Thread Number: 45657
Why is it that clothes have no smell when taken out of the dryer?
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Post# 667977   3/23/2013 at 20:49 (4,022 days old) by norgechef (Saint George New Brunswick )        

Every time my clothes are done washing they smell nice and fresh like the detergent I washed them in but after they come out of the dryer they don't really smell like much of anything...even after adding 3 dryer sheets per load! why is that??




Post# 667978 , Reply# 1   3/23/2013 at 21:04 (4,022 days old) by Maytagbear (N.E. Ohio)        
I would say...


"you are lucky."




Lawrence/Maytagbear


Post# 667986 , Reply# 2   3/23/2013 at 22:09 (4,022 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
I'd Watch Excessive Use Of Dryer Fabric Softener Sheets

launderess's profile picture
The wax and silicones they deposit can and often will coat much more than textile fibers. In short everything from the dryer's drum to lint filter and everywhere else the treated air goes.

If it is scented laundry you are after try going for the more fragrant fabric softeners (hint: anything by P&G, *LOL*) and or detergents (ditto).

P&G holds patents for the various chemicals developed to impart scent onto laundry in both the wash and rinse that will linger long, long and often very long after laundry is put away.

Have some bottles of Gain "Lavender/Mint" laundry liquid and am here to tell you the scent lingers not only after the five rinses my Miele gives, but after tumble drying as well. Items used days or weeks afterwards still retain much of the scent.

As to why the scent is leaving your laundry after tumble drying one can only put it down to the air flow carrying off the scent.



Post# 667989 , Reply# 3   3/23/2013 at 22:25 (4,022 days old) by norgechef (Saint George New Brunswick )        
So youre saying dryer sheets are bad for your clothes?

I heard somewhere that it was always better if you use fabric softener or dryer sheets than just detergent and nothing else...? probably not true but it kind of made sense to me how it might be good for your clothes...as for Gain i try not to use it very much or not at all...i was looking at an environmental protection research site that had information about household cleaners and i read gain has allot of carcinogen and cancer causing ingredients, which is probably why their detergents smell so good. I shouldn't badmouth Gain either as i love using Fab and Dynamo which also have quite a bit of cancer causing ingredients... but oh well, at least its not as bad as allot of other household cleaners.

Post# 668008 , Reply# 4   3/24/2013 at 05:26 (4,022 days old) by polkanut (Wausau, WI )        

polkanut's profile picture

Yes, avoid using dryer sheets because they can cause a wax buildup to form on your dryer drum and potentially a fire hazard.  We haven't used dyer sheets in years, and have no problems with static, and our clothes smell nice when removed from the dryer.  Why would you want your clothes to smell like cheap perfume in the first place?  Don't believe everything you read on some of those environmental websites.  Quite often their test methods are skewed so they can get the results they're seeking.


Post# 668017 , Reply# 5   3/24/2013 at 07:20 (4,022 days old) by jmm63 (Denville, NJ)        

jmm63's profile picture
So if we're not supposed to use dryer sheets because they ruin the dryer, and we're not supposed to use liquid fabric softner because it ruins the washer, what is suggested that we do use. Detergent alone in my front loader leaves clothes that resemble sand paper.

Post# 668019 , Reply# 6   3/24/2013 at 07:26 (4,022 days old) by SuperElectronic (London, UK)        
Too much heat

Tumble drying doesn't tend to make for pleasantly pefumed laundry at the best of times, but the higher the heat setting you use, the less perfume will remain.

It's my understanding that American dryers use pretty fierce heat - probably similar to launderette dryers here - and all you get out of them is clothes that smell almost scorched. Try drying on the lowest heat setting if you wish to retain some of the fragrance.

Personally I dislike the sickly scented candle-like smell and waxy deposit dryer sheets leave; I certainly don't think they do a dryer any good. At least if you use conditioner in your washer there's more chance of the residue in the machine being taken care of by the following wash cycle.


