Fragrance Free Laundry Detergent? Omo Scent Too Strong!

I have used Omo dual capsules for a number of years to wash my clothes and never had a problem with washing ability or scent. Now that Omo has discontinued dual pods, I started using their new triple pods. However, they have a very strong fragrance that remains long after clothes have dried. I am sensitive to smell and cannot stand this. I am now looking for a detergent (capsules/liquid or even a powder if need be) that will wash the clothes without leaving any lasting fragrances. Preferably fragrance free, but if not possible then a low fragrance option. I am aware that there are sensitive detergents but from the odd use of one type I found it still had a lasting fragrance. I guess the 'sensitive' focus is on the skin and making low skin irritant rather then low fragrance? Any help much appreciated.

Here are some factors to consider:
The machine is a TOP LOADER
I wash with COLD WATER (therefore not sure that powder would be suitable/dissolve)
I shop at WOOLWORTHS, so would prefer to buy it here.

Comments

  • +1

    I use cold power powder and think the fragrance is very mild - works well with cold water

    • Cheers. I understand everyone's determination of scent is different. I wanted opinions first though before I started buying every different brand to try. May I ask which type you use? Liquid? Sensitive or regular?

      Edit Sorry I just saw 'powder'.

      • +1

        Yeah just the regular powder. It’s probably best to buy when half price.

        • I normally stock up when these sorts of items are on special. I'll probs get one to try the first time to be sure I like it then can stock up later on.

  • +4

    The Natures Organics “Earth Choice” liquid is low fragrance, and I don’t think it lingers after the wash. I find strong scents and perfumes unpleasant too.

    It is cheap and washes fine in cold water.

    • +2

      Yes, good range - cheap, works well, is not rubbed into rabbits' eyes to see what it does, company seems to have some social responsibility - it's a shame people still use the stuff from the huge multinats when such a good alternative is available.

      • +1

        Aussie family owned too, I believe.

    • Thanks for the suggestion. Sounds like its worth a try! Cheap = bonus!!

  • +4

    Ecostore Laundry Powder Ultra Sensitive is fragrance free and seems to work well too…

  • +4

    We have allergice people in our house and also have a top loader and only wash in cold water.

    Omo Sensitive is fragrance free and works in cold water/top loader:

    https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/productdetails/468552

    Cold Power Sensitive is also frangrance free and works in cold water/top loader:

    https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/productdetails/88334/cold…

    We use both and both are fine - I buy whichever one is cheaper on the day.

    • +5
    • +1

      Interesting to note, thanks! Last time I used sensitive was the Omo Capsules and I'm pretty sure they aren't fragrance free as my clothes still had a similar scent. But with the liquid and looking at the image it states 'dye free, fragrance free' so that's pleasing to see.

      • +2

        Yes I can confirm that both the Omo Sensitive liquid and Cold Power Sensitive liquid are completely fragrance free. No scent at all. My husband and kids are all allergic to fragrance, so we can't wash clothes in anything with frangrance. This is a big thing for us, and I have been using these laundry detergents for years in a top loader with cold water only.

        Woolworths has frequent sales on the Omo Sensitive liquid where is it around half price. I always stock up during these sales.

        Big W also sells the Cold Power Sensitive in a bulk size which often goes on sale. It works out to be very cheap if you buy it that way. The bulk size seems to be on sale right now actually:

        https://www.bigw.com.au/product/cold-power-sensitive-pure-cl…

        EDIT: Since you normally use capsules, here is a tip when using liquid. After you pour the liquid in, throw the whole cap in with the clothes. This washes the cap and stops it and the bottle getting sticky and messy. You can keep the bottle uncapped while the cap is getting washed and it will be fine, or you can keep a spare cap to close it (when you buy a second bottle, keep the cap from the old bottle as a spare).

        • Brilliant! Thanks for the tips and detailed advice wizzy :)

  • +5

    Black and Gold has no scent… also doesnt clean

  • +1

    I use the earth choice wool wash eucalypties for everything as I have sensitive skin. Coles and Aldi have larger size, cheap price

  • +1

    Choice Laundry detergent Reviews is an interesting read.

