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Original poster

My washing never smells nice! What do you use?

171 replies

MamFran · 11/08/2023 07:30

I use persil bio liquid and comfort pure fabric conditioner. But I never get that ‘ahh these clothes smell so nice’ feeling.
they don’t smell unpleasant or anything and they are all clean but I want to be able to say oh that smells so nice!
any recommendations on what to use ? My kids don’t have sensitive skin or anything and are older now so feel I don’t have to stick with the gentle stuff

OP posts:
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DustyLee123 · 11/08/2023 07:31

Lenor Outdoorable. Which ever is on offer !

EmptyTheFrickingBins · 11/08/2023 07:33

Fairy pods. They smell great even without softener!

C1N1C · 11/08/2023 07:39

It might be worth buying a washing machine cleaner? Our washing machine has started smelling a bit off, so we bought some Dr Oetker and Dettol machine cleaner, only a few quid each :)

Then maybe things like Bounce etc for the drying cycle?

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Diddykong · 11/08/2023 07:44

Do you line dry? That always makes it smell better __

Toddler101 · 11/08/2023 07:50

Clean your washing machine!

TheChosenTwo · 11/08/2023 07:51

We have a new washing machine and nothing comes out smelling nice! I mean, it smells clean but I like the smell of fabric softener on the clothes - previously I would advise switching up the softener every 2 or 3 washes, so have 2 on rotation and just swap. But now I just don’t know!

MrsElijahMikaelson1 · 11/08/2023 07:52

Fairy for us, always smells lovely

Forgoodnesssakewhatnow · 11/08/2023 07:53

Same with us, not matter what detergent we use it’s a neutral smell. I buy things if eBay, open the bag and it smells lush. I don’t know what I’m doing differently.

Tiredmummy201 · 11/08/2023 07:58

Fairy gel and lenor fabric conditioner or outdoorables and fairy beads, not cheap so I bulk buy from Costco but clothes smell amazing even if in the wardrobe for weeks .. DD went for a play date with a few friends and her friends mum said she knew which cardigan was hers from the smell 😂

mynamechangemyrules · 11/08/2023 07:58

I'm not a big fan of over scented clothes. A friend gave some hand me downs for the kids and they smelt SO strong it's taken 3 washes to get rid of the (fresh and clean!) smell. She uses lots of fabric conditioner she said.

Mine smells lastingly fresh- but better, I think :)

I use Ecover and line dry. www.ecover.com/products/laundry/concentrated-bio-laundry-liquid/

Batbatbatty · 11/08/2023 07:59

Do you have hard or soft water? Ours is ridiculously hard, and even with those tabs which are meant to help, nothing really retains the scent of whatever softener I use. Clothes never get super soft either, unlike the stuff that comes out of my mum's machine (soft water there)

bugaboo218 · 11/08/2023 08:01

Fairy pods, fairy softener and fairy unstoppables are nice, but every few washes I change the softener and unstoppables.

I have two bottles of softener and two unstoppables on the go at a time and just switch them when I feel like it.

Also line drying and cleaning your washing machine with washing machine cleaner (dettol or Dr Beckham) every 30 washes.

calgon added to every other wash also helps keep washing machine odour at bay.

Tidsleytiddy · 11/08/2023 08:02

C1N1C · 11/08/2023 07:39

It might be worth buying a washing machine cleaner? Our washing machine has started smelling a bit off, so we bought some Dr Oetker and Dettol machine cleaner, only a few quid each :)

Then maybe things like Bounce etc for the drying cycle?

Do you mean Dr Beckmann? Dr Oetker makes pizzas 😃

hedgehoglurker · 11/08/2023 08:04

I'd try changing the Persil as I find the scent is really chemical. Use a bio detergent instead of non-bio. Also, as PP said, switch up the fabric softeners - I have 3 different Lenor Outdoorables on the go.

HoliHormonalTigerLillyTheSecond · 11/08/2023 08:07

I think Ariel and yellow Leonor smell amazing. But I can't bring myself to cover our clothes in chemicals or use all that plastic so I use Dip washing sheets in Fresh Linen:

https://wearedip.co.uk/products/laundry-detergent-sheets?variant=42486276948180

And line dry.

ArianaGrande · 11/08/2023 08:09

I think Persil Bio and Comfort Pure are two of the most strongest smelling so I reckon you’re just used to it OP!

Do you ever use powder? If you add it to the drum and not the drawer I think you can smell it more.

soda crystals in an empty machine 90 degree wash give it a good clean also.

BlastedSkreet · 11/08/2023 08:11

We switch detergent every so often as I think you can get used to the smell.

softcelltoday · 11/08/2023 08:13

C1N1C · 11/08/2023 07:39

It might be worth buying a washing machine cleaner? Our washing machine has started smelling a bit off, so we bought some Dr Oetker and Dettol machine cleaner, only a few quid each :)

Then maybe things like Bounce etc for the drying cycle?

I fancy a pizza now

FatLarrysBanned · 11/08/2023 08:17

Tallow and Ash are a new company which do amazing laundry products (online only). I'm currently on Oud and can't stop sniffing clothes and bedding. If you're a fan of Tom Ford, Creed type fragrances, this is the one for you.

https://www.tallow-ash.com/

The bottles are never full but I've measured the liquid and you get the 700ml they say (the bottles must be 1l size), the laundry liquid is very watery but they've cut out a load of chemicals and nasties. Apparently environmentally friendly but I've not really looked into that aspect. My laundry is clean and smells great, though we don't have any really badly stained items. I wouldn't like to say how well it would do on grease, tomato stains etc.

If anyone wants a referral code for 50% off your first order let me know, I've no skin in the game, just a happy customer.

Best Smelling Planet-Friendly Laundry Detergents – Tallow + Ash

The best-smelling laundry detergents and fabric softeners. Formulated with planet-friendly, vegan, cruelty-free ingredients. Powerful plant-based stain removal. Made in the UK. Non-bio for sensitive skin.

https://www.tallow-ash.com

OrangeySnicket · 11/08/2023 08:17

I don't use fabric conditioner but Method liquid wash leaves a lovely smell. The green one.

FancyFanny · 11/08/2023 08:26

Ariel smells the best- I like Fairy non-bio, but Ariel has a stronger more lingering scent.

ArianaGrande · 11/08/2023 08:33

@FatLarrysBanned is it a subscription or can you just buy as you need?

Frenchyq25 · 11/08/2023 08:33

Ecover and line dry. My washing smells so fresh since changing to ecover

ElizaWinter · 11/08/2023 08:37

HoliHormonalTigerLillyTheSecond · 11/08/2023 08:07

I think Ariel and yellow Leonor smell amazing. But I can't bring myself to cover our clothes in chemicals or use all that plastic so I use Dip washing sheets in Fresh Linen:

https://wearedip.co.uk/products/laundry-detergent-sheets?variant=42486276948180

And line dry.

Thanks for sharing this. I hadn't heard of sheets for washing. They have great reviews too.