Pure Aromatherapy for Body, Mind & Spirit

8 Essential Oils Great For Your Laundry Routine*

8 Essential Oils Great For Your Laundry Routine*

Essential oils can do more than just make your house smell amazing – they can also be great for the laundry! From lavender essential oil to peppermint essential oil, each oil has its own unique benefits. Transform your laundry routine with the power of essential oils. Learn how to bring natural scents, stain-fighting properties and fresh-feeling fabrics to your washer and dryer.

Note:  Always follow “Use Essential Oils Safely in Your Laundry” guidelines found below before using essential oils for your laundry.

Benefits of Using Essential Oils in Your Laundry

  1. Natural Scents – Essential oils provide a natural, chemical-free alternative to artificial fragrances in detergents.
  2. Stain-fighting Power – Many essential oils have antibacterial and stain-fighting properties.
  3. Fresh-feeling Fabrics – Dryer sachets and sprays can leave fabrics feeling soft and smelling great.

    8 Essential Oils Great For Your Laundry RoutineLavender Essential Oil

    Aromatherapy – Lavender essential oil has a calming scent that brings a relaxing feel to your clothes. Lavender is a natural stress-reducer, making it perfect for bedding and towels.
    Antibacterial Properties – The antibacterial properties of lavender essential oil help to kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

    Aromatic Diffuser –You can use lavender essential oil in a diffuser that will scent the air and remove odors from the laundry room.

    8 Essential Oils Great For Your Laundry RoutineLemon Essential Oil

    Fresh Scent – Lemon essential oil has a crisp, citrusy aroma that can freshen up your clothes and leave them smelling great.
    Natural Stain Remover – When added to a washing machine, lemon essential oil can remove tough stains and brighten whites. Lemon is perfect for gym clothes or linens.
    Antimicrobial Agent – Lemon essential oil acts as an antimicrobial agent and can help to kill bacteria and fungi that cause unpleasant odors.

    8 Essential Oils Great For Your Laundry Routine

    Tea Tree Essential Oil

    Eco-Friendly – Tea tree essential oil is an eco-friendly alternative to harsh chemicals, making it great for those with sensitive skin. It’s a natural deodorizer that eliminates germs and bacteria in your laundry.
    Removes Mildew and Mold  – The antifungal properties of tea tree essential oil make it an effective treatment for mildew and mold growth. Add 6-10 drops of oils like tea tree essential oil to the wash cycle for optimal stain-fighting power.
    Antiseptic Properties – Mix tea tree essential with laundry detergent or with natural DIY cleaners to make them more powerful and effective. The strong yet gentle antiseptic properties in tea tree essential oil will help fight germs and viruses.

    Eucalyptus Essential Oil8 Essential Oils Great For Your Laundry Routine

    Natural Disinfectant – Eucalyptus essential oil has a strong antiseptic property that works as a natural disinfectant.
    Aromatherapy Benefits – The sweet and fresh aroma of eucalyptus essential oil can provide aromatherapy benefits for relaxation and stress relief. Eucalyptus can help eliminate odors, making it ideal for gym clothes.
    Enhanced Steam Treatment – Adding a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to your wash cycle can provide enhanced steam treatment in the dryer, leaving your clothes smelling fresh and clean.

    Peppermint Essential Oil8 Essential Oils Great For Your Laundry Routine

    Mosquito Repellent – Adding peppermint essential oil to your wash cycle can be a natural way to keep mosquitoes and other flying insects away. Mental Clarity – Peppermint essential oil has a refreshing, invigorating aroma that can help improve mental clarity and focus. Cooling Effect – When infused with your laundry, peppermint essential oil can have a cooling effect on the skin and provide instant freshness. Infuse your dryer balls with 3-5 drops of oils like peppermint essential oil for a fresh scent.

