Can I put essential oils in my laundry detergent?

Author: Reginald Swaniawski  |  Last update: Thursday, June 4, 2026

Mix with Laundry Detergent: When adding detergent, you can mix in 4 to 5 drops of an essential oil of your choosing for a long-lasting aroma. However, it's important not to use too much as this could cause staining or discoloration of fabrics.

Is it safe to add essential oils to laundry?

When it comes to essential oils, a little goes a long way. Generally, just a few drops added to your washing machine's rinse cycle or a damp washcloth thrown in the dryer will suffice. Overdoing it can lead to residues on your clothes and might overwhelm the gentle scents you're aiming for.

How many drops of essential oil to put in laundry detergent?

If the essential oils were to drop straight onto your clothes rather than into the water, it could cause a stain if the load has delicate fabrics. If you're using an unscented liquid laundry detergent, just add 20-30 drops to your full container and shake the bottle.

Can I put a few drops of essential oil in my washing machine?

Add essential oils directly to your unscented laundry detergent. Use 2-3 drops of oil for each load's worth of detergent. So if you have a small 20-load bottle, adding 40-60 drops would be about right. Shake the bottle really well, and then use like usual.

Can I add essential oils to my homemade laundry detergent?

Instructions on how to make a homemade laundry detergent

When you have all of the dry ingredients inside the bucket, add the essential oil to the mixture. You can add 30-40 drops of one essential oil, or use a combination to create your own scent.

How to use Essential Oils in your laundry room

How to make your laundry smell good with essential oils?

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!

Will essential oils stain clothes with dryer balls?

Not all essential oils have the same risk of staining when used on dryer balls. Certain qualities make some oils less likely to leave behind spots: Light color. Darker pigmented oils like clove and cinnamon can more easily tint light fabrics.

Where to put essential oils in a washing machine?

One of the easiest methods is to add a few drops of oil to the last rinse water. You can also drip a few drops of oil directly onto a stain or add a few drops of oil to your washing machine with your washing powder.

Are essential oils flammable?

It's important to understand that essential oils are highly flammable, which limits the amount we can safely use. While we strive to create wonderfully scented candles, our primary responsibility is to ensure they are safe to burn.

How to make laundry smell good?

How Can You Make Your Laundry Smell Good?
  1. Deodorize With Baking Soda.
  2. Clean Your Washing Machine.
  3. Do Smaller Loads of Laundry.
  4. Use Scent Boosters.
  5. Choose the Right Detergent.
  6. Pre-Treat Any Stains.
  7. Don't Let Wet Clothes Sit.
  8. Try Scented Dryer Balls.

Can you put essential oil on dryer sheets?

Essential oils are flammable. Do not add essential oils to dryer sheets.

Is homemade laundry detergent safe for washers?

DIY cleaning solutions might seem like a step toward cost-effective, sustainable living, but this approach may fall short when it comes to laundry care. In fact, homemade laundry detergent can ruin clothing, pose environmental and health risks, and even damage your washing machine, among other consequences.

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.

How many drops of essential oil in laundry detergent?

Mix with Laundry Detergent: When adding detergent, you can mix in 4 to 5 drops of an essential oil of your choosing for a long-lasting aroma. However, it's important not to use too much as this could cause staining or discoloration of fabrics.

What is the most natural laundry detergent?

The best non-toxic laundry detergent is one that delivers cleanliness to your clothes while ensuring safety and sustainability.
  • NaturOli* (Our Top Pick)
  • Truly Free*
  • Ecos Free & Clear*
  • Meliora Unscented Powder Detergent*
  • Molly's Suds*
  • Aspen*
  • ATTITUDE*
  • Clean Cult*

What essential oils are best for clothes washing?

Lavender oil, lemon oil, and tea tree oil are the cool kids on the block when it comes to adding freshness to your laundry. Say goodbye to synthetic fragrances and hello to clothes that smell clean and vibrant.

Can I drop essential oil into a candle?

You can use either essential oils or fragrance oils in your candles. Some people prefer the stronger scents of fragrance oils, or they may want to use a scent that can't be found in natural products. Others value the natural scents and benefits of essential oils.

How not to use essential oils?

Do not apply undiluted essential oils to your skin. It's that simple. The most common adverse reaction, experienced by hundreds, possibly thousands of people every year, is a skin reaction, and the most common cause is using an undiluted essential oil.

Can you put essential oils in a load of laundry?

Simply add five to 10 drops of your chosen essential oil to half a cup of unscented laundry detergent, fabric softener, or white vinegar, and add it to your machine as usual. When using essential oils in your laundry, Morse recommends setting your machine to wash on cold or the “eco warm” setting rather than hot.

How much essential oil to put in homemade laundry detergent?

30-40 drops is recommended, but you can really add as much (or little) as you'd like. If you are using scented castile soap bars, you really don't need to add essential oils as well.

What is the best natural fabric softener?

  • Vinegar. ...
  • Baking Soda. ...
  • Bentonite. ...
  • Essential Oils. ...
  • DIY Liquid Softener. ...
  • DIY Fabric Softener Dryer Sheets. ...
  • Dryer Balls. ...
  • Tennis Balls. If you don't have or can't find dryer balls, tennis balls can be a good alternative, especially if you already have some lying around.

Can I add essential oils to my unscented laundry detergent?

Add Essential Oils to Your Laundry Detergent

Before starting the wash, add a few drops of your chosen essential oil to your laundry detergent. Ensure that your detergent is in liquid form and is unscented, allowing for easy dilution of the essential oils.

Can essential oils damage clothes?

While they offer numerous benefits, they can also contain compounds that possess pigment or staining properties. When essential oils come into contact with fabric, these pigments can transfer onto the fibers, resulting in stains that may be challenging to remove.

Are dryer balls bad for your dryer?

It's a bit disconcerting at first, but keep in mind that wool dryer balls are very light and soft. They're bouncing around in there, but it's unlikely that they're causing any damage.

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