Blog Categories +
Everyone loves clean and fresh smelling laundry, right? Just walk down the laundry aisle at your favorite big box store and you’re quickly overwhelmed with the scents and options to make your laundry ‘smell clean’. The scent additives don’t really do anything other than add scent, so why not make them yourself? Today I’m sharing a simple DIY recipe for a Laundry Scent Booster – it’s cheap and easy to make and perfect for adding your own personal scent to your laundry routine. Best reason to make it? It’s natural and doesn’t contain any artificial fragrances or ingredients.
Laundry Scent Booster
- 1-2 cups epsom salt (depending on how much you want to make)
- 20-30 drops essential oil – I love lavender and lemon for this recipe
- mason jar
Measure epsom salt into a bowl, add 20-30 drops essential oil and stir to combine. Let it air dry for a bit and then transfer to a mason jar for storage.
To use: Add 1 tablespoon of the Laundry Scent Booster directly to the washer and wash as usual.
I love this for sheets and towels – it adds a subtle, clean scent. If you mix it up and find that you need more scent, simply add a couple more drops of essential oils to your jar, stir, and keep using.
Epsom salt will completely dissolve in water and is just the ‘vehicle’ to get the scent into your laundry – it may also add a little softening as well. And this is a MUCH cheaper option for boosting that scent. How’s that for clean laundry?
If you like DIY cleaners, check out this post:
Henriette Says...
I don’t live in the US and I am not familiar with Epson salt. Would washing soda be an alternative?
Rachel Says...
I don’t think it’s the same thing. Here’s a description to see if you can find a similar product in your country.
http://www.epsomsaltcouncil.org/
Tanya W Says...
Henriette~ Epsom salt is very different from washing soda. It is Magnesium Sulfate. Other names for it are English Salt and Bitter Salt.
Carol Piper Says...
Yes, quite a similar product, should be just fine 🙂
Malaki Says...
I live in Aruba in Caribbean and we buy Epson Salt at the Pharmacy. Maybe you can ask there to. I can’t wait to make it, thanks Becky for this idea.
Allee Says...
Try asking for magnesium sulfate. That’s the scientific name for epsom salt. Or ask a pharmacist/chemist – or a granny! They will be familiar with it for using as a foot soak, a laxative and many other old timey uses. It was extremely common in households 50-100 years ago.
Karen Says...
It is like u scented bath salt. Do you have that where you reside?
Jacqueline Says...
I don’t know the answer to that question. However, Epsom salt is simply another name for Magnesium Sulfate, if that seems more familiar to you.
Allycat2009 Says...
Can I use table salt instead? Epson salt is very expensive (USD 3 for a mere 300g) in where I live.
Becky Says...
Post authorThe Epsom salt will fully dissolve more quickly – you can try the table, but I recommend Epsom.
Susan S Says...
If you really would rather use “table salt”, you would need to use Kosher salt and hot water. Epsom Salt, since used sparingly is actually more economical.
Darcus Says...
Can these ingredients be added to my home made laundry soap?
b r Says...
Post authorYes!
Lisa Says...
Sea salt might be the best option if you can’t get Epsom salts. It dissolves easily and it doesn’t have additives like iodine
Megan Says...
Thank you thank you! I use all of your cleaning recipes and I’ll add this to my aresenal!
Lori Says...
Love this idea. Are those the actual essential oils you use (that link on amazon?) Also, do you put both the lavender AND the lemon in the epsom salts together? Thanks!
Ginny Says...
Could this be added to the fabric softener compartment instead of directly into the wash? I absolutely love all your great tips! Keep them coming. Thanks.
Megan Says...
You would not want to put that in the fabric softener part, no.
Judith Spencer Says...
This sounds amazing! I use Epsom salts in my bath quite often (especially after pilates!). It is a skin softener and soothes tired muscles. If I trust it with my skin, I am going to trust it in my laundry. XOXO
Thanks for the great tip. I just made some and can’t wait to try it!
