Washing clothes is intended to refresh them, but many people find that their laundry can smell worse after washing. Cleaning expert Lynsey Crombie highlights that the culprit is often the overuse of fabric softener, which can lead to a build-up that results in stale odors. She advises using less fabric conditioner to achieve better results. Followers of her advice have reported positive changes, noting that reducing the amount used has improved the freshness of their laundry. Other cleaning experts, such as Ann Russell, also caution against excessive use of fabric softener, stating it can make clothes smell sour and feel greasy. They recommend avoiding fabric softener for applications it wasn't designed for, such as freshening upholstery. Overall, moderation in the use of fabric softener is key to maintaining the freshness of washed clothes.