Who knew essential oils could be your laundry’s new BFF? Why use the same old, boring detergent and fabric softener when you can give your family wardrobe a hint of something fragrant and lovely while providing additional cleaning and stain-fighting powers? With a wealth of options to choose from nowadays, here are 12 of the best essential oils for laundry that will make washing time super sweet for years to come.
Why Essential Oils Are Great for Laundry
Essential oils are great for laundry, making it easy to give your clothes a refreshing scent without all the chemical-laden fragrances from store-bought fabric softeners. Not only that, but essential oils can also provide a host of cleaning benefits – such as antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral – while lending a naturally fresh smell to your garments. And unless you want to invest in all those different bottles of scented detergents, essential oils are an efficient way to ensure all your clothes have that same inviting aroma.
12 Best Essential Oils for Laundry + Recipes
1. Lavender Essential Oil
Aroma: Fresh & Floral
Lavender Essential Oil is a great choice for laundry since a study1 has shown it smells delightful and can fight off bacteria. So whether you’re looking for something natural to keep whites extra white or something that will lift the funk from smelly gym socks, Lavender Essential Oil is one of your best bets.
2. Lemon Essential Oil
Aroma: Sweet & Citrusy
Lemon Essential Oil is an ideal choice when it comes to freshening up linens and clothing – especially since a study2 has shown it can be an effective antimicrobial agent. Also, the citrus aroma from the lemon creates a sunny scent perfect for laundered fabrics.
3. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Aroma: Medicinal & Herbaceous
With the help of Tea Tree Essential Oil, you can add a pleasant scent and extra cleaning power to each load. Tea Tree Oil is an especially great choice due to its top-notch antimicrobial properties, as proven in this study3.
4. Rosemary Essential Oil
Aroma: Herbal & Woody
Rosemary Essential Oil is your laundry companion for all the germaphobes out there. The power of this oil has been backed up by science – a study4 has shown that it contains antibacterial properties to help keep your laundry spic and span. So throw a few drops into your next load of laundry and rest easy, knowing that your clothes are free from germs and toxins.
5. Lemongrass Essential Oil
Aroma: Earthy & Citrusy
Not only will Lemongrass Essential Oil give your clothes and sheets a cheerful citrus scent, but a recent study5 has shown that it also has antibacterial properties! So whether you want to give your linens an extra boost or enjoy the pleasant aroma in the air, Lemongrass Essential Oil is a great solution for freshening up your laundry.
6. Peppermint Essential Oil
Aroma: Sharp & Minty
Peppermint Essential Oil is a stellar option for laundry; this lively oil has been shown to have some actual antibacterial properties in recent a study6! So, if you’re looking for a way to spiff up those comfy t-shirts and crisp white sheets, add some peppermint to your weekly load.
7. Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Aroma: Clean & Herbaceous
While we may not think of essential oils when doing laundry, they are important in keeping your clothes fresh and clean. Eucalyptus Essential Oil is among the best and has been backed up by a scientific study7 for its natural antimicrobial properties. This makes it ideal for deep-down cleaning without harsh solvents or chemicals.
8. Orange Essential Oil
Aroma: Sweet & Citrusy
If you’ve ever wondered why your laundry isn’t quite as fragrant as it used to be, look no further than Orange Essential Oil. This citrusy-smelling oil can give your washing a much-needed refresh and may even help keep bacteria away, as per this study8.
9. Bergamot Essential Oil
Aroma: Citrusy & Floral
Bergamot Essential Oil has long been recognized for its pleasant scent, but did you know that it also helps fight bacteria? A study9 even determined that certain essential oils, including Bergamot, can be incredibly effective at halting the growth of bacteria.
10. Spearmint Essential Oil
Aroma: Sweet & Minty
Research10 has found that Spearmint Essential Oil has antibacterial properties, which will naturally help your clothes stay clean and smell great. Whether you use it on its own or as part of a blend, Spearmint is a great way to elevate your laundry game.
11. Thyme Essential Oil
Aroma: Spicy & Herbal
Not only is Thyme Essential Oil known for its delightful scent, but a study11 revealed that this remarkable oil is packed with antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. In other words, Thyme essential oil can do more than make your laundry smell fantastic; it can also help to keep you and your clothes germ-free.
12. Clean & Fresh Essential Oil
Aroma: Fresh
Doing laundry doesn’t have to mean using harsh chemicals. With Simply Earth’s Clean & Fresh Essential Oil blend, you can create natural laundry products with just a few drops of this handy blend. This organic blend will help clean and freshen your laundry without harsh chemicals or toxins. Plus, it smells incredible!
