Making laundry smell nice

[Babypythagorus]

Hi all,

This is a reflection of how exciting my Sunday is :(

I live in the north of Scotland. I can rarely dry outside at this time of year. I dry inside with a dehumidifier and heating on and it still takes an age, and smells slightly mouldy when done.

On the rare day I can get it outside I do. But the last couple of times it's smelt weird coming in from outside, too. Maybe some sort of fertiliser they're using on the fields at the moment? I have literally no idea.

So any ideas for things to do/use that'll make it smell nice?!

Thanks MN domestic gurus :)

[VoodooCat]

Are you rural? I'm in West coast Scotland, rural and it's stinky at the farm at the moment due to slurrying and also it's calving at the moment so the byre is a bit whiffy. My washing hasn't been out at all even though it's a lovely day here today.

[VoodooCat]

If could be your washing machine. Do a maintenance wash and wipe the rubber seals down and clean the powder compartment out.

[Santawontbelong]

Voodoo- I would be happy to have smelly washing if I had your address!!

[Babypythagorus]

We are rural, that might be it. It smells fine coming out of the machine, so don't think it's that...

[NannyR]

I would be wary of adding scented products like fabric conditioners to try and mask the smell. I know someone who has the drying indoors problem who adds extra lenor and it doesn't work, the clothes still smell musty plus they have a strong artificial smell.

When I need to dry indoors I open as many windows as possible to get a good breeze running through the flat, it makes the flat pretty cold but it really helps with reducing condensation and damp.

[Babypythagorus]

I hate artificial smells too, which is why I haven't resorted to anything like that yet. Though having the windows open isn't really an option in 50mph wind and storms!! I think I may need a tumble dryer. They're just so big, and so expensive to run!

[VivienneWestwoodsKnickers]

Lenor Unstoppables. I'm allergic to all things washing powder related but these are fine for me. The blue "fresh" scent just smells of clean cotton to me, not at all chemical.

Have you tried a heated washing line?

[sonlypuppyfat]

I could never be without my tumble dryer it is my most favourite thing in the world, I have got a spin dryer as well, it takes tons more water out than the spin on a washing machine

[PerfumeIsAMessage]

What temperature are you using and what detergent?

Nothing will smell nice at 30 degrees and unperfumed might be enviro friendly but it ain't ever going to smell clean.

I often have to dry indoors on radiators etc in winter and don't have a problem. (actually fills the house with a lovely fug of clean washing and warmth) I do love my blue lenor though.

I do a 90 degree empty wash with white vinegar and a washer-descummer

[dissapointedafternoon]

You know what?

I think you need to dry out your washing machine.
Do you use liquid detergent? Do you put it into the drum? I had been putting it into the drum for years and years. My laundry didn't have that smell I like of really nice laundry it smelt neutral. I went into putting things like those stupid pebbles in my machine.
Last week I put the detergent in my drawer and it made the biggest difference. I think it is a ploy by the detergent makers to get you to buy more fragrances for the laundry and use more detergent.
It's changed my whole view point.
Ps, circulating air to get the drying done more quickly

[VoodooCat]

@Santawontbelong
For you...

[Santawontbelong]

Ah so gorgeous!! Would have to keep them forever!! Would be a rubbish farmer!!

[Santawontbelong]

Just back form Mull last week and more than ever wishing I was still there!!

[Babypythagorus]

I use liquid detergent in the drum at 60. No fabric softener or anything else. Does powder it make that much of a difference?

How does one dry out a washing machine (in a house so cold/damp I can barely dry washing!!)?

[Bluebiscuits]

I second detergent in the drawer. I also try and space out my washing on the clothes horse, and move it around/ turn it over regularly as its drying, so that it dries quicker.

[NannyR]

I use bio powder, it contains bleaching agents that helps to keep the machine clean, which I don't think liquids contain. After using the washing machine I leave the drawer and door open for a couple of hours to dry it out - I never seem to get any of that black stuff in and around the door seal and drawer after doing this.

[Bubblysqueak]

I've found since I've switched to powder my washing smells much nicer and seems cleaner .

[MikeUniformMike]

Powder not liquid and don't bother with conditioner.

[Jellybean23]

The bad smell in washing machines comes from bacteria in the machine. Put a capful of the cheapest disinfectant in the fabric conditioner compartment and you won't have a smelly machine anymore. The washing won't smell of disinfectant.
If you are doing two washes or more on the same day, you only need use disinfectant on the last wash. I've been doing this for years and never have to buy special products to clean the machine.

[NameChangeFamousFolk]

Yes to powder and not liquid. I'm slightly obsessive about laundry smells and I think powder is much better.

I do always use concentrated conditioner and place dryer sheets into drawers for extra nice fragrance when I can't dry outside.

But to be honest, I resisted for ages but getting a dryer did change my life.

[Snailo]

Also if you put some soda crystals in with every wash (in the drawer with the powder) that keeps your machine clean as well - and they are dirt cheap from Wilko's etc. Also you don't need as much powder - idk why though!