To ask you about laundry

[Surfingonthewaves]

I just can’t get that lovely, fresh laundry smell after washing. I have used branded detergents and fabric conditioners as well as own brand gels and pods.

I don’t have a tumble dryer, I use either out in line or dehumidifier.

I don’t want to buy those very expensive scented balls as I think my clothes will smell ‘perfumey’

My washing machine is reasonably new (under two years).

Why does my laundry smell a bit meh or of nothing at all?

Oh that sounds good ! Can you tell me exactly what the balls are? I mean are they filled with detergent or put in as an addition to detergent and softener?

I use powder, no fabric conditioner, ensure that washes are temperature relevant so wash white towels on a 90 degree occasionally, or bedding on a 60, run extra rinses for dark items as different fabrics rinse differently and residue can be noticeable on some dark items, do an additional spin after the wash has finished (makes a big difference to drying) and use far less powder than recommended. I also ensure the load has room to move, so not cramming the machine too full. A wash is moved straight out of the machine after finishing, even if I have to wait to line dry / put on a rack and the washing machine door and detergent drawer is always left open. Maintenance clean / very hot empty wash for washing machine and dishwasher once a month. Last washing machine lasted 19 years, so hopefully doing something right!

Try a half load of towels, usual detergent, no fabric conditioner and half a small cup of white vinegar on 40 degree wash.

White vinegar also works wonder on smelly gym kit, musty stuff of all types

Do all you fragrant laundry people not use perfume?

I don't mean all the time, I mean that when I want to smell nice I use perfume. That I can vary as I wish.

I'm another who prefers my laundry to smell of fresh air, or not much at all.