When it comes to good-smelling laundry, these pro tips and product picks could make all the difference. (Getty)
If you’re having a rough day, you might want to try sniffing some clean laundry. Research suggests certain scents can provide a mood boost, and what’s better than that straight-from-the-dryer fragrance? Whether you’re looking for an aroma that’s fresh and uplifting or soft and soothing, experts insist it’s easy (and in many cases, very affordable) to know how to make laundry smell good.
We went straight to the source — talking with fragrance gurus, laundry scientists and a fourth-generation dry cleaner — to learn what the pros do, not just to achieve that “freshly cleaned” laundry scent, but lock it in. Behold, their practical tips, plus top-rated products, for laundering like a pro.
Use a scented laundry detergent
Whether the goal is good-smelling clothing, a good-smelling bedroom, or good-smelling everything, a scented detergent is one of the easiest ways to infuse your laundry with sniff-worthy fragrance.
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Less is more, says Tanu Grewal, chief cleaning officer at Pinalen, Cloralen and Ensueño Laundry. “Adding too much detergent to your wash can cause build-up and leave a film on your belongings, so look for a detergent with a scent that will last.”
If you don’t want to read through a long ingredient list to find a detergent’s fragrance, Sammy Wang, senior laundry scientist at P&G Fabric Care, suggests doing a quick scan of a bottle for clues. “Packaging colors and images are often used to evoke what a product smells like. For example, purple often cues lavender or sweeter scents, blue often cues watery or fresh scents, and pink tends to cue more floral scents,” she explains.
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As Yahoo’s resident cleaning-products tester, I reviewed it against more than a dozen other formulas: Not only does it smell like heaven (infused with lavender and honey), but it proved the most potent when it came to removing stains.
Bonus: The EPA has labeled it a “Safer Choice,” for people and the environment, meaning every ingredient has been evaluated by EPA scientists.
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Add fabric softener or beads
“Fabric softeners are a great way to boost your favorite fragrance while adding softness and fabric protection benefits,” says Wang. Look for the same scent as your detergent to boost the fragrance even longer, she adds. (Just make sure to check care labels, as fabric softener should not be used on certain items, like activewear — it can hinder its sweat-wicking properties.)
For those who want to smell their laundry long after it leaves the washing machine, Wang considers scent beads another must. “They’re designed to dissolve quickly in the wash, infusing fabrics with a customized amount of scent — just add as much or as little as you’d like to your laundry load,” she advises.
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“This product uses very low pH citric acid to perform another round of cleaning and deodorizing during the rinse cycle,” he says. Note that it replaces fabric softener, so you have to use one or the other.
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Throw in a dryer sheet
After the (washer) party, it’s the (dryer) after-party, which experts see as another chance to lock in fragrance. Explains Wang, “Dryer sheets provide static-fighting benefits, plus they add a touch of freshness to this last phase of the laundry process.”
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Or, try scented dryer balls
Wool dryer balls are “a little bit of laundry magic,” says Lindsay Droz, co-founder of L’avant Collective, a plant-based cleaning product company. “By improving airflow and allowing heat to circulate more efficiently, they not only speed up the drying process but also help prevent the damp spots that can lead to mold or odor buildup. It’s a simple, natural way to make your laundry routine faster, fresher and more effective.”
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Dryer balls are naturally odorless, but you can give them some fragrance with essential oils. “Just a couple of drops deliver a soft, subtle scent — perfect for those who prefer a lighter fragrance,” says Droz.
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I’m not alone in my admiration: More than 128,000 Amazon customers have given these oils a five-star rating.
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Droz suggests adding a few extra drops of the oil to the dryer balls when you’re using them with sheets and towels: “Those are the items we want to smell especially fresh and luxurious.”
Don’t forget to disinfect
“Sometimes even the best detergent, rinse product and stain removers can’t sort out malodor,” warns Pozniak. “Laundry sanitizers are specially designed to attack viruses and bacteria which are often the cause of stink.”
Bleach is the obvious choice for disinfecting, adds Grewal, and a useful tool for achieving clean-smelling laundry. “If you’re nervous about the strong smell, there are actually brands with scented bleach options,” she explains.
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Clean your machines
Using scented laundry products won’t do much if your washing machine or dryer stink. Experts say maintaining your appliances plays a key role in keeping laundry smelling fresh.
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“Over time, detergent residue, moisture and fabric softener buildup can lead to musty odors — especially in front-load washers where the drum is tightly sealed,” says Nicholas Webert, executive director of customer care field and experience management at Samsung. “Dryers need attention, too. Clearing the lint trap and cleaning out vents regularly helps prevent odors and ensures better performance and safety.”
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“This stuff really works,” confirmed one five-star fan. “I own an appliance repair company and for years I’ve been trying to find the best cleaner to recommend to my customers … I stand by this product so much that I even give out free samples to my customers and provide them with a link to order it on Amazon.”
“The drum smelled fresh, and even the rubber gasket looked cleaner,” shared another enthusiast. “Super easy to use: just pop two in and run a cycle. No scrubbing, no mess. I now use these monthly to keep everything fresh. Great price and totally worth it!”
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Give it a spritz
Post-wash, refresh stale-smelling clothing and linens — or just dial up the fragrance — with a fabric-friendly mist. Jim Reding, CEO of Aroma Retail, which creates scents for hotels across the United States, suggests a complex fragrance with at least a couple of therapeutic notes “like lavender, eucalyptus or any kind of mint, cedar or pine” for a soothing effect.
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“I wash my bedding weekly, but I use this each morning when making my bed to keep the sheets fresh-smelling in between,” shared one reviewer of the brand’s Lavender Serenity scent. “It’s a lovely, soft scent that seems to help me fall asleep when I spray it on my pillowcase before bed.”
While this essential oil-infused spray is blended with relaxing lavender, the brand offers other scents, like earthy Peace, which has notes of cedar and vanilla.
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Scoop up some sachets
Another easy way to keep clothing and linens smelling good long after you wash them is by storing them with sachets infused with oils, herbs and other fragrant ingredients. “Place a sachet in a drawer, and in just two days, the clothing will smell incredible,” says Lafco New York founder and president Jon Bresler. “You won’t need to wear any other fragrance before heading out.”
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The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