Judith
Kelly Says...
I love the idea bc of the non-toxicity!! Would the salt hurt (degrade) clothes? I guess it’s not an issue if you only use with towels? Would it be safe with sheets? And Does it last after drying? Sorry for all the questions, I’m excited to try this!!
Megan Says...
Can I use this in a high efficiency washer?
Becky Says...
Post authorYes!
Susie Says...
Thanks for this cool recipe! I love finding more ways to be natural. I usually add a couple drops of essential oil to my dryer balls to scent and soften my laundry.
Jenna Says...
I’ve always wanted to try using essential oils in my laundry (we use cloth diapers!) but I’ve been hesitating to put an oil in with my clothes. Will it not leave oil spots?
Becky Says...
Post authorIf you put it in the salt and let it dry before washing, it’s fine. The salt absorbs the oil 🙂
J Says...
Essential oils aren’t really oils. I put liberal amounts of lavender essential oil on my unscented dryer sheets before I pop them in the dryer and have never had an issue.
Rita Ribs Says...
When I saw this, I was so excited! FINALLY a recipe for a scent booster that I could afford and with ingredients I have on hand! So I immediately mixed this up per the recipe and tried it out on my sheets that were going into the wash. When they came out, the smell was, well, disappointing. Nothing bad, mind you, just not the lavender and lemon I expected. So I dosed it up another 30 drops in the two cups of Epsom salts and tried again with the next batch of clothes, and again, clean, but nothing to rave about, scent wise. Am I missing a step? I am using essential oils and Epsom salts. I even tried a load by just using it in the softener chamber on the washer, and nothing! HELP!
Becky Says...
Post authorIt could be your essential oils or it might not work for you – it’s a subtle scent, not overpowering.
Jcdlmom Says...
You might try adding the essential oil to a wool dryer ball, or a dampened wash cloth in the last 5 minutes of your dry cycle.
Ashley Says...
Thank you for this post! I’ve been trying to eliminate unnecessary chemicals from our home, but my husband and kids complain that our laundry doesn’t smell “good” anymore (since I stopped using fabric softener and substituted vinegar). I’ll have to try this!!
Nineteen Windsor
Daria Harvey Says...
Great idea! So easy. I listen to a podcast called The Essential Oil Revolution. A recent episode said that many scented products contain formaldehyde-a known carcinogen. The FDA does not require that this be put on the package because it is not being ingested. I’d rather not take my chances of it getting on my clothes either! This is a super alternative. Thanks!
Gina Says...
Daria, I worked in a clothing dept. when we would open the boxes, you could smell formaldehyde. I no longer work there! I beat the crap out of cancer once, I don’t want to be exposed to anything that might cause “Roound 2”! So, ALWAYS wash your new clothes before wearing them 🙂
Kelly Says...
Great idea. I too have smelled that smell when I buy clothes from catalogs.
jenny rum Says...
agreed. essential oils should always be well diluted before applying it directly to your skin. more is not always better.
Gina Says...
Becky, I love this! Thank you. I am loving the Lemon/Lavender combo! When I open the cabinet door or bathroom closet where I keep my baking soda & L/L mixture, it smells lovely 🙂 and because we store it in our li’l jars with holes punched out of card stock, It DOUBLES as a room freshener!… A safe one for grandchildren to be around too:) so it’s a win-win-…win! Thanks again. GinaO
A.J. Says...
Could you mix the salt, little bit of baking soda and essential oil to give it an extra boost?
Becky Says...
Post authorGive it a whirl!
Carol Says...
Wouldn’t the baking soda nullify the scent? Baking soda is often used as a deodorizer.
shannon Says...
One of my favorite ways to add a fresh scent to laundry is an alternative to dryer sheets. Simply take dried lavender straight from the garden and out it in a small draw strong mesh pouch. Make sure to tie it really right so the lavender doesn’t come out. You can throw it directly into your dryer and the heart from the dryer will release the scent. When it looses its scent simply empty it and refill. A fantastic alternative to the chemical filled dryer sheets that cost money are used once and simply thrown away. You could use any dried flower scents you wanted to really. My sister uses pine needles.
