Essential Oil And Fragrance-Free Laundry: A Safe Blend?

Adding essential oils to your laundry is a great way to make your clothes smell fresh and feel clean. While you can add essential oils directly to the washing machine, this may not be the most effective method as the oils can dissipate quickly and not leave a lasting scent. Instead, it is recommended to add 4-6 drops of essential oil to a cloth or sock and place it in the washing machine with your laundry, or add the oil to a damp washcloth or dryer sheet and toss it into the dryer during the drying cycle.

It is important to use high-quality, pure essential oils that are safe for topical use and skin contact, and to avoid synthetic fragrances that may contain chemicals that can trigger sensitivities. When adding essential oils to an unscented laundry detergent, simply add 20-30 drops to the full container and shake the bottle.

Popular essential oils for laundry include lavender, lemon, tea tree, eucalyptus, and peppermint, which are known for their pleasant scents and potential antimicrobial and antiviral properties.

How to add essential oil to fragrance-free laundry detergent

Adding essential oil to your fragrance-free laundry detergent is a great way to make your laundry smell amazing while also being kind to your skin and the environment. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving fresh-smelling laundry with essential oils:

Step 1: Choose the right essential oil

It is important to select a high-quality, pure essential oil that is safe for skin contact and free from synthetic fragrances, which may contain irritating chemicals. Popular choices include lavender, lemon, tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint, and lemongrass.

Step 2: Prepare the essential oil

If using a liquid laundry detergent, add 20-30 drops of essential oil directly into the full container of detergent and shake well. If you are unsure about the strength of the scent, start with a smaller number of drops and adjust as needed. For powdered detergent, you can pre-mix the essential oil with a small amount of unscented detergent, fabric softener, white vinegar, or baking soda before adding it to your machine.

Step 3: Add to the washing machine

Once your washing machine has started filling with water, add the essential oil mixture. Adding the oil at this stage ensures it will be properly diluted and less likely to stain your clothes. If using a liquid laundry detergent with essential oil added, simply use your usual amount of detergent.

Step 4: Wash your clothes

Set your washing machine to wash on cold or eco-warm settings to avoid vaporizing the essential oils. This will help your clothes retain their fresh scent.

Step 5: Dry your clothes

Air-drying your clothes is the best way to preserve the scent of essential oils. If using a dryer, add a few drops of essential oil to a washcloth or dryer sheet and toss it in with your laundry during the drying cycle. The heat will help release the scent onto your clothes.

Tips and precautions:

• Always exercise caution when using essential oils. They are highly concentrated, and too much can irritate the skin.
• Avoid highly concentrated oils like cinnamon, clove, oregano, cedar, pine, and bergamot, as these may stain your clothes.
• If you have sensitive skin or are prone to rashes, do a patch test before adding essential oils to your laundry.
• Avoid using essential oils directly in the dryer, as they can be flammable.

How much essential oil to add

The amount of essential oil you should add to your laundry depends on the method you use to incorporate it into your wash.

If you are adding essential oil to an unscented liquid laundry detergent, add 20-30 drops to your full container and shake the bottle. You can then simply add your usual amount of detergent to your washing machine. If you want to avoid adding essential oils to the full bottle of detergent, you can add a couple of drops to the lid of the laundry liquid before pouring it into the machine.

If you are using an unscented washing powder, you should drop the essential oils into the machine rather than into the powder as it can cause clumping. Once your washing machine has filled up with water, add between 1 and 3 drops of essential oil.

If you are adding essential oil to a fabric softener, you should add 4-6 drops to a small cloth or sock and place it in the washing machine with your laundry.

If you are adding essential oil to a dryer, you should use wool dryer balls or a washcloth. Add 2-3 drops of essential oil per dryer ball or washcloth.

The best essential oils for laundry

Essential oils are a fantastic way to make your laundry smell beautiful and fresh. They are also much better for the longevity of your clothes, linen, blankets, and towels.

Lavender

The calming and soothing scent of lavender is a popular choice for laundry. It is gentle enough for baby clothes and bed sheets, making everything it touches just a bit cozier. It also helps to eliminate odors from clothing.

Lemon

Lemon oil works wonders on tough laundry odors. A few drops of lemon oil in your load can help tackle everything from food stains to sweaty workout gear, leaving your clothes with a sun-dried citrus scent. It's also known for its ability to remove stains and whiten whites due to its high levels of vitamin C content.

Tea Tree

Tea tree oil is a natural disinfectant that can kill germs. It's your go-to for laundry that needs a bit more attention, such as towels that have seen too many gym sessions. It also helps to ease allergens out of your fabrics.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus oil has a crisp, sharp aroma that does wonders for your laundry, especially when you’re looking to strip away the stress of the day. It’s fantastic for bedding and bath towels, giving that cool, refreshing feel as if you’ve just stepped into a spa. It also has antibacterial properties that make it great for disinfecting fabrics and getting rid of odors.

