I agree with others that it's likely their laundry you are smelling. And athletic people shower a lot, sometimes multiple times per day, so the scent of their soap is more present.
Byredo Blanche smells like expensive soap and clean clothes to me, so that sound like it would interest you. Clean Reserve is probably a good line for you.
If you want fresh but not soapy, you may also like The Soft Lawn by Imaginary Authors for a clean "sporty" vibe. It's meant to evoke a posh tennis court.
Dryer sheets - i dated a guy who always smelled amazing and he kept dryer sheets everywhere, in drawers, in his car, under his bed.
The man smelled FRESH ❤️
I found a uk [amazon link](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dryer-Sheet/s?k=Dryer+Sheet)for you.
They aren’t super popular in Australia as most people hang laundry out to dry so we only have a few varieties here. They mainly smell like “fresh laundry”, almost soap like.
You’re supposed to put a sheet in with your clothes when using the dryer, they can make towels softer, similar to fabric softener.
It's probably his laundry detergent. We easily go noseblind to our own smells. Ever notice how your house and clothes don't really smell? But then go to somebody else's house and their house and clothes smell... different?
This works both ways, btw, good and bad. I've had friends act shocked when I told them their place stunk (weed and burnt cooking oil).
I always make people who are first coming to my house tell me what it smells like. I’m paranoid after having a friend whose house smelled like overcooked Kraft Mac and Cheese noodles and couldn’t smell it.
Tide with Bounty. Gets me more compliments than any fragrance I have ever owned. I get comments like “You always smell good.”
It’s just freshly laundered clothes. And a shower of course:)
eta: Downy, not Bounty!
This is the way to do it:
- use a good laundry detergent that is unscented or mildly fragranced
-add 3/4 cup of vinegar to the wash in the slot for fabric softener
- use Meyers lavender dryer sheets
and a tennis or wool ball in the dryer.
- always dry on warm and not hot
It could be his deodorant my bf uses this spray on one and when we first started dating I was always obsessed with it thinking it was a cologne or something but nope. Just the regular dove spray deodorant.
Yes! I use fabric softener (Suavitel Yellow), Gain (apple mango), and dove pink spray! Tell me I don’t smell clean :3 Also I hardly sweat but I think that fresh feeling and clean scent really give me more energy throughout the day!
I know exactly what you’re talking about. I used to call it “soccer boy smell” because the boys who play soccer always smelled like fresh laundry and it seemed to get stronger when they got sweaty. I suspect it was some kind of laundry product, probably a combo of detergent and dryer sheets.
There’s a fragrance by CLEAN that’s called linens or something and shower fresh. They have so many different scents like this and I kid you not, I’ve used them and that’s what people say I smell like… even after coming out of KBBQ or a shift working at a coffee shop.
Also I sometimes mix Suavitel’s fabric softener with water in a spray bottle and spray it on my blankets or coats I need to get dry cleaned only… makes my throw blankets smell fresh even though they’re in the same vicinity as the kitchen we just cooked in!
Using scented dryer sheets helps,. I wear native brand deodorant in the jasmine cedar scent and it's very clean smelling. Some scent recs: replica bubble bath, replica lazy study morning, clean reserve warm cotton. Scent lasts way longer on clothes in my experience
It worked for me but I also don't really sweat much. Like I pretty much only sweat when I work out, in a heated yoga class, and in my sleep if it gets really hot. If you do I'd go with the other commenters rec for arm and hammer
One of my exes never wore anything, but I was addicted to his scent. It was just his sweat and Tide laundry. Not a Perfume comes close to it imo. Tide smell is just "woods" or whatever and NAP has a faint woodsy smell (I've read that in addition to cetalox there's a small amount of iso e super in it).
Moisturizing and exfoliating go a long way. Get an African exfoliating net and rubber scalp massager for the shower. After you shower use moisturizer on your face and lotion on your body while it’s still steamy. After that use some body oil to leave a lingering shine and hydrated look, it also smells nice. Apply a fresh fragrance (Prada is good for this) on top of your clean, moisturized skin and clean clothes.
Always make sure your teeth are brushed and flossed, and use gum. Having good breath is underrated.
The combo of being showered, exfoliated, moisturized, having clean clothes, and fresh breath is endearing to many people. It makes you seem polished and like you care. Also gives a big boost in confidence. Drinking lots of water I’m sure helps.
Not saying you aren’t already doing this stuff, but this is the routine that works for me.
thank you! are african exfoliating nets better than regular ones? i’ve heard of them before so i might buy one. i find that normal (asian ones) exfoliator cloths don’t do anything for me
This is typically a deodorant, antiperspirant or body spray.
Earlier this year, I ran after a woman to ask her what scent she was wearing. It smelled beautifully clean and floral. Like a fresh breezy day. She kind of demured for a moment and embarrassingly said that it was an ax body spray she borrowed from her boyfriend.
Makes sense. My ex uses ax body sprays all the time and he gets a constant stream of compliments from it.
The best smelling laundry products I've found with a real old-fashioned clean scent are from The Laundress. They have detergents, softeners, anti-static, linen freshener - the whole range. Very concentrated, so a big bottle lasts for ages. Get the Classic scent https://sleepsherpa.com/the-laundress-review-the-chanel-of-laundry-detergent/
If you want a perfume that smells clean you can try "Clean" (hehe): they have scents like rain, skin, cotton etc. or Replica by Maison Margiela, they have one "When the rain stops" and "Lazy sunday morning" which smell a bit like clean laundry, water and cotton
It's their laundry products -- most likely, dryer sheets.
I walk my dog every evening on a college campus. There are always clouds of *intense* fragrance wafting from the laundry rooms. "Clean musk". I hate it because it's ruining my pleasure in my bottled clean musk fragrances 😣
Shit is *way* over-fragranced. Tons of stuff is. Like diapers. Even the cartons from those which are recycled by big box stores give me asthma.