How to Use Essential Oils in Your Laundry Routine
Laundry day has come to a whole new level! Essential oils can be used in your laundry routine to make your clothes smell, feel and look better. Add a few drops of essential oil to the washing machine when adding the detergent. Or you can use our list of best essential oils for laundry to whip up all-natural recipes that will make all your clothes feel like a hug from Mother Nature! These recipes will utilize the power of essential oils to naturally and effectively clean and scent your clothes. So next time you’re gearing up for laundry day, don’t forget to grab your oils!
Other Laundry Supplies You’ll Need
Soap Nuts
Soap Nuts are fairly easy to use in a recipe. Not only do you save money on laundry detergent, but soap nuts are eco-friendly. They’re biodegradable and don’t strip oils from fabrics like regular detergents can. And if you’re worried about your whites not being bright enough, fear not!
Laundry Detergent Sheets
If you’re looking for a greener way to do laundry with all-natural products, then laundry detergent sheets might be just the ticket. Not only are they easy to use and convenient to store, but they’re also kinder to the environment since their ingredients come from natural sources and are free of dyes and fragrances. Simply toss a sheet in the washer, and you’re ready to go.
White Vinegar
When it comes to natural laundry products, vinegar is the real MVP. Vinegar provides some serious deodorizing benefits. A bit of vinegar added directly to your washing machine can help neutralize any nasty odors.
Washing Soda
This wonder ingredient helps quickly break down oils and greases to thoroughly clean your clothes. Washing soda is also gentle enough, so you don’t have to worry about damaging your clothes.
Castile Soap
One of the most essential items for DIY laundry is castile soap. This eco-friendly option can give your clothes a deep and satisfactory cleaning. So don’t forget: a couple bars of castile soap (or a liquid version if you prefer) should always be part of your supply list when stocking up on natural ingredients for homemade cleaning products!
Borax
For one thing, you’ll need something to react with in order to create the ideal cleaning agent. Introducing Borax. This white powder is a naturally occurring boron mineral compound with a whole host of life-improving properties that make it perfect for DIY laundry products. Not only will Borax help keep your clothes looking and smelling their best, but it also carries cleaning power strong enough to battle residue and stains while still being mild on the fabric.
Epsom Salt
This common mineral is an excellent addition to any DIY laundry product, from boosting your detergent’s cleaning power (without adding harmful chemicals) to softening fabrics. Plus, Epsom Salt is usually cheaper than many specialty products out there – bonus!
3% Hydrogen Peroxide
Don’t forget to add 3% Hydrogen Peroxide to your laundry recipes. This stuff is an absolute powerhouse for safely but effectively whitening clothes. Trust us, once you trust in the power of hydrogen peroxide, you won’t ever go back!
More Natural Laundry Supplies
References:
- Wińska K, Mączka W, Łyczko J, Grabarczyk M, Czubaszek A, Szumny A. Essential Oils as Antimicrobial Agents-Myth or Real Alternative? 2019 Jun
- Man A, Santacroce L, Jacob R, Mare A, Man L. Antimicrobial Activity of Six Essential Oils Against a Group of Human Pathogens: A Comparative Study. 2019 Jan
- Carson CF, Hammer KA, Riley TV. Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. 2006 Jan
- Nieto G, Ros G, Castillo J. Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis, L.): A Review. 2018 Sep
- Mukarram M, Choudhary S, Khan MA, Poltronieri P, Khan MMA, Ali J, Kurjak D, Shahid M. Lemongrass Essential Oil Components with Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activities. 2022
- D. Witkowska, J. Sowińska. The effectiveness of peppermint and thyme essential oil mist in reducing bacterial contamination in broiler houses. 2013 Nov
- Hendry E, Conway B, Worthington T. Antimicrobial efficacy of a novel eucalyptus oil, chlorhexidine digluconate and isopropyl alcohol biocide formulation. 2012 Oct
- O’Bryan CA, Crandall PG, Chalova VI, Ricke SC. Orange essential oils antimicrobial activities against Salmonella spp. 2008 Aug
- Marotta SM, Giarratana F, Parco A, Neri D, Ziino G, Giuffrida A, Panebianco A. Evaluation of the Antibacterial Activity of Bergamot Essential Oils on Different Listeria Monocytogenes Strains. 2016 Dec
- Imai H, Osawa K, Yasuda H, Hamashima H, Arai T, Sasatsu M. Inhibition by the essential oils of peppermint and spearmint of the growth of pathogenic bacteria. 2001
- Kowalczyk A, Przychodna M, Sopata S, Bodalska A, Fecka I. Thymol and Thyme Essential Oil-New Insights into Selected Therapeutic Applications. 2020 Sep