Smell from Lidl Concentrated detergent (liquid)

peter021072

One of the advantages of using Lidl was that they sold Formil a washing detergent (powder or liquid) which doesn't (didn't?) have a powerful smell like most of the other types of detergent.  I've just bought their newish non-bio super-concentrated version and this seems to have the same repulsive smell as the big brands.  Have they dispensed with the non-concentrated version which is non-scented?  Has their Formil powder gone through the same change?  The only other non scented version I'm aware of costs about 4 times as much, from the main supermarkets.

p00hsticks

I'm afraid I don't know the answer to your question, but I'm gonig to be following this thread with interest, as I too don't like strong smelling washing detergent. I used to use the Aldi 'Almat' tablets (basically washing powder but pressed into tablets, which make them a bit easier to handle), but they don't appear to do them anymore. The few times I've used pods I've found them to have a really awful strong chemical smell, so now I'm experimenting with various liquid detergents which are ok, but do all have a fragrance. 

JulieM

I too am interested as I can't bear the strong smell of most washing detergents,  especially the liquitabs or whatever they're called. I use Persil non bio tablets as they have very little smell, 40 tablets cost around £5.60 but I can only buy them in Sainsbury's or Waitrose now so I'm concerned they may be phased out soon.

MalMonroe

Hi, hopefully on the label they have a statement about if you are not happy you can return the product? I say that because you can get your money back while at the same time querying the fact that the detergent now has a strong smell. 

Some time ago I switched to smol - no smell and it comes by post. You can have a free trial of their products too, click on the link here -

https://smolproducts.com/? 

You only need one pod for a wash - two if it's really dirty but my things generally aren't - and I'm always pleased with the results. Doesn't smell at all (unless my sense of smell is deteriorating). They supply either bio or non-bio.

I hope you give it a try - even if you don't like it, it's free at first. 

Once signed up you can adjust your deliveries to suit yourself and don't have to stick to any schedule. 

I do recommend them and I have sensitive skin, too. They're very mild. 

[PS I haven't been paid to say any of this!]

peter021072

Thanks for your replies. I was thinking that I was the only person angry about this!  I tried re-washing the smelly clothes with baking soda, white vinegar, and hot washes with double rinse, and they still smell of the concentrated Formil liquid!  I must be getting more sensitive to smells because I never used to bother about this. Either that or they are adding more scent!

The guy at the till at Lidl said I might get my money back without a receipt if I contact a manager.  

peter021072

I've just used the non-bio powder version of Formil, and that still seems to be far less pungent, so I presume they haven't changed that yet.  It's a fraction of the cost of other powders such as Ecover which is a rip off unless you use it for other reasons.

One factor which may make the smell of powders worse is indoor drying.  I understand UV light from outdoor drying can react with the pungent compound to neutralise it, and the wind must help as well.  I doubt if UV is as good as indoor drying with regard to the elasticity and colour though.

lucky77

Bought the colour powder from Lidl last week and strong scent apparent in the house before the box has even been opened!

xylophone

https://www.allergyuk.org/our-services/allergyuk-products/ecover-zero/