Is it OK to put essential oils on clothes?

Author: Sean Ferry  |  Last update: Monday, June 22, 2026

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.

Are essential oils safe to use on clothes?

All essential oils with a pleasant smell can be added to laundry or cleaning products. However, it's up to you to choose the essential oil that works best for you. Lemon essential oil is a suitable ingredient for natural homemade cleaning products. It has a citrusy smell and also makes your home smell good.

Can I put essential oils in my 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 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.

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).

Top 3 Tips When Using Essential Oils For Laundry

Can I put essential oils on fabric?

To extend the freshness of your laundry without washing it every time, lightly spritz your clothes or linens with a diluted essential oil-water mixture. This is especially handy for items like bathrobes and bath linens that may not need washing after every single use but could benefit from a little refreshing.

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!

Can you put essential oils on dryer sheets?

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

How to use essential oils to deodorize?

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 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 do you make laundry smell good with essential oils?

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.

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

We usually recommend using 2-10 drops of essential oil per wash, depending on your personal preference and the size of your wash. Some essential oils, such as tea tree oil and lavender oil, are also known for their cleansing properties, so they can be particularly effective for washing sportswear and bed linen.

What are the best smelling essential oils?

CITRUS ESSENTIAL OILS

Oftentimes, it is the uplifting, energizing, and cheerful essential oils that are regarded as the best smelling. Citrus essential oils — orange, lemon, grapefruit, lime, mandarin, etc. — are among these widely regarded favorites.

Where do you put essential oils in laundry?

Add a few drops of essential oil to your unscented laundry detergent before starting your wash. This way, your clothes get cleaned and scented all at once. Just be sure to use oils that are safe for fabrics. While adding oils in laundry detergent works, we prefer adding them to the dryer even more.

Which essential oil is best for clothes?

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.

Do diluted essential oils stain clothes?

Can essential oils stain clothes? The answer is yes, because whether diluted or undiluted – they can leave stains and marks on clothes in some cases. However, there is some action you can take to potentially remove or lighten the stain on your clothing before they become permanent.

What essential oil is the best odor eliminator?

Some of the most popular essential oils for odor control are as follows: lemon, lemongrass, rosemary, lavender, tea tree, and orange. You can choose one, or create your own unique blend using your favorite oils!

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.

Where to put essential oils to make a house smell good?

A popular way to use essential oils to scent a room is to use a reed diffuser. The oils are absorbed through small channels, with the aroma dispersed into the air once the oil reaches the end of each reed.

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.

Does lavender dryer sheets repel bed bugs?

Again, dryer sheets often contain linalool, which is derived from lavender and other flowers, and beta-citronellol, which comes from citronella. These compounds do have some insect-repelling properties. However, the concentration in dryer sheets may not be strong enough to be truly effective.

Can you put essential oil in a 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.

How many drops of essential oil in laundry?

You don't want to put essential oils directly into your laundry without diluting them first. “Mix 10 to 20 drops of your favorite essential oil with half a cup of white vinegar or unscented laundry detergent,” says Maria Mooney, Truly Free's brand director and cleaning expert.

How to use essential oils in a wardrobe?

Unscrew the lid of the essential oil and place the stick into the opening. Then put the Essential Oil into the Wooden Diffuser Cup and hang it in your wardrobe or on the black of a door handle or hook and it will release its aroma and repel carpet moths for approximately 4-6 months.

Previous article
What is the name of the boards that frame the roof?
Next article
Is hydrogen peroxide a rooting agent?