Post# 668022 , Reply# 7   3/24/2013 at 07:44 (4,022 days old) by Tomturbomatic (Beltsville, MD)        

If you launder clothes properly using hot or warm water as required, the moderate use of fabric softener in the final rinse is not a problem. The dryer sheets clog the lint screen of a dryer so that even water will not pass through it and make it necessary to wash the screen with detergent, hot water and a gentle brushing action. This is followed by at least a warm water rinse. Dry as much as possible with a towel, then reinstall it in the dryer and give it 5 or 10 minutes on heat.

In dryers with a door plug, like GEs and WH after 1965 and the lint trap below the door, the fabric softener sheet was often sucked under the plug so it landed in the lint screen instead of tumbling with the load and softening the fabrics.

Another disadvantage of the sheets is that if the dryer is too hot, they can leave patches of softener residue on fabrics which require washing out.

If you are using comercial equipment where rinsing is now considered a waste of water, go ahead and use the dryer sheets since you don't want to to anything to lessen the rinsing process, such as it is, and adding softener certainly does not enhance rinsing. Softener will kill suds, but combines with detergent to create a film on fabrics.


Post# 668027 , Reply# 8   3/24/2013 at 08:05 (4,022 days old) by Kenmoreguy64 (Charlotte, NC)        
I've recently been quite surprised by Tide w/Downy...

kenmoreguy64's profile picture
If this is of any value to anyone, I have recently been quite pleased with the results from Tide powder with Downy. Using the April Fresh scent version gives you the old Downy scent, not the new one, and the product itself does a nice job of both washing and softening. Its not softened as much as if I had used a liquid softener, but everything has a nice fluff to it, no sand-paper like feel as Jim described, and a nice mild "fresh laundry" scent without smelling like a cheap perfume factory.

I might be worth a try if you can find it in stores. Some have it here, some don't, but I'll be using more of it.

Gordon


Post# 668035 , Reply# 9   3/24/2013 at 09:08 (4,022 days old) by MatthewZA (Cape Town, South Africa)        

We stopped using liquid softener about 4 years ago when w found out what it does to your machine, and in all honesty, I haven't noticed a difference in the softness of my clothes, and most of our clothes get line dried. I have noticed the clothes seem to dry quicker without softener. When my towels and jeans come off the line, I put them in the dryer for 10 mins on air dry, and that cool air and the dryer balls tenderise them to get them soft, moveable and fluffy.
Here, the Unilever Sunlight range of auto and handwash powders are all 2 in 1 and do a great job, however, Omo has recently launched Omo with a touch of Comfort and I prefer that to the Sunlight. It leaves a really nice smell and noticeable softness to everything, even jeans and towels.
So my advice would be to switch to an effective 2 in 1 detergent. We've been using x-pert since October (bought in bulk) but when its finished we switching to the Omo with Comfort


Post# 668062 , Reply# 10   3/24/2013 at 10:34 (4,022 days old) by sudsmaster (SF Bay Area, California)        

sudsmaster's profile picture
There are new liquid fabric softeners that are specifically designed to withstand machine drying, as well as release fragrance as the garment is worn. I avoid them like the plague, and use Downy unscented instead.

Of the more odoriferous ones, Kirkland liquid fabric softener would be on the list. I bought a jug of this years ago, and immediately noticed it left a too strong aroma on clothing. In fact the bed sheets stank so much I had to wash them again. Now I notice that Costco has modified the formula to make it have an even more lasting aroma (something like "releases fragrance as garment is worn") and I refuse to get roped in again and buy that version.

Dryer sheets? Always struck me as kind of pointless. I dislike the waxy feel they have and they don't really seem to soften fabrics much anyway.

I'm careful to use only very small amounts of the Downy unscented. Just enough to take the harsh edge off fabrics. Not enough to make them slimy. I use hot water and good powder detergents boosted with STPP, and haven't had any issues with the front loaders getting gunked up.


