Essential Oils
Can You Put Essential Oils In Washing Machine
Sep
Are you wondering if adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the washing machine can safely enhance the scent of your laundry? It's true, essential oils have been proven to lend natural fragrances and additional benefits like antibacterial properties.
This article aims to guide you through how correctly incorporating essential oils in your laundry routine could potentially elevate it from a mundane task to an aromatherapy experience.
So, let’s dive into making wash day a more refreshing and relaxing affair!
Key Takeaways
- Adding essential oils to your washing machine can be safe if precautions are taken, such as diluting the oil and using moderation.
- Essential oils offer natural fragrance, antibacterial properties, and aromatherapy benefits when used in laundry.
- The pre-wash method and in-wash method are effective ways to incorporate essential oils into your laundry routine. Additionally, you can use dryer sheets or make homemade scent boosters for added fragrance.
Related Links
Can You Put Essential Oils In Washing Machine
Is it Safe to Put Essential Oils in the Washing Machine?
Putting essential oils in the washing machine can be safe if certain precautions are taken.
Addressing flammability concerns
Essential oils are known for their flammability, which can potentially lead to dangerous situations when used carelessly in laundry. Many people add essential oils directly to their clothes before tossing them into the dryer; however, this could pose a fire risk due to the high heat involved in drying clothes.
There's also the issue of using too much oil, which intensifies the risk of a fire outbreak because excessive oil may not properly dilute during washing or drying. The key to safely utilizing these scents is moderation and proper usage techniques.
It's advisable to thoroughly dilute your preferred essential oils before adding them into your washing machine or onto dryer sheets. This will help mitigate any significant risks associated with their flammable nature while still providing that desired fresh scent in your laundry.
Ensuring proper dilution
One essential step in using essential oils for laundry is ensuring proper dilution. Essential oils are potent and can lead to skin irritation if not used correctly. You should always aim to dilute the oil before adding it directly to your laundry load.
The amount of essential oil you add will depend on the size of your laundry load, but as a rule of thumb, few drops are typically enough.
Dilution also helps disperse the fragrance more evenly throughout your clothes. To effectively dilute an essential oil, mix it with unscented detergent or a homemade fabric softener using essential oils rather than adding the oil directly into the washing machine's drum.
With this method, you'll make sure every item gets touched by the scented solution for that fresh aroma without any risk of damage or irritation.
Selecting safe essential oils
Always opt for pure and high-quality essential oils. These offer the best scent experience without any potential harm or damage. Lavender, lemon, eucalyptus, tea tree and peppermint are among the popular essentials oils for laundry use.
Consult trusted sources before making a choice, as some oils can be flammable if not used correctly. Consider factors such as the oil's concentration and properties when choosing which to add to your washing machine or dryer.
It’s also wise to test them on a small piece of fabric first before using in a full laundry load.
Benefits of Using Essential Oils in Laundry
Using essential oils in laundry offers a range of benefits, including natural fragrance, antibacterial properties, and aromatherapy benefits.
Natural fragrance
Peppermint, rosemary, lemon, basil, and lavender essential oils are popular choices for adding a natural fragrance to your laundry. These oils make your clothes smell pleasant and offer additional benefits such as antibacterial properties and aromatherapy benefits.
For a fresh and clean scent, tea tree (melaleuca) essential oil is another great option. Simply add a few drops of your preferred essential oil to the washing machine or dryer to infuse your laundry with a delightful aroma.
Antibacterial properties
Certain essential oils have been shown to possess antibacterial properties, making them a beneficial addition to your laundry routine. Oils like spearmint, peppermint, rosemary, tea tree, lavender, thyme, cajuput, and cinnamon have demonstrated the ability to kill bacteria and fight viruses.
Adding these essential oils to your washing machine or dryer during the laundry process can help disinfect your clothes and promote cleanliness. Not only will your clothes smell fresh and clean after using these oils in your laundry routine, but they will also benefit from their natural antibacterial properties.
Aromatherapy benefits
Using essential oils in your laundry can provide numerous aromatherapy benefits. The soothing scents of essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, and chamomile can create a calming and relaxing environment while you fold your freshly washed clothes.
