Using essential oils in the washing machine: Complete Guide

Introduction to essential oils and their benefits for laundry

What is an essential oil?

essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts obtained by steam distillation. These natural essences, such as lavender, orange or lemon essential oil, offer a range of benefits for our wellness. being and our health.

Each essential oil has its own chemical composition and therefore its specificities. Some are known for their antibacterial action, others for their relaxing or invigorating power, and still others for their pleasant fragrance.

The benefits of essential oils for laundry

essential oils are not only used to perfume laundry. They also have antibacterial properties and can therefore help to disinfect your laundry. For example, eucalyptus essential oil is known for its antimicrobial properties.

In addition, certain essential oils can have a calming or invigorating effect. So, depending on the essential oil chosen, your laundry will not only be clean and fresh, but it can also help you relax or revitalize you.

The impact of essential oils on the freshness of laundry

Using essential oils when washing can significantly improve the freshness of your laundry. In fact, these natural oils leave a pleasant and long-lasting fragrance on clothes. In addition, they help eliminate bacteria responsible for bad odors. So, even after several days in the wardrobe, your clothes will still smell fresh.

Also read: what to do when a sweater itches?

Use of essential oils in household appliances

Use essential oils in the washing machine

Where to put essential oils in the washing machine? This is the question many people ask. The answer is simple: in the softener tank. In fact, this compartment is designed to release its contents during the last rinse cycle, thus allowing the essential oils to effectively perfume your laundry without being degraded by hot water or laundry.

Here’s how to do it:

• add 4 to 6 drops of essential oil in the softener compartment of your washing machine.
• You can also dilute the essential oils in a little white vinegar before pouring them into the tray. White vinegar has the advantage of being an excellent natural softener which will reinforce the action of essential oils.

Also read: Why doesn't my laundry smell like fabric softener?

Perfume the laundry in the dryer with essential oils

If you use a tumble dryer, you can also enjoy the benefits of essential oils. To do this, pour a few drops of essential oil onto a piece of fabric or a washcloth and place it in the dryer drum with your laundry. The heat from the dryer will warm the essential oil and diffuse its fragrance on your clothes.

However, it is important to note that not all essential oils are suitable for this use. Some of them can stain clothes or be too irritating to the skin. It is therefore essential to choose the essential oils you use for your linen.

Also read: how to avoid shrinkage when washing at 40°C?

Selection and dosage of essential oils

Choose the right essential oils for laundry

Choosing essential oils for your laundry depends on your fragrance preferences. However, some essential oils are particularly valued for their fresh scent and their ability to blend well with the scent of clothing.

Some of the most popular essential oils for laundry include lavender essential oil, eucalyptus essential oil, essential oil lemon and rosemary essential oil. These oils all have a fresh, pleasant scent and also offer antibacterial properties.

If you prefer a softer, sweeter scent, you can opt for orange essential oil or geranium essential oil. For a more exotic scent, Ylang-ylang essential oil is an excellent choice.

The ideal dosage of essential oils for clean, fresh laundry

The dosage of essential oils depends on the intensity of the fragrance that you wish to obtain. Generally, 4 to 6 drops of essential oil are enough for a load of laundry. If you prefer a more subtle scent, you can reduce this dosage to 2 or 3 drops.

It is important to remember that essential oils are very concentrated and can be irritating to the skin if used in too large quantities. It is therefore recommended to always dilute essential oils in a little white vinegar or water before adding them to the washing machine.

Also read: how to limit perspiration with polyester?

Creation of household products based on essential oils

Natural alternatives to replace laundry detergent

The use of essential oils in laundry is not limited to adding them to your usual laundry. You can also use them to create your own homemade laundry detergent. This is a good solution for those looking to reduce their use of chemicals around the home and save money.

How to create homemade laundry detergent with essential oils

Doing your own laundry at home is easier than you think. Here's how you can create your own laundry detergent with essential oils:

Ingredients

• 100 g of Marseille soap grated
• 2 liters of water
• 2 tablespoons of baking soda
• 20 drops of essential oil of your choice

Recipe

1. Grate 100 g of Marseille soap and put it in a large saucepan.
2. Add 2 liters of water and heat until the soap is completely dissolved.
3. Remove from the heat and add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Stir well.
4. Let cool, then add 20 drops of essential oil of your choice. Mix well.
5. Transfer the detergent into a glass bottle and use it as you would normal detergent.

This homemade detergent is not only effective in cleaning your laundry, but it also leaves a pleasant scent thanks to the essential oils. In addition, it is ecological and economical.

Also read: 10 foolproof tips to eliminate sweat odors.

