‘I googled’: Woman inadvertently discovers laundry detergent for ‘rich people’ at yard sale. Then she reveals the brand
There’s a special thrill that comes with finding a yard sale on a weekend morning. You peruse the wares, hoping to find something that tickles your fancy. You haggle over the price when you finally do, and you leave with an antique treasure that’s about to bring joy to a whole new user.
Usually, that’s the end of it. But one yard sale shopper says something about the shirt she bought made her go back to the seller’s house to ask a question.
In a viral video, TikToker Jess (@nonethejess) says the shirt she got from a yard sale smells “so good” that it made her wonder, “What kinda laundry detergent are these people, these rich people, out here using?” So, she went back to their house to investigate.
“I basically became besties with these people. I love them,” she says.
They were kind enough to give her a sample of their detergent and reveal the brand—Topanga Scents. They also gave her a few laundry pods that were “like Tide three-in-one or something.”
“I’m basically adopted into their family now,” Jess says, adding, “Never be afraid to go back and ask someone questions.”
What should I know about Topanga Scents laundry detergent?
Topanga Scents was created in 2017 by Seth Williams to provide “an affordable luxury laundry line with lasting effects. His love for Southern California—especially the Topanga Mountains, a peaceful escape between the Malibu beaches and Santa Monica Mountains—inspired the brand’s name.”
The brand offers a variety of laundry detergents with California-inspired names, ranging in price from $20-$58. Laguna, the scent Jess shows off in the video, is “A refreshing mix of sea salt, lime, and lush greenery.” It comes in a Bundle & Save package for $45 that allows you to pick two scents. Laguna, however, is sold out.
It appears the only place to buy Topanga Scents is from the brand’s website. The Mary Sue was unable to find the brand at any other retailers.
‘There isn’t any out there that beat Topanga imo’
In the comments section, viewers sang the praises of Topanga Scents.
User SweetB, a brand representative, commented, “I’m a Topanga rep & I’ve tried A LOT of the scented laundry soaps just to compare. There isn’t any out there that beat Topanga imo. My absolute favs are Malibu Pier & Paradise Cove. I always get so many compliments. LOVED hearing this sweet story!”
Several commenters showed love for the brand’s fabric spray.
“I knew it!” user Tracy Speirs wrote. “Topanga is amazing. I used the fabric spray in an old motel room that had been smoked in for years. When we checked out, I got a call asking what I used to get the smoke out. Gave info.”
Another viewer suggested using the spray if the detergent is out of your price range.
“So listen – the fabric spray is 17.50 and you could wash with any free and clear and then spray clothes before you put them away!! Topanga on the cheap!” they wrote.
This hack may come in handy, as several viewers said they couldn’t afford Topanga outright.
“I’m so poor I googled topanga laundry detergent and they suggested tide,” one wrote.
Kayla Smoot said she was a “sucker” for nice-smelling laundry detergent. “I was so excited to find out but then I googled it,” she said. “Imma have to stick to the clerb called Sam’s. I don’t have Topanga money.”
One viewer commented that being able to afford Topanga detergent was not the only indicator that the sellers were “rich.”
“She gave you a sample in her Rubbermaid Brilliance? they rich rich,” Dana Biebesheimer-He said.
Another viewer joked about the brand’s name: “So the only Topanga I know of was on Boy Meets World,” they wrote.
@nonethejess This was wild ? #update #laundry ♬ original sound – Jess✨
Hannah Brosmore, one of the sellers from the yard sale, even commented, writing, “Meeting you was the highlight of our day!!!!” followed by a heart emoji.
The Mary Sue reached out to Jess via TikTok comment and direct message and Hannah Brosmore via TikTok comment. It contacted Topanga Scents via press email.
Update May 7, 1:48pm CT: A representative for Topanga has weighed in on this viral saga. Per an email to the Mary Sue: “We are absolutely blown away by the response to the recent viral reel featuring Jess and her unforgettable yard sale story. The fact that a single T-shirt, washed in our Laguna detergent, made such an impression that she went back to find out what it was—that’s the magic of Topanga Scents. This moment has reminded us that something as simple as laundry detergent can spark joy, curiosity, and connection.
We are deeply grateful—not just to Jess, but to every single person who shared the video, tagged a friend, or took a chance on Topanga Scents for the first time. Orders have come in from all over the US, and we are truly humbled. Thank you for embracing what we’ve created and for being part of this journey with us. Your support means more than we can say, and our story continues to grow because of you.”
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