Use Fragrance Oils In Laundry Crystals: A Creative Guide

There are many ways to make your laundry smell good, and one of them is by using fragrance oils. Fragrance oils can be used in laundry crystals, which are usually made with Epsom salt, rock salt, or sugar, and essential oils. The fragrance oils are added to the salt or sugar base, and the mixture is then stored in an airtight container. When using a laundry machine, the crystals are added directly to the drum before adding clothes. This method is safe for all types of machines and can also be used in dryers.

Homemade fragrance crystals can be made with essential oils and Epsom salt

To make your own fragrance crystals, you will need:

• 3-4 cups of Epsom salt
• 20-40 drops of essential oil (the amount depends on how strong you want the scent to be)

You can use any essential oil you like, such as lavender, lemon, grapefruit, peppermint, eucalyptus, geranium, or sweet orange. If you want to create a custom scent, you can mix two or more oils.

• Pour the Epsom salt into a glass jar or a bowl.
• Add the essential oils.
• Mix well with a spoon until the oil is thoroughly spread through the salt.
• Transfer the crystals to an airtight container for storage.

To use the fragrance crystals, add 1 tablespoon to the drum of your washing machine at the beginning of the wash cycle. You can also add them when the washer is filling up with water. For larger loads or heavily soiled laundry, you may need to use slightly more crystals. These crystals can be used in standard and HE washing machines.

It is important to note that while these fragrance crystals will make your laundry smell fresher, your clothes will not come out of the wash smelling strongly of the essential oils. The scent of the oils will not remain on the clothes, but they will have a fresh, clean smell.

Citrus essential oils can be used for a fresh scent

Citrus essential oils are a great way to add a fresh scent to your laundry. They can be used in laundry scent crystals, which are an easy and cheap way to make your laundry smell fresh. You can make these crystals yourself by mixing 2-3 cups of unscented Epsom salt with 15-40 drops of essential oils. You can then add 1/8 to 1/4 cup of these crystals directly into your washing machine before starting the wash cycle.

Citrus essential oils, such as lemon and orange, are known for their fresh and uplifting scent. They can help tackle tough laundry odours and leave your clothes with a sun-dried citrus scent. Lemon oil, in particular, is great for kitchen towels as it can help cut through grease. Meanwhile, orange oil is perfect for brightening up white fabrics and adding a subtle sweetness to your everyday wear.

If you're looking for a more exotic citrus scent, you can try bergamot oil, which has a unique floral-citrus fragrance. It's a great option for guest linens or any clothing that you want to give a special touch. Bergamot oil is also gentle on the skin, making it a good choice for those with sensitive skin.

When using citrus essential oils in your laundry, it's important to use the correct amount. A little goes a long way, and adding too much can leave residues on your clothes. It's also recommended to store your citrus-scented laundry crystals in a glass container.

Essential oils are safe to add to washing machines

First and foremost, it is crucial to use essential oils sparingly and dilute them properly before adding them to your laundry. Undiluted essential oils can leave stains on your clothes and damage your washing machine over time. The recommended dilution ratio is 1-2 drops of essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil, such as sweet almond, jojoba, or coconut oil. This helps prevent skin irritation and ensures a pleasant scent without being overpowering.

When adding essential oils to your washing machine, always follow the manufacturer's instructions. Avoid pouring them directly into the machine, as they can cause residue buildup and clog pipes and filters. Instead, add the diluted essential oil to a fabric softener ball or dispenser, or mix it with your liquid detergent before adding it to the washer. For powder detergent, add the essential oil to the drum of the machine after it has filled with water to prevent clumping.

Citrus oils, such as lemon, grapefruit, and wild orange, are excellent for brightening whites and colors due to their high limonene content. However, use them with caution on dark fabrics, as they can lighten colors over time. Eucalyptus oil is a powerful disinfectant, making it ideal for laundry from places like the gym or school. Lavender oil imparts a calming aroma, while peppermint oil provides a crisp and invigorating scent.

While essential oils are generally safe for standard washing machines, it is important to use them with caution in high-efficiency (HE) machines as they are more sensitive to corrosive substances. Regularly cleaning your washing machine's dispensers and seals can help maintain its longevity. Additionally, air-drying large items like sheets or towels after using essential oils is recommended, as the heat of the dryer and oil without water dilution can pose a fire hazard, although this is rare.

Essential oils offer a natural and safe alternative to artificial fragrances in laundry products, providing a rich, lasting scent and antimicrobial properties. By following these guidelines, you can safely enhance your laundry experience and enjoy the benefits of essential oils without damaging your washing machine.

Essential oils can be added to unscented liquid laundry detergent

Adding essential oils to unscented liquid laundry detergent is a great way to make your laundry smell amazing. It's also much better for the longevity of your clothes, linen, blankets, and towels. If you're prone to rashes or eczema, using essential oils with an ethical laundry product is a winning combination.

When adding essential oils to an unscented liquid laundry detergent, simply add 20-30 drops to your full container and shake the bottle. Then, add your usual amount of detergent to your washing machine. Start with a smaller number of drops in the bottle and do a load of washing to see how strong the scent is. If it's too weak, you can always add more essential oils later. If you don't want the oils in the full bottle of detergent, simply add a couple of drops to the lid of the laundry liquid before you pour it into the machine.

It's important to note that when using essential oils, always exercise caution. Although these are naturally occurring oils, they are super-concentrated, and if too much is used, your skin could get irritated. If you have any skin irritations or are prone to rashes, before adding the oils to your washing, test a drop of the essential oil on your wrist and leave it for 24 hours. Only proceed and use the oils if there was no skin reaction.

There are many types of essential oils to choose from, each with its own unique scent and benefits. Citrus essential oils, such as lemon or mandarin, smell fresh and light and have multiple uses. They are also great stain removers and can help remove tough grease stains. Lavender and eucalyptus oils are excellent options for linen, blankets, and towels. The smell of lavender has a calming effect and is a natural disinfectant, while eucalyptus has antibacterial properties and works well on tough stains.

You can also make your own fabric softener by mixing white vinegar, water, and essential oils. Mix one part vinegar, two parts water, and a few drops of your favourite essential oil. Use it as you would a conventional fabric softener.

Essential oils can be added to fabric softener

To make your own fabric softener, start by filling a glass, stainless steel, or plastic container with vinegar. Then, add 10-15 drops of your favourite essential oil. Stir the mixture well and apply a label to your bottle or jar. Before use, shake or stir the mixture again to ensure it is well combined. For small to medium-sized loads, add about 1/2 cup of the fabric softener during the rinse cycle. For large loads, use about 1 cup.

If you want to add essential oils directly to your washing machine, it is recommended to add 1-3 drops to the water before adding your clothes. This method is safe for your machine and will not cause any physical damage. Alternatively, you can add a few drops of essential oil to a washcloth and put it in the dryer with your clothes to impart a pleasant scent.

Some essential oil combinations to try in your fabric softener include:

• 10 drops lemon + 5 drops lavender
• 6 drops lavender + 6 drops lime + 2 drops spearmint
• 5 drops cypress + 4 drops tangerine + 2 drops lime + 2 drops bergamot
• 10 drops lemon + 2 drops basil + 3 drops spearmint
• 7 drops eucalyptus + 7 drops spearmint
• 5 drops orange + 5 drops bergamot + 5 drops lemon

Frequently asked questions