topic Re: How to make laundry smell really good without using softener? in Community Chat

How to make laundry smell really good without using softener?

Sue98 — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 17:15:34 GMT

Any ideas? I'm getting ready to wash my Berkshire velvet soft fleece sheets, and the instructions state not to use fabric softener. I feel like my clothes don't smell fresh if I don't use some kind of softener?

Any tips or tricks? Thanks!

Re: How to make laundry smell really good without using softener?

dex — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 17:19:03 GMT

How about putting some essential oil drops on a damp microfiber cloth and place in dryer.I don't really like my bedding to have a scent though because it really isn't healthy to breathe.

Re: How to make laundry smell really good without using softener?

I am still oxox — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 17:23:46 GMT

I am very allergic and do not like scents on any fabric, at our town pool I choke everytime I walk by some one with a towel dried in "fragrant" softener

Re: How to make laundry smell really good without using softener?

ROMARY — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 17:24:03 GMT

I'm not one to ask since I used unscented liquid laundry detergents such as Purex, All, etc. Everything smells fresh, clean, and clear. Maybe try adding a half a cup of Borax or Boraxo? washing powder? I have a feeling that using an unscented liquid laundry detergent will give O/P excellent results as far as clean freshness. (The stronger smelling the detergent, the more chemicals, which might not be good for certain bedding. Jmo, of course.)

Re: How to make laundry smell really good without using softener?

SilleeMee — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 17:26:16 GMT

A linen spray might work. Just spray your bed after you put the sheets on it. I make my own linen spray using pure lavender EO, alcohol and water....shake and spray. Smells good.

Re: How to make laundry smell really good without using softener?

KingstonsMom — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 17:28:24 GMT

I always use liquid fabric softener when I wash my fleece sheets and it's never had a negative effect on them.

Re: How to make laundry smell really good without using softener?

GCR18 — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 17:28:46 GMT

Scented laundry liquid or there are crystals you can add to the wash. Purex makes one and P&G has one, both in the laundry aisle.

Re: How to make laundry smell really good without using softener?

dex — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 17:32:34 GMT

the older I get the less I can tolerate scents.I can't use chemical cleaners without choking and will sometimes even vomit.I now use natural parsley cleaner or just vinegar.I also like baking soda to scrub stains.

@I am still oxox wrote:
I am very allergic and do not like scents on any fabric, at our town pool I choke everytime I walk by some one with a towel dried in "fragrant" softener

Re: How to make laundry smell really good without using softener?

Zhills — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 17:36:30 GMT

I have used white distilled vinegar (cheap) for years. I have the fluffiest towels and my sheets smell great. I put it in my washer in the 'fabric softener' place.

I use this for anything I wash!

Re: How to make laundry smell really good without using softener?

shoesnbags — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 17:41:18 GMT

@Zhills wrote:
I have used white distilled vinegar (cheap) for years. I have the fluffiest towels and my sheets smell great. I put it in my washer in the 'fabric softener' place.

I use this for anything I wash!

@Zhills

Do you dilute or just fill the little container to the top with vinegar?

Re: How to make laundry smell really good without using softener?

dex — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 17:44:18 GMT

@Zhills would the vinegar be as good at removing stains in the liquid bleach dispenser?

Re: How to make laundry smell really good without using softener?

Annabellethecat66 — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 17:55:46 GMT

@Sue98 Go here! http://www.ourhomemadehappiness.com/2012/03/homemade-fabric-softener.html

The entire article is titled (paraphrased) "How to make fabric smell better without using any fabric softner". It even shows a picture of a box of fabric softner with a ling drawn across it.

I just googled the title of your question and so many things showed up. Go for it!

Re: How to make laundry smell really good without using softener?

goldensrbest — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 17:59:07 GMT

I like nellies detergent because it smells fresh, if i want a scent i take a cloth ,put some fragrance oil , on it toss in to dryer.

Re: How to make laundry smell really good without using softener?

FrostyBabe1 — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 18:10:19 GMT

I use wool dryer balls with a drop of lemon essential oil on them. It gives things a very light citrus scent.

Re: How to make laundry smell really good without using softener?

Nightowlz — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 18:45:18 GMT

I also use Nellie's & don't use fabric softener. I have used vinegar in the fabric softener dispenser.

Pour 1/2 cup baking soda in the rinse cycle. I always put it in a cup of water to pour in. It will help with odors plus softening.

Re: How to make laundry smell really good without using softener?

Iwantcoffee — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 18:47:09 GMT

I use All free & clear detergent and borax for a wonderful fresh, clean smell. i do not like fragrances on sheets and clothes.

Re: How to make laundry smell really good without using softener?

CelticCrafter — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 18:54:24 GMT

I only use unscented detergents, no softner or dryer sheets because they are just too strong.

If there is extra sweaty laundry to be done, I will add a few scoops of baking soda.

I just noticed today that some grocery bags are now scented. Yuck, they go right out into the recycling bin, I won't save them for the waste paper baskets.

Re: How to make laundry smell really good without using softener?

Zhills — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 18:56:23 GMT

@shoesnbags"Do you dilute or just fill the little container to the top with vinegar?"

In my machine, I just fill the "softener place" to the top. I know it is not always in the same place in every washer.

@Whatnow "Would the vinegar be as good at removing stains in the liquid bleach dispenser?

No, do not put it in the liquid bleach dispenser. Vinegar kills soap.

That is why it rinses all soap residue out of your clothes and makes them soft.

If you have a machine that will open while doing a cycle, put vinegar in the rinse cycle. Doesn't take much. Maybe 1/4 cup?

Re: How to make laundry smell really good without using softener?

Stevie Nix — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 18:58:25 GMT

If you can air dry them outside in the sun. I have to dry my comforter outside when it's warm out and it smells amazing when it's dry.

Re: How to make laundry smell really good without using softener?

ID2 — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 19:42:59 GMT

Downy Unstopables In-Wash Scent Booster Beads are the bomb! I hate using fabric softener and these make my laundry smell fantastic! Can't do laundry without them.