How can I make my laundry smell good without chemicals?

Author: Scot Krajcik  |  Last update: Friday, December 5, 2025

Hang your laundry outside in the sun for a natural, fresh scent and to use the sun's bleaching properties on white clothing. Make a homemade fabric softener with essential oils like lavender or lemon by mixing them with vinegar, which leaves clothes smelling great without chemicals.

What is the best natural odor eliminator for laundry?

Adding half a cup or so of white distilled vinegar (while running through a regular wash cycle) can make all the difference by eliminating smells like body odor from laundry detergent buildup. It also leaves behind no scent as standard fabric softeners do!

How do I get my laundry to smell really good?

Baking Soda: Adding half a cup of baking soda to your wash can help neutralize odors and enhance the scent of your detergent. White Vinegar: Adding a cup of white vinegar during the rinse cycle can help remove odors and leave clothes smelling fresh.

How to add natural scent to laundry detergent?

The second way is making a natural ``scent booster'', instead of those ones that are expensive and filled with chemicals. Use 1 cup of epsom salt to 15--20 drops of oil and that's it! All you need to do is add a tablespoon of this to your laundry in your washing machine and you're done.

How can I deodorize my laundry?

Vinegar: Add one cup of vinegar to a bucket of cold water and soak your smelly clothes for up to 30 minutes. Baking Soda: Add one cup of baking soda to your wash load with your detergent and wash in cold water. Lemon Juice: Squeeze the juice of one lemon into your wash load to extinguish odor-causing bacteria.

Make Your Laundry Smell Great without Harsh Chemicals

Is vinegar or baking soda better for smelly laundry?

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and a fine abrasive, which makes it excellent at scrubbing as well as absorbing odours. As a mild acid, vinegar is able to dissolve mineral deposits, dirt, grease, and grime.

Why do my clothes still smell of bo after washing?

Over time, detergents and fabric softeners can accumulate inside the washing machine, especially if too much is used or if it's not suitable for your specific machine. This buildup can trap odors and foster bacteria and mold growth, which in turn can leave clothes smelling less than fresh.

How to make laundry smell nice without chemicals?

How To Make Laundry Smell Good Naturally Without Chemicals
  1. Key Takeaways. ...
  2. Hang Laundry Outside to Air Dry in the Sun. ...
  3. Create Homemade Fabric Softener with Essential Oils. ...
  4. Add a Few Drops of Lavender Oil to Each Load. ...
  5. Use Dryer Balls Infused With Scented Oils. ...
  6. Line-dry Clothes With Fragrant Herbs. ...
  7. Properly Store Laundry.

What does borax do for laundry?

Borax is often confused with other cleaning agents, but it stands out due to its ability to soften water, neutralize odors, and enhance the cleaning power of regular laundry detergents. The combination of these properties makes borax a go-to solution for many households looking to elevate their laundry game.

How to make your washing machine smell nice?

Here are some simple, practical steps to keep odors away for good:
  1. Use the right amount of detergent. ...
  2. Leave the washer door open after every load. ...
  3. Wipe the gasket and drum dry once you're finished. ...
  4. Run a cleaning cycle every month with hot water and vinegar or a store-bought washer cleaner. ...
  5. Skip fabric softener.

What additive makes laundry smell good?

Vinegar, particularly distilled white vinegar, is an excellent natural fabric softener and deodorizer. Add a cup of vinegar to your machine during the rinse cycle instead of fabric softener to remove odors and leave your laundry smelling fresh.

What does vinegar do for laundry?

By adding vinegar to your laundry, you can remove tough stains, eliminate odors, and even soften your clothes. It's a safe and effective way to boost the cleaning power of your detergent while also being eco-friendly. So go ahead and add some vinegar to your next load of laundry for cleaner, fresher-smelling clothes.

How do people get their laundry 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 mix baking soda and laundry detergent?

To help whiten white and light-colored items like clothing, sheets and towels, you can use baking soda instead of bleach for a natural laundry boost. Adding baking soda along with your detergent can also help brighten colorful fabrics and may prevent white garments from yellowing.

How do the Amish make laundry soap?

Amish Laundry Soap Recipe
  1. ½ cup washing soda (Arm and Hammer works)
  2. 1 ½ cup of Borax.
  3. 1 Bar of Fels Naptha Soap.
  4. 5-Gallon bucket completely cleaned out.
  5. Stove pot.
  6. Medium bowl.

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 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 best homemade air freshener?

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. Then funnel the water into your spray bottle.

What is the best natural laundry deodorizer?

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and brightener, and it's probably already in your pantry. To make your laundry detergent work harder, add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the rinse cycle of your washing machine.

Can you make your own laundry scent booster?

My recipe for DIY Fabric Softener and Scent Booster is beyond simple. All you need to make this is epsom salts, baking soda, and essential oils. Not only are the ingredients effective, but they are also super inexpensive.

How do I get rid of Bo smell permanently?

The following suggestions may help:
  1. Bathe daily. Regular bathing, especially with an antibacterial soap, reduces the growth of bacteria on your skin.
  2. Choose clothing to suit your activity. For daily wear, choose natural fabrics, such as cotton, wool and silk. ...
  3. Try relaxation techniques. ...
  4. Change your diet.

What are the side effects of baking soda as deodorant?

Additionally, many people aren't aware they have a sensitivity to baking soda until after it's been applied to the skin! This increases the risk of rashes, burning and redness in the underarm area when using a traditional or natural deodorant that includes baking soda as an ingredient.

Previous article
Which bait works best for a homemade fly trap?
Next article
Why do my freshly painted walls look streaky?