If your clothes smell like detergent even after washing them in the washer, there are a few possible reasons for this:
Overuse of detergent: Using too much detergent can lead to an excess of soap suds that might not be fully rinsed out during the wash cycle. As a result, some detergent residue can remain on your clothes, causing them to smell like detergent.
Insufficient rinsing: If your washing machine doesn't rinse the clothes thoroughly, detergent residues can linger on the fabric, leaving a strong detergent smell.
Old or expired detergent: Detergents can lose their effectiveness over time, especially if they are stored improperly or past their expiration date. Using old or expired detergent might not clean your clothes properly and can leave behind a detergent scent.
Using the wrong type of detergent: Some detergents are designed for specific washing machine types (e.g., high-efficiency or regular machines) or for certain water hardness levels. Using the wrong type of detergent for your washer or water can lead to incomplete rinsing and lingering odors.
High-efficiency washers: High-efficiency (HE) washers use less water than traditional washers. If you use regular detergent in an HE washer, it can create excess suds and not be fully rinsed out, resulting in a detergent smell.
Washing machine issues: If your washing machine is not functioning correctly, it might not be rinsing properly, leading to detergent smells on your clothes.
To resolve the issue, you can try the following:
Use the correct amount of detergent: Follow the manufacturer's guidelines on the detergent packaging to determine the appropriate amount of detergent to use for your load size and water hardness.
Check the washing machine settings: Ensure that you are using the correct settings for your load, especially if you have an HE washer.
Use a rinse aid: Some washing machines have a compartment for a rinse aid, which can help improve rinsing efficiency and reduce detergent residues.
Clean the washing machine: Regularly clean your washing machine, including the detergent dispenser and the drum, to remove any built-up detergent residues.
Switch to a different detergent: If you suspect your current detergent is the issue, try using a different brand or type of detergent to see if it makes a difference.
By taking these steps, you should be able to eliminate the detergent smell on your clothes and enjoy fresh, clean laundry.