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Washing powder

(49 Posts)
Willow73 Mon 23-Feb-26 12:29:41

Anyone else got a problem with certain brands of washing powder smelling so strong recently.
Fairy and Persil non bio the smell seems so strong it gives me a headache and the whole house smells strongly.
Any suggestions of a brand that washes well but not got strong perfumed smell would be appreciated.

Caleo Mon 23-Feb-26 12:35:35

I have a good sense of smell and I use Tesco non bio powder with no noticeable scent.

Fallingstar Mon 23-Feb-26 12:58:32

I use Fairy non bio. Like you I find the scent of some washing powders too intense, it takes over the whole house and is just too over powering.

Fallingstar Mon 23-Feb-26 13:00:00

Whoops just reread your post and seen that it is Fairy you have probs with. I have really never found this but perhaps I just prefer this scent to the others.

Aely Mon 23-Feb-26 13:02:10

I have noticed this problem with my latest non-bio washing machine liquid purchase. The smell isn't offensive but I would prefer it if it were not present! Drying outside lessons the impact, but that has been difficult with the wet weather.

Calendargirl Mon 23-Feb-26 13:48:28

I use the cheapest Tesco one, think it’s non bio.

Don’t notice the smell really.

I think many people must use these scent boosters as they smell so strongly of ‘something’, or it might be Febreze?

Never having used these products no idea what they smell like though.

Charleygirl5 Mon 23-Feb-26 13:57:45

I have gone off powder for this reason and I stopped using Fabreze years ago with no notable difference except to my purse.

butterandjam Mon 23-Feb-26 14:09:28

I use Persil non bio liquid. No detectable smell on dry laundry.

Long ago the repair man fixing the washing machine gave me this advice and I've followed it ever since;

"All detergent manufacturers want to sell as much product as possible. You only need to use HALF their recommended dose. Always measure it, don't guess.
Halving the detergent extends the life of the washing machine AND the garments."

I find half dose makes no difference whatever to the cleaning power.

Curlywhirly Mon 23-Feb-26 14:28:13

I too only use half the manufacturer's dose (if there are any stains I use a stain remover first) and there's no change in how clean the clothes are. Seems I'm the only one though, who actually likes strong smelling powder/liquid!

SueDonim Mon 23-Feb-26 14:49:12

I use M&S liquid wash products, unscented non-bio liquid for sensitive skin. It’s £5.50 for a litre bottle. I use approx half the recommended amount as we have very soft water and also vary the amount according to how full a load I am doing.

pce612 Tue 24-Feb-26 13:53:36

I’m using ALDI Almat coconut washing powder for the first time…..
Doesn’t smell of coconut ( or anything else scented) and seems to be working as well as Ariel for considerably less cost.

Sarahr Tue 24-Feb-26 13:55:46

Do you use the correct amount? We bought a different one and find that we only need a fraction of what the stated dosage is.

Mirren Tue 24-Feb-26 13:56:56

I have used Aldi's own brand boxed powder for years and years.. and I don't want to use anything else.
It's inexpensive, works really well, comes in a compact recyclable box and there's several perfumes. Each perfume is subtle and pleasant.
When driving the line outside the results are lovely clean land with a gentle, comforting smell that my adult children tell me is the smell of " home " .
How lovely 😍

Mirren Tue 24-Feb-26 13:57:28

Drying that is... Not driving

Aldom Tue 24-Feb-26 13:58:28

I've used Sainsbury's liquid for wool and delicates for years. No fabric softener ever. Washing smells fresh and clean, as does the machine.

Willow73 Tue 24-Feb-26 14:13:52

Aldi sounds like a win, win.
Thank you all for your comments, you’ve really helped and my daughter in law has been making use of the Persil washing liquid so she is happy too!

argymargy Tue 24-Feb-26 14:52:53

Someone (who would have known) told me years ago that you only need about half the suggested amount of any kind of laundry detergent. I've saved myself a load of money and assaulted nostrils by following this advice. When I pass someone who stinks of detergent/softener I think it's almost worse than BO.

SpringsEternal Tue 24-Feb-26 15:02:12

I use Eco Nuts for laundry: ecologically sound, gentle but thorough. Not a whiff of a nasty chemical.

grandMattie Tue 24-Feb-26 15:27:09

Caleo

I have a good sense of smell and I use Tesco non bio powder with no noticeable scent.

I'm rather sensitive to smells, and my skin doesn't much like perfumes, etc. and I agree, the Tesco one is barely scented. Get the smaller packet first and see how you cope.

Jess20 Tue 24-Feb-26 15:33:08

Surcare, no smell and doesn't make me itch!

twiglet77 Tue 24-Feb-26 15:50:31

Aldi Almat coconut scent is my favourite, though not really coconutty.

Vintagegirl Tue 24-Feb-26 15:54:27

Years ago both my son and husband reacted to some brand of washpowder. I think it was bio. I now always use the extra rinse option on machine. Aldi is my choice with one for 'whites' and other for 'colours' both non bio.

petra Tue 24-Feb-26 16:02:11

Curlywhirly

I too only use half the manufacturer's dose (if there are any stains I use a stain remover first) and there's no change in how clean the clothes are. Seems I'm the only one though, who actually likes strong smelling powder/liquid!

Washing up liquid works just as well as stain remover.
Yet another washing product sold to us when we have the product already in our kitchen

Peaseblossom Tue 24-Feb-26 16:05:21

I've been using Smol non-bio since it first came out and I'm very happy with it. I also use the dishwasher tablets which are also very good.

Babamaman Tue 24-Feb-26 16:07:41

I still, and always have used BOLD powder - it has softener in it! It’s great