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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask how people get their clothes smelling so nice???

104 replies

Haemagoblin · 30/07/2025 08:45

I just got a dress through that I bought on eBay and it smells so good! Like the smell that comes out of a laundrette as you walk past.

I was my clothes using various washing powders and dry them on the line outside where possible. They smell clean but neutral - not this really strong 'just washed' smell!

What is the secret, proper grown ups??

OP posts:
GertrudePerkinsPaperyThing · 30/07/2025 09:12

Oh that’s so interesting because I loathe smell of fabric softeners/ conditioners that people use - they smell so artificial to me.

I like my clothes to smell clean not scented.

It’s my one bugbear with buying things from Vinted etc - that they come stinking of this artificially stuff.

I use ecover washing liquid and if I want a fabric softener, I use the ecover one too. The only one I’ve found that doesn’t stink!

Highlighta · 30/07/2025 09:11

For me:

Non bio powder
Line dry
Monthly clean of washing machine, including the filter
Keep the door of the machine open when not in use.

If you keep your washing machine door closed, it has that musty smell before you have been put the clothes in.

Comtesse · 30/07/2025 09:09

The worst thing about buying things on ebay/ Vinted is the nasty fabric conditioner that people use - it’s overpowering, needs to be washed several times to get rid of it sometimes ughhhh. YABU to want clothes to smell of anything at all in my view - just clean is fine (I know no one asked but hey it is AIBU so….)

Ginmonkeyagain · 30/07/2025 09:09

Drying clothes outside wherever possible and using this:

https://www.sainsburys.co.uk/gol-ui/product/wilton-london-laundry-liquid-cedarwood-1-litre

RausageSoul · 30/07/2025 09:07

Coulddowithanap · 30/07/2025 09:01

I wondered if it's because you become nose blind to your usual washing powder/liquid etc. and those who use a different scent/brand probably think the same.. could be wrong though. Out washing always smells clean but do notice the difference when buying online.

I’m pretty sure this is the case. Those who you think smell lovely probably can’t smell theirs much any more either!

TheGrimSmile · 30/07/2025 09:05

I think some people use a lot more than the advised dosage. Also, if you do small loads then the clothes tend to smell more as there's more fabric conditioner on them. I noticed this as my mum's laundry always smells nice but then she lives alone so does much smaller loads than me. I'm always conflicted as I don't want to pollute the water with unnecessary chemicals but I do like the smell of fresh laundry.

myusernamewastakenbyme · 30/07/2025 09:03

Fairy detergent...its the only one that makes my washing smell lovely and the smell lasts.

DownWhichOfLate · 30/07/2025 09:02

Just wash with washing powder, condition with white vinegar and then ensure they dry quickly (either outside or tumbled). It’s the prolonged damp that makes clothes smelly. Also, I think if clothes are stored (dry!) for some time they smell nicer when unpacked, seems to intensify the smell.

Coulddowithanap · 30/07/2025 09:01

I wondered if it's because you become nose blind to your usual washing powder/liquid etc. and those who use a different scent/brand probably think the same.. could be wrong though. Out washing always smells clean but do notice the difference when buying online.

Bollihobs · 30/07/2025 09:01

KimberleyClark · 30/07/2025 08:48

Why do you need your clothes to smell anything but clean? I don’t use fabric softener, my skin doesn’t like it - and my clothes always small fresh and clean.

But this thread isn't about what you want or like is it!

OP has asked a question and your response doesn't help her at all.

OP we used layered fragrance, conditioner, fragrance boost and the Dettol liquid too.

Coffeeishot · 30/07/2025 09:01

I don't use any scent booster so the smell doesn't last long.

ConfusingRelationship · 30/07/2025 09:00

zoflora in the drawer. Game-changing.

Coffeeishot · 30/07/2025 09:00

I switched to pods and nearly always use 2 and my washing smells lovely.

WhereIsMyJumper · 30/07/2025 09:00

You’ve got to laugh at MN. First page of a completely innocuous thread and it’s already got mean-spirited posts on 😂

samplesalequeen · 30/07/2025 08:58

KimberleyClark · 30/07/2025 08:48

Why do you need your clothes to smell anything but clean? I don’t use fabric softener, my skin doesn’t like it - and my clothes always small fresh and clean.

Because that’s what the OP wants? What’s so difficult to understand?

gigthenfishdelish · 30/07/2025 08:57

Drying clothes outside, and Lenor unstoppables (but not nearly as much as they say you need)

FullOfMomsense · 30/07/2025 08:57

Extra softener, a dash of zoflora in the wash, scent boosters. I use the same products as my SIL (we're both b&m cleaning aisle obsessives) and hers always smell stronger than mine!

Be prepared though, mumsnet hates people who want to smell nice, and you're going to be told softener is a waste of money and people who's clothes smell clean want to give everyone lenor induced migraines...

Catmads · 30/07/2025 08:57

Whenever I sell any clothing on eBay, I always use the original Fairy fabric softener and receive positive feedback.

BelleDeJourRose · 30/07/2025 08:56

KimberleyClark · 30/07/2025 08:48

Why do you need your clothes to smell anything but clean? I don’t use fabric softener, my skin doesn’t like it - and my clothes always small fresh and clean.

OP wants them to have a lovely scent. Might not be your cup of tea but we're all different.

milkandhoney2 · 30/07/2025 08:56

KimberleyClark · 30/07/2025 08:48

Why do you need your clothes to smell anything but clean? I don’t use fabric softener, my skin doesn’t like it - and my clothes always small fresh and clean.

because some people like it

that’s like going into a thread about how to get perfume to last and saying why do you want to wear perfume

thinklagoon · 30/07/2025 08:54

Washing and drying them.

ItsBouqeeeet · 30/07/2025 08:53

Is your washing machine drawer clean? I cleaned mine recently with white vinegar and it's made a noticeable difference.

Lennonjingles · 30/07/2025 08:52

A clean washing machine helps, I try and do a hot clean once in a while, clean detergent draw and under it with a wire brush. I use scent boosters, but my DS who works in fragrance tells me the ingredients are really bad, but I do use them for bedding and towels. The majority of my washing is clean, but I can never smell anything on them other than they’re clean. Conditioner is too expensive to be putting loads in, I just do the minimum

GentleSheep · 30/07/2025 08:52

KimberleyClark · 30/07/2025 08:48

Why do you need your clothes to smell anything but clean? I don’t use fabric softener, my skin doesn’t like it - and my clothes always small fresh and clean.

Yes exactly. Some of the scents of fabric softeners literally make me feel nauseous. I loathe them.

SanFranBear · 30/07/2025 08:50

Lenor is the answer for me - switched recently as it was on special and our clothes smell so lovely and fresh!