Essential oils to perfume and disinfect

Essential oils as a natural disinfectant for laundry

In addition to their wonderful scent, essential oils are also known for their many properties, including their antibacterial properties. By adding a few drops of essential oils to your laundry, you can not only scent your laundry, but also disinfect it naturally.

Certain essential oils, such as tea tree essential oil, lavandin essential oil and cinnamon essential oil, are particularly effective in eliminating bacteria. And if you're concerned about children's health, you'll be reassured to know that these oils are safe for them when properly diluted and used.

Also read: How to have laundry that smells good for a long time?

Tip for a wardrobe that smells good thanks to essential oils

After washing your laundry with essential oils, why not extend this fresh scent in your wardrobe? To do this, pour a few drops of essential oil onto a small piece of tissue paper and place it in your wardrobe. The fragrance will diffuse slowly, keeping your clothes fresh and scented until their next use.

It is also possible to perfume your wardrobe using a washcloth or a piece of cloth on which you have poured a few drops ofessential oil. This simple tip will allow you to enjoy the pleasant scent of essential oils every time you open your cabinet.

Also read: why not leave laundry outside at night?

Mistakes to avoid when using essential oils in the washing machine

Using essential oils in the washing machine can provide many benefits, but it is important to do it correctly to avoid potential mistakes. Here are some to avoid:

1. Do not use too much essential oil: Too much essential oil can leave stains on your laundry. A small quantity is generally enough to perfume and disinfect your laundry.

2. Do not use photosensitizing essential oils: Certain essential oils, such as grapefruit or lemon essential oil, can cause photosensitive reactions. It is better to avoid them for laundry that will be exposed to the sun.

3. Do not use irritating essential oils: Certain essential oils, such as cinnamon or clove essential oil, can be irritating for the skin. If you have sensitive skin, it is best to avoid them.

4. Do not use essential oils directly on laundry: Always dilute essential oils in water or white vinegar before adding them in the washing machine. If you use them directly on the laundry, they may leave stains.

Conclusion

The use of essential oils in the washing machine is a natural and effective technique for scenting and disinfecting your laundry . With a few drops of essential oil in the drum of the machine, you can transform your dirty laundry into household linen fresh and fragrant, while enjoying the benefits of essential oils.

Whether you prefer peppermint, eucalyptus essential oil, rosemary essential oil, essential oil geranium or the organic essential oil of your choice, each round of washing can become an enriching sensory experience.

Remember to always dilute essential oils in rinsing water or white vinegar, and respect the recommended dosage to avoid any inconvenience.

Also read: How to make laundry smell soft?

FAQ

Which essential oil to scent laundry?

There are many essential oils that can be used to scent laundry. lavender, orange blossom, or peppermint essential oil are particularly popular for their pleasant fragrance. You can also try eucalyptus essential oil, rosemary essential oil or geranium essential oil for a different scent.

How to scent your washing machine?

To perfume your washing machine, add a few drops of essential oil to the softener tray of your washing machine. You can also add a tablespoon of white vinegar with the essential oils to enhance their effect.

How to perfume laundry in the machine naturally?

To scent laundry in the machine naturally, you can use essential oils. Simply add a few drops of essential oil of your choice to the softener drawer of your washing machine before starting the wash cycle.

What should you replace essential oils in laundry?

If you don't want to use essential oils or are short, you can use white vinegar to scent and soften your laundry. White vinegar also has antibacterial properties and is therefore a good alternative to essential oils.

Which essential oil for homemade laundry?

For homemade laundry detergent, you can use the essential oil of your choice. Lavender, lemon, eucalyptus or peppermint essential oils are particularly appreciated for their fresh scent.

How to scent your homemade laundry detergent?

To scent your homemade laundry detergent, simply add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to your laundry mixture. Make sure to mix well so that the essential oil disperses evenly.

How many drops of essential oil in homemade laundry detergent?

In general, we recommend adding approximately 10 to 20 drops of essential oil for each liter of homemade laundry detergent. However, the quantity may vary depending on the intensity of the scent you want to achieve.

Which essential oil to perfume laundry in the washing machine?

To perfume laundry in the machine, you can use the essential oil of your choice. lavender, lemon or eucalyptus essential oils are particularly popular for their fresh and pleasant scent. You can also try rosemary essential oil or geranium essential oil for a different scent.

Sources

[1] "Les huiles essentielles pour la lessive", Apartment Therapy

[2] "Ce qu'il faut savoir sur les huiles essentielles pour la lessive et le nettoyage", WebMD

Mis à jour le 17 octobre 2023