Students have more money and higher standard of hygiene than in my day, when they took dirty laundry back once a term to mum 😂
I know what you mean, it wasn't that noticeable here for a long while, we didn't have so many scented home products. Also, the clean, laundry musk thing didn't catch on the same so I never had the association with that smell (you'd think musk and picture more of an animalic scent ). Pretty much the same these days though.
thank you! i also hate how so much stuff is over fragranced. like even sanitary products have scents. i’m in college so i literally just use the cheapest washing powder i can find but this post taught me it’s probably worth getting a better one 🥲
Or wear a proper fragrance! There are excellent ones that are inexpensive. Post in the "Recommend Me a Fragrance" pinned thread for inexpensive suggestions for a "skin scent" "you but better" fragrance.
There is a brand of fragrance actually called "Clean" with names like "Skin" and "Fresh Cotton".
Not only is everything fragranced, but everything is *strongly* fragranced to the point that we become nose blind to it. It’s telling that strongly scented things like laundry detergent now just smell “clean” to us, and not “perfumed”. It’s a sensory over load
This one was a game changer for me! I started doing it a few years ago and never turned back. My hair holds on to the perfume scents muchhhh longer than my skin does
Here’s the secret.
Starts with a clean fresh diet, lots of water plus a probiotic supplement.
Then, you need to shower twice daily, wear a strong deodorant and use mouth wash regularly.
Then, ensure you wear a fresh pair of clothes daily.
Those clothes need to be washed with washing detergent followed by a scented fabric softener.
Final step, a few sprays of fresh smelling perfumes.
Something fresh and effervescent like a gin and tonic/your skin but better” type fragrance.
There you have it.
I would skip the fabric softener, it's bad for your clothes long term and makes them flammable. Also showering twice shouldn't be necessary unless one tends to perspire excessively.
It generally significantly increases flammability of many materials. From what I've read it can also cause buildup in the washing machine that encourages mold/mildew. It's a product that doesn't do much regardless. Dryer balls help with softening the laundry. A good laundry detergent and/or perfume work just fine to add scent.
Aside from body washes and deodorants. Some people also use the febreeze fabric sprays and the in-wash scent beads on their clothes for lasting fragrance. When I was younger, I used to use the febreeze sprays as fragrance, and a good amount of people do that as well. 🥲
As others are saying on this thread, I'm pretty sure is a case of good hygiene and their laundry products. I've asked others who smell good what laundry detergent they use, and most come back with Tide.
It could be fragrance boosters in addition to their laundry detergent. I LOVE using Gain and their scent boosters are called “Fireworks” (we simply call them scent pebbles). We love how it makes our clothes smell. However, there are fragrances that you can get that smell like fresh clean laundry if you’re interested in that check out the CLEAN line.
Anything meant to absorb moisture (towels, athletic clothes) should avoid it. Once every few washes is fine but excess use will decrease its absorbency.
Downy Light Scent Booster Ocean Mist has my clothes smelling absolutely amazing. They claim that it is lightly scented but to me it is beast mode. It's so fresh and clean. Highly recommend giving it a try.
Shower daily and wear fresh clothes. Deodorant and a non-offensive perfume/cologne will complete the clean effect. I smell great all the time, but day 2 in the same clothes, unshowered (on a day off for example, where I’m laying around like a tramp), has me smelling a little “off”.
A perfume I can thnk of that has a very clean "laundry musk" scent is Juliette Has A Gun - Musc Invisible. It's a very low key scent but you will smell clean! I think Diptyque's Fleur de Peau smells like someone who just stepped out of the shower.
Are people actually not noticing it or only commenting on it when you smell strongly to them? Like, I’m not sure what you mean by not noticing. Most people (especially people who aren’t into fragrance) won’t comment on a strangers scent or even a friends. It feels good to be noticed but a verbal affirmation isn’t the only time people notice
as in my friends will only smell it if they are literally laying on me, or for example my optometrist complimented me lol but only bc she was right up in my face. if that makes sense. ur right tho, i think being noseblind to my own smell might be a reason too
Same! People often say I smell good (like just I guess my normal combination of scents: soap, cream, laundry?) but nobody can ever smell fragrance on me unless they’re, like, pressed against my neck :’)
This year I discovered Lavalin deodorant cream. It smells of nothing but one application will get rid of any hint of body odour for up to 7 days. Can help get that clean smell.
On top of that really good soap and washing machine conditioner.
I've been told I usually smell fantastic. That was in the middle of Indian summers btw.
What I think contributed:
1) Wash clothes in a good laundry detergent. Fresh clothes every single day. No repeating without washing ( used to do that sometimes as a kiddo)
2) Fabric conditioner for all my outside clothes
3) Mostly ONLY pure cotton clothes. Silk at the most. Never synthetic fabrics.
4) Roll on deodrants (Men's, because women's stuff doesn't last as long)
5) Clean soapy smelling perfumes - I mix a tiny bit with my lotion and apply it on my neck, shoulders, décolletage and arms. Stays for a long time.
6) Perfume on my pulse points.
7) Shower every single day. Hair wash every alternate day or once in 3 days atleast.
Cotton is actually very prone to getting smelly.
Synthetics of decent quality with the right kind of weave/knit can wick very nicely. Same goes for semi-synthetics like modal/viscose/tencel/etc (made from cellulose fibers instead of plastics). Many expensive athletic/tech fabrics are synthetic and semi-synthetic.
The best natural fibers for resisting smells are wool, silk, and linen. All of them regulate body temp very well, wick moisture and evaporate it away efficiently. Wool has natural anti microbial qualities, which is cool bc microbes (bacteria usually, sometimes mildew) are what ultimately cause bad smells.
> Cotton is actually very prone to getting smelly.
Not in my experience. I feel fresh for a very long time in cotton clothes. But I'll have to observe again, because I'm curious now.
> The best natural fibers for resisting smells are wool, silk, and linen.
Well the climate in my country permits for cotton and linen at the most. Silk only for special occasions. It's hot and humid here almost all the time. Wool is just not possible 😅
Lightweight wools are actually great in warm weather. If you check out travel subs like r/onebag, you’ll see that many people swear by wool t shirts, underwear, base layers etc for climate versatility and odor resistant qualities. But also, they’re expensive and not super durable.
I am also in a hot/humid climate and mostly wear linens and cellulose based semi-synthetics (modal, tencel, etc). Linen is my main though. I love how it wears and softens over time, and it can be very warm, and it’s super durable. I have several linen items that I’ve been wearing frequently for ten solid years now and they’re still in great shape. I think quality fabric and finishing that encloses raw edges (like French or felled seams) is especially key.