These fragrances have been known to reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of tranquility throughout your day. By infusing your laundry with the natural aromas of essential oils, you not only enhance the scent of your clothes but also enjoy their therapeutic effects.
So go ahead and add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to elevate your laundry experience to new heights.
How to Add Essential Oils to Your Laundry
To add essential oils to your laundry, you can try the pre-wash method by adding a few drops to your detergent or in-wash method by putting them directly on your clothes. Want to learn more? Read on!
Pre-wash method
The pre-wash method is a simple and effective way to add essential oils to your laundry routine. Mix two or three drops of your preferred essential oil with unscented laundry detergent in a bottle to use this method.
Shake the mixture well before adding it to your washing machine along with your clothes. The amount of essential oil can be adjusted based on how strong you want the scent to be. Lavender and peppermint are popular choices for adding a fresh scent to your laundry.
This method is safe and will not cause any damage to your washing machine. So go ahead and give it a try for naturally scented, aromatic clothes!
In-wash method
To use the in-wash method, add 20-30 drops of your preferred essential oil directly into the washing machine along with your laundry load. Start with around 10 drops and adjust the quantity based on how strong you want the scent to be.
This method allows the essential oils to infuse with your clothes during the wash cycle, leaving them smelling fresh and fragrant. Choose high-quality essential oils and dilute them properly before adding them to your laundry.
You can also add essential oils to laundry balls or vinegar for additional scent and cleaning benefits.
In addition, consider using popular essential oils like lavender, lemon, eucalyptus, tea tree, or peppermint for a delightful aroma in your freshly washed clothes. These oils provide a natural fragrance and offer antibacterial properties and aromatherapy benefits.
Dryer sheet method
The dryer sheet method is a popular way to add essential oils to your laundry. Simply add a few drops of your preferred essential oil onto a dryer sheet or wool ball and toss it in the dryer with your clothes.
As the heat circulates, it will release the fragrance from the essential oil, leaving your laundry smelling fresh and aromatic. Many people have successfully used this method without any issues.
However, it's important to exercise caution when using essential oils in the dryer, as they can be flammable. Follow safety guidelines and never add undiluted essential oils directly onto fabrics or dryer balls.
Homemade laundry scent boosters
Homemade laundry scent boosters are a fantastic way to add a natural fragrance to your laundry. You can create these boosters by combining essential oils, epsom salts, and baking soda.
To make them, mix the essential oils with epsom salts before adding the baking soda. This mixture can then be stored in a glass container for later use. When it's time to do your laundry, add these homemade scent boosters during the washing process for beautifully scented clothes.
The best part is that you can experiment with different essential oil combinations to create unique scents that suit your preferences. So go ahead and elevate your laundry game with these easy-to-make homemade scent boosters!
Best Essential Oils for Laundry
Lavender, lemon, eucalyptus, tea tree, and peppermint are some of the best essential oils for laundry.
Lavender
Lavender is considered one of the best essential oils for laundry. It is a popular choice among aromatherapy enthusiasts and is commonly used in laundry and cleaning products. Lavender essential oil not only adds a pleasant fragrance to your laundry but also has antimicrobial properties that can disinfect clothes.
So, when you use lavender in your laundry routine, you can enjoy the benefits of both its calming scent and its ability to keep your clothes fresh and clean.
Lemon
Lemon essential oil is a popular choice when it comes to using essential oils in laundry. Not only does it have a refreshing citrusy smell that can make your clothes and home smell good, but lemon oil also has practical benefits for your laundry routine.
With its high vitamin C content, lemon oil is effective at removing stains and whitening whites. It also has antifungal and antiseptic properties, making it a valuable addition to laundry detergents.
In addition to its cleaning abilities, the uplifting fragrance of lemon essential oil can promote clear thinking and create a positive atmosphere while doing laundry. So, if you're looking to enhance your laundry experience with aromatherapy benefits, consider adding a few drops of lemon essential oil to your washing machine or dryer.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is considered one of the best essential oils for laundry. With its refreshing and invigorating scent, eucalyptus can be used to wash sheets, blankets, and towels. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to your laundry can help eliminate odors and leave your fabrics smelling fresh and clean.
