I buy Tide detergent (and use the recommended amount) and Snuggle dryer sheets (two per wash load) that are scented to smell clothes line fresh but my clothes never have that fresh scent even right out of the dryer. Could it have to do with my washer and/or dryer? Would liquid fabric softener make my clothes smell fresher? Or is there a better detergent and fabric softener brand to use for that fresh scent?
2007-03-04 09:05:36 · 12 answers · asked by Denise S 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Cleaning & Laundry
Because your clothes aren't getting deodorized. The scent in fabric softener sheets and most non-ionic laundry machine detergents (which is probably what you use) just cover up the bad smell, they don't get rid of it. They may be able to surface some odor causing bacteria so that it can be flushed away, but some odor causing bacteria is stubborn and needs a little more than detergent to remove it. Also some bacteria reacts with the molecules in your water and may get a positive or negative charge depending on how hard your water is, making them stick to your clothes even more. The chemicals I mention below will de-ionize your wash water, allowing the odor causing bacteria to release it's cling to your clothes fibers.
I suggest you add ammonia, baking soda, or borax to your machine's wash water. Your problem will be solved. If not come back and consult me. I welcome email and instant messages.
Also your clothes won't get that fresh scent from outside line drying if your neighborhood's outside air is polluted. I have experienced the same problem as well as the problems you mention in your question. Baking soda, borax and ammonia as wash water additives have cleared up the problem for me. I'm sure it will work for your too.
Also make your sure your washer is filtering the clothes and draining its water properly. Make sure your dryer is catching lint at optimum level and the dryer exhaust is not clogged with lint.
2007-03-04 09:36:34 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have learned that if I do not use the hottest water possible for the clothes I am washing.. they never 'smell' fresh...
Water that isnt 'soft' can sometimes leave odors as well... adding some water softening powder (Calgon has one) can change the outcome of your wash immensely... and you use less detergent as well!
I use Tide with Bleach (safe for even colors) and only downy for fabric softener and my clothes smell good all the time now
(ps, if you leave laundry in the washer long after it is done with a cycle, they can get musty smelling and 'that' smell is hard to get out! be 'on top ' of the laundry chore while you do it.. it helps!)
2007-03-04 09:30:12 · answer #2 · answered by livinintheword † 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Several years ago I noticed that my clothes didn't come out of the dryer smelling very fresh. After a few loads the smell was getting worse. I had the dryer vent taken apart and there was a dead chipmunk inside it. Maybe your vent and filters need a really good cleaning.
2007-03-04 09:14:58 · answer #3 · answered by noitall 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, liquid fabric softner is the trick - I have a downy ball so I don't need to catch the rinse cycle however I like to vary my brands. I also use dryer sheets for static but the liquid smell will last longer. One favorite is Gain. And it dosen't matter if you use a dryer or hang the clothes.
2007-03-04 09:16:07 · answer #4 · answered by doe 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Tide is awesome. Combine it with liquid Downy softener and you will love your clothes afterward! Dryer sheets not needed.
2007-03-04 10:26:14 · answer #5 · answered by sadmom 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why do you need for your clothes to smell? What is fresh clothes line scent? Seems to me that would be unscented. If you insist on having you clothes smell, use something flowery.
2007-03-04 10:32:05 · answer #6 · answered by dkwkbmn 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I use final touch. but you can hang a few dryer sheets over some of the hangers in your closet to help with the smell.
2007-03-04 09:12:08 · answer #7 · answered by Me2 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Sorry, but if you want a fresh air scent, hang them up in the fresh air to dry or even afterwards to air out. All else is chemical perfumery.
2007-03-04 09:18:28 · answer #8 · answered by mattzcoz 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I like Downy liquid.
2007-03-04 09:08:54 · answer #9 · answered by ra63 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your clothes probley don't dry completly, or you need to try a diffrent washing liquid!!!!! Sorry!!!!
2007-03-04 09:11:03 · answer #10 · answered by PRECIOUS 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