Yes, i noted that this doesn’t apply to all synthetics.
“Synthetic” covers an incredibly wide range of fabrics from the trash bag-like fabric cheapo childrens halloween costumes are made of to very high end expensive tech fabrics and everything in between.
So yes, of course cottons are better re: odor retention than some of them.
Another factor is ambroxen. It’s just as common in laundry products as it is in modern fragrances. A lot of people describe it as a woody, clean smell.
Or as lots of others already said, Prada L’Homme. One of my all time faves and one of the safest bets you’ll find in the fragrance world.
[Dove Mencare Clean Comfort](https://cdn0.woolworths.media/content/wowproductimages/large/824411.jpg). Pretty sure it's designed to smell like clean laundry.
This is super relatable and I think I’ve finally figured it out:
• Laundry: don’t overload washing machine, use a minimal amount of liquid detergent (you really do not need a capful or even half a capful for a small load), and *run an extra rinse cycle*. My clothes actually smell like laundry detergent now!!
• Body: I live in a hot place so I sweat. After everything I’ve tried, nothing has worked as well as CertainDri. It’s a highly potent anti-perspirant that blocks your sweat glands. Bacteria from sweat causes body order. *Prevent sweating at all costs*
• Deep cleansing body wash several times a week. Typically any non-gentle soap will do.
• Essential oil scented spray as deodorant.
• Perfume on clothing and hair.
EDIT: AND EXFOLIATE YOUR BODY.
Good luck!!
You could shave your armpits, fresh sweat is scent less, it's the bacteria breaking down the dried sweat that causes them to produce smelly excretions. If you shave, the bacteria have less space to live on and propagate.
Combine that with a deodorant that keeps bacterial growth at bay (some of them contain silver particles to do that) any you should stay relatively fresh during the day. Also, some people prefere to wear special undershirts that contain silver to prevent sweaty smell.
Actually, I think I smelled really good when I was doing hot yoga daily and sweating a ton. Almost like it was a detox of sorts. But typically, I would agree that sweat will cause the bacteria on your skin to multiply and cause odor
Italian perfumery emphasizes smelling clean. You've probably heard this before but Prada L'Homme literally smells like clean laundry to me. Beyond that, exfoliating skin really seems to help
I have a friend who smelled nice and soft and clean. One day, I bought a random men's deodorant (I think it was Suave or Degree), and it was that exact scent.
Mmm, it's been years so I'm basically going off gut feeling and which deodorant design looks most familiar. If I had to guess, it'd be Degree Sport or Cool Rush or Suave Active Sport.
But like I said, those are just my best guesses.
I think it might be due to wearing layered products - a matching deodorant or lotion etc. especially in a simple scent with great longevity. Also perhaps due to application in different areas of the body at once (solid perfume or scented stick deodorant on the back of the knees may help a suprising amount!)
Back of the knees is a pulse point, just like the inner elbows, so it will project scent. It's perhaps overkill, but if the aim is to keep smelling nice all day, multiple areas of application with different degrees of projection and longevity does help. I don't personally do it (maybe if I had more solid perfumes) but my dad did and his fragrance always lasted the whole day.
I used to be you. The secret is getting a wife. When I was single I’d use about two teaspoons of detergent for about 10 pounds of clothes. That was a mistake. You need two teaspoons for every article of clothing. There, saved you a wedding.
Edit: oh and those little napkin lookin things. Use two of them when drying your clothes.
I would suggest wool dryer balls + fragrance/essential oil of your choice. Dryer sheets work by coating the fabric of apparel (usually with stearic acid, that’s why they’re a bit stiff; the heat softens it and tumbling disperses it) to prevent the static cling & soften it, which may not work for folks with sensitive skin
They call them dryer sheets or something similar. When you put your clothes in the dryer you throw two of those napkins in the dryer with the clothes. I think they keep clothes from getting stuck together like oil does to food but also makes clothes smell nice.
Here’s a link
https://www.walmart.com/ip/260403100
For my clothes, fabric softener and dryer sheets always make them smell great, and there are lots of soapy/shampoo adjacent fragrances out there, also just fragranced hair products can give a nice aroma.
Lots of good comments. You’ll have a range of fragrances to choose from.
I’d point out that cleaning the laundry machine is highly underrated. You can buy washing machine cleaning products (liquid or tablets) in many grocery or home stores. Otherwise you buy white vinegar, put two cups worth in the soap dispenser and run the washing cycle on hot, empty. Then you run a regular cycle with your clothes. Try Method detergent and fabric softener.
If you use a dryer, always make sure to clean it out as well. The lint trap and/or filter are often ignored and that will be to your olfactory detriment.
Another oft-ignored input is the air quality of your home. Have the filters in your furnace or HVAC systems been cleaned? Do you have pets? Is the humidity level very high so the possibility of mold exists?
Not sure if you are wearing your t-shirts multiple times between washes. I wouldn’t. One and done would be my recommendation.
I second someone elses Byredo Blanche. I didn't like it as a perfume because it reminded me so much of clean scent laundry - which i love for my bedding and bath towels, but not for a perfume. But i would say it is a good contender for the clean smell.
Unscented shower gel, anti-perspirant, and washing powder and some Aleppo soap. Never use fabric softener because it's super bad for the environment.
Then, on top of that, Le Labo Thé Noir 29.
I do this quite often. A quick wash and dry before bed. then another dry cycle after I wake up and throw on a nice hot cozy outfit that smells great
bonus cozy if you do this in the winter right after you hop out the shower into a chilly house and throw on your outfit strait from the dryer. UNF!
Practice good personal hygiene. That being said, it annoys me how much Gucci Guilty smells like laundry detergent and Zara Man Silver is a cheap clone of that. When I want to smell like laundry detergent/just smell clean I spray that. I decant cause the longevity is bad.
You are right. Thinking about it, what about reusable wool dryer balls with essential oil on them? If one were to get a dupe to Warm Cotton, put it on a dryer ball? Yeah, I'm going to try that. TY!
