Coming abrasively clean

I’ve moved on my own recently, and at long last, I’ve got to decide everything. It’s a blessing and a curse; heaven knows decision fatigue is much too real. And that is perhaps the reason any happy little accident also feels sweeter. Even something as ordinary as finding the perfect match of softener and disinfectant for your laundry can feel like the scientific discovery of the century.

Now, I’m not sure if washing your clothes with liquid disinfectant is such a popular practise elsewhere. There’s no consensus in my country, and most people seem oblivious to the possibility. Yet, it is a life-saver for clammy stinky furries like me. Or anyone whose sweat and the stench of their armpits linger on their fabric longer than regular washing powder could help.

That doesn’t mean you should go adding bleach to your washing machine. Although it is a disinfectant, it would stain most pieces. Rather, think proper laundry sanitisers. Often, those scented floor cleaners will also work wonders. Well, at least in my country. In other places, I wouldn’t know how to figure out whether it’s fine to use such chemicals on your clothes.

In spite of those notable exceptions, however, most safe disinfectants are odourless, as they are meant to be added along the softener. Even when that is not used, sanitisers may help further clean fabric. They will also give them a refreshing smell — not as lasting or strong, but a pleasant touch nevertheless. And, mind you, there has been a growing number of people turning against softeners.

I don’t particularly hold any grudge against them, so I use both laundry boosters. Because I am no austere minimalist monk, I like buying them scented. And let me tell you: mastering the fragrance combination is rather a tricky task. This is why, as soon as I noticed how nice my garments were when I matched a citrus disinfectant with a woody softener, I wrote this wall of text.

That perfume was so good, it would make a Ghibli character give one of their content side smiles. I’ve grown tired of floral aromas. They can get easily wearisome for me, with their over-the-top sweet smell that often verges on cloying. On the other hand, that sylvan essence I found has a much fresher ring to it, reminiscent of evergreen pines and Adriatic lemons.

Ah, the little joys of adult life! There’s nothing quite like it.