Can you use essential oils on fabric?

Author: Prof. Cooper VonRueden III  |  Last update: Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Consider Your Fabrics For delicate items or those that come into direct contact with your skin (think undergarments), opt for milder oils like bergamot or tea tree. Meanwhile, tougher, more durable fabrics like your favorite Waffle Bath Sheets can handle stronger scents like eucalyptus or peppermint.

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).

Can you use essential oils as fabric freshener?

These oils will be labeled for their cleansing properties and will be a great addition to your homemade fabric refresher with essential oils. Most will have a combination of oils including Lemon, Lime, Fir, Pine, Melaleuca (Tea Tree) and more.

Can I put essential oils on my couch?

Janille Mangat at VMAP Cleaning Services suggests, 'Create a DIY fabric spray by mixing water and your favorite essential oils in a spray bottle. Start with a few drops of essential oil and adjust the strength of the scent according to your preference. Mist the upholstery lightly and allow it to air dry. '

How do I make my clothes smell good with essential oils?

Prepare your cloth: Dampen a clean, cotton cloth with water. 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.

What to Use Instead of Fabric Softener

Is it OK to put essential oils on clothes?

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 do people get their clothes to smell so good?

If you are looking for your laundry to smell extra nice, putting it on the soak cycle can help. You can pre-soak your clothes in a solution of water and vinegar. The vinegar will help to remove any lingering odors from your clothes, and the water will help to dilute the vinegar so that it is not too strong.

Can you put essential oils on your pillowcase?

Add to your surfaces

Essential oils can give your pillowcases, sheets or clothes a calming, soothing scent. Simply drop the oil onto a tissue and then brush the tissue over the clothes or linens. Or drop oils onto a wool dryer ball before tossing it in the dryer with your clothes.

How do you use essential oils as a room deodorizer?

Add about 25 drops of your favorite essential oil to 2 tablespoons of baking soda and stir to combine. Lemon and lavender are great choices, but eucalyptus is my favorite because of the refreshing scent. Pour the baking soda and essential oil mix into the water and stir.

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.

How to make essential oil fabric spray?

DIY Scented Fabric Freshener Spray
  1. 1 ½ cups warm water.
  2. ½ cup rubbing alcohol.
  3. 10-20 drops essential oils.
  4. 1 tsp vegetable glycerin.
  5. ¼ cup baking soda.

How do you use essential oils instead of fabric softener?

This naturally-scented fabric softener is easy to make, low cost and biodegradable, and will leave your laundry soft and fresh. Directions: Mix together 2 cups of Epsom salt and 20-30 drops of your favourite essential oil. Stir in the essential oil before mixing in ½ cup baking soda.

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.

When should you throw away essential oils?

DO Toss Out Older Oils. In general, don't keep them more than 3 years. Older oils are more likely to be spoiled because of exposure to oxygen.

Can you put essential oils on your mattress?

Consider adding a few drops of essential oil, such as lavender or eucalyptus, to help mask any unpleasant odours. Apply it to the surface of your mattress using a spray bottle, and allow it to air-dry fully.

Can I put essential oils on my 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 deodorize a house with essential oils?

One of the easiest methods is using a diffuser to spread the scent of essential oils throughout a room, providing a consistent, pleasant fragrance that helps combat lingering odors. Another option is to create your own DIY air freshener by mixing a few drops of your favorite essential oil with water in a spray bottle.

What oils should you not diffuse?

Care should be taken with the following essential oils as they can be very irritating to the eyes, nose and throat: basil, Ceylon cinnamon, tarragon, wintergreen, clove, helichrysum, peppermint, compact oregano, mountain savory and thyme with thymol.

Can you put essential oils directly on clothes?

In fact, lemon essential oil is known being a natural stain remover. It can be used to remove stains on everything from hard surfaces to fabrics. Simply use it as a laundry pre-treatment by rubbing it directly into the stain, then wash your clothes as usual.

How many drops of essential oil should you put on a pillow?

How Many Drops of Lavender Oil on Pillow? The amount of lavender oil to use depends on personal preference, but in general: 1-2 Drops: Ideal for light, subtle scents. 2-3 Drops: Perfect for noticeable but not overwhelming aroma.

What essential oils should you avoid before bed?

Essential Oils to Avoid for Sleep
  • Petitgrain essential oil increased alertness and attentiveness in a study on work performance and stress. ...
  • Rosemary had a stimulating effect in a study looking at its impact on the body. ...
  • Sandalwood oil inhalation was found to raise pulse and blood pressure.

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!

How do people smell so good all day?

It may seem obvious, but regular showers are the best way to remove bacteria, excess oil, and body odor from your skin. Use a good-smelling body wash to wash away any odor and leave a lasting scent on your skin. When you're done showering, give yourself time to cool down and dry off before getting dressed.

How to make your house smell like laundry detergent?

This trick could not be easier. Fill a spray bottle with warm water and a spoonful of detergent like this one from Target. Shake and spray. 'It's a cheap, effective air freshener,' she explains.

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