...it’s the sun’s rays that make laundry dried outdoors smell so wonderful?
When sunlight hits damp fabric, it triggers a chemical process that transforms organic molecules into fragrant compounds. A fully scientific explanation for a scent that remains just as magical, don’t you agree?

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have studied this chemical process on clotheslines, analyzing the scents themselves. They identified notes of flowers and citrus—strong fragrances that our noses are naturally attuned to detecting.

Our sense of smell is closely tied to memory, and the scent of sun-dried linen often lingers with us from childhood as something positive. Experiencing that smell again brings pleasure, which also has a scientific explanation. The scent compounds trigger dopamine release in the brain, making us feel good. Logical, yes, but when we’re standing there savoring the aroma, it’s enough to simply enjoy it without pondering why.

However, the researchers in Copenhagen think differently. They believe there are more discoveries to be made about the chemistry of nature’s scents. Wherever sunlight touches, chemical reactions occur—and according to them, we know very little about these processes.

“When it rains and the sun comes out, the air smells very fresh and pleasant. We speculate that a similar process to what happens with laundry may be at play,” says Malte Frydland in an interview with DR.

Time will tell... but in the meantime, let’s continue enjoying these delightful scents in the blissful summer days!