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Original poster

What's the nicest smelling washing powder?

55 replies

surlycurly · 01/09/2021 08:45

I accept that this is possibly the most inane question I've ever asked in my life, but what's the nicest smelling washing power/ fabric softener? I've used eco stuff for years and it smells of nothing, or even a bit foosty. When my neighbour washes her stuff I can smell it from across her large garden (I don't feel like I can ask her without looking like an idiot). I don't air dry my stuff and I'd like to buy something that has a nice/ lasting smell even after tumble drying. TIA

OP posts:
chesirecat99 · 01/09/2021 12:44

IMO the best smelling laundry products are the eco brands - Kinn Neroli and Wilton Cedarwood or Jasmine are amazing and smell sophisticated, rather than having the the cloying scent of a cheap air freshener. Method Orchard Fruit is also delicious, although I am not sure I want to smell like an apple.

Unfortunately, you are right, that doesn't translate to beautifully scented clothes. They smell wonderful in the bottle, the laundry smells wonderful while it is drying but then nothing.

I've always wondered why the big brands don't have mono scents or something more on trend and some more masculine/neutral fragrances, or at least, offer something a little less like a floral Glade plug in. We wear our clothes so why don't they take their inspiration from what's fashionable in perfumes rather than Shake 'n' Vac fragrances?

Actually, Clothes Doctor do have a Jo Malone Lime, Basil and Mandarin dupe laundry liquid but it has the same disappearing scent issue as the other eco brands. I guess there is probably an environmentally responsible reason why they don't have long lasting fragrance so maybe it's a good thing that the big brands don't have nice scents so I don't have a moral dilemma...

3Br1tnee · 01/09/2021 13:04

@surlycurly

I accept that this is possibly the most inane question I've ever asked in my life, but what's the nicest smelling washing power/ fabric softener? I've used eco stuff for years and it smells of nothing, or even a bit foosty. When my neighbour washes her stuff I can smell it from across her large garden (I don't feel like I can ask her without looking like an idiot). I don't air dry my stuff and I'd like to buy something that has a nice/ lasting smell even after tumble drying. TIA
My mums. I can never get my washing to smell like hers, or of anything.
Mrsrko · 01/09/2021 13:05

Comfort the yellow one.. think its called sunny breeze or something

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MrsFlinch · 01/09/2021 13:07

Method Orchard Fruit is also delicious, although I am not sure I want to smell like an apple

I was on the train recently and the man sat in front of me smelled like fresh apples, was amazing but couldn’t fathom what aftershave he’d be wearing😂

It is more likely now his clothes had been washed in this!

Chicchicchicchiclana · 01/09/2021 13:08

Imo, Lidl Formil.

dontjudgeabook · 01/09/2021 13:09

Aldi washing powders are lush! My mum and dad use it and their washing is lovely! I don't go aldi often so I just use persil non bio and I use Tesco's own yellow fabric softener with a touch of white vinegar too! Smells amazing! But drying outside does help!

MummyJ12 · 01/09/2021 13:10

Surf coconut bliss liquid smells heavenly!

YessicaHaircut · 01/09/2021 13:14

Fairy non bio for clothes and Ariel bio for towels and sheets. Dry everything outside as much as possible and definitely give your washing machine a regular clean too!

Tlollj · 01/09/2021 13:17

Hot water and a long wash. None of this 30 degree 20 mins rubbish.
I like surf and comfort. And dry on the line.

BertieBotts · 01/09/2021 13:20

Bold 2 in 1 for sure. And take the washing out as soon as it's finished.

Ifonlyidknownthen · 01/09/2021 13:25

The yellow lenor is lush, I and everyone I know loves this smell on clothing

Original poster
surlycurly · 01/09/2021 13:58

Wow amazing responses- thank you. I don't dry outdoors because I have an upstairs apartment - my neighbour has a house. I can just sleep her washing when I walk past the garden to get in my house. I use the ecover fabric
Softener and it smells of nothing. Both machines cleaned regularly. But when I tumble the stuff any smell is completely gone. I shall investigate! Thank you

OP posts:
Caramelblonde · 01/09/2021 14:10

Try some of the lenor tumble dryer sheets, they leave everything smelling lovely, even if you forget the fabric softener. No static problems either.

