stripping clothes-like nappies!

[Daddypigsgusset]

Does anyone strip their clothes/towels etc like they do/would nappies? On a warm/hot wash with no detergent.
I ask this as none of my laundry smells nice anymore and it's not because I can't smell it, I'm sure. I'm guilty of using 2-3 times the recommended amount of liquid/tablets/liquitabs and conditioner in the believe that they will clean and hold the smell better. But they don't! I have just put a coloured wash in and not added anything detergent wise. There's loads of bubbles so obviously a build up.
Is this something anybody does and do you think it sounds right? I'm hoping that if I wash like this for the next few weeks (will do stained stuff properly) then they may begin to smell nice once i use detergent again. Am I barking?

Sorry, I meant to add, I thought of this last night when I washed the kids new Christmas jumpers on a 15 minute quick wash ready for the party today and they smelt like heaven

Might also be worth running the machine on a hot cycle with no washing to get rid of some of the soap/conditioner build up.

I think using too much detergent/conditioner can actually make things smell bad! I think a strip wash is a great idea.

I wash all the towels on 95 with no detergent so the machine gets a clearout, use half the recommended amount of detergent, and use a biological powder for my whites. Since I've done this, the machine smells so much better and so does the laundry

Add a cup of washing soda crystals, it helps rinse away the soap residue. If you change your brand of powder or fabsoft each month, your jaded snout will be able to smell it.

Cool washes tend to leave more residue.

Thanks for the tips!
I have just taken it out and everything is clean despite no detergent . Slight whiff of perfume so must still be residue in them. I'm going to get some soda crystals and boil wash the machine too.
I'm on a mission now!

These things are surprisingly satisfying. Or may be I am just getting old.

Just clocked your nickname. Made me in conjunction with this thread!

Also a cap full of white wine vinegar in the conditioner draw with really help strip out detergent. Works a treat to stop towel fibres from clumping together and going crunchy, they stay softer much longer.

I use half the recommended amount of washing powder, no fabric conditioner, line dry outside wherever possible and my laundry is always fresh and clean. The colours look nicer too.

When we get given clothes for the kids from friends, they quite often smell very strongly of conditioner etc and the colours are sometimes dull. A couple of 60 degree washes with hardly any detergent in, line dried and they look and smell wonderful.

I don't use soda crystals, just a lot less detergent all the time! Saves a lot of money too. DOn't forget that detergent manufacturers want you to use as much powder as poss so that you buy more!

Unless you work down a coal mine or under cars in a garage for a living, clothes don't need lots of powder or liquid, just a tiny bit for a freshen up.

Flibberty I totally agree my friend was in my house one day when I was putting on a wash and she was astonished at how much powder and softener I used, now I use a little shot glass of powder and dilute my softener (except stuff I want freshened up I use a bit more) and I wash football kit 3 times a week for 2 boys and they always come out spotless!