By Eric Williams
When I recently signed on with Associated Content to review three new fragrances from legendary laundry detergent producer, Tide, I had no idea my nose would be in for the time of its life, but that’s exactly what happened.
As a work-at-home dad, with two children and a wife who works in the restaurant industry, I can unequivocally say that I almost certainly wash as many clothes as any women in the U.S.
Having said that, not only do I wash a ton of clothes (almost literally) but I have also become something of an expert in the process and now my 10-year-old daughter Tia, who helps me out immensely, doesn’t even want my wife, Theresa touching her clothes (not that she minds one iota).
At any rate, I looked forward to the project with an anticipation that surprised even myself. However, I had no idea that Procter and Gamble, the company that produces Tide, would be sending me three full-sized bottles of the detergent to use for my review (not that I’m complaining). I expected somewhere in the neighborhood of three one-load samples, not the three, 80-ounce sized bottles the company sent, although once again, I am extremely grateful.
At any rate, here’s what I have learned about Tide’s three new fragrances, which are, aptly named, “Simple Pleasures.”
First of all, let me say that the press material that came along with the three fragrances advertised, that the news scents will actually “imbue” the fabrics that they are being used on and that is undeniably true.
All three fragrances actually permeated the fabrics and lingered on the clothes long after they were both, washed and dried, which, was fairly shocking to me because the aroma of most detergents loses their effectiveness, especially after being put in a dryer for 30-45 minutes.
Procter and Gamble, also correctly estimated that the growth of “scented” items these days, whether be it through candles, air fresheners, perfumes or other means, is extremely popular – and still growing – with both, the young and old alike.
“The demand for fragrant candles, perfumes, and room fresheners proves that consumers are actively seeking out new ways to incorporate scent into their lives,” said Randall Chinchilla, external relations manager at Procter and Gamble. “Now with the introduction of Tide Simple Pleasures, enjoying naturally inspired scents is as simple as taking in the smell of your favorite t-shirt. Clearly, this detergent will change the face of fabric care.”
Another item in the Tide press release that I found interesting was a quote from Alan Hirsch, M.D., F.A.C.F and the Founder of the Neurological Director of the Smell and Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, which stated, “There is no question that certain scents have the power to inspire moods. People can almost instantly derive pleasure from smelling distinct scents. Coupling those scents with a person’s favorite article of clothing will no doubt create an incredible scent experience.”
I must say, that the good doctor is one million percent correct (and I don’t even have a P.H.D). I know my wife can’t get enough scented candles these days and I have to agree that certain aromas do stimulate different psychological responses, as do the three distinct scents of Tide’s new Simple Pleasures.
Before I get into reviewing the three distinct scents, let me say that, before I even opened one of the bottles, I immediately knew that the detergent would live up to the famous Tide standards of cleaning, which, to be honest about it, have been unsurpassed by every detergent manufacturer since clothes detergent was first introduced.
Now, here is my take on the three distinctively different Simple Pleasures scents.
Water Lily and Jasmine
This was clearly my favorite scent of the three and not just because it comes in a bottle that happens to be my favorite color (blue) either. Since I’m trying to let my nose write this article, I guess I would say that this scent is probably the most “manly” of the three aromas, but certainly isn’t a scent women wouldn’t mind either.
I guess the best way to describe the Water Lily and Jasmine is to say that it smells almost like a “fresh rain combined with a faint fragrance of jasmine,” which, according to Dr. Hirsch’s research, stimulates, alertness.
I don’t know if it stimulated any alertness in me (not that much does these days) but the scent clearly brought a “refreshing” smile to my face and reminded me of a “relaxing, mild rainy summer day.”
Rose and Violet
The Rose and Violet was definitely my second favorite of the three scents. Maybe it’s me, but I found this scent to be exactly reminiscent of the two flowers that it encompasses, which, in my mind, are the epitome of what a good smelling woman smells like.
Don’t get me wrong, this is also a scent men can easily put up with, but I don’t think most men want to go around smelling like either roses or violets. However, I will have to say that this fragrance probably had the best lingering effect of the three and I know this was my wife’s and daughter’s favorite as well, so hey, I must be on to something here.
Vanilla and Lavender
Believe it or not, before I opened the three bottles, I thought this would be my favorite of the three scents, but truth be told, it didn’t work out that way. I’m a huge vanilla fragrance guy who loves both, vanilla air fresheners and vanilla scented candles. I also have to admit that although I am not a huge lavender guy, the aroma’s relaxing abilities are undeniably true. Having acute arthritis in my left hip, I have taken more than my share of lavender scented hot baths in an effort to both, soothe the sometimes unbearable pain and help me to get to sleep immediately after I get out of the tub.
For some odd reason, when I smelled this combined scent, my nose wrinkled up like “Sabrina’s” from the famed television series, “Bewitched.” I don’t know if it was the vanilla that was too strong or the lavender, but I didn’t enjoy the combination of the two fragrances very much at all. Although this my least favorite of the three, both my wife and daughter seemed to think I was making a bigger deal out of not liking it than I should have, so I guess I’ll just say that this aroma wasn’t for me.
I will however, go on record as saying that Procter and Gamble has hit an undeniable home run with these three new fragrances no matter which particular one was my favorite – and I can certainly see some of the other detergent manufacturers following in their footsteps at some point in the near future.
I also have to say that all three detergents not only had their own distinctive aromas, but that each one cleaned my family’s clothes to the impeccably high standards the Tide detergent has come to represent throughout the decades.
In closing, I would certainly recommend all three scents to my family members and friends – and will admit that after reviewing all three – am going to be spoiled from here on in. My wife and daughter have pretty much let me know too, that from now on, it’s one of these Tide scents or nothing at all! Hmmm, I wonder if I can get another free sample.
