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Hard water contains high levels of these cations. Anionic surfactants are the most common surfactants in laundry detergents. emulsifying oil and clay soils, fabric softener residue, and are high sudsing. ether sulfates such as sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES). (charged particles) in hard water.
Smelly laundry can be caused by buildup in the machine from liquid detergents and fabric softeners. Fabric softeners contain waxy products, that what makes the clothes feel soft. It is also why softened towels don't absorb water very well. Switching to a powdered detergent can help.