    8 Essential Oils Great For Your Laundry RoutineOrange Essential Oil

    Natural Disinfectant – Orange essential oil is derived from the peels of oranges and has a sweet, uplifting scent. It has natural antibacterial properties that can help kill odor-causing bacteria in your clothes.

    Aromatherapy Benefits – Orange essential oil has a citrusy and sweet fresh scent that stimulates cheerful moods and makes it easier to be productive.

    Synthetic Fragrance Free –  A few drops of orange essential oil on wool dryer balls, or a clean freshly laundered washcloth, before adding to the dryer will make your clothes and sheets smell great without the use of synthetic fragrances.

    Orange 5X Essential Oil

    Orange essential oil is derived from the peel of oranges and is known for its uplifting and fresh scent. On the other hand, 5x orange essential oil is produced through a process called cold-press extraction, resulting in a more concentrated form of orange oil. The main difference between orange essential oil and 5x orange essential oil is the intensity of the aroma and potency. 5x orange essential oil is actually what it’s name says – five times stronger than regular orange essential oil, which means you will need to use less of it to achieve the same scent or effect. When it comes to using these oils in laundry, you can add a few drops of either orange essential oil or 5x orange essential oil to your laundry during the washing cycle. The citrus scent of these oils can provide a refreshing fragrance to your clothes. Additionally, they may act as natural deodorizers, helping to eliminate odors from your laundry.

    Rosemary Essential Oil

    8 Essential Oils Great For Your Laundry Routine

    Natural Disinfectant – Rosemary essential oil is extracted from the leaves of the rosemary plant. It has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties that can help eliminate germs and bacteria in your laundry.  Aromatherapy Benefits –  Use rosemary essential oil in the washer, to help really eliminate stubborn odors. Mental Clarity – Rosemary essential oil has an invigorating scent can also improve focus and concentration.

    Bergamot Essential Oil8 Essential Oils Great For Your Laundry Routine

    Natural Disinfectant – Bergamot essential oil comes from the peel of the bergamot fruit and has a citrusy and floral aroma that is perfect for great smelling clothes and linens.

    Aromatherapy Benefits – Bergamot essential oil can also help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.

    Antimicrobial Agent – Bergamot essential oil can be incredibly effective at stopping the growth of bacteria.

    Biosource Naturals Bandits Essential Oil Blend8 Essential Oils Great For Your Laundry Routine

    Cleaning – Using essential oils for cleaning is safe, natural and non-toxic. It’s very green, too! Bandits essential oil blend is perfect for cleaning, thanks to its antifungal and antibacterial qualities — and the fact that it has a wonderfully appealing scent.  Freshen Air – Like we’ve mentioned, Bandits essential oil blend smells amazing! Put a few drops in the washer to make your clothes smell great. Natural Disinfectant – Legendary thieves used this blend of pure essential oils to prevent illness while robbing the sick during the Bubonic plague. Well known for its support of good health and the immune system, Biosource Natural’s version of Thieves is antibiotic, uplifting and energizing.

    8 Essential Oils Great For Your Laundry RoutineBiosource Naturals Citrus Essential Oil Blend

    Aromatherapy – Adds a clean fresh scent to your laundry. Natural Disinfectant – Contains lemon, lime and orange pure essential oils. Enjoy all three citrus oils that will freshen and disinfect your laundry. Synthetic Fragrance Free –  A few drops of Citrus Essential Oil Blend on wool dryer balls, or a clean freshly laundered washcloth before adding to the dryer, will make your clothes and sheets smell great without the use of synthetic fragrances.

    Different Ways to Use Essential Oils in Your Washer

    Note:  Always follow “Use Essential Oils Safely in Your Laundry” guidelines found below before using essential oils for your laundry.

    8 Essential Oils Great For Your Laundry Routine

    Add to Detergent

    Boost your laundry detergent with 10-15 drops of essential oils like lemon or lavender essential oils.