Post# 668067 , Reply# 11   3/24/2013 at 11:00 (4,022 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
Should Anyone Wish To See What Damage Fabric Softener Sheets

launderess's profile picture
Can do to tumble dryers, peep inside those used in laundromats.

In such places not only do persons use dryer sheets but customers often use two, three or more (you should see what I see) per load. Multiply that by tens of turns per days and you've got a formula for ruining a dryer.

Drums of such used machines are often coated in waxy build-up and the finish discolored or some way worn. If the machines aren't maintained often and properly there can also be an increased risk of fire.

Only dryer sheets one has in the stash are a NOS vintage box of Downy "April Fresh". These aren't used often and just cracked open the package several weeks ago out of want to experience the "laundry day" scent of one's childhood. Took one sheet out and cut it into strips, using just the one of those. The rest are back in the box sealed in a Zip-Lock bag.

Indeed if one really wants to use dryer sheets Consumer Reports suggested ages ago (when they frist came on the scene) that cutting them into portions was a better way to go.


Post# 668069 , Reply# 12   3/24/2013 at 11:22 (4,022 days old) by norgechef (Saint George New Brunswick )        
Well..

My dryer is a 2009 Frigidaire/white Westinghouse branded machine and it it a piece of crap in my opinion, sure it dries the clothes but the only settings it has is timed dry and automatic dry, no sensor dry or heat selection...just always on high i would assume. If fabric softener sheets are going to kill this dryer I really don't care...maybe if I had a new Whirlpool or GE dryer I might take care of it a little better but this one just makes me mad as it is constantly overheating even when i vacuum out the lint filter and fan blower every year or so. I'm eagerly awaiting spring so i can throw the clothes in the dryer for 10 minutes and then hang them on the line again.

Post# 668073 , Reply# 13   3/24/2013 at 11:28 (4,022 days old) by norgechef (Saint George New Brunswick )        
And for my White loads...

They always get washed in hot or warm water, usually with powdered detergent and some grocery store brand fabric softener and if its winter and i have to dry them in the dryer I usually just put in 1 dryer sheet, as for dark loads I usually just use a small amount of softener in the wash and 2-3 dryer sheets in the dryer.

Post# 668078 , Reply# 14   3/24/2013 at 12:33 (4,022 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

yogitunes's profile picture
Actually it's your water conditions......and some things you cannot change about it.....

I was having the same thing, everyone here was talking about the foul smell of detergents and softners, and I was wonder what the heck they were talking about....no matter what I used or how much, even bleach, there was no scent left after they were done...

although some do not like the scent on their clothes, I paid for this scent, and I WANT IT!...

but back to water conditions......I could not figure why I had no scent left, and it wasn't until we had the treatment system of the well serviced, then all the scents showed up as expected....mainly it was the PH unit that was empty of its granules that was causing the scent to be cancelled.....I knew something had to be wrong, because when I did laundry at the city house, which was unconditioned city water, the scents remained......basically for my conditions, it only meant that I could add baking soda to my wash to temporarily correct the condition...

keep note, even these detergents and such that claim to be Clear and free of scents and dyes, ARE NOT, they still have to put dyes and scents in to cover the harsh chemical smell and make the color pleasing to the consumer...

we learn as we go along.....

this water being out of whack, so to say, was also affecting bathing, a greenish film on bathroom tubs, aquarium readings to go whacky, not to mention the dishwasher and ice cubes.....


Post# 668089 , Reply# 15   3/24/2013 at 13:40 (4,021 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
Overly Scented Laundry

launderess's profile picture
Has the plumbers in last week to deal with a problem in the bathroom. One of the workers, a nice enough Hispanic gentleman arrived in garments laundered in so much scented products one could have used him for an air freshener at Grand Central Terminal.

Was getting over a bad URI and it was all flesh and blood could stand when hit full frontal with the powerful scent. It was below freezing here last week but the windows were opened and that didn't do much good. Then the man pulled something that triggered a "Miss Hilly" response from us and that was that. Did manage to keep well buttoned but mainly because going anywhere near that area in the state one's head was in would probably have made one physically ill.