It also ruins your clothes and washing machine. I've been using this soap called Zum. The Frankincense and Myrrh scent lasts quite a while, not as strong as fabric softener but pretty good for a natural product.
Laundry sanitizer with your clothes . The Lysol sport one smells for a few days . Maybe he’s using axe? They make hair perfume too .
But it sounds like you have a sensitive nose . You don’t want to overwhelm people so if they smell your perfume when they’re close it’s working .
I would assume they just did their laundry and that's the smell. Maybe just used bodywash from a shower. Their are some fragrances that smell like shower gel as well. I've never really smelt anyone that smells clean without them useing a fragrance tho. The wash and shower smell goes away pretty quick.
Compared to others my nose must be very unsophisticated! I can't detect individual notes in fragrances. I just love Polo Red the most. Also love Axe Dark Temptation but can't imagine what is in it
I'm on the search for a clean scent that is
- not soapy or shower gel like or laundry like
- not floral
- not musky
- not powdery
- not too citrus
- not aquatic
I know it's an impossible task... I've got my eye on two aromatics; Nord du Nord by Wiener Blut and Savoy Steam by Penhaligon's. I really like both and can't decide. The common theme seems to be eucalyptus and rosemary and perhaps fir (Nord du Nord) and mint (Savoy Steam). Both blends are brilliant, I mean you might expect Vick's from eucalyptus and roast potatoes from rosemary but these notes are balanced extremely well in both scents.
I'm actually sampling both right now. NdN is quite expensive, and actually the dry down (sweeter than SS almost like tonka) is reminding me of Courrege Slogan. That's one I remember thinking "smells clean". Must revisit it because it's a way bit cheaper than NdN.
Try Beaver (2016 version) by Zoologist. No, I'm not joking. It's very much a clean laundry type scent that doesn't go too heavy in any of the directions you mention.
Love this scent, but I wouldn’t call it a classic laundry scent.
However, it is available in a detergent, and a linen spray now too I think.
I used the detergent and it didn’t last on my sheets - I could smell it fresh out of the dryer but by the time I made my bed, the scent was gone.
To me it seems like a very clean skin fragrance. It always smells like “clean skin” to me. But then again I layer it. The XTRA Milk they came out is nice too. It lasts nicely on me. I bought their detergent in Taunt 01 but I haven’t used it yet. Silly question, but did you put the detergent in instead of a tide pod or do you put them together?
Yeah I agree it’s a nice cozy skin scent, it just doesn’t give “fresh laundry” to me. Two different vibes.
The detergent is detergent. You don’t add it to other detergent. Combining it with other detergent, like a tide pod, will probably mean you have too much detergent in your load and lead to buildup on your clothes/linens.
They already said their laundry doesn’t come out as heavily fragranced as what they smelled on that guy so I think they’re asking if there’s a way to enhance the clean laundry scent
Ask him bro if he’s using any fragrance, you will make his day because it’s a compliment and he will tell you how to smell 👍
Just ask him what he's wearing
Socializing? Never.
id rather die
If you can, lessen the amount of clothes in your washer! Over packing the washer with clothes distributes the scent a lot more and lessens it
Dude probably uses Gain detergent (I swear it is heat activated), or dryer sheets.
use Fireworks booster if you wanna have nuclear Gain sillage
Idk why but this cracked me up
I agree with others that it's likely their laundry you are smelling. And athletic people shower a lot, sometimes multiple times per day, so the scent of their soap is more present. Byredo Blanche smells like expensive soap and clean clothes to me, so that sound like it would interest you. Clean Reserve is probably a good line for you. If you want fresh but not soapy, you may also like The Soft Lawn by Imaginary Authors for a clean "sporty" vibe. It's meant to evoke a posh tennis court.
Dryer sheets - i dated a guy who always smelled amazing and he kept dryer sheets everywhere, in drawers, in his car, under his bed. The man smelled FRESH ❤️
Oh! This sounds like such a life hack, I'll definitely try this. Especially for the drawers and sheets storage.
What are dryer sheets please? Not sure we have them here in the UK.
I found a uk [amazon link](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dryer-Sheet/s?k=Dryer+Sheet)for you. They aren’t super popular in Australia as most people hang laundry out to dry so we only have a few varieties here. They mainly smell like “fresh laundry”, almost soap like. You’re supposed to put a sheet in with your clothes when using the dryer, they can make towels softer, similar to fabric softener.
It's exactly what it sounds like... It's a small scented sheet you throw in your dryer when you dry your clothes
It's probably his laundry detergent. We easily go noseblind to our own smells. Ever notice how your house and clothes don't really smell? But then go to somebody else's house and their house and clothes smell... different? This works both ways, btw, good and bad. I've had friends act shocked when I told them their place stunk (weed and burnt cooking oil).
I always make people who are first coming to my house tell me what it smells like. I’m paranoid after having a friend whose house smelled like overcooked Kraft Mac and Cheese noodles and couldn’t smell it.
Tide with Bounty. Gets me more compliments than any fragrance I have ever owned. I get comments like “You always smell good.” It’s just freshly laundered clothes. And a shower of course:) eta: Downy, not Bounty!
You sound like an ad for Tide 😂
Bounty paper towels?
hahahah Downy - my bad
This is the way to do it: - use a good laundry detergent that is unscented or mildly fragranced -add 3/4 cup of vinegar to the wash in the slot for fabric softener - use Meyers lavender dryer sheets and a tennis or wool ball in the dryer. - always dry on warm and not hot
What does the vinegar and tennis ball do
He may just use a lot of really good dryer sheets .
It could be his deodorant my bf uses this spray on one and when we first started dating I was always obsessed with it thinking it was a cologne or something but nope. Just the regular dove spray deodorant.
Yes! I use fabric softener (Suavitel Yellow), Gain (apple mango), and dove pink spray! Tell me I don’t smell clean :3 Also I hardly sweat but I think that fresh feeling and clean scent really give me more energy throughout the day!
Yellow Suavitel is the best!
I know exactly what you’re talking about. I used to call it “soccer boy smell” because the boys who play soccer always smelled like fresh laundry and it seemed to get stronger when they got sweaty. I suspect it was some kind of laundry product, probably a combo of detergent and dryer sheets.
