Why does laundry smell bad after wash

[Perimenoanti]

Help! I used Ariel gel ever since I got my new washing machine a year ago, no problem. Then I thought I try and save money and switched to Ariel normal laundry liquid for colour and a t shirt and bras started to smell bad after washing.

Now I switched back to Ariel gel but those items still smell awful. The bad smell lingers until all is dry and then the items still don't smell exactly fresh.

What do I do?

The Ariel gel smells different (better) to when I last used it, but did they change the formula as well!? What do I do? What do I use instead?

Have you cleaned your machine including the trap at the bottom? Might be worth putting it on a cleaning cycle? I think some of the gels can get a bit congealed inside sometimes

This happened with me, I now use the dettol antibacterial in every wash and for some clothes I find they just don't last depending on the material you can't get the smell out. A hot wash helps too but it shrinks some clothes.
Maybe try cleaning your washing machine with white vinegar then running a washing machine cleaner through it as well.

I read that people aren't doing enough hot washes to keep bacteria out. Try washing towels on 60 and doing a 90 empty machine cycle with some washing machine cleaner.

I've heard gels are actually really bad for washing and machines. No idea if it's a scientific fact.

Try cleaning the machine, drawer and filter and switch to powder.

I had a similar problem when I tried those Dr Beckmann detergent sheets. Never again. Have gone back to powder for now.

Try a 90 degree empty cycle.

Don't use gel or liquid. Washing powder all the way. Do a high temperature service was once a month to clean your machine.
Clean out the drawer after every wash and leave the door open until the drum is dry.

As well as cleaning your machine, keeping the door open between uses to let it dry out prevents smells.

I don't like the smell of ariel.
Try a different brand
Do a hot wash and clean out the dispenser drawer

I do most of these. I wash sheets at 60 and run a cleaning cycle every other month.

I actually use powder for whites or light colours and agree it's wonderful.

I have some colour powder at home, probably persil. Does it really protect the colours? I wash a lot of blacks and dont want them to turn grey .

I actually use ecover for delicates and mainly business blouses. I use it on a 1hr shirt cycle and it's actually amazing. I washed one of the problem bras with it and it came out much better (as opposed to a 2hr cycle with Ariel gel).

I think the powder has a much subtler smell ( none after washing?) than the Ariel liquid gel.

I put all laundry detergent into the drum btw. Why faff about with the drawer.

Not risking another brand just randomly

I am not tied to a brand and will use what is on offer or even own brand. Currently have some of the new persil quick wash stuff, some bold gel and bold powder. I have some ariel gel that I'm trying to use up as it makes the clothes smell bad (to me). Am using it on everyone else's clothing 😆

I use the capsule’s and have also had an issue with clothes smelling. I was using 2 on a normal wash but realised that is for 5-6 kg where as my washing machine takes up to 10 kg loads. I now put in 3 and it seems to have solved the problem.

I had this problem and it is exactly as others have said, washing on low temperatures with gels and fabric conditioner. My machine had black mould in the door seal. I only use powder now - Persil colour and Persil white, with liquid fabric conditioner. I still wash on 30 to avoid shrinking and then I do a hot wash 60+ every now and then with towels/dishcloths.

@ILoveADoubleEntendre and the persil colour powder is good at retaining colours?

Isn’t powder meant to be the best all round product for your clothes, as well as the washing machine? Using powder just feels like the clothes somehow cleaner, and fresher smelling?

I'm not convinced it's to do with my washing machine. The problem literally occurred with the first wash of this silly Ariel liquid, I did a couple more experimenting with the dose, and now its like I never truly get the smell out of about 4 items.

I don't have the problem with ecover liquid for delicates, which you'd think is more gentle and perhaps less effective.

My standard temp is 40 btw. 30 for delicates and 60 for sheets etc.

The other day I used the offending Ariel liquid colour for my sheets because I'm gonna use it up and all came out fine. There is something about the combo of Ariel liquid and colours.

Buy powder instead. Do a hot wash with powder only and then use powder for all future washes. You'll never have a problem again, honest.

I have one box of normal powder (contains oxygen based bleaching agents) and one box of colour powder. That's it. I never use anything else. Hot wash my towels / bedding / cleaning cloths once a week and never have an issue.

I would never use liquid or gel again.

@maplelatte which colour powder is this ?

I got this but only with a dark wash! Unless they go in the tumble dryer within 3secs of the cycle finishing they small damp. And I have to completely dry them before washing again. Lighter clothes I can few hours and towels can leave overnight. But not the dark load!

I use powder and it's never affected my black clothes. If something is a bit sweaty then I use the dettol laundry sanitiser too
Currently using surf as it was cheap on Amazon but I like persil