Coffeemakesmehappy · 07/09/2021 18:45

I tried Lenor Outdoorables - preferred the blue ‘Spring’ one, and my laundry definitely had a ‘dried outdoors’ scent (when dried indoors, so they’ve definitely got that right) … but after using it for a while, I found the scent kind of caught the back of my throat a bit? Not had that with a fabric conditioner before, so might just be me.

@PigletJohn is absolutely correct - after a while, you do go ‘nose blind’. I know this for a fact, as I work as a cleaner, sometimes changing bed linen. My favourite fabric conditioner used to be Comfort Honeysuckle and Sandalwood - used it for years, but stopped being able to smell it. Fast forward a year or so, and was changing a clients bed linen which smelled gorgeous! Asked her what she used, and, of course, it’s Comfort H&S. Bought a bottle … three weeks later, I can’t smell it again!

I’ve just bought a box of Surf Coconut Bliss powder, which I have high hopes for … well, for a while! Think I’ll do as PJ suggested a mix it up a bit.

SirVixofVixHall · 07/09/2021 18:49

@chesirecat99

IMO the best smelling laundry products are the eco brands - Kinn Neroli and Wilton Cedarwood or Jasmine are amazing and smell sophisticated, rather than having the the cloying scent of a cheap air freshener. Method Orchard Fruit is also delicious, although I am not sure I want to smell like an apple.

Unfortunately, you are right, that doesn't translate to beautifully scented clothes. They smell wonderful in the bottle, the laundry smells wonderful while it is drying but then nothing.

I've always wondered why the big brands don't have mono scents or something more on trend and some more masculine/neutral fragrances, or at least, offer something a little less like a floral Glade plug in. We wear our clothes so why don't they take their inspiration from what's fashionable in perfumes rather than Shake 'n' Vac fragrances?

Actually, Clothes Doctor do have a Jo Malone Lime, Basil and Mandarin dupe laundry liquid but it has the same disappearing scent issue as the other eco brands. I guess there is probably an environmentally responsible reason why they don't have long lasting fragrance so maybe it's a good thing that the big brands don't have nice scents so I don't have a moral dilemma...

I agree with all this. The thee you mention are the ones I most like the smell of.
Fastforwardtospring · 07/09/2021 18:52

I have to use non-bio for the family, I mix and match between Fairy, Lidl Formil and Persil as I can’t smell them after a few uses. Don’t use fabric conditioner. Always line dry if poss.

RiverSkater · 07/09/2021 19:07

Whatever they use in the local laundry! I think using lots helps and I tend to cut the dose down.

theneverendinglaundry · 07/09/2021 19:27

I can also recommend the purple Method softener.

Aldi washing powder is cruelty free and smells good!

Gatekeeper · 07/09/2021 19:32

Lidl formil.powder and line dried. Smells clean and sweet

cultkid · 07/09/2021 19:36

Aerial purple for colours and then Lenor blue

Or method peony detergent and softener

Usual2usual · 07/09/2021 19:57

Smol has a lovely scent that really lasts but it is subtle so you wouldn't notice it on someones pegged out washing as you walk by or anything.

Lavender Bold and Surf coconut are also favourites.

highlandcoo · 07/09/2021 20:07

I love fresh-smelling washing especially bed linen. My absolute top recommendation is Wilton Botanical Cedarwood. You can buy it online or from Lakeland. Liquid laundry wash and conditioner.

Absolutely gorgeous but not affordably priced! So I only use it for my bed linen.

I agree with a PP, foosty is a great word. I use it myself but don't hear it often these days. Are you Scottish surlycurly?

Borridge · 07/09/2021 20:12

Italian sapone di marsiglia. It smells so clean. I love it. Buy it online.

Fairlyurgentdecision · 07/09/2021 20:16

I love

fitflopqueen · 07/09/2021 20:32

Another Bold 2in1 gel fan - using Spring Awakening, lovely esp for the dog bedding and throws. I also change depending on the offer.