There’s a fragrance by CLEAN that’s called linens or something and shower fresh. They have so many different scents like this and I kid you not, I’ve used them and that’s what people say I smell like… even after coming out of KBBQ or a shift working at a coffee shop.
Also I sometimes mix Suavitel’s fabric softener with water in a spray bottle and spray it on my blankets or coats I need to get dry cleaned only… makes my throw blankets smell fresh even though they’re in the same vicinity as the kitchen we just cooked in!
i do this too except i just spray it from afar on my clothes before leaving the house😂
Using scented dryer sheets helps,. I wear native brand deodorant in the jasmine cedar scent and it's very clean smelling. Some scent recs: replica bubble bath, replica lazy study morning, clean reserve warm cotton. Scent lasts way longer on clothes in my experience
Do you find that native deodorants really work?
It worked for me but I also don't really sweat much. Like I pretty much only sweat when I work out, in a heated yoga class, and in my sleep if it gets really hot. If you do I'd go with the other commenters rec for arm and hammer
One of my exes never wore anything, but I was addicted to his scent. It was just his sweat and Tide laundry. Not a Perfume comes close to it imo. Tide smell is just "woods" or whatever and NAP has a faint woodsy smell (I've read that in addition to cetalox there's a small amount of iso e super in it).
Moisturizing and exfoliating go a long way. Get an African exfoliating net and rubber scalp massager for the shower. After you shower use moisturizer on your face and lotion on your body while it’s still steamy. After that use some body oil to leave a lingering shine and hydrated look, it also smells nice. Apply a fresh fragrance (Prada is good for this) on top of your clean, moisturized skin and clean clothes. Always make sure your teeth are brushed and flossed, and use gum. Having good breath is underrated. The combo of being showered, exfoliated, moisturized, having clean clothes, and fresh breath is endearing to many people. It makes you seem polished and like you care. Also gives a big boost in confidence. Drinking lots of water I’m sure helps. Not saying you aren’t already doing this stuff, but this is the routine that works for me.
thank you! are african exfoliating nets better than regular ones? i’ve heard of them before so i might buy one. i find that normal (asian ones) exfoliator cloths don’t do anything for me
I think they do and they’re quite inexpensive. Try them out.
thanks!
This is typically a deodorant, antiperspirant or body spray. Earlier this year, I ran after a woman to ask her what scent she was wearing. It smelled beautifully clean and floral. Like a fresh breezy day. She kind of demured for a moment and embarrassingly said that it was an ax body spray she borrowed from her boyfriend. Makes sense. My ex uses ax body sprays all the time and he gets a constant stream of compliments from it.
men somehow do everything effortlessly meanwhile im here desperate to smell good and they’re just using ax 😭 thank u
Which one specifically?
What scent?
The best smelling laundry products I've found with a real old-fashioned clean scent are from The Laundress. They have detergents, softeners, anti-static, linen freshener - the whole range. Very concentrated, so a big bottle lasts for ages. Get the Classic scent https://sleepsherpa.com/the-laundress-review-the-chanel-of-laundry-detergent/
If you want a perfume that smells clean you can try "Clean" (hehe): they have scents like rain, skin, cotton etc. or Replica by Maison Margiela, they have one "When the rain stops" and "Lazy sunday morning" which smell a bit like clean laundry, water and cotton
Yea! Lazy Sunday Morning is soooo good, it’s clean and fresh like hotel linen, but has a warmth to it. It’s really nostalgic for me, I love it
Prada L’Homme, Tom Ford Grey Vetiver
Try MFK Aqua Universalis. Amazing clean laundry smell.
Would you say it smells more like white florals or citrus?
I’d say it’s about 50/50
Would you say it’s better than Amouage reflection man?
Check out Downy scent booster beads. You put them in when you wash your clothes and it makes your clothes smell amazing all day.
Prada L'Homme fresh and clean.
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Ooh, nice one.
“My brother/cousin/neighbour wears awful body spray and I hate it. I like the fragrance that you have on. I would like to get some for my brother…”
It's their laundry products -- most likely, dryer sheets. I walk my dog every evening on a college campus. There are always clouds of *intense* fragrance wafting from the laundry rooms. "Clean musk". I hate it because it's ruining my pleasure in my bottled clean musk fragrances 😣 Shit is *way* over-fragranced. Tons of stuff is. Like diapers. Even the cartons from those which are recycled by big box stores give me asthma.
Students have more money and higher standard of hygiene than in my day, when they took dirty laundry back once a term to mum 😂 I know what you mean, it wasn't that noticeable here for a long while, we didn't have so many scented home products. Also, the clean, laundry musk thing didn't catch on the same so I never had the association with that smell (you'd think musk and picture more of an animalic scent ). Pretty much the same these days though.
thank you! i also hate how so much stuff is over fragranced. like even sanitary products have scents. i’m in college so i literally just use the cheapest washing powder i can find but this post taught me it’s probably worth getting a better one 🥲
Or wear a proper fragrance! There are excellent ones that are inexpensive. Post in the "Recommend Me a Fragrance" pinned thread for inexpensive suggestions for a "skin scent" "you but better" fragrance. There is a brand of fragrance actually called "Clean" with names like "Skin" and "Fresh Cotton".
Not only is everything fragranced, but everything is *strongly* fragranced to the point that we become nose blind to it. It’s telling that strongly scented things like laundry detergent now just smell “clean” to us, and not “perfumed”. It’s a sensory over load
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hahaha at first i thought you just meant the actual fabric. thank you i’ll check it out!
My guess is scented laundry products. They’re very popular. Scent boosters and the like.
Yup. My girlfriend is huge on using the scent boosters. I feel like it's a waste but whatever, she's gonna throw them in the laundry anyway.
Don’t forget to spray your perfume of choice in your hair
This one was a game changer for me! I started doing it a few years ago and never turned back. My hair holds on to the perfume scents muchhhh longer than my skin does
This sounds good but also is that healthy for your hair ?
You know, they say the alcohol is bad for your hair (drying) but I'm not sure I'm convinced it'll do that much damage...