Hours after the workers left the scent of whatever that man's wife does is laundry lingered. Finally later in the day the only way to get shot of it was to replace it with an other; cleaned the bathroom using vintage Lysol, the amber coloured stuff in the brown bottle.


Post# 668092 , Reply# 16   3/24/2013 at 14:00 (4,021 days old) by danemodsandy (The Bramford, Apt. 7-E)        
My First Maytag Dryer....

danemodsandy's profile picture
Was a nice enough machine, but the dryer-sheet damage was something else!

There was a heavy gray waxy deposit inside the drum and door that had to be removed with mineral spirits, then ammonia.

The lint filter had a hole in it, and that had allowed dryer sheets to blow through the hole into the dryer's blower and duct assemblies. There was no good reason that this dryer had not caught fire.

Added to that, the stench of old Bounce sheets lingered for months.


Post# 668151 , Reply# 17   3/24/2013 at 20:19 (4,021 days old) by whirlcool (Just North Of Houston, Texas)        

Tonight I saw a commercial on television from Downy saying they now have a product that when you use it the scent will stay on your clothes "for up to 12 weeks afterwards."

What happens if you don't like the scent?

Remember when I cleaned out that Kenmore dryer a few months ago? The lint in the plumbing from the lint filter to the blower motor was totally clogged and the clog was so hard I needed to use a screwdriver to bust the clog up? And even then it was as sticky as honey. And since it was a gas dryer I am surprised it didn't catch on fire either. But the owner loved their fabric softener and used it in every load for the past 15 years.



CLICK HERE TO GO TO whirlcool's LINK


Post# 668155 , Reply# 18   3/24/2013 at 20:32 (4,021 days old) by norgechef (Saint George New Brunswick )        
well I don't need the scent to last that long...

I do about 5 loads of laundry a week and if the clothes were dirty and still smelled like downy I would be mad....when i wash my clothes i want them to stink, would hate to waste detergent on clothes that still smell strong of downy...

Post# 668219 , Reply# 19   3/25/2013 at 02:44 (4,021 days old) by washer111 ()        
Softeners and Washers

That is a load of bullspit, if ever I heard it. 

Softener RUINS machines when they are used on COLD WATER and perhaps a combination of NOT ENOUGH detergent, TOO MUCH detergent, HARD WATER or a COMBINATION of the 4. 

 

Our old Hoover DD TL machine (replaced in 2008) lasted just over 14 years WITHOUT fabric softener use, and rare use of hot water. The thing died of electrical fault - but I've read of people being prolific users (with the same machines) and them lasting 10 years. 

 

If you are concerned about softeners ruining your machine - every month (or 2, or 3) run the hottest possible wash, with plenty of good detergent/stain remover and a soak cycle. If you don't want to waste your detergent (however precious it may be), use baking soda and vinegar as your "softener" for the wash. Regular maintenance, care and CORRECT use of your washer will prevent softener causing harm. 

 

This photo is from another post, by another member on this forum (mayfan69, another Australian member): 20 years of COLD water washing. I believe this was AFTER cleaning... If the machine was used correctly (with or without softener, but certainly Hot/Warm washers), that buildup wouldn't have been existent:

 


Post# 668220 , Reply# 20   3/25/2013 at 02:49 (4,021 days old) by washer111 ()        
Onto Topic:

If you aren't getting any fragrance out of the tumble dryer, you may wish to try using the "Less Dry" setting (For Automatics), Less time or a lower temperature/different fabric selection. Based on what is written above, I would avoid the tumble dryer sheets like the plague. 

 

For best results, use a GOOD quality softener (not too pungent, one that doesn't give reactions/headaches) in your washer. That way, you aren't ruining clothes or the dryer, or the washer (see my above post!). Any buildup in the washer is "washed away" with subsequent Hot/Warm washes. If you are really concerned, rinse with warm water, if possible. 


