Nicer smelling clothes?

JennyJukes

Sorry if this sounds completely ridiculous.

I have some sensory processing issues, I am oversensitive to noises but smells are extremely comforting to me. I like to smell the detergent from my clothes when I'm anxious to calm me down, this is most days.

I tried washing my clothes at 30 degrees and it seems to clean as well as a 40 degree wash - my clothes don't get dirty so don't need much cleansing power. However, after drying there is no lingering detergent smell at all!! I know some people might enjoy this but it sort of fills me with dread knowing I won't have that comfort throughout the day.

Does anyone have any tips for anything nice smelling and cloth friendly? Maybe some essential oils, or anything that can be put in the washing machine? Is the money/environment saving benefits of washing at 30 instead of 40 actually worth it?

Thank for any tips.

Artytarty

How about buying some perfumes you love?
I have different ones for different moods!
Some fresh and uplifting, some warm and mellow.
You can spray into the air and sort of walk through the cloud to get it on your clothing.

Lorian

Comfort conditioner?

DigForVictory

One of my scouts has a lavender hankie. It’s essentially aromatherapy on a hankie, but can be used almost everywhere. Even his school are <shrug> about it - it helps him stay calm & focussed - they have less to worry about. I’m not sure what an invigilator will make of it, but at Scouts “do you need to blow your nose?” translates to “would your hankie help you here?”.
Could you wash a few innocuous pieces of fabric at the higher temperature to get portable reassurance?

Helebore

I wonder if it would be worth hand washing a few items in hand wash powder, I remember the smells when a twin tub was used but I have never been able to get that same smell in an automatic machine!

Ms_Chocaholic

I use Lenor in a gold bottle and that leaves a lingering scent even after drying.

JennyJukes

Artytarty wrote: »

How about buying some perfumes you love?
I have different ones for different moods!
Some fresh and uplifting, some warm and mellow.
You can spray into the air and sort of walk through the cloud to get it on your clothing.

I do have a lot of sprays to be used up!! I'm a sucker for a nice smell. I had this amazing bubblegum one but it only lasted around an hour at a time. Unfortunately I work most of the time in an office or in my car so can't really spray and walk during these times. Usually to reduce my anxiety I'll just put my hoody, jacket, scarf to my face and the detergent/conditioner smell comforts me.

I also keep my boyfriends hoodies - I'm not sure if the smell is of detergent or him but it's soo comforting to me and it lasts for a month or so! Then I get him to give me another one But I keep that one at home for sleeping.

Lorian wrote: »

Comfort conditioner?

I think it's usually the detergent that helps with the smell? I put my liquid detergent in one of those dosing balls and into the drum because this usually helps the smell linger. I do use conditioner too. Only thing I changed this time is the temperature.

Ms_Chocaholic wrote: »

I use Lenor in a gold bottle and that leaves a lingering scent even after drying.

What temperature do you use?

Ms_Chocaholic

JennyJukes wrote: »

What temperature do you use?

40 degree wash

Ms_Chocaholic

The only reason I know about Lenor (gold) and started using it myself was I bought some cushions on Ebay and when they arrived they smelt beautiful so I messaged the seller and she told me she had used this on them so I bought a bottle.

Callie22

They're not MSE, but I find that if I use the Fairy pods they do have a very strong scent, much stronger than the liquid detergent. The Lenor 'parfum' fabric conditioners are incredibly strong, but I'd have a sniff first (or try one of the smaller 'sample size' bottles) as one of the fragrances was just too much for me - I think that was the bluey-green one. They are not cheap but are pretty much always on offer somewhere.

Linda32

Of all of the powders/liquids/tablets/pods I have used over the years, nothing beats aerial powder for nice smelling cloths. Line dried helps as well.