I lived in a house that had been damaged by a fire when I was in my teens and later lived in a mobile home that had been damaged by a fire. I am pretty sure it is cigarette smoke. I have friends who smoke and a daughter who unfortunately smokes so I think I got the smells right. I will try the baking soda and see if it does it. I also had the thought of hanging them outside, but they smelled so strong when I took them out of the washer (and it was raining off and on all day yesterday) I hated to dry them that way. They have been washed a couple of times and it seems to be worst at the seams and in the really thick clothes, like heavy jeans. I put them back in for a soak cycle (I have a front loader). I hate to say it, but I almost wish the smell had been wood smoke. I don't mind it as much. Maybe part of the problem is that I am sensitive to cigarette smoke (allergies) and therefore notice it more. I will give it a try. I have at least three more loads to do. I will try making the loads smaller. Maybe with less clothes the washer can clean them better. I haven't overloaded, but it can't hurt. Most of my clothes come out clean and smelling great. Oh, well. Can't win 'em all. At least not in the first battle. LOL.

I think you might be holding it against the product because they stated it on the label. Which cycle do you think the fabric softener comes in to play? Ever wonder why there are seperate compartments for bleach, detergent and fab con? The reason is the wash cycle takes in Detertergent first, then bleach and then fabric softener is released in the rinse cycle :) As far as the chemicals are concerned, I know this because I have been working with chemicals and labelling regulations all my life. I work as a scientist in New York, I am a Bio Chem PhD from UMich... Products that kill germs (Lysol, Clorox etc) are regulated by the EPA which means by US law they are mandated to list ingredients on pack thus you will see ingredient details. Other products like detergents, oxies, fabric softeners dont kill germs hence not regulated by EPA or government and thus you might never see whats on the inside :)

If you pour a pitcher of water (hot or cold) can you smell something in the water? I think I might try a load or two with just some borax and a vinegar shot in the rinse and see what happens. Maybe check with some neighbors if they are experiencing any issues. That might help finding out if it could be an issue with the water. FWIW, I use Tide Free liquid now also. Switched several months ago. Used up a bottle of 1x and starting on a 2x. I wanted to see how it cleaned. Some were suggesting here that the 2x didn't clean as well as 1x but I don't find any difference. Actually I'm finding less suds with 2x. I have one more 1x that I'll use when I finish this 2x bottle but the way things are going there shouldn't be any problem. My clothes, including towels are cleaner than ever and have a nice "cloth" smell. I can't stand the perfumes in these detergents. One other thought. Try doing a load and then split the load, half in the dryer and half line dried. Might help determine if it could be something in the dryer. A friend had trouble with clothes smelling and was blaming the detergent. To make a long story short, found a dead bat in the machine. That'll doit!

IMHO, ALL detergent does a fair enough job but certainly is not a workhorse which you may need...problem is finding one that's Free and Clear. Personally I have better results with Tide F&G Powder. Always...is it you that has issues with Tide? Regardless as mentioned above I'd try a dose of Borax..hot water, but not blistering hot on darks and colors, extra rinse......or try Ammonia...add a cup of ammonia with the detergent...(.NEVER use ammonia and chlorine bleach together). Good luck