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Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

Original poster

How do youget washing to smell nice?

44 replies

BooBooGlass · 15/03/2011 21:14

I'm pleased with my washing powder, I use fabric softener too as I buy it based on the yummy smell Blush but when it is finished, my washing never smells of anything. I know I should be grateful it's clean but I love the fresh washing smell> I don't know if it's the way I dry, we have no outdoor space so it's either on airers inside or in the tumble drier.
Someone once suggested doing a final rinse with the softener in the drum, but would that not make the washing kind of slimy? Any thoughts appreciated, I just want my laundry to smell freshly washed!

OP posts:
JetSetWilly · 15/03/2011 21:18

I don't know but Im watching this thread! Is it because the machine is crap? That's my theory. I think our (Hoover) washing machine is rubbish it kinda smells like stale water when I take washing out which is really annoying as it's not an old machine. I've tried doing the high deg wash with vinegar to no avail

Or could just be that you need to try a different softener? Has your nose got used to the smell of your softener?

IAmTheCookieMonster · 15/03/2011 21:20

I use non-bio and my washing never smells great, but i don't use softener. I'm interested to find out!

Original poster
BooBooGlass · 15/03/2011 21:21

No, I mix and match the softener and probably put more in than I should! It comes out of the washing machine smelling good but the smell has gone by the time the washing has dried.Maybe it is the machine? It's a good reliable one, and things do come out clean. I use bio too

OP posts:
dikkertjedap · 15/03/2011 21:22

Drying laundry outside in sun makes it smells most wonderful (not very practical at the moment maybe, although I hang laundry out most days except when it rains obviously). I also like to use a few drops of Neroli or Bergamot in my water spray when ironing, which is nice, but nothing beats the fresh smell of laundry which has dried outside IMO.

TheBolter · 15/03/2011 21:23

My washing always smells AMAZING, almost too strong! I use Lenor diffusion conditioner stuff and dry it next to the aga. It doesn't smell so strong when line-dried.

aviatrix · 15/03/2011 21:24

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
BooBooGlass · 15/03/2011 21:26

Overmarketed to? Nah, I just want my laundry to smell good, and I know other people manage it, so why can't I?

OP posts:
deliakate · 15/03/2011 21:29

It probably does smell nice. You are just used to it. Maybe switch products for a while and you will get that feeling back again.

Also dryer sheets can help in the tumble dryer.

WannabeNigella · 15/03/2011 21:48

I'm watching this with integer as have thought the same ever since I started using non bio washing liquid and softener. Bought it was down to it being non bio bit would love it to smell really fragrant.

walesblackbird · 15/03/2011 21:53

Mine has never smelled of anything either until I discovered Ariel Actilift Gel. Now it does seem to smell clean and fresh - and the smell lingers. Not cheap but have managed to find it on offer in Home Bargains.

Asinine · 15/03/2011 21:56

Walesblackbird. The first two lines sounds like one of those german adverts dubbed into English Grin

Original poster
BooBooGlass · 15/03/2011 21:59

I'm using the Ariel gel! Am beginning to think it's the drier actually. Bugger.

OP posts:
CouldNeverHave3 · 15/03/2011 22:01

Mine never smelt fresh until I got a tumble drier.

I still air a load for half a day on line or airer and tumble with a sheet of bounce to finish off.

Smells beautiful (aerial wash powder keeps best smell)

bilblio · 15/03/2011 22:02

My washing only really smells of anything when it's been line dried. But like Aviatrix I use Eco washing powders which have mild smells and occasionally add some essential oils in. They do smell but I don't notice it anymore.
I hate it when my MIL washes my daughters clothes because they smell so strongly perfumed from the soap powder. They don't smell like DD.

Switch to a new brand you'll have got used to the smell.

Original poster
BooBooGlass · 15/03/2011 22:03

What does Bounce actually do? Is that scented?

OP posts:
RumourOfAHurricane · 15/03/2011 22:04

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

CouldNeverHave3 · 15/03/2011 22:06

Bounce (think it's called something else now) - yes subtley scented in fresh linen way. Remind me of 80s when it came out and my mum used it

Original poster
BooBooGlass · 15/03/2011 22:07

AH I can't use persil it makes me itch like hell. Will see if I can get some Bounce though

OP posts:
LessNarkyPuffin · 15/03/2011 22:09

Do you air dry or tumble dry?

CouldNeverHave3 · 15/03/2011 22:10

Just checked the box - now called Lenor Tumble Dryer Sheets, summer breeze. About £3 for 34. Mmmm, smelling it now! Smile

Original poster
BooBooGlass · 15/03/2011 22:11

Tumble. I don't have a garden so no line, and very limited space inside but I do try and air dry by a raditaor overnight before I tumble dry, except for the big stuff liek sheets and towels which go straight in the drier

OP posts:
herbietea · 15/03/2011 22:11

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

anniversaryblues · 15/03/2011 22:12

you need to change your washing powder / liquid regularly. I always thought my friend's washing smelt fab, then she told me the same about mine - it's just that you're used to the smell of your own brand, if you keep changing you notice the difference.

LessNarkyPuffin · 15/03/2011 22:13

I find that the stuff I tumble dry never smells as strong as the stuff I air dry.

CouldNeverHave3 · 15/03/2011 22:14

I find the opposite, isn't that weird! I have a condenser tumble - do you think vented v condenser makes a difference?!!

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