Are essential oils safe for the dryer?

Author: Mrs. Karlie Stokes  |  Last update: Thursday, February 19, 2026

Because of their flammable properties and the fact that dryer machines can run on pretty hot settings, you should never add essential oils directly in your dryer. We recommend putting a couple of drops of your preferred essential oil to wool dryer balls, which will be added to your load.

Can you add essential oil to the dryer?

Essential oils can be flammable, which means they should never be added directly to your dryer, just in case.

How to use essential oils in a tumble dryer?

Add 4-6 drops of essential oil to the cloth or sheet, and toss it into the dryer with your laundry during the drying cycle. The heat helps release the scent onto your clothes.

Are essential oils on dryer balls flammable?

The oil can heat up too much and burst into flame in such a hot environment. The oil also doesn't really wash out of your clothes properly or dryer balls so even if you only use a tiny amount it can keep building up until there's enough to light on fire.

Is it safe to put essential oils in the dryer?

Because of their flammable properties and the fact that dryer machines can run on pretty hot settings, you should never add essential oils directly in your dryer. We recommend putting a couple of drops of your preferred essential oil to wool dryer balls, which will be added to your load.

Is It Safe To Use Essential Oils On Dryer Balls?

Can essential oils ignite in dryer?

If you add excessive amounts of essential oils to your dryer, they create a fire hazard. This risk arises from the oils' volatile nature and their tendency to ignite under intense heat.

How to put essential oils in dryer balls?

After your clothes have dried, add 3-4 drops of your favorite essential oils to the dryer balls and run the dryer again on a cool Air Fluff cycle for 10 minutes. Our laundry collection is ideal for a clean aroma!

What essential oils are non flammable?

On the other end of the spectrum, oils that are not as flammable include cedarwood, basil, myrrh, clove, lemongrass, vetiver, patchouli, and ylang ylang. While some are more flammable than others, it's wise to treat all essential oils as flammable substances.

Can I add essential oils to my laundry powder?

If you're using an unscented washing powder, you need to 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 the drops in so they can dilute.

What should I avoid putting in the dryer?

What materials should you NOT put in the dryer?
  • Items that use spandex (bras, gym clothes, swimwear etc.) ...
  • Silk and other delicate fabrics. ...
  • Leather, fake leather and suede. ...
  • Wool. ...
  • Clothes with sequins, beads or other glued-on parts. ...
  • Jeans and other denim items. ...
  • Cotton garments. ...
  • Polyester blends.

Are essential oils safe to heat?

When essential oils are heated, the volatile compounds they contain can become more potent and potentially irritating to the skin. Proper dilution is crucial to reduce the risk of adverse reactions.

How do you use essential oils instead of dryer sheets?

Add 3-5 drops of your preferred essential oil directly onto the cloth. Toss in the dryer: Place the cloth with your laundry during the last 10-15 minutes of the drying cycle. Adding it toward the end ensures the oils won't evaporate too quickly from the heat.

How do I add a scent to my dryer?

There are a few different ways to make your own scented dryer sheets. The easiest method is to simply put a few drops of safe fragrance oil onto a cloth and let it dry completely (see section above for choosing a safe fragrance). The cloth can then be tossed in the dryer with your clothing.

What machine do you put essential oils in?

An essential oil diffuser is a key tool in any professional environment and a staple for every home. It's a way to disperse the fragrance of essential oils into the air so that you can inhale the calming scent of Lavender Essential Oil or the clean refreshing scent of Lemon Essential Oil in your kitchen or bathroom.

How long does essential oil smell last on fabric?

Essential oils can last days on fabrics, especially if they are of high quality, applied properly and thoroughly, and the fabric is not then put through rigorous use (such as your gym wear).

Are essential oils flammable when dry?

The short answer is yes, pure essential oils are flammable. Essential oils are extracted directly from plant's volatile or combustible compounds or are concentrated preparations of those compounds.

What is the best essential oil for laundry?

What Are the Best Essential Oils To Use in Your Laundry?
  • Lavender - The Soothing Staple. ...
  • Lemon - Citrusy Clean. ...
  • Tea Tree - The Fresh Defender. ...
  • Eucalyptus - Breezy and Bold. ...
  • Peppermint - Cool and Invigorating. ...
  • Rosemary - Naturally Nostalgic. ...
  • Orange - Zesty and Bright. ...
  • Bergamot - Sophisticated and Soothing.

What is the safest essential oil to diffuse?

Safety Precautions

It's generally advised to avoid strong essential oils like Clary Sage or Rosemary. However, Lavender and Sweet Orange are often considered safe when used sparingly and diffused in a well-ventilated area.

What can I spray on my dryer balls?

DIRECTIONS:
  • Add witch hazel, 5 drops of Peppermint EO, 10 drops of Eucalyptus EO, and 10 drops of Lavender EO.
  • Fill the rest of the bottle up with distilled water.
  • Shake and spray on dryer balls before throwing them in the dryer!

How to make clothes smell good in the dryer?

Use dryer balls infused with your favorite scented oils

Simply add a few drops of your preferred oil, toss them into the dryer, and voila! Your laundry will come out smelling like a field of lavender or a tropical paradise. Not to mention, it's a more eco-friendly alternative to dryer sheets.

What is the safest essential oil to use around dogs?

Some of the oils that fall into this pet-safe category include:
  • Lavender.
  • Chamomile.
  • Myrrh.
  • Ginger.
  • Rosemary.
  • Bergamot.
  • Frankincense.

Can I put essential oils on dryer balls?

The best method for adding the essential oils to the dryer balls is, When your laundry is completely dried, add 3-6 drops of desired essential oil to the dryer balls, toss them back in the dryer and run on an Air Fluff (non-heated) cycle for 10 minutes. You will find your laundry smelling fresh and delightful!

How do you use essential oils in a tumble dryer?

Start with about 2-3 drops of essential oil per dryer ball. This should give your laundry a light, fresh scent. For a stronger aroma, you can go up to 5-6 drops, but be careful not to overdo it. Remember, essential oils are potent—a little truly goes a long way!

Can you put eucalyptus oil in dryer?

Alternative Uses for Essential Oils in Fabric Care

Try using wool dryer balls instead of boring old dryer sheets. Just add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to these balls before tossing them in the dryer, and voila. Your clothes will come out smelling amazing. try eucalyptus essential oil.

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