It provides a natural fragrance boost, and eucalyptus also has antibacterial properties that can help disinfect your laundry. Additionally, the aroma of eucalyptus can provide aromatherapy benefits by promoting relaxation and a sense of calmness.
So why not upgrade your laundry routine with the delightful scent of eucalyptus?.
Tea tree
Tea tree oil is a popular choice for adding to laundry due to its antimicrobial properties. It is known for its antibacterial properties and ability to fight viruses and germs. This makes it an ideal natural disinfectant for sanitizing items in the laundry.
In addition to its cleaning abilities, tea tree oil can also add a fresh and clean fragrance to your laundry. Its powerful scent helps remove odors from clothes effectively, leaving them fresh and revitalized.
Whether you're looking for a way to eliminate bacteria or want your laundry to smell great, tea tree oil is a fantastic option to consider.
Peppermint
Peppermint is considered one of the best essential oils for laundry. It has a refreshing scent that adds a pleasant aroma to your clothes. Not only does peppermint make your laundry smell great, but it also has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
This means that it can help kill bacteria and keep your clothes clean and fresh. You can use peppermint essential oil in different ways, such as adding a few drops to your washing machine or using it in the dryer to add a fresh scent to your clothes.
Its antimicrobial properties also aid in disinfecting your clothes, making them feel extra clean.
Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon essential oil has several health benefits including: supporting the immune system, alleviating stress and reducing insomnia.
Vivorific’s peppermint essential oil is: 100% Pure and natural, free from fillers, additives and harmful chemicals, vegan and kosher certified and sealed with tamper evident closure and Euro style dropper cap.
General Precautions When Using Essential Oils
Patch testing should always be done before using essential oils, and they should be properly stored to avoid any accidents or misuse.
Patch testing
Patch testing is a crucial step in using essential oils safely. It helps determine if you have any allergies or sensitivities to specific oils. To perform a patch test, dilute a small amount of the essential oil and apply it to your inner elbow.
Wait 24-48 hours and check for any adverse reactions such as redness, itching, or irritation. This simple test can help prevent allergic contact dermatitis and ensure you can enjoy essential oils' benefits without any negative side effects.
Proper storage
To ensure the longevity and effectiveness of your essential oils, it's important to store them properly. Keep them in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
This will help prevent the oils from being exposed to any outside elements that could degrade their quality. You can freeze essential oils if needed, but allow them to thaw naturally before using them again.
Remember to keep these oils out of reach from children and avoid applying them directly onto your skin without proper dilution or guidance. By following these simple storage guidelines, you'll be able to enjoy the benefits of your essential oils for a more extended period of time.
Avoiding contact with eyes
It's important to exercise caution when using essential oils and avoid direct contact with the eyes. Diluted essential oils can sting and cause discomfort if they get in your eyes.
Accidentally getting essential oil in your eye may lead to irritation and potential damage. To prevent this, make sure to handle essential oils carefully, keeping them away from your face and always wash your hands thoroughly after use.
Safety goggles or protective eyewear can also be worn as an extra precaution when working with undiluted essential oils or making DIY products that involve their direct application.
Keeping oils out of reach of children
To ensure your children's safety, keeping essential oils out of their reach is crucial. Concentrated oils can be risky if not used correctly, especially for young children.
To prevent accidents or harm, always lock away your essential oils and store them securely. It is important to remember that improper use of these oils can harm children, so taking precautions and keeping them inaccessible is vital.
Additionally, certain essential oils such as peppermint oil have been associated with baby deaths, so avoiding using these around babies is best. Stay mindful and prioritize the safety of your little ones by keeping essential oils well out of their reach at all times.
Conclusion
In conclusion, adding essential oils to your laundry can be a safe and effective way to infuse natural fragrance and potential benefits into your clothes. By following proper dilution methods and selecting appropriate oils, you can enjoy the aromatic experience of essential oils without compromising the integrity of your washing machine or clothing.
So go ahead, enhance your laundry routine with the soothing scents of lavender, refreshing citrus notes of lemon, or invigorating eucalyptus—it's all up to you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can You Put Essential Oils In Washing Machine?