Post# 668229 , Reply# 21   3/25/2013 at 05:49 (4,021 days old) by Frigilux (The Minnesota Prairie)        

frigilux's profile picture

Every house I've ever lived in has had a water softener, so fabric softeners produce little difference except to add a scent to fabrics.  I used Downy on loads of dress clothes to tackle the merciless wintertime static cling on poly-cotton blends.  Since purchasing a dryer in 2010 with a "static eliminator" option (a fine mist of water is sprayed onto the load just as the cool-down begins),  I've been liberated from using fabric softener all together.  No build-up in washer, dryer, or on clothes.

 

I'm probably in the minority on this opinion, but I don't want my clothes to have a scent attached to them after laundering.


Post# 668321 , Reply# 22   3/25/2013 at 15:32 (4,020 days old) by abcomatic (Bradford, Illinois)        

I have soft water here so I never use any sort of softner in the washer or dryer. Gary


Post# 668324 , Reply# 23   3/25/2013 at 15:45 (4,020 days old) by westingman123 ()        
Nor do I...

Since Final Touch changed their formula to the waxy mess it is now, I've been fabric softener free. I hang out whenever weather permits, anyway, so I get that line-dried smell. I find that superior anyway.

I work with the public, and more times than I can count I can identify the people who use dryer sheets. I'd rather not smell like everyone else, thank you.

Somebody on my street uses waaaaay too much Bounce, often in the evenings after dinner the whole block reeks of it.


Post# 668329 , Reply# 24   3/25/2013 at 16:22 (4,020 days old) by Maytagbear (N.E. Ohio)        
All, and I do mean ALL

of the coin-op dryers I have ever used here in my college town are just gunked up with softener sheets. Fortunately, I can dry my fiberfill comforter at home. There were a few weeks when my washer was connected and my dryer not......


I like and use rinse added softener, I cut Downy "April Fresh" with Downy unscented.




Lawrence/Maytagbear


Post# 668429 , Reply# 25   3/26/2013 at 03:27 (4,020 days old) by DaveAMKrayoGuy (Oak Park, MI)        

daveamkrayoguy's profile picture
Did the ultra-violet "sunshine" lamps ever make your clothes smell fresh?

I wish my clothes smelled as good dried as they did washed, too! (And I sometimes use dryer sheets as well...)

Dryers today need something to help 'em help your clothes smell better (surely there was some feature in some by-gone era, like maybe one GE had, or Maytag's drying cabinet)...!


-- Dave


Post# 668511 , Reply# 26   3/26/2013 at 13:09 (4,020 days old) by laundromat (Hilo, Hawaii)        

laundromat's profile picture

In order to keep the fresh aroma of Gain detergent and fabric softener, I use a lower drykng temperature because the hotter the air, the less aroma there will be in the clothes being dried. The high heat burns the scent out.


Post# 668649 , Reply# 27   3/27/2013 at 04:03 (4,019 days old) by foxchapel ()        
Somebody on my street uses waaaaay too much Bounce,

It is difficult to ~not~ gag while distance walking thru the neighborhood as the cloud of Bounce et al dryer sheets fallout from various homes has permeated the entire subdivision.

Post# 668654 , Reply# 28   3/27/2013 at 06:24 (4,019 days old) by polkanut (Wausau, WI )        

polkanut's profile picture

I find that by using ½ the amount stated on the softener jug I still get a light but not overwhelming scent, and it still softens as it should.


Post# 668672 , Reply# 29   3/27/2013 at 09:06 (4,019 days old) by mtn1584 (USA)        
Get over it you crybabies!!!!!

I USE SUAVITEL FIELD FLOWERS LIQUID FABRIC SOFTENER, AND DRYER SHEETS, BOTH AVAILABLE AT WALLY WORLD!!!! I GET NOTHING BUT COMPLIMENTS ON THE WAY MY CLOTHES SMELL!!!!
DON'T BE AFRAID OF SCENTS!!!! EMBRACE THEM!!!!
MIKE


Post# 668674 , Reply# 30   3/27/2013 at 09:20 (4,019 days old) by Maytagbear (N.E. Ohio)        
One......

