Overly perfumed detergents and fabric softeners…why?

I wasn’t really planning on writing this post, but as I sit here with the windows in my apartment open…I find myself being assaulted by the smell of overly perfumed fabric softeners or detergents, probably coming from the exhaust from a dryer.

What is it that people find so appealing about the completely fake and contrived smells that companies have added to their detergents and fabric softeners?

Needless to say, I was quite pleased a few years ago when companies started selling “green” and “clean” detergents and fabric softeners. By “simplifying” the manufacturing process, the companies–or so they claimed–could reduce the environmental impact of their products. I don’t really know if that’s true or not, but I’m glad that I don’t have to be assaulted by those smells…at least until today.

Do you like the smell of detergents and fabric softeners? And why?