Becky Says...
Post authorGreat tip Shannon!
Kailie Says...
I love this tip! I need to try it, thanks for sharing. I don’t grow lavender so I will have to look online to buy it in bulk. Pine sounds divine too!
Dollise1 Says...
I Do this with spice bags, fresh lavender + essential oil. Throw in right in with laundry in washer and dryer with sheets and towels for extra boost. I use lavender in my home made laundry soap as well.
Teresa Says...
Where did you get your bag from?
Gina Chaney Says...
I agree with what the other “Gina” said. I worked in a few clothing retail stores over the last 20 years and I remember sneezing uncontrollably after opening up the boxes of shipment clothing. You can definitely smell the chemicals used in the fabrics! This is why it’s important to launder new clothing, towels, sheets, etc! Due to most of us having allergies in my home, I’ve been reducing chemical based cleaning products to home made ones. It seems to be working well. I’ve made my own carpet freshener according to Clean Mama’s recipe posted over a month ago. Before, my feet would itch after using store bought carpet freshener, now with just using the baking soda and essential oil mixture, I have no skin irritation. I’m not sneezing a lot either! I’m definitely going to try this laundry freshener recipe! Your blog is awesome Becky! Keep it up!
Monica Says...
Do you think already scented Epsom salt will work? I just bought a package of lavender Epsom salt from target for my bath.
Becky Says...
Post authorIt depends on what’s in it….if it’s just essential oils and Epsom salt, maybe. If not, I can’t recommend it 🙂
shana Says...
Is it o.k to store this in a plastic container?
Lizmar33161 Says...
No. Authentic essential oils eats plastic! Just get a glass jar from the supermarket or dollar store.
Melissa A. Hernandez Says...
canning jars make great storage containers and are inexpensive too
Lauren Says...
I have a question- why Epsom salt and not baking soda?? Is there a difference or same outcome? Thanks!
Becky Says...
Post authorThe Epsom salt is a vehicle for the scent and the baking soda has some deodorizing and softening properties. For this recipe, the Epsom Salt is the best ingredient 🙂
Melissa A. Hernandez Says...
After cycling out chemical laden products from our home 5 years ago, I would often find myself wanting a little “more” from the natural products I am using. I do not care for strong perfume smells and actually get sick walking down the cleaning aisles at the stores, but STILL wanted a little “something” that would allow my clothes the clean “scent” most commercial detergents leave behind. ENTER = Scent Boosters!! And natural to boot!! I just whipped up a batch and have it whirling in the machine now. I cannot wait to smell the results!! In addition to the lavender and lemon I added clary sage. Can’t wait to try other scents for different seasons! Love essential oils and love your posts! Thank you!!
Jennifer Says...
Could you use the Epsom salt that is already scented?
Becky Says...
Post authorIf it’s scented with essential oils and not fragrance, you could.
David Says...
Someone in your house got stinky feet? Make up a batch of this with tea tree oil. I don’t use a mixing bowl…I just fill an old jar half full of Epsom salt, dribble in the oil, cap it tightly, and shake to incorporate. The tea tree oil is highly anti microbial. Lavender is especially suited to mask body odors. Almost everything else simply adds variety and/or evokes memories.
Rolitta Says...
So, David are they soaking their feet in this mixture or shaking it in shoes?
Sam Says...
I’ve been fearful to try this. Love the idea. I’ve read Epsom salts fade clothes color? Should I be concerned?
Towels, sheets, blankets here are colored/patterned.
Becky Says...
Post authorI haven’t experienced that or come across that in any research.
Rolitta Says...