First, posting in all capital letters is considered to be shouting, and is very rude.


Secondly, it would be nice if you could respect the choices of other people.


Third, and last: some people have fragrance/chemical allergies. I do not, ever mean that you have to give up using scented softener, just that for some people, this is a matter of medical importance.


Lawrence/Maytagbear


Post# 668723 , Reply# 31   3/27/2013 at 14:38 (4,018 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
Just finished up this week's set of linens washed in Gai

launderess's profile picture
A product known for being highly fragrant, and am here to tell you what was a powerful smell out of the washer has now almost gone after line drying and ironing.

Post# 668817 , Reply# 32   3/28/2013 at 00:38 (4,018 days old) by tolivac (greenville nc)        

Sauvitel is AWFULLY strong scented-If you use it and run clothes treated with Sauvitel thru your dryer-the exhaust smells like a perfume factory.Yes,use it if you like.The scent is a little too powerful for me.

Post# 668827 , Reply# 33   3/28/2013 at 03:10 (4,018 days old) by norgechef (Saint George New Brunswick )        
Here in Canada

Suavitel is called Fleecy! lol

Post# 668829 , Reply# 34   3/28/2013 at 03:12 (4,018 days old) by norgechef (Saint George New Brunswick )        
Just like

Dynamo and Fab are called ABC and Arctic Power..

Post# 668831 , Reply# 35   3/28/2013 at 04:00 (4,018 days old) by whirlcool (Just North Of Houston, Texas)        

And since they 3X'd the Sauvitel it's even stronger. We used to occasionally use the "Baby Scent" 1x version which was fine. But then when they 3X'd it the whole neighborhood would smell like it while the clothes washed in it were drying in the dryer. In fact one night we woke up in the middle of the night because our sheets that had been rinsed in Sauvitel smelled so bad our noses were burning! Nothing like a 2 am bedding change! And we reduced the amount because it was 3x.

Even today when we are in the yard we can tell if someone in the area has used Sauvitel. It really reeks.

How often do we use fabric softener? We have two bottles of Downy on the laundry room shelf that have separated into a gloppy mess. I'm thinking about shaking them up and leaving them in our local coin op. Maybe someone there would like them.


Post# 668848 , Reply# 36   3/28/2013 at 07:36 (4,018 days old) by washer111 ()        
Softener:

I am guilty of using it on my clothes and sheets. Annoyingly, I wash my darker stuff at 30º (just under 100º - a temperature that feels cool/warm but refreshing at your local pool), and can TELL that the softener has been there, since the water on the glass gets spotted as the cycle starts, and using loads of detergent can't won't even produce suds... It might be time to wash them at a higher temp, or with Pre-Wash at a higher temperature, lol. 

 

My other stuff does it, but not to such a large degree. I may cut back on my usage to save them a tad...


Post# 668853 , Reply# 37   3/28/2013 at 07:59 (4,018 days old) by mtn1584 (USA)        
MAYTAG BEAR

I ALWAYS YELL!!!!!!!!!! I AM ITALIAN!!!!!! HAVEN'T YOU EVER WATCHED "EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND?" LOL
I was only kidding, i will take it down a notch, so as not to offend (typed while hiding under the desk) LOL
MIKE


Post# 668902 , Reply# 38   3/28/2013 at 16:50 (4,017 days old) by Yogitunes (New Jersey)        

yogitunes's profile picture
detergent/softener scents and its use or lack there of, is the same as peoples personal hygiene, theres the world that never heard of it, and then theres the ones that soak themselves in it.....

they both go to extremes in either case.....and then theres the rest of us in the middle....no matter what extreme, our eyes water!

only on this planet!.......lol



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