the detergent compartment
- To a pretreatment compartment
- During a soak cycle
Follow the stated amount and placement. Do not pour a spot-treatment product into the machine unless its directions allow it.
Also avoid filling a detergent dispenser with a mixture you made yourself. Combining liquids in the compartment may create clumps, overflow, or prevent the products from dispensing correctly.
Does Laundry Detergent Already Contain Enzymes?
Some detergents contain enzymes, but not all do. The product label may list enzymes such as protease, amylase, or lipase.
These enzymes target different types of soil:
- Protease helps break down protein-based stains, such as blood, milk, and some body fluids.
- Amylase works on starch-based food stains.
- Lipase helps with oils and fats.
A detergent with enzymes may handle light stains without a separate cleaner. A concentrated stain, old pet accident, or strong food spill may still need pretreatment.
Yes, you can use some pet stain removers on a mattress, but you need to choose the product carefully.
Check the current detergent ingredients and directions because formulas can change.
Water Temperature Matters
Very hot water can reduce the effectiveness of some enzyme products. It may also set protein-based stains, such as blood.
Use the water temperature recommended on both the fabric care label and the cleaner label. Cool or warm water is often a practical starting point for enzyme treatment, but the product instructions should take priority.
For bedding, also consider the material. Cotton sheets, waterproof mattress covers, fleece blankets, and delicate pillowcases may all have different washing limits.
Products You Should Not Mix With Enzyme Cleaner
Do not combine enzyme cleaner with other cleaning products unless the label clearly permits it.
Be especially careful with:
- Chlorine bleach
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Ammonia
- Disinfectants
- Vinegar
- Other stain removers
- Carpet-cleaning chemicals
These products may reduce enzyme activity, damage fabric, cause fading, or create unsafe fumes when mixed.
If you need to use another treatment, rinse the fabric thoroughly first and follow the product directions. Never experiment with cleaning-product mixtures.
Using Enzyme Cleaner on Bedding
Sheets and pillowcases
Pretreat the stained area, wait as directed, and wash with detergent. Avoid overloading the washer so the bedding can rinse properly.
Comforters and bulky blankets
Check whether the item fits loosely in the washer. A tightly packed comforter may not rinse out cleaner or detergent well. Use a larger machine when required by the care label or manufacturer guidance.
Mattress protectors
Waterproof protectors can be sensitive to bleach, strong chemicals, and high heat. Check the care label before using an enzyme cleaner. Rinse well and dry only at the recommended temperature.
Mattresses
Do not add laundry detergent directly to a mattress. It is difficult to rinse out and may leave residue.
For a mattress stain, use a fabric-safe enzyme cleaner according to its directions. Apply as little liquid as needed, blot the area, and allow the mattress to dry fully before replacing bedding.
Pet bedding
Pet beds often hold stains inside thick filling. Make sure the cleaner can reach the affected area, but check whether the entire bed is washable. Rinse thoroughly and dry it fully before use.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mixing the products in a bottle
Do not make a homemade enzyme-and-detergent mixture for storage. The products may not remain stable, and the container may be mistaken for something else.
Using too much cleaner
More product does not always remove more odor. Excess cleaner can be hard to rinse from thick blankets, mattress pads, and pet beds.
Adding strong heat too soon
Do not iron, steam, or machine-dry a stained area on high heat until you know the mark is gone.
Treating a non-washable item like regular laundry
Some comforters, decorative pillows, foam toppers, and weighted blankets have special care limits. Check the care label before soaking or washing them.
Mixing several stain treatments
Using multiple cleaners at once can cause fabric damage and makes it difficult to know which product caused a problem. Treat, rinse, and reassess before trying another method.
A Simple Beginner-Friendly Method
For most washable bedding, use this order:
- Blot away excess liquid.
- Test the enzyme cleaner on a hidden area.
- Apply it directly to the stain.
- Wait for the label’s recommended time.
- Wash with the normal amount of laundry detergent.
- Check the item before drying.
- Repeat if needed.
This gives the enzyme cleaner time to work while allowing the detergent to remove the loosened stain during washing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add enzyme cleaner directly to laundry detergent?
Only if the enzyme cleaner label specifically says the products can be combined. Otherwise, apply the enzyme cleaner as a pretreatment and use detergent during the wash.
Should I rinse enzyme cleaner before washing?
Follow the product directions. Some pretreatments can go straight into the washer, while others should be blotted or rinsed first.
Can enzyme cleaner damage fabric?
It can affect some fabrics, dyes, coatings, or finishes. Test a hidden area and check both the fabric care label and the cleaner directions.
Can I use enzyme cleaner with bleach detergent?
Do not combine enzyme cleaner with chlorine bleach unless the manufacturer clearly says it is safe. Bleach may reduce enzyme activity and can damage some bedding materials.
Can I soak sheets in enzyme cleaner and detergent?
You can soak them only when both product labels and the sheet care label allow it. Use the recommended amounts and do not leave the sheets soaking longer than directed.
Can I use enzyme cleaner in a washing machine?
Yes, if the product is labeled for machine washing. Follow its directions for the correct compartment, amount, wash cycle, and water temperature.
Will regular detergent remove enzyme cleaner residue?
A normal wash and thorough rinse often remove a laundry-safe enzyme pretreatment. Do not overload the machine, and use an extra rinse only when the care instructions allow it.
Can I mix pet enzyme cleaner with laundry detergent?
Use pet enzyme cleaner on laundry only when its label says it is safe for washable fabrics or washing machines. Many pet cleaners are intended for carpets or hard surfaces rather than bedding.
use enzyme cleaner on a mattress. use upholstery cleaner on a mattress. clean a mattress with a bissell carpet cleaner.
