This hack will make your laundry smell like heaven (naturally)

Shayna Terese Taylor, shares this hack on her Instagram reel. For a calming and refreshing laundry scent, she crafts a natural alternative using 10 drops each of lavender and bergamot essential oils. Absorbed by reusable cotton pads and placed in a mesh bag, this DIY sachet releases its fragrance during the wash cycle, leaving clothes smelling fresh.

She reveals, “You can also add in some extra drops into your laundry detergent when you wash the clothes too!”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by SHAYNA’S KITCHEN (@shaynas.kitchen) 

Rashmi Chopra, founder and managing director, Ecloset, says, “Essential oils like lavender and bergamot can be effective in neutralising odours and imparting a fresh scent to clothes, but their effectiveness compared to conventional dryer sheets or detergents can vary depending on personal preference and the concentration used. 

“While dryer sheets and detergents typically provide a consistent and familiar scent, essential oils offer a more customisable and natural alternative.”

Potential drawbacks to using essential oils in laundry

Chopra recommends that when using essential oils in laundry, there are some potential drawbacks and considerations to keep in mind. 

“Certain essential oils, especially those with strong colours like dark greens or reds, may stain light-coloured fabrics if not properly diluted or dispersed. Additionally, some fabrics may be more prone to retaining oil residues, potentially affecting their texture or appearance over time.”

It’s important to properly dilute essential oils in a carrier substance, such as water or a mild detergent. (Source: Freepik)

Can the use of essential oils in the laundry process impact the longevity or quality of clothing over time?

The use of essential oils in the dryer or laundry process may impact the longevity or quality of clothing over time, Chopra reveals, particularly if oils are not properly diluted or if fabrics are not compatible with certain oils. 

She explains, “Oils with high concentrations of natural compounds like citral or limonene may have a slight degreasing effect, which could affect the durability of fabrics or contribute to colour fading with repeated use.”

Safety concerns or precautions to keep in mind when using essential oils in the laundry

Safety concerns and precautions should be taken into consideration when using essential oils in the laundry, asserts Chopra, especially in terms of potential skin sensitivities or allergic reactions. 

“It’s important to properly dilute essential oils in a carrier substance, such as water or a mild detergent, to minimise the risk of skin irritation. Additionally, individuals with known allergies or sensitivities to specific essential oils should avoid their use altogether or perform patch tests on a small area of fabric before using them in larger quantities.”