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Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

Original poster

Why does my bedding smell greasy after a while?

54 replies

paradyning · 06/02/2023 21:29

Wash at 60 with fairy pods and laundry cleanser (which I'm slightly obsessed with).

Bedding has that awful musty, greasy smell after about 6 months.

What am I doing wrong and is there anyway to get rid of it please?

OP posts:
IggityZiggity · 06/02/2023 21:30

You could try washing it more often than 6 months. Ideally once a week.

Original poster
paradyning · 06/02/2023 21:31

😂 where did you get that from?!

OP posts:
Original poster
paradyning · 06/02/2023 21:32

Wash every 1 to 2 weeks. But after about 6 months develops the smell

OP posts:
Paturday · 06/02/2023 21:32

I think she means she cleans regularly and they still smell… 🙄

It’s the conditioner, pod products etc clinging to the fibres. Do a strip wash and just use normal detergent powder.

TightFistedWozerk · 06/02/2023 21:33

The bedding must be bone dry, before reuse. Try powder detergent and no fabric softener.

Are your pillows old, try replacing them.

Ditto mattress.

RoseThornside · 06/02/2023 21:33

Powder detergent plus a 90 degree wash once in a while should do it.

Whyisitsososohard · 06/02/2023 21:34

Could it be your mattress? I also feel excess fabric conditioner can coat fabric so could be a culprit?

Original poster
paradyning · 06/02/2023 21:34

Paturday · 06/02/2023 21:32

I think she means she cleans regularly and they still smell… 🙄

It’s the conditioner, pod products etc clinging to the fibres. Do a strip wash and just use normal detergent powder.

Thank you! What's a strip wash please?

OP posts:
RandomMess · 06/02/2023 21:34

Ditch fabric conditioner it's vile stuff!

Your machine is probably bunged up with a build up of conditioner and detergent

HobnobsChoice · 06/02/2023 21:34

What are your pillows like? Underneath the pillow cases. If they are grubby/fusty/greasy from hair or bald heads that going to make things smell. Wash or replace them if they are discoloured
Are you overusing softener which is causing a build up on the bedding? Try laundry stripping to remove any excess liquid and softener

peachgreen · 06/02/2023 21:35

How do you dry it? Imo drying bedding indoors just doesn’t work – it doesn’t dry quickly enough and starts to smell – so I tumble it when I can’t line dry it.

SalviaOfficinalis · 06/02/2023 21:35

I agree powder is better.
How do you dry them? I only ever find things smell musty if they’ve taken a long time to dry.

Paturday · 06/02/2023 21:35

It’s something you do with cloth nappies because the same can happen with them - product sticking to the fibres so they don’t work as well.

Google it for specifics but it’s a big long cycle with lots of water to get it all out!

Original poster
paradyning · 06/02/2023 21:35

Thanks all! Could do with new pillows! Mattress is ok I think.
Will try to wean myself off my blessed laundry cleanser.

OP posts:
kissthegirlshesnotbehindthedoor · 06/02/2023 21:36

I use fairy powder for all whites (liquid for the darks) but my trick is adding Napisan in my wash which keeps things white and gives a really good clean.

Original poster
paradyning · 06/02/2023 21:37

SalviaOfficinalis · 06/02/2023 21:35

I agree powder is better.
How do you dry them? I only ever find things smell musty if they’ve taken a long time to dry.

Dry on a maiden or radiator or dryer. Bone dry when used again.

It's not a musty damp smell, more an old people's home/greasy smell

OP posts:
IggityZiggity · 06/02/2023 21:39

paradyning · 06/02/2023 21:31

😂 where did you get that from?!

Sorry, couldn't resist!

I agree with drying times comment. Have you cleaned the washing machine to clear build up that might be contributing?

Original poster
paradyning · 06/02/2023 21:39

Paturday · 06/02/2023 21:35

It’s something you do with cloth nappies because the same can happen with them - product sticking to the fibres so they don’t work as well.

Google it for specifics but it’s a big long cycle with lots of water to get it all out!

@Paturday thank you

OP posts:
Switchwitch · 06/02/2023 21:39

I find laundry cleanser creates a bad smell.

Original poster
paradyning · 06/02/2023 21:40

So other clothes etc don't smell. Just bedding. When I open the laundry box you smell it.

I have lots of Napisan! Will add some.

OP posts:
Original poster
paradyning · 06/02/2023 21:41

No I haven't cleaned the machine as it's never occurred to me as other things don't smell the same

OP posts:
gogohmm · 06/02/2023 21:41

I found using powder and no softener helps with pure cotton.

RoseThornside · 06/02/2023 21:42

Maybe the problem is where you store your bedding then, if other clothes don't smell?

RandomMess · 06/02/2023 21:43

Do you put detergent and conditioner in the drawer?

Biggest issue is that they get clogged up so your washing never actually gets properly rinsed!

ToBeOrNotToBee · 06/02/2023 21:44

Use mattress and pillow protectors and wash these every 3 months or so.

Wash all bedding on a 60 wash using bio powder and dry thoroughly before folding.

Just use powder and nothing else.

Use a washing machine cleaner and make sure the seals and internal bits are clean.