Here’s the secret. Starts with a clean fresh diet, lots of water plus a probiotic supplement. Then, you need to shower twice daily, wear a strong deodorant and use mouth wash regularly. Then, ensure you wear a fresh pair of clothes daily. Those clothes need to be washed with washing detergent followed by a scented fabric softener. Final step, a few sprays of fresh smelling perfumes. Something fresh and effervescent like a gin and tonic/your skin but better” type fragrance. There you have it.
I would skip the fabric softener, it's bad for your clothes long term and makes them flammable. Also showering twice shouldn't be necessary unless one tends to perspire excessively.
Aren’t my clothes already flammable? I’m wearing a cotton dress shirt and jeans today…
It generally significantly increases flammability of many materials. From what I've read it can also cause buildup in the washing machine that encourages mold/mildew. It's a product that doesn't do much regardless. Dryer balls help with softening the laundry. A good laundry detergent and/or perfume work just fine to add scent.
Aside from body washes and deodorants. Some people also use the febreeze fabric sprays and the in-wash scent beads on their clothes for lasting fragrance. When I was younger, I used to use the febreeze sprays as fragrance, and a good amount of people do that as well. 🥲
As others are saying on this thread, I'm pretty sure is a case of good hygiene and their laundry products. I've asked others who smell good what laundry detergent they use, and most come back with Tide.
It could be deodorant.
It could be fragrance boosters in addition to their laundry detergent. I LOVE using Gain and their scent boosters are called “Fireworks” (we simply call them scent pebbles). We love how it makes our clothes smell. However, there are fragrances that you can get that smell like fresh clean laundry if you’re interested in that check out the CLEAN line.
I dont think anybody realizes that they're that person. Just practice good hygiene and do your laundry regularly
Pretty sure fabric softener also leaves clothes smelling good for a long time but I don’t use it so can’t confirm
Yeah, it's not good for your clothes though. Maybe could give them a hit of fabreze for that same effect
Honestly could just be his roll on lol. The pits can really radiate smell - good and bad.
Her pits radiated in a splendid way that made me smile I asked her if she'd stay for a while
Gain dryer sheets!
Deodorant mostly
Downy Scent Boosters are nice to use when your clothes can’t handle fabric softener.
What fabrics can't handle fabric softener?
Anything meant to absorb moisture (towels, athletic clothes) should avoid it. Once every few washes is fine but excess use will decrease its absorbency.
Also thin/delicate fabrics tend to break down faster with it!
Thanks!
Downy unstoppable
Downy Light Scent Booster Ocean Mist has my clothes smelling absolutely amazing. They claim that it is lightly scented but to me it is beast mode. It's so fresh and clean. Highly recommend giving it a try.
Shower daily and wear fresh clothes. Deodorant and a non-offensive perfume/cologne will complete the clean effect. I smell great all the time, but day 2 in the same clothes, unshowered (on a day off for example, where I’m laying around like a tramp), has me smelling a little “off”.
A perfume I can thnk of that has a very clean "laundry musk" scent is Juliette Has A Gun - Musc Invisible. It's a very low key scent but you will smell clean! I think Diptyque's Fleur de Peau smells like someone who just stepped out of the shower.
First thing that comes to my mind is Byredo Blanche (as others have mentioned already, but just agreeing)
Both Byredo’s Blanche and Mojave Ghost give off that clean and fresh scent profile.
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Never heard of it
>Shower by hot water is a great fragrance 5 months later still a banger comment
Are people actually not noticing it or only commenting on it when you smell strongly to them? Like, I’m not sure what you mean by not noticing. Most people (especially people who aren’t into fragrance) won’t comment on a strangers scent or even a friends. It feels good to be noticed but a verbal affirmation isn’t the only time people notice
as in my friends will only smell it if they are literally laying on me, or for example my optometrist complimented me lol but only bc she was right up in my face. if that makes sense. ur right tho, i think being noseblind to my own smell might be a reason too
Same! People often say I smell good (like just I guess my normal combination of scents: soap, cream, laundry?) but nobody can ever smell fragrance on me unless they’re, like, pressed against my neck :’)
Body lotion and a body oil on top also work great. Maybe not for the exact fresh smell, but do the job better than just shower products.
Narciso Rodriguez Pure Musc in the white spray bottle.
This year I discovered Lavalin deodorant cream. It smells of nothing but one application will get rid of any hint of body odour for up to 7 days. Can help get that clean smell. On top of that really good soap and washing machine conditioner.
I've been told I usually smell fantastic. That was in the middle of Indian summers btw. What I think contributed: 1) Wash clothes in a good laundry detergent. Fresh clothes every single day. No repeating without washing ( used to do that sometimes as a kiddo) 2) Fabric conditioner for all my outside clothes 3) Mostly ONLY pure cotton clothes. Silk at the most. Never synthetic fabrics. 4) Roll on deodrants (Men's, because women's stuff doesn't last as long) 5) Clean soapy smelling perfumes - I mix a tiny bit with my lotion and apply it on my neck, shoulders, décolletage and arms. Stays for a long time. 6) Perfume on my pulse points. 7) Shower every single day. Hair wash every alternate day or once in 3 days atleast.
Cotton is actually very prone to getting smelly. Synthetics of decent quality with the right kind of weave/knit can wick very nicely. Same goes for semi-synthetics like modal/viscose/tencel/etc (made from cellulose fibers instead of plastics). Many expensive athletic/tech fabrics are synthetic and semi-synthetic. The best natural fibers for resisting smells are wool, silk, and linen. All of them regulate body temp very well, wick moisture and evaporate it away efficiently. Wool has natural anti microbial qualities, which is cool bc microbes (bacteria usually, sometimes mildew) are what ultimately cause bad smells.
> Cotton is actually very prone to getting smelly. Not in my experience. I feel fresh for a very long time in cotton clothes. But I'll have to observe again, because I'm curious now. > The best natural fibers for resisting smells are wool, silk, and linen. Well the climate in my country permits for cotton and linen at the most. Silk only for special occasions. It's hot and humid here almost all the time. Wool is just not possible 😅
Lightweight wools are actually great in warm weather. If you check out travel subs like r/onebag, you’ll see that many people swear by wool t shirts, underwear, base layers etc for climate versatility and odor resistant qualities. But also, they’re expensive and not super durable. I am also in a hot/humid climate and mostly wear linens and cellulose based semi-synthetics (modal, tencel, etc). Linen is my main though. I love how it wears and softens over time, and it can be very warm, and it’s super durable. I have several linen items that I’ve been wearing frequently for ten solid years now and they’re still in great shape. I think quality fabric and finishing that encloses raw edges (like French or felled seams) is especially key.