A: Yes, you can put essential oils in a washing machine.
Q: Is it safe to use essential oils in the washing machine?
A: Yes, using essential oils in the washing machine is safe as long as you follow the proper guidelines.
Q: How many drops of essential oil should I add to the washer?
A: It is recommended to add 5-10 drops of essential oil to each load of laundry.
Q: Can I add the essential oils directly to the washing machine?
A: No, it is not advisable to add essential oils directly to the washing machine. They should be diluted before adding them to your laundry.
Q: What types of essential oils can I use for laundry?
A: You can use various types of essential oils such as lavender, lemon, tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus, and cedarwood.
Q: Can I use essential oil blends in the washing machine?
A: Yes, you can use essential oil blends in the washing machine. Just make sure they are suitable for laundry use.
Q: How do I add essential oils to my laundry?
A: You can add essential oils to your laundry by mixing a few drops with your regular laundry detergent or by making a DIY fabric softener using essential oils.
Q: Are essential oils flammable?
A: Yes, essential oils are flammable, so it is important to handle them with care and keep them away from open flames or high heat sources.
Q: Can I add essential oils to the dryer?
A: No, it is not recommended to add essential oils directly to the dryer. The heat can alter the properties of the oils and may cause them to become less effective or even combustible.
Q: What are some popular essential oil combinations for laundry?
A: Some popular essential oil combinations for laundry include lavender and lemon, tea tree and eucalyptus, and peppermint and lavender.
Q: Can essential oils stain clothes?
A: Pure essential oils may leave stains on clothes due to their naturally occurring darker or yellowish color. It is important to be cautious when using them directly on fabrics, as this can result in patches and discoloration. To prevent staining, it is recommended to dilute essential oils with a carrier oil or mix them with unscented laundry detergent before adding them to your washing machine. Alternatively, you can use laundry detergents that already contain essential oils for a safer and easier option.
Q: Can essential oils damage the washing machine?
A: Essential oils themselves cannot directly damage the washing machine. However, it is important to use them properly to avoid any potential issues. One of the main concerns when using essential oils in the washing machine is their flammability. Essential oils are highly flammable and can pose a fire risk if not used correctly. It is recommended to avoid putting clothing with essential oils in cool wash loads or directly into the dryer, as heat can increase the risk of fires. Always exercise caution and follow safety guidelines when adding essential oils to your laundry routine.
Q: Can essential oils cause allergies?
A: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to essential oils, especially if they are prone to skin rashes or have pollen allergies. Improper use of essential oils can also lead to allergic reactions.
Certain oils like tea tree oil and ylang-ylang are known to cause allergic contact dermatitis, which manifests as an itchy, red rash on the skin. Sandalwood has also been found to trigger allergic symptoms in some people.
Therefore, it's important to be aware of potential allergies and perform a patch test before using any new essential oil.
Sources
Presacco, F. (2022, March 16). HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS IN YOUR LAUNDRY. Biocasa. https://biocasa.com.au/blogs/news/how-to-use-essential-oils-in-your-laundry
Billock, J. (2023, August 15). Essential Oils Can Be Great for Laundry — Here Are 7 That Experts Recommend. Apartment Therapy. https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/essential-oils-for-laundry-37290370
Wińska, K., Mączka, W., Łyczko, J., Grabarczyk, M., Czubaszek, A., & Szumny, A. (2019, June 5). Essential Oils as Antimicrobial Agents—Myth or Real Alternative? Molecules, 24(11), 2130. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24112130
Christian, E. (2023, May 8). How to Add Essential Oils to Laundry. Confessions of an Overworked Mom. https://confessionsofanover-workedmom.com/add-essential-oils-to-laundry/
Weishaupt, J. (2022, May 10). What to Know About Essential Oils for Laundry and Cleaning. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-to-know-essential-oil-laundry-cleaning
Wash, I. (2021, November 28). Is it Safe to Put Essential Oils in the Washing Machine? In the Wash. https://inthewash.co.uk/laundry-and-ironing/is-it-safe-essential-oils-washing-machine/
You May Also Like