What tips might you have for the laundry scent booster to work? I made some like you said (1 cup Epsom salt with 30 drops each of lavender and lemon), but cannot smell the EOs on my clothes or towels. My family and I use all doTerra EOs. Should I use more drops?
Becky Says...
Post authorTry upping the EOs…the scent is subtle, not like a traditional scent booster.
sheila Says...
I am allergic to epsom salt. what is a good alternative?
Becky Says...
Post authorYou could try baking soda but I haven’t tried it in this way – sorry!
GommieBears Says...
Use sea salt.
Taegan Says...
Hi Becky! I made this recipe and added baking soda as well. Overtime I’ve found that my clothes start to smell oily and unclean. Could it be the essential oil in using?
Becky Says...
Post authorI think it might be in your soap or detergent – what are you using?
Erin Says...
Hi,
Great article! Just a quick question…Do you know if it’s safe to use these essential oils listed in your laundry if you have a cat or dog? I know you should avoid many essential oils if you have cats but I wasn’t sure if this was diluted enough to where it would be okay.
Thanks,
Erin
Becky Says...
Post authorAny oils that I use and recommend are so diluted that you should be fine and I wouldn’t put any essential oils ON Your pets unless it was advised by your vet. I also wouldn’t use this on a pet bed if you are concerned or I would use a pet-safe eo in the epsom salt (like lavender). Our vet does use some essential oils as part of their treatment, but if you have any questions, ask your vet 🙂
Amanda Says...
Thanks for the recipe! I’ll make it tonight. 🙂
Do you think this would be useful as a sweaty laundry pre-soak? I’ve tried the vinegar and the baking soda methods without any luck, but I should mention that I used soapnuts for cleaning my laundry as I have very sensitive skin.
Becky Says...
Post authorI haven’t tried it as a pre-soak – I would try a laundry booster like washing soda or Borax instead as a pre-soak.
GommieBears Says...
I second the washing soda since the pH is high and will break up the oils that hold the sweat smells.
Cris Says...
I want my laundry to have a nice smell. If i put essential oils on my dryer balls will i still need to use a scent booster or would that be too much in terms of smell?
GommieBears Says...
It wouldn’t hurt since essential oils, well good essential oils, are rather volatile and needs an carrier for it to last longer. When you have a good and authentic essential oils and place a drop on a index card, it will evaporate and will not leave an oil ring that is common among cheap/fake essential oils.
Pingback: 15 Amazing Hacks To Keep Your Home Clean - Great DIY Ideas
Kathie Says...
You suggested putting the Epsom salts directly into the washing machine. Is that preferred over putting it into the laundry soap dispenser?
b r Says...
Post authorYes!
Teresa Says...
Is this used in the wash cycle or rinse cycle?
b r Says...
Post authorPut it in the drum of your washing machine – it’s the wash cycle.
Nana Carson Says...
Do you use essential oils used for diffusers? Please tell us where to order correct oil.
b r Says...
Post authorI use and recommend doTERRA and Plant Therapy 🙂
Steve Says...
I’ve just made this recipe, and the vinegar softener. Do you use both with sheets and towels? And the dryer balls also? Or just one of them at a time. I am new to cleaning, and not sure which of these recipes to use with what laundry etc
I also made your daily shower spray today, and it is amazing. My bathroom smells like christmas candy cane lollies! Thank you for your book and recipes.
Kathie Says...
Do you use only one essential oil scent at a time or mix Lavender and Lemon?
Natasha M Says...
Will warming oil work for this? I think this is a awesome idea I spend so much money on the Downy Unstopables $3-$4 Dollars for a small container $3-$4 dollars adds up to be alot and the scent doesnt last too long
b r Says...
Post authorNo, it won’t work, ONLY use essential oil – the warming oil has a different composition and would most likely add oil stains to your clothing.
Kimberly Says...
What is the point of letting the mixture air dry? Just curious.
b r Says...
Post authorYou don’t want the essential oils to make the salt clumpy or to dry unevenly.
Reyna Says...
letting the mixture dry