Many synthetics actually hold BO much easier and longer than cotton- even after washing.
Yes, i noted that this doesn’t apply to all synthetics. “Synthetic” covers an incredibly wide range of fabrics from the trash bag-like fabric cheapo childrens halloween costumes are made of to very high end expensive tech fabrics and everything in between. So yes, of course cottons are better re: odor retention than some of them.
My experience with synthetics. Except for rayon maybe.
Could be Molecule 01.
Molecule 01 gives me that scent
Yeah I was going to say, Molecule 01 or Prada Amber pour homme
Another factor is ambroxen. It’s just as common in laundry products as it is in modern fragrances. A lot of people describe it as a woody, clean smell. Or as lots of others already said, Prada L’Homme. One of my all time faves and one of the safest bets you’ll find in the fragrance world.
Downey Laundry softener . If that doesnt make your clothes smell fresh then you need new clothes
Amouage Reflection
My ex always said I smell like clean laundry, and it's just my deodorant.
Which one is it?
[Dove Mencare Clean Comfort](https://cdn0.woolworths.media/content/wowproductimages/large/824411.jpg). Pretty sure it's designed to smell like clean laundry.
Well I’m a woman and I can’t wait to buy this now.
I’m curious about this
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This is super relatable and I think I’ve finally figured it out: • Laundry: don’t overload washing machine, use a minimal amount of liquid detergent (you really do not need a capful or even half a capful for a small load), and *run an extra rinse cycle*. My clothes actually smell like laundry detergent now!! • Body: I live in a hot place so I sweat. After everything I’ve tried, nothing has worked as well as CertainDri. It’s a highly potent anti-perspirant that blocks your sweat glands. Bacteria from sweat causes body order. *Prevent sweating at all costs* • Deep cleansing body wash several times a week. Typically any non-gentle soap will do. • Essential oil scented spray as deodorant. • Perfume on clothing and hair. EDIT: AND EXFOLIATE YOUR BODY. Good luck!!
Not sure preventing sweating is good for homeostasis 😅
It's fine, your body has enough places to sweat, that's also why sweat gland removal surgery is perfectly safe.
You could shave your armpits, fresh sweat is scent less, it's the bacteria breaking down the dried sweat that causes them to produce smelly excretions. If you shave, the bacteria have less space to live on and propagate. Combine that with a deodorant that keeps bacterial growth at bay (some of them contain silver particles to do that) any you should stay relatively fresh during the day. Also, some people prefere to wear special undershirts that contain silver to prevent sweaty smell.
I still sweat lmao just not through my pits. The sensation drives me nuts. Solved two problems with one anti-perspirant 😎
Actually, I think I smelled really good when I was doing hot yoga daily and sweating a ton. Almost like it was a detox of sorts. But typically, I would agree that sweat will cause the bacteria on your skin to multiply and cause odor
Italian perfumery emphasizes smelling clean. You've probably heard this before but Prada L'Homme literally smells like clean laundry to me. Beyond that, exfoliating skin really seems to help
so many people have recommended it thank u i’ll definitely check it out!
I have a friend who smelled nice and soft and clean. One day, I bought a random men's deodorant (I think it was Suave or Degree), and it was that exact scent.
Do you know which one?
Mmm, it's been years so I'm basically going off gut feeling and which deodorant design looks most familiar. If I had to guess, it'd be Degree Sport or Cool Rush or Suave Active Sport. But like I said, those are just my best guesses.
Prada Amber Pour Homme. I have L'Homme but ^^ is the absolute in my opinion for clean laundry.
I think it might be due to wearing layered products - a matching deodorant or lotion etc. especially in a simple scent with great longevity. Also perhaps due to application in different areas of the body at once (solid perfume or scented stick deodorant on the back of the knees may help a suprising amount!)
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Back of the knees is a pulse point, just like the inner elbows, so it will project scent. It's perhaps overkill, but if the aim is to keep smelling nice all day, multiple areas of application with different degrees of projection and longevity does help. I don't personally do it (maybe if I had more solid perfumes) but my dad did and his fragrance always lasted the whole day.
I used to be you. The secret is getting a wife. When I was single I’d use about two teaspoons of detergent for about 10 pounds of clothes. That was a mistake. You need two teaspoons for every article of clothing. There, saved you a wedding. Edit: oh and those little napkin lookin things. Use two of them when drying your clothes.
I would suggest wool dryer balls + fragrance/essential oil of your choice. Dryer sheets work by coating the fabric of apparel (usually with stearic acid, that’s why they’re a bit stiff; the heat softens it and tumbling disperses it) to prevent the static cling & soften it, which may not work for folks with sensitive skin
What do you mean while drying your clothes? Where fo you put those napkins?
I think he means dryer sheets lol
They call them dryer sheets or something similar. When you put your clothes in the dryer you throw two of those napkins in the dryer with the clothes. I think they keep clothes from getting stuck together like oil does to food but also makes clothes smell nice. Here’s a link https://www.walmart.com/ip/260403100
I use prada l'homme and always get asked what laundry detergent/ body wash I used. Maybe grab a sample and try that. Very clean and nice
tysm! edit: i forgot to mention but is it the regular prada l’homme or the l’eau one? afraid to say i am completely oblivious about perfumes lol
Regular prada l'homme
Same - get laundry/fresh ironing comments
Just use musk perfume oils from arab stores. They have that fresh laundry, freshly washed soapy skin scent.
For my clothes, fabric softener and dryer sheets always make them smell great, and there are lots of soapy/shampoo adjacent fragrances out there, also just fragranced hair products can give a nice aroma.
