Laundering might be the most annoying thing during the weekend, but it’s also crucial. And when it comes to doing laundry, washing them using only the detergent isn’t enough. [1]
When you wash your clothes, you also need to get rid of the germs and odor. Therefore, maintaining proper clothes’ hygiene is as important as cleaning them. Luckily, you can do that using some natural ingredients.
Some essential oils for laundry can help you keep the freshness and hygiene of your clothes.
Essential oils contain antibacterial and antiviral components. Hence, these oils can kill the germs in dirty clothes. Besides, these oils have an incredible aroma that makes your clothes smell nice.
10 Best Essential Oils for Laundry
These are some essential oils that you can use in the washing machine, as well as in the dryer:
1. Lemon Essential Oil
The refreshing aroma of lemon oil is quite uplifting and keeps your clothes fresh. It is one of the best choices to use in a washing machine.
Lemon oil contains antimicrobial properties. Therefore, it can disinfect the clothes we put in the washing machine. [2]
Besides, using lemon oil can also help your laundry room feel fresh and cheerful.
Related: 10 Ways Lemon Oil Can Benefit your Health
2. Red Mandarine Essential Oil
Red mandarine oil has a sweet and uplifting scent that you can use in your washing machine.
The oil is known to relieve anxiety, stress, and fatigue.
Besides, red mandarine oil is rich in antimicrobial properties. Hence, it can effectively disinfect your clothes. [3]
3. Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Eucalyptus oil’s clean, fresh aroma can help clear the mind. This essential oil in the laundry can keep your clothes fresh and uplift your mood.
Eucalyptus essential oil contains antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Therefore, it can also keep your laundry germ free. [3]
It’s a great oil to put in the washing machine when you’re sick. The oil is also suitable for use in the dryer.
4. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree oil is one of the most popular essential oils you use during your sickness. This essential oil can also aid in keeping your clothes fresh and germ-free.
The therapeutic properties of tea tree oil can help fight mold in your home. [2]
Using tea tree oil, disinfect your clothes and the old rags and towels you use for cleaning. You can use this oil in your dryer as well.
Related: 12 Incredible Health Benefits of Tea Tree Oil (Backed by Evidence)
5. Orange Essential Oil
Another refreshing essential oil can make your clothes smell good while disinfecting them.
Its sweet and citrusy aroma can help stimulate a cheerful mood.
The orange essential oil contains antimicrobial properties. So, it can kill the germs in your clothes [4]
6. Rosemary Essential Oil
Although rosemary oil is a great culinary flavoring agent, you can also use it in the laundry.
The incredible aroma of this oil can stimulate focus, reduce mental exhaustion, and enhance mental clarity.
Rosemary oil is rich in antibacterial properties. Hence, it can help keep your clothes germ-free. [5]
Related: Rosemary Oil: 13 Benefits and Uses for Skin, Hair, and Health
7. Thyme Essential Oil
If you want something that can clean your clothes, then thyme essential oil can be a good choice.
Since the old time, this essential oil has been used for cleaning.
Thyme essential oil is rich in antimicrobial components. These properties help kill the germs in your clothes while cleaning them. [6]
8. Oregano Essential Oil
Since ancient times, oregano oil has been used to support the immune system and disinfect. It’s because this oil has antibacterial properties. [7]
You can use this oil in your washing machine when someone in your family is sick or you’re trying to prevent sickness.
9. Geranium Essential Oil
The fantastic floral aroma of geranium oil can be an excellent remedy for emotional support. [8]
Besides, this essential oil can support the adrenals and help with circulation.
Geranium essential oil is quite uplifting and calming. Using this oil on a washing machine can bring a relaxing smell to clothes.
10. Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender oil is a popular essential oil due to its unique fragrance.
The oil is known for its relaxing and calming properties. It can also improve the immune system and prevent the spread of illness. [2]
Due to its antimicrobial properties, the lavender essential oil can also disinfect your clothes. [2]
You can use this oil in your washing machine and the dryer.
How to Use Essential Oils for Laundry
Try these methods of using essential oils in the laundry:
For washing machine:
- Pour 4-6 drops of essential oils into your washer during the wash.
- Then, dilute some essential oil with water and add it to the fabric softener compartment before starting the cycle.
For the dryer:
- Add 4-5 drops of essential oil to a wool dryer ball or a small rag.
- Throw the rag into the dryer before turning it on.
Precautions While Using Essential Oils for Laundry
Essential oils are usually safe for the clothes, as well as for our health. But, they can cause some problems if you don’t correctly use them. Hence, you need to follow some rules while using them:
- If you’re allergic to some essential oils, don’t use them in the laundry because they can mix in the clothes and create an allergy to your skin.
- Always dilute the essential oil with water before using them in the dryer.
- Store the oils in a cold, dry place.
Conclusion
Doing laundry may be the most boring thing, but it can be mind soothing with the help of these essential oils.
These essential oils have a calming and refreshing aroma. The fragrance can bring a fresh vibe to your clothes.
Some of the oils contain antibacterial properties. Therefore, using them can disinfect your clothes as well.
Read More: 7 Best Essential Oils for Stretch Marks and How to Use Them
