Stepping out of the shower and wrapping yourself in a fluffy laundered towel, slipping on a freshly cleaned shirt or snuggling down into bed in soft, pristine smelling sheets are all life’s simple pleasures. There really is nothing better than that smell of crisp, freshly cleaned laundry.
Here are our simple and helpful secrets to great smelling laundry, to achieve that extra fresh smelling laundry at home without having to pay a fortune at the dry-cleaners.
1. Don’t be lazy, put that load of laundry washing on
We’ve all been there. After a long week of work, the last thing we feel like doing is spending our down time doing the laundry. However, it’s important to stay on top of this household chore. This is especially important for very soiled items like gym wear and excreting clothes. By allowing the sweaty items to sit in your clothes hamper all week, you run the risk of bacteria having time to grow.
By washing regularly, especially in the summertime or if you live in a warm climate, you eliminate the chances of bacteria growing in your laundry and therefore increasing the chances of your items smelling fresher.
2. Pre-soaking can go a long way
By pre-soaking your washing, you can help eliminate strong aromas such as perfumes and body odours. A very simple and natural solution is to fill your laundry trough or bucket with water and dissolve half a cup of baking soda that helps clean and neutralise odours in the fabrics. Simply soak your clothes overnight then place in the washing machine for a regular wash cycle.
3. Add a little spritz
Why not make your own home-made prewashing fragrance spritz? Simply purchase a spray bottle, fill with water and add a few drops of lavender, citrus or rose essential oil. Many fragrance oils for soap making can suit your taste. Spritz your laundry items prior to placing them in the washing machine on a regular wash cycle. Just enough scent will remain after drying to keep your items smelling fresh and clean.
4. Try different laundry washing products
There are numerous laundry washing products on the market. Everything from biodegradable, environmentally friendly, low allergy and skin sensitive. In order to make your laundry smell good, you need to find the right product and fragrance that appeals to you. We suggest using products with different fragrance oil for different seasons. Perhaps frangipani and orchid in spring or citrus and zesty in summer. It’s nice to experiment with your laundry powders and liquids like you would with perfume as fragrance oils can be uplifting and mood enhancing and can keep things fresh and appealing.
5. Be sure to dry your laundry right away
Be it using a washing machine or, hand washing those more delicate laundry items, be sure to hang your washing out to dry or place in your dryer immediately. When hanging washing on your clothesline or indoor clothes drying rack, be sure to allow plenty of space around the individual items so the air can circulate efficiently around it and as naturally as possible.
Sunlight can help kill any lingering bacteria or mould so always make sure your clotheslines or racks are getting the most natural amount of light as possible. Lastly, make sure your laundry is totally dry prior to placing it away in your cupboards so it keeps smelling as fresh and clean as possible.
6. Clean your machine and leave the door open
It may sound obvious but if your washing machine is not clean, then how can you expect to have your laundry smelling good? Washing machines, particularly front end loaders, can have hidden areas where mould could be lurking. Be sure to give your washing machine, paying particular attention to around the door seals, a weekly wipe with a rag that has been soaking in a dilution of hot water and a little vinegar.
Cleaning with vinegar is not only simple but natural. Vinegar makes for a wonderful disinfectant as it’s made from acetic acid and can dissolve mineral deposits, grease, grime and dirt. Furthermore, it’s thought to be strong enough to kill some bacteria. When you’re done doing your load of washing, be sure to leave your washing machine door open so it can naturally air out. As we know, mould thrives in dark, damp places so good air circulation along with natural light can help keep your laundry smelling as fresh as possible.
We hope these simple ideas to make your laundry smell good have been helpful for you and inspired you to go put a load of washing on now!