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Original poster

My washing smells like NOTHING

108 replies

Ladyoftheapple · 13/11/2024 13:17

Someone please tell me where I am going wrong. For years I have been washing and for years my washing has smelt like nothing or even slightly just off 🤔 this is whether I line dry or tumble dry, if I tumble dry, it has that funny tumble dry smell but nothing else.

I wash on 40 degrees, sometimes hotter if the washing is extra dirty.

I put in plenty of non-bio detergent and fabric softener. I just use a regular Tesco fabric softener which smells lovely in the bottle but nothing once I've washed and dried. My Nan uses the same one and her washing smells lovely. I've had new washing machines and tumble dryers due to previous ones breaking and that made no difference

Please save me

OP posts:
nightmarepickle2025 · 13/11/2024 14:02

Don’t use capsules, the plastic clogs the machine

Eraserbread · 13/11/2024 14:01

Oh, I just remembered that before the migraines did for me, I used to mix a few drops of my favourite essential oil with some Epsom salts and sprinkle them right into the machine with the clothes, before washing, and that gave them a nice natural scent.

paisley256 · 13/11/2024 13:59

You're not over filling the machine? I love my washing to smell of washing products and make sure I don't over stuff it and use any combo of what's on special offer. My washing always smells lush - to me anyway :)

user2848502016 · 13/11/2024 13:58

Have you tried fragrance booster beads? I love the fairy ones.

McGregor33 · 13/11/2024 13:57

I use fairy powder and fairy outdoorable conditioner. My washing smells lovely and lasts, a little of the conditioner goes a long way!

Many people compliment our clothes smell from nurses to my daughters teacher saying she is always so ‘clean’ smelling 😂🙈

BobbyBiscuits · 13/11/2024 13:56

I got a couple bits from the charity shop the other week and the overpowering smell of laundry detergent was nauseating. Like it smelt like the liquid smells inside the bottle.
I was overwhelmed! My laundry at home always just smells neutral, clean. Not really of anything. Unless you like those horrible fake fragrances I don't see what's the appeal of laundry smells.
Some people's houses seem to always smell of laundry. I find it quite unpleasant tbh. So chemically.
I worked in a laundry once for two days and maybe that's why I can't bear the smell!

CoffeeWithHer · 13/11/2024 13:56

I love the smell of laundry - all my candles are usually ‘Fresh cotton’ 😅 but I think I am nose blind to my own laundry as it’s that time of year where all I can smell is wet dog!

But I second making sure you’re putting your conditioner in the right compartment.

2025Z · 13/11/2024 13:56

Try the INEOS laundry products - won’t use anything else now!

PumpkinScarf · 13/11/2024 13:55

My washing also smells of nothing and that’s ideal for me. I can’t bear overly scented laundry!

I find being close to people who obviously use a lot of scent boosters in their laundry quite difficult!

Washing that smells like nothing is good clean washing and allows you to enjoy your own perfumes/creams rather than being overpowered by your jumper and socks smelling like a fake field of flowers.

theilltemperedqueenofspacetime · 13/11/2024 13:55

Bjorkdidit · 13/11/2024 13:33

Have you tried Persil Non Bio?

We normally use Costco's own non bio, but they didn't have it once so we bought Persil and now we have a giant bottle of washing liquid that leaves laundry stinking of chemicals if that's what you're aiming for?

Yes, I find laundry done in persil non-bio smells like Brasso. I don't care though.

CoffeeWithHer · 13/11/2024 13:54

Tattletail · 13/11/2024 13:50

X2 Ariel pods with a wash.

Clothes smell lovely and I don't seem to get nose blind to it either.

TWO?! This made me chuckle as it goes well with my saying this year…‘I’m not going to tell anyone I win the lottery, but there will be signs’

I have yet to win the lottery [sad face]

Waffle19 · 13/11/2024 13:53

I think you can’t smell your own washing like you can’t smell your own house!! That’s my logic anyway, still spend too much money on scent boosters and the like.

Linsco · 13/11/2024 13:52

My washing was always like this as I used non-bio tabs. I still use them but also use the outdoorable beads and liquids and they smell lovely. Not at all overpowering and preferable to no scent.

CarrotPencil · 13/11/2024 13:51

Wednesdaysotherchild · 13/11/2024 13:28

Yes this! I am actually going to stop buying from vinted as I cannot bear the absolute stench of people’s scented conditioner and flipping scent beads. At 7 months pregnant, they smell toxic and make me want to heave. My washing smells mild/barely anything (Ecover) and that is plenty.

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Same, I hate it when you buy something and it reeks of Fairy!! My friend’s house you walk in and the smell of laundry hits you in the nose without fail.

Tattletail · 13/11/2024 13:50

X2 Ariel pods with a wash.

Clothes smell lovely and I don't seem to get nose blind to it either.

Luluco · 13/11/2024 13:49

I never use fabric softener and always use Ecover. Washing always smells really fresh but not too scented. I found when I used Persil
non bio the washing smelt of nothing.

Plump82 · 13/11/2024 13:47

I love my washing smelling of fabric conditioner and I use Lenor Gold Orchid. Nothing else leaves a smell like this one.

buffyspikefaithangel · 13/11/2024 13:46

If you want a scent then

Persil bio powder or surf powder (coconut is nice) in the drum
Fairy scent boosters, the manuka honey ones
Fabulosa laundry cleanser (loads of scents)

Or scent boosters plus the matching softener

CasperGutman · 13/11/2024 13:43

Our laundry has always smelled of nothing until a couple of weeks ago when the usual detergent was out of stock and we were delivered some Persil "Wonder Wash" as a substitute. Not only the laundry but the machine and the entire utility room is now permeated with the scent of the stuff, which is really rather persistent. Personally I hate it and can't wait to use it up and get back to service as usual. It sounds like it might be just the thing for you, though!

Jeckyl · 13/11/2024 13:41

One of my favourite posts on here ever is this:

Why would I want to smell like Lenor when I can smell like Chanel?

PiggyPigalle · 13/11/2024 13:39

You can have my bottle of Lenor Spring Awakening.

I bought it to soften my Woolovers Lambswool sweater which is more barbed wire than sheep, but the perfume is far too strong and doesn't fade.

AuntieHistamine · 13/11/2024 13:37

Wednesdaysotherchild · 13/11/2024 13:28

Yes this! I am actually going to stop buying from vinted as I cannot bear the absolute stench of people’s scented conditioner and flipping scent beads. At 7 months pregnant, they smell toxic and make me want to heave. My washing smells mild/barely anything (Ecover) and that is plenty.

Show quote history

I bought a top from vinted for my daughter and it arrived clean but absolutely stunk of very strong scented detergent or scent beads. 3 washes later and I can still smell it. I’d rather my washing smell of nothing than that!

JaneandtheLaundry · 13/11/2024 13:35

Are you in a hard water area?

maximist · 13/11/2024 13:35

Washing smelling of nothing is just perfect for me.

FunnysInLaJardin · 13/11/2024 13:34

Much prefer my washing to smell of nothing. I hate the way clothes feel and smell after fabric conditioner, sort of sticky