Peppermint

Peppermint oil in your laundry can energize your senses and give you a much-needed pep in your step. It’s especially handy for those early mornings when you pull on a peppermint-fresh shirt. It's also great for activewear, as the minty freshness helps to keep your workout clothes from becoming stale.

Rosemary

Rosemary's herbal, woodsy scent makes laundry feel like a warm, comforting embrace. It’s particularly good for woolens and blankets, infusing them with a smell that’s reminiscent of a cozy, fireside evening. Rosemary’s natural properties also help keep your fabrics looking sharp and feeling soft.

Other Options

Other great essential oils for laundry include orange, bergamot, ylang-ylang, grapefruit, chamomile, rose, and oregano.

When using essential oils in your laundry, always make sure to read the directions carefully and do a patch test first to ensure they won't stain or discolour your fabrics. It's also important to use them sparingly, as too much essential oil can irritate your skin.

Benefits of using essential oils for laundry

Essential oils are a great natural alternative to conventional fabric softeners, which often contain harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin and harm the environment. Here are some benefits of using essential oils for laundry:

Pleasant Fragrance

The main benefit of using essential oils for laundry is that they leave your clothes with a pleasant, natural fragrance. Essential oils like lavender, lemon, tea tree, eucalyptus, and peppermint are known for their refreshing and uplifting scents, making your laundry experience more enjoyable.

Aromatherapy Benefits

Certain essential oils are known for their mood-enhancing and stress-reducing properties. For example, lavender is renowned for its calming and relaxing effects, while citrus oils like orange and bergamot can uplift your mood. Adding these oils to your laundry can promote positive wellbeing and turn a mundane task into a sensory experience.

Anti-Microbial Properties

Some essential oils, such as tea tree, eucalyptus, and lavender, have anti-microbial properties, which can help disinfect and deodorize laundry. This is especially useful for sports gear, gym clothes, and towels. While the effectiveness of these oils in disinfecting laundry hasn't been conclusively studied, they are still favoured by experts for their deodorizing abilities.

Natural Stain Removal

Lemon essential oil is a powerful natural stain remover. It can be used to treat stains on various surfaces, including fabrics. Simply apply it directly to the stain before washing your clothes as usual.

Eco-Friendly and Skin-Friendly

Essential oils offer an eco-friendly and skin-friendly alternative to traditional fabric softeners. They reduce the amount of plastic waste associated with laundry products and provide a natural way to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy.

Customizable Scents

By mixing and matching different essential oils, you can create custom scents for your laundry. For example, you can combine lavender with lemon or eucalyptus with peppermint to create unique fragrances that suit your preferences.

Precautions

While essential oils offer numerous benefits for laundry, it's important to use them correctly. Always dilute essential oils with a carrier solution such as unscented laundry detergent, fabric softener, white vinegar, or baking soda before adding them to your wash. Additionally, patch test the oil on a small area of fabric to ensure it doesn't stain or discolour your clothes. Finally, always store and handle essential oils securely, especially if you have children or pets.

How to scent laundry without using essential oils

There are several ways to scent your laundry without using essential oils. Here are some methods:

Use Natural, Fragrant Plants

Herbal sachets are an excellent natural and aromatic way to infuse your laundry with delightful scents. These sachets are typically filled with dried herbs such as lavender, rose petals, or chamomile, known for their soothing and refreshing fragrances. The gentle heat from the dryer activates these herbs, releasing their enchanting aromas.

You can also make your own dryer sachets using fabric pouches or small pieces of breathable fabric secured with a string or rubber band. Fill them with various fragrant materials like dried flowers, citrus peels, or aromatic spices.

Natural Fragrance Boosters

Natural fragrance boosters utilize natural extracts such as vanilla or almond to infuse your clothes with a subtle and inviting fragrance. Simply add a few drops of your chosen extract to dryer balls before tossing them in with your laundry. As the dryer balls tumble, they release their gentle scent, creating a natural and refreshing aroma.

Scented Dryer Sheets

While single-use dryer sheets create unnecessary waste and often contain synthetic fragrances and chemicals, wool dryer balls are a more eco-friendly option. They are made from 100% natural wool, reusable for up to a thousand loads, and naturally soften fabric, reduce static, and shorten drying times.

When used with an anti-static spray, wool dryer balls can provide a natural scent to your laundry without synthetic fragrances.

White Vinegar and Baking Soda

White vinegar is a great natural alternative to fabric softener and can be used in the rinse cycle of your washing machine. Baking soda, on the other hand, is a natural odour absorber and can be added to your wash cycle to help eliminate odours from your laundry.

Linen Spray

Create a simple linen spray with water, a bit of witch hazel or rubbing alcohol, and your favourite fragrance. After your clothes are dry, give them a quick spritz to freshen them up. This can also be used on sheets, towels, or other linens.

Drawer Sachets

Place a few drops of your chosen fragrance on cotton balls or small fabric sachets and place them in your drawers or closet. Your clothes will gradually absorb the scent.

Frequently asked questions