Essential Oils for the Laundry

Laundry is an everyday part of life. Whether you do it every night or weekly, it’s something that must be done over and over again. Essential oils are a safe alternative to chemical detergents that can be harsh on your skin. There is a plethora of essential oils that you can use on your laundry. Bonus – essential oils have aromatherapy benefits that can help brighten your mood or help you unwind after a long day.

• Bergamot – Light citrus scent with a slightly spicy finish.
• Cedarwood – warm and woodsy often used to repel moths.
• Cinnamon – warm, spicy scent often used around the holidays.
• Clove – warming and uplifting aroma.
• Eucalyptus – fresh and clean used to refresh the home.
• Lavender – calming, soothing, and relaxing scent.
• Lemon – fresh and bright scent, antifungal, and antiseptic.
• Lemongrass – light, earthy, citrus aroma.
• Orange – happy, sweet, and citrusy aroma.
• Oregano – herby, green scent used for cleansing.
• Pink Grapefruit – sweet, candy citrusy scent used to purify.
• Rosemary – Stimulating, herby aroma used for clarity.
• Tea Tree – strong scent often used for cleansing.

Dryer Balls

I have a whole list of Dryer Ball Essential Oil Recipes that are an economical, environmental alternative to dryer sheets. Simply add two to three drops of essential oil onto each ball and throw in with your clothing. Most packs come with 2-3 dryer balls to use in your dryer.

Essential Oil Laundry Detergent

• 2 ½ cups liquid castile soap
• ¼ cup white vinegar
• 1 tbsp glycerin
• ¾ cup water
• 20-30 drops of essential oils

Combine in a glass bottle or jar. Shake before using. Add ¼ cup for regular loads and ½ cup for extra dirty loads.

Fabric Softener

• 6 cups vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 15 drops essential oils

Combine in a glass bottle or jar. Add 1 cup to rinse cycle.

Baby Laundry Detergent

• ¼ cup washing soda crystals
• ¼ cup borax
• ¼ cup white vinegar
• 2 tbsp liquid castile soap
• 2 drops lavender essential oil

Combine dry ingredients and vinegar. Separately, mix lavender oil into the castile soap. Add each mixture to the laundry.

Weekly Washing Machine Cleaner

• ¾ cup white vinegar
• 10 drops tea tree oil
• 5 drops grapefruit oil

Combine in a glass spray bottle and shake well before using. Spray around the seal, drum, soap dispensing tray, and door. Wipe down with a clean cloth and let air dry.

Linen Spray

• ¼ cup witch hazel
• 30 drops essential oil

Combine into a glass spray bottle and shake well. Lighter essential oils like lemon, lavender, peppermint, grapefruit, and eucalyptus won’t stain. Check on a clean napkin or paper towel if you’re not sure!