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Washing powder

(50 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.

Granmarderby10 Thu 26-Feb-26 14:23:46

Well despite what the manufacturers think I have started using powder I pour it into a big plastic lidded carrier and use an old measuring scoop.

I liked the powder tablets but they phased them out in favour of those gel things. You could still crumble them if a whole one was not needed
But for the 30 minute quick wash program I use the Persil quick wash liquid sparingly, nice smell.
I used a small amount of powder on a quick wash and suds were coming out of the drawer,😶‍🌫️

Witzend Thu 26-Feb-26 13:47:33

SueDonim

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.

I’m going to try that, to see whether it can stop the itchiness I’m suffering from lately!

Oreo Thu 26-Feb-26 13:40:51

I use any bio powder from Tesco or Sainsbury, have only noticed a faint scent when clothes are wet, once dry no scent at all.
Powder is gradually being phased out to make consumers buy more expensive pods and gel.🤬

MT62 Thu 26-Feb-26 11:33:05

My neighbour (& good friend), used surf liquid. The smell was that bad coming over my fence, I just had to tell her.
Think it was Oriental something or other.

MT62 Thu 26-Feb-26 11:27:09

Only like the smell of Ariel. Don’t like the smell of persil.
Just bought some dreft. Not opened yet

Vonners Thu 26-Feb-26 00:56:18

Unless its something very dirty I just use bicarb and always hang outdoors to dry.

Hil1910 Thu 26-Feb-26 00:21:44

I use Kirkland Non Bio Liquid from Costco and a drop of Fairy Conditioner (not when washing towels) and have done for years.

Skallywag Wed 25-Feb-26 16:57:49

Please investigate using laundry sheets. Much better for the environment and plastic free.

pen50 Wed 25-Feb-26 16:40:52

They make me feel ill too. And I'm sensitive to biological agents too. I use Bio D liquid, smells mildly of lavender but not horribly or synthetically. Washes well enough for us. I add a scoop of Ecover laundry bleach if I'm doing whites or cleaning cloths.

lizzypopbottle Tue 24-Feb-26 23:37:31

I use Ecover liquid, fragrance free.

Philippa111 Tue 24-Feb-26 22:53:40

Waitrose own non bio has a pleasant faint smell. Use less powder as well. The manufacturers always suggest far too much .. more profit for them

Skye17 Tue 24-Feb-26 21:49:50

I absolutely hate the strong scents in most washing powders. Ecover bio pods are effective and convenient, with a mild scent. They also make non-bio pods and a non-bio powder with a lovely mild scent. I haven't tried the non-bio pods yet.

winterwhite Tue 24-Feb-26 21:34:29

I use capsules. May think again tho now I know about halving the amount.

Cambia Tue 24-Feb-26 18:23:03

I make my own from soap stubs according to Nancy Birtwhistle. Not difficult and it is very cheap to make with no chemicals in. I add a few drops of essential oil to make it smell nice and it makes about two litres each time.
My husband has quite sensitive skin and since we started to use this he has been so much better, no itching, rashes etc.

Mollygo Tue 24-Feb-26 18:16:13

Persuaded by GN several years ago, I use Leaf washing sheets. I used to use liquid from Lidl because I found powder marked my darker clothes.

Browncow Tue 24-Feb-26 17:03:08

I use Surf liquid tropical lily scent for most laundry on a 30 or 40 degree wash, although use Daz powder on a 60 degree wash for towels.

Geordiegirl1 Tue 24-Feb-26 16:56:43

I now use Pure Liquid Soap, Good Housekeeping recommended. Fragrance and preservative free.

FranP Tue 24-Feb-26 16:52:44

Daz for me. Powder all the way so you can adjust the dose. Best value, not really noticed smell. Not a fan of own brands, a bit harsh.

TheHappyGardener Tue 24-Feb-26 16:46:45

Lidl Bio washing powder works really well and has a ‘clean’ smell, definitely not overwhelming … and it’s significantly cheaper than most!

Romola Tue 24-Feb-26 16:44:57

I've gone on to Dr Bachmann laundry detergent leaves. Unlike almost all other detergents, they don't make me sneeze. The scent is okay and I like it that I can put some into my suitcase or camper van when I go away.

4allweknow Tue 24-Feb-26 16:36:18

Anything to do with laundry nowadays seems to need a scent added. Washing powder/liquid, softeners, never mind the scent granules we are expected to add. Think its a case of finding the least scented.

Janal1 Tue 24-Feb-26 16:20:04

So do i,mainly because they are cruelty free.

WelshPoppy Tue 24-Feb-26 16:19:59

I use Kingsland (Costco) bio liquid and conditioner. Very cheap and a bottle lasts me almost 5 months doing at least one wash daily but usually two or more.

grannybuy Tue 24-Feb-26 16:17:22

I also use Bold, and have done for years. If we don’t continue to use powder, it’ll become obsolete.

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

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