    We have a front loader & use Earth Choice liquid in cold water with no issues & it has a very minimal scent.

    • +1

      I've just bean reading that. It seems like the front loaders definitely get better results. Although I'm stuck with top loader, I haven't had any probs with it. I also haven't had to change detergent for a long time. The Earth Choice looks a great price!

      • +1

        I was surprised that the powder detergents got the better washing results in a top loader in cold water as I thought they wouldn't dissolve as well compared to hot water.

        Another good low scent liquid detergent is Aware.

        • +1

          I had the same thoughts which is why I've never used powder before as I always wash cold.

  • +1

    I’ve always used Purity laundry liquid, advertised as fragrance free and safe for babies. Does a good job, no annoying fragrance. Available Coles, Woolies and Chemist Warehouse.

    • Wow. Another fragrance free option! I didn't know there were so many out there. I was worried the scented ones would be my only option and that I'd have to try them all and pick the one I could tolerate the most. Glad to hear thats not the case!

  • +1

    I'm in the same boat when it comes to not tolerating the fragrances in clothes washing detergents. OMO Sensitive works just as well as the regular stuff but without the stench. You can get capsules, liquid or powder. The liquid is also available as a concentrate refill. My preference is for the liquid or powder as you can control the dosage easily. Powder works perfectly well in a top loader with cold water.

    https://www.omo.com/au/home.html

    • I've used Omo sensitive capsules and found they still left a scent (maybe not as strong but still enough to bother me). But I have discovered the sensitive capsules state they leave a 'fresh fragrance' whereas the other two state 'fragrance free' on the label. So I'm thinking the liquid or powder might be better in my case.

      I have always used capsules mainly as I set the machine at night to turn on in the morning. I'm leaning towards the sensitive liquid now. Would it be ok to use it with time delay on my machine or would you suggest powder for that?

      • +1

        Fine to use liquid with time delay

      • +2

        My top loader has a cap on the rotor shaft in the middle of the washing machine. Once you remove the cap, you'll find the shaft is hollow and this is where you are supposed to add the liquid. This prevents the washing detergent from being in contact with your clothes for extended periods of time (possibly leading to spots) when using delayed start.

        However, as long as you add dry clothes and dry powder detergent, then I would not expect any issues with delayed start. I use delayed start about 10-20% of the time and never had a problem when tipping a scoop of powder on top of the clothes.

        I'm not a fan of capsules. It takes a while for the capsule skin to dissolve and thus you are getting less action time from the detergent. Powder is best, as you can sprinkle it all over the load and it starts working as soon as water makes contact with the powder. Powder will also distribute faster as the grains of the detergent will move around a lot better than liquid. Liquid detergent will stick in one place and require a fair amount of water and agitation to distribute.

        So, in order of preference, powder > liquid concentrate > liquid > capsules. Incidentally, that order also applies when considering the environmental impact of the manufacturing process and the packaging used. The powder comes in cardboard boxes which are far, far better for the environment than the plastic packaging used for all the other varieties of the product. You also get more washes for the same weight/volume of product, so less transport related environmental impact.

        • Great advice, thanks! I'm a big fan of protecting the environment. In this instance the smell (fragrance free) was my priority and I'm glad that I can use something else that meets my needs and is also better for the environment.

          Having used the same thing (capsules) in my 8 or so years of using a washing machine I was unaware of other options and wish I had of looked into that sooner. That said, I still live in the family home and although I pay for the cost of groceries, we share washing detergents and my mums preference had been capsules for their convenience and the thought that with time delay the clothes wouldn't be sitting in powder or liquid for that time. Fair to say now, with this advice that will be the end of capsules for me and I'll try to convince her to do the same.

  • In total agreement about OMO, the scent is waaaaaaay too potent for me. I usually use Biozet Attack (with softener) powder but am a sucker for a special so bought Omo for a change and washed my sheets, the smell is way, way too strong. I find Earth (liquid) has no smell but isn’t the best for heavy duty washing, you could mix with Sard (find this to have a minimal scent) but I also add a sensitive fab conditioner to this as the Sard can stiffen items. Good luck in your search, I should’ve stuck with what I’m used to…..when you find one you like! 👌🏼

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