What is a good alternative to scent boosters in the wash?

Author: Rhianna Kilback  |  Last update: Wednesday, May 27, 2026

In a mixing bowl or directly in a glass jar, add epsom salt (or rock salt), baking soda and the essential oils of your choice and mix thoroughly. Store in an airtight container (for up to a year). Use anywhere from 2 tablespoons to 1/4 cup in loads of laundry that are little more stinky.

What can you use instead of scent boosters?

Baking soda is powerful in removing odors in many applications, including from laundry. Lastly, I add essential to help scent my laundry. As a bonus, both epsom salt and baking soda work to leave laundry looking brighter.

How to make your own scent boosters for laundry?

We also recommend a clean apron and workspace.
  1. Add Epsom Salt and Fragrance Oil to large mixing bowl and mix well.
  2. Add Baking Soda to the salt mixture. ...
  3. Turn iron or flat iron on to medium heat.
  4. Fill each heat seal packet with 1.65 oz of mixture.

How can I make my laundry smell good without scent beads?

Lavender, lemon, orange, lemongrass, and eucalyptus are excellent options for a homemade laundry scent. Combine a quart of white vinegar with 30 – 40 drops of the essential oil you've selected. This mixture will be your natural laundry freshener.

Can scent boosters mess up the washing machine?

Using scent boosters or scent packs generally does not damage your washer or clothes when used as directed. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

What to Use Instead of Fabric Softener

Are scent boosters just fabric softener?

Laundry scent boosters and fabric softeners are not the same thing. Scent boosters give your clothes a stronger, longer-lasting scent after washing, whereas fabric softeners coat fibers to help soften clothes and reduce static cling on garments. Scent boosters do not leave residue on clothes.

How do I make my 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.

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 put anything in the dryer to make clothes smell good?

Although dryer sheets are a quick, disposable, and effective way to reduce static and add some fragrance to your laundry, wool dryer balls are a more eco-friendly option that works just as well. Best of all, they're great for adding your preferred scent using natural essential oils to keep laundry smelling good.

How to make a laundry washer smell better?

Easy Tips to Keep Your Washer Smelling Great
  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 does borax do for laundry?

Whether added to soap or detergents, the benefits of borax for laundry are: Improving cleaning action by aiding in the emulsification of oils and oil dispersion. Preventing dirt from redepositing by increasing particulate surface charge so that soils and cloth repel each other.

What is the best smelling laundry detergent?

Our top picks for the best-smelling laundry detergents of 2025
  • Best Overall. The Laundress Signature Detergent Classic. Read more.
  • Coolest Laundry Care Brand. Dedcool Dedtergent Xtra Milk. Read more.
  • Best Woody Scent. Snif Rain Check Everything Wash. Read more.

Can I add baking soda to my laundry?

You can add baking soda to your laundry routine to brighten clothing and neutralize odors. Or, make a paste to use as a gentle abrasive to help break up tough soils like makeup, crayon and and ink.

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 can you put on dryer balls to make clothes smell good?

Begin with 2-3 drops of essential oil per dryer ball. This should give your laundry a light, fresh scent.

Why don't my clothes smell good after washing?

There can be many reasons why your laundry isn't smelling fresh. Musty odours can result from various factors, including insufficient drying, overloading the washing machine, or using too little detergent. Ensuring proper washing and drying techniques and regular machine maintenance can help achieve a fresh scent.

How to make your closet smell good?

Use a strong natural cleaner like vinegar (diluted with water) to cleanse surfaces, like shelves and walls. For extra odor-eliminating punch, wet a cloth with Laundry Booster and wipe down surfaces. Vacuum or sweep out the bottom of your closet.

What is a good alternative to laundry scent boosters?

4-5 cups coarse salt – Sea salt, kosher, or Epsom salt are the best type of salt. The salt works as a carrier to carry the essential oil (the scent) to your laundry and also softens laundry (particularly important if you have hard water). I buy a 3lb box of coarse salt from Costco or the grocery store for about $3-4.

How do people get their laundry to smell so good?

Using Fabric Softener:

Fabric softeners are specially designed to add a soft, pleasant scent to your clothes while reducing static and making them feel cozy. Simply add fabric softener to your laundry during the rinse cycle and let it work its magic.

Is it better to use vinegar or baking soda in laundry?

Baking soda and vinegar are the most common natural ingredients used in laundry for their cleaning and deodorizing properties. Baking soda is good at lifting stains and eliminating odors, while vinegar acts as a natural softener of fabric and makes clothes brighter.

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.

Do dryer sheets make your clothes smell good?

Yes, scented dryer sheets do make laundry smell better, though they can't camouflage the odor of stinky, sweaty clothes or towels. That has to be tackled in the washing machine with detergent.

What is the best product to get smell out of laundry?

Overall, if you're looking for an effective laundry odor remover that's free and clear and can break down the toughest stains, Dirty Labs Bio Enzyme Laundry Booster is an excellent pick.

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