    Add to Wash Cycle

    1. Add 5-10 drops of essentials oil to a small amount of laundry detergent.
    2. Put the mixture in the detergent tray and start the wash cycle.
    Ironing Water
    1. Add 5-10 drops of your favorite essential oil to a spray bottle filled with water.
    2. Mist the mixture onto the clothes before ironing to freshen up and de-wrinkle.

    Different Ways to Use Essential Oils in Your Dryer

    Note:  Always follow “Use Essential Oils Safely in Your Laundry” guidelines found below before using essential oils for your laundry.

    8 Essential Oils Great For Your Laundry Routine

    Dryer Sheets

    1. Add 3-4 drops of oils like orange to a damp washcloth.
    2. Place it in your dryer for a reusable dryer sheet.

    Dryer Sachets

    1. Place 6-8 drops of oils like eucalyptus onto a small cloth.
    2. Tie it with a ribbon to create a fragrant dryer sachet.

    Dryer Spray

    • Make a dryer spray with 10-15 drops of oils like lavender and water.
    • Mist your clothes before drying to infuse them with a relaxing scent.
    Wool Dryer Balls
    1. Add 2-3 drops of essential oil to each dryer ball.
    2. Put the balls in the dryer with the clothes and start the cycle as normal.

    Use Essential Oils Safely in Your Laundry

    1. Dilution – Always dilute essential oils before use and follow recommended ratio. Once your washing machine has filled up with water, add the essential oil drops in so they can dilute. Be careful that the essential oils do not drop straight onto the clothes or linens as they could cause a stain.
    2. Skin Sensitivity – Some oils can cause skin irritation, so wear gloves when handling them.
    3. Machine Compatibility – Check your machine’s manual to ensure oils won’t cause damage to the machine or leave residue on clothes.

    Do Essential Oils Damage Washers or Dryers? Here’s the Truth

    When used correctly, essential oils are safe for washers and dryers and won’t cause damage. Here’s why:
    1. Dilution is Key: Essential oils are potent, but when diluted in water, added to wool dryer balls, or incorporated into laundry detergent, they disperse evenly and avoid concentrated contact with surfaces.
    2. Non-Corrosive Properties: Unlike harsh chemicals, pure essential oils do not corrode or degrade the metal or plastic parts of your washer or dryer.
    3. Evaporation in Heat: In the dryer, essential oils evaporate quickly due to the heat, leaving a light, natural fragrance without residue buildup.
    4. Proper Application Prevents Staining: Always apply a few drops of oil to an absorbent medium, such as wool dryer balls or cloth, rather than directly on clothes or machine surfaces.
    When used responsibly, essential oils enhance your laundry routine with delightful scents while keeping your appliances in top condition.

    Additional Takeaways for Using Essential Oils In the Laundry

    Note:  Always follow “Use Essential Oils Safely in Your Laundry” guidelines found above before using essential oils for your laundry.
    Essential oils are:
    • Easy to use.
    • Natural alternatives.
    • Effective stain and bacteria fighters.
    Remember to:
    • Choose the right oils for your needs.
    • Dilute oils before use.
    • Follow all safety precautions.
    • Check the manufacturer’s instructions for recommended dosages in your laundry.
    • Test test a small, inconspicuous area of fabric before using them on your entire load of laundry.
    Enjoy the Benefits of:
    • Natural scents in your laundry.
    • Fresh-feeling clothes and linens.
    • Effective stain removal.

    Now that you know how to use essential oils in the laundry, it’s time to get started!

    Experiment with different scents and combinations to find the perfect blend for your clothes. Plus, using essential oils can help reduce your eco footprint and save money on harsh chemicals.

    *Statements on this page have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. 



    Statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the FDA, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease. The information provided on this website is for informational purposes. Information is not intended as a substitute for advice from a qualified health care professional that you trust, and should not be construed as individual medical advice. If you are under a doctor’s care, please consult with her/him prior to use of these products. If a condition persists, please contact a qualified health care professional for advice.