Scented laundry detergents can be overpowering and full of chemicals. If you’re looking for a natural way to add a pleasant aroma to your clothes, essential oils might be the answer. Adding a few drops can leave your laundry smelling fresh and clean without the artificial fragrances. I’ve been experimenting with different oils for a while now, and I’ve found some clear winners. So, let’s dive into my top picks for the best essential oils to use in your laundry routine.
Product Overview / Quick Summary
- doTERRA Lemon Essential Oil: Great for brightening clothes and a fresh, clean scent.
- Plant Therapy Lavender Essential Oil: Perfect for a relaxing and calming scent on linens and bedding.
- NOW Eucalyptus Essential Oil: Ideal for freshening gym clothes and providing a powerful, clean aroma.
- Puritan’s Pride Tea Tree Oil: Excellent for its antibacterial properties, especially good for towels and workout gear.
- Anjou Sweet Orange Essential Oil: Wonderful for adding a cheerful and uplifting scent to your everyday clothes.
Top 5 Best Essential Oils for Laundry
1. doTERRA Lemon Essential Oil
doTERRA Lemon Essential Oil is a popular choice for its uplifting scent and powerful cleaning properties. It’s known for its ability to remove stains and brighten fabrics, leaving your laundry smelling incredibly fresh. Plus, it’s a natural degreaser, so it can help with oily stains too.
Pros:
- ✅ Bright, clean scent that isn’t overpowering.
- ✅ Effective at removing stains and brightening clothes.
- ✅ Natural degreaser.
Cons:
- ❌ Can be a bit pricey compared to other brands.
- ❌ The strong citrus scent might not be for everyone.
- ❌ Needs to be diluted properly to avoid fabric discoloration (though this is rare).
Verdict: This oil is fantastic if you want a powerful clean and a vibrant, energizing scent. It’s especially good for whites and light-colored fabrics.
2. Plant Therapy Lavender Essential Oil
Plant Therapy Lavender Essential Oil is perfect if you’re looking for a calming and soothing scent for your laundry. It’s well-known for its relaxing properties and is a great addition to bedding, towels, and baby clothes. The scent is gentle and comforting, making it a popular choice for those with sensitive noses.
Pros:
- ✅ Relaxing and calming scent.
- ✅ Gentle enough for baby clothes and sensitive skin.
- ✅ Helps create a peaceful atmosphere.
Cons:
- ❌ The scent might be too subtle for some.
- ❌ Not as effective for stain removal as other oils.
- ❌ Can sometimes be a bit floral for those who prefer cleaner scents.
Verdict: If you want your laundry to smell like a spa day, this is the oil for you. It’s ideal for creating a calming environment with your linens and clothing.
3. NOW Eucalyptus Essential Oil
NOW Eucalyptus Essential Oil is a powerful and invigorating option that’s excellent for freshening up gym clothes, towels, and anything that needs a little extra deodorizing. Its strong, clean scent can help eliminate odors and leave your laundry smelling incredibly fresh. It also has antibacterial properties, which is a bonus.
Pros:
- ✅ Strong, clean scent that eliminates odors.
- ✅ Antibacterial properties.
- ✅ Great for gym clothes and towels.
Cons:
- ❌ The scent can be overpowering if used in excess.
- ❌ Not everyone enjoys the medicinal aroma.
- ❌ May not be suitable for very delicate fabrics.
Verdict: This is the go-to oil if you need serious odor control. It’s perfect for activewear and items that need a deep clean and a powerful scent boost.
4. Puritan’s Pride Tea Tree Oil
Puritan’s Pride Tea Tree Oil is renowned for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. It’s a fantastic addition to your laundry routine, especially for items like towels, washcloths, and workout gear. It helps kill bacteria and prevent mold growth, keeping your laundry fresh and hygienic. I use this one all the time for my kids’ sports uniforms!
Pros:
- ✅ Powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties.
- ✅ Helps prevent mold and mildew.
- ✅ Great for towels and workout clothes.
Cons:
- ❌ The scent can be medicinal and strong.
- ❌ Some people find the aroma unpleasant.
- ❌ Should be used sparingly to avoid overpowering the laundry.
Verdict: This is an excellent choice for anyone prioritizing hygiene and cleanliness in their laundry. It’s especially beneficial for those with sensitive skin or allergies.
5. Anjou Sweet Orange Essential Oil
Anjou Sweet Orange Essential Oil offers a cheerful and uplifting scent that can brighten your day. It’s a great addition to your laundry if you want your clothes to have a light, citrusy aroma. The sweet, fruity scent is energizing and can help improve your mood, making it perfect for everyday clothes and linens.
Pros:
- ✅ Cheerful and uplifting scent.
- ✅ Adds a light, citrusy aroma to clothes.
- ✅ Helps improve mood.
Cons:
- ❌ The scent may fade quickly after washing.
- ❌ Not as effective for stain removal as lemon oil.
- ❌ Some might find the sweetness a bit too much.
Verdict: If you want your laundry to smell happy and bright, this is a great option. It’s perfect for adding a touch of sunshine to your everyday clothing.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right essential oil for your laundry depends on a few factors. Think about what kind of scent you prefer, what properties you need (like stain removal or antibacterial), and what fabrics you’ll be using the oil on. Here are some tips:
- Consider the Scent: Do you prefer floral, citrusy, or woodsy scents? Choose oils that match your personal preference.
- Check the Properties: Some oils have antibacterial properties, while others are better for stain removal or relaxation.
- Fabric Compatibility: Be cautious with delicate fabrics. Always dilute essential oils properly to avoid staining or damage.
- Purity: Look for 100% pure essential oils from reputable brands to ensure you’re getting a high-quality product.
- Dilution is Key: Never pour essential oils directly onto your clothes. Add a few drops to your detergent or mix with water in the fabric softener dispenser.
FAQs
Q: How many drops of essential oil should I use per load of laundry?
A: Start with 5-10 drops per load. You can adjust the amount based on your preference and the strength of the oil.
Q: Can I put essential oils directly into the washing machine?
A: It’s best to dilute essential oils before adding them to the washing machine. Mix them with your detergent or water to avoid staining.
Q: Are essential oils safe for all types of fabrics?
A: Most essential oils are safe for use on most fabrics, but it’s always a good idea to do a spot test first, especially on delicate materials.
Q: Will essential oils help with stains?
A: Some essential oils, like lemon, have stain-removing properties. However, they may not be as effective as dedicated stain removers.
Q: Can I use essential oils in the dryer?
A: It is not recommended to put essential oils directly into the dryer. The heat can alter the scent and potentially damage the dryer. Instead, use dryer balls with a few drops of essential oil added to them.
Conclusion
Using essential oils in your laundry is a simple way to add natural fragrance and beneficial properties to your clothes. Whether you’re looking for a calming scent, antibacterial power, or stain-removing abilities, there’s an essential oil out there for you. Experiment with different oils to find your perfect laundry scent and enjoy the fresh, clean aroma of naturally scented clothes. I hope this guide helps you make the best choice for your needs!
This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click on a link and buy a product, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