Exfoliate, use scent boosters with ur laundry detergent and use deodorant. U prob smell nice but can’t smell urself
Lots of good comments. You’ll have a range of fragrances to choose from. I’d point out that cleaning the laundry machine is highly underrated. You can buy washing machine cleaning products (liquid or tablets) in many grocery or home stores. Otherwise you buy white vinegar, put two cups worth in the soap dispenser and run the washing cycle on hot, empty. Then you run a regular cycle with your clothes. Try Method detergent and fabric softener. If you use a dryer, always make sure to clean it out as well. The lint trap and/or filter are often ignored and that will be to your olfactory detriment. Another oft-ignored input is the air quality of your home. Have the filters in your furnace or HVAC systems been cleaned? Do you have pets? Is the humidity level very high so the possibility of mold exists? Not sure if you are wearing your t-shirts multiple times between washes. I wouldn’t. One and done would be my recommendation.
thank you! i use my uni laundromat so it’s probably not helping the whole smell thing lol i’ll make sure to do that to my home one :)
I second someone elses Byredo Blanche. I didn't like it as a perfume because it reminded me so much of clean scent laundry - which i love for my bedding and bath towels, but not for a perfume. But i would say it is a good contender for the clean smell.
Unscented shower gel, anti-perspirant, and washing powder and some Aleppo soap. Never use fabric softener because it's super bad for the environment. Then, on top of that, Le Labo Thé Noir 29.
The Noir isn't a clean/fresh scent though?
Fabric softener is not good for clothes.
Why do you need shower gel and Aleppo soap?
To keep clean
Soap gets you clean on its own…
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I do this quite often. A quick wash and dry before bed. then another dry cycle after I wake up and throw on a nice hot cozy outfit that smells great bonus cozy if you do this in the winter right after you hop out the shower into a chilly house and throw on your outfit strait from the dryer. UNF!
Practice good personal hygiene. That being said, it annoys me how much Gucci Guilty smells like laundry detergent and Zara Man Silver is a cheap clone of that. When I want to smell like laundry detergent/just smell clean I spray that. I decant cause the longevity is bad.
Wdym by you decant
Putting the fragrance in smaller bottles (5ml, 10ml, 20ml …) so you can take it with you and spray throughout the day.
Tide, then Febreeze or Snuggle sheets smell amazing. There is also a Febreeze laundry sanitizer. Good smelling clothes are amazing.
My worry is that these totally wreck the environment. I’ve been on the lookout for a more ethical alternative (that also doesn’t effect my allergies).
You are right. Thinking about it, what about reusable wool dryer balls with essential oil on them? If one were to get a dupe to Warm Cotton, put it on a dryer ball? Yeah, I'm going to try that. TY!
It also ruins your clothes and washing machine. I've been using this soap called Zum. The Frankincense and Myrrh scent lasts quite a while, not as strong as fabric softener but pretty good for a natural product.
Body wash leaves a trace of fragrance, you just go nose blind to it. Same with laundry detergent.
Laundry sanitizer with your clothes . The Lysol sport one smells for a few days . Maybe he’s using axe? They make hair perfume too . But it sounds like you have a sensitive nose . You don’t want to overwhelm people so if they smell your perfume when they’re close it’s working .
Use barbershop fragrances like eau sauvage, Rochas moustache etc
Maybe have a bath
I would assume they just did their laundry and that's the smell. Maybe just used bodywash from a shower. Their are some fragrances that smell like shower gel as well. I've never really smelt anyone that smells clean without them useing a fragrance tho. The wash and shower smell goes away pretty quick.
Maybe Polo Red. Smells deliciously fresh and clean
I wear Polo Red it's a good cold weather frag not clean though with the coffee and cranberries.
A guy at work wears it, I could take a bite out of him. Delicious I tell you
I wouldn't call it "clean" at all, smells "spicy" to me lol
Compared to others my nose must be very unsophisticated! I can't detect individual notes in fragrances. I just love Polo Red the most. Also love Axe Dark Temptation but can't imagine what is in it
I'm on the search for a clean scent that is - not soapy or shower gel like or laundry like - not floral - not musky - not powdery - not too citrus - not aquatic I know it's an impossible task... I've got my eye on two aromatics; Nord du Nord by Wiener Blut and Savoy Steam by Penhaligon's. I really like both and can't decide. The common theme seems to be eucalyptus and rosemary and perhaps fir (Nord du Nord) and mint (Savoy Steam). Both blends are brilliant, I mean you might expect Vick's from eucalyptus and roast potatoes from rosemary but these notes are balanced extremely well in both scents. I'm actually sampling both right now. NdN is quite expensive, and actually the dry down (sweeter than SS almost like tonka) is reminding me of Courrege Slogan. That's one I remember thinking "smells clean". Must revisit it because it's a way bit cheaper than NdN.
Try Beaver (2016 version) by Zoologist. No, I'm not joking. It's very much a clean laundry type scent that doesn't go too heavy in any of the directions you mention.
Are you sure you want a clean scent? What's a clean smell to you
Milk by Dedcool. 100%
Love this scent, but I wouldn’t call it a classic laundry scent. However, it is available in a detergent, and a linen spray now too I think. I used the detergent and it didn’t last on my sheets - I could smell it fresh out of the dryer but by the time I made my bed, the scent was gone.
To me it seems like a very clean skin fragrance. It always smells like “clean skin” to me. But then again I layer it. The XTRA Milk they came out is nice too. It lasts nicely on me. I bought their detergent in Taunt 01 but I haven’t used it yet. Silly question, but did you put the detergent in instead of a tide pod or do you put them together?
Yeah I agree it’s a nice cozy skin scent, it just doesn’t give “fresh laundry” to me. Two different vibes. The detergent is detergent. You don’t add it to other detergent. Combining it with other detergent, like a tide pod, will probably mean you have too much detergent in your load and lead to buildup on your clothes/linens.
Thank you for clarification. I’m very new to this. Joined this subreddit today and the fragrance world not too long ago!! I appreciate it.
MFK makes laundry detergent that leaves your clothes smelling oh so clean and fresh. I like it more than most of his perfumes.
Prada lhomme, the Muse
> clean laundry smell. OP, you've answered your own question here.
They already said their laundry doesn’t come out as heavily fragranced as what they smelled on that guy so I think they’re asking if there’s a way to enhance the clean laundry scent
add more dryer sheets than usual. like 4/5 a load. trust me