Smelly washing

[Deleted User]

Ok i finally used up all the old fabric conditioner and spent the last 3 weeks using vinegar/bicarb solution with a little added water in the final rinse.

Have noticed this week my clothes smell bad. Some just have a whiff around them, others I have to take off and put back in the wash. I felt embarrassed at work the other day when I realised after sniffing my jumper (clean on) that it smelt of "something".

Yesterday I went out and bought some more FC and today my smelly clothes smell of fragrance.

Yes I know the benefits of vinegar for the machine etc, but I can't cope with clothes that smell off and other people noticing.

I wonder why this is as i'm not overloading the machine or doing anything else differently.

I really want to use the vinegar trick but don't know what else to do.

Even bf noticed the other day a smell in the wardrobe when he opened it.

Please has anyone got any suggestions.

Thanks.

tru

I had the same problem, I've gone back to fabric softener. I reckon vinegar is OK for the odd wash when I run out of softener but no good all the time.

Bogof_Babe

I'd say stick with the fabric conditioner. Losing your personal confidence is not worth the few pence saved by substituting vinegar. Besides which, some people cannot stand the smell of vinegar.

You can get a litre of own brand f/c for about 75p, which lasts for around 30 wash loads. Personally, 2.5p to feel fresh is money well spent!

Magentasue

Maybe vinegar is OK for when you can hang clothes outside to dry but not so good when you have to dry them indoors?

lindadykes

I never use a fabric conditioner, (nor vinegar) just wash with the washing powder and my clothes never smell of anything (except clean)

SnowyOwl_2

Hmmm, my experience is a lot different, ie I have been using vinegar for months and months now and my clothes smell of nothing (and definitely not of vinegar!). As I have a sunless north facing garden, plus live in rainy N.Ireland, my clothes are normally dried indoors on a clothes horse. Maybe the problem is in the machine itself. There was a thread v.recently which had a similar theme, ie smelly washing, and a poster recommended giving the machine a bit of a freshen up - ie wash the washing machine. If there is any sludge in your powder/conditioner drawer then a similar substance is likely to have built up within your machine and pipes, which in turn will make the water smelly. If this is the case (and I'm only guessing here) then the fabric conditioner is possibly masking the smell. The problem you're experiencing may be due to something else completely but this might help. I have given my machine a spruce up - did four loads of washing today and none of them smell!

Anyway, here is the thread:

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=109067

Austin_Allegro

I'd agree it's probably something to do with your machine - some sort of build up of stagnant water, or perhaps you leave your clothes sitting in the machine for a while after the cycle has finished (which can make them musty). I use vinegar and economy soap powder on half ration and haven't noticed any nasty smells.

Penny-Pincher!!

Hi

I had this problem a few months back and it was a fault with the WM as the water wasnt draining properly and there was manky water in there...gross. Luckily the WM had an extended warantee so I didnt have to pay, but once fixed everything was perfect!
I love the Lenor concentrate-get from Makros when on special 5ltrs (same as 15ltr normal)for £3.99 + VAT. The smell lasts longer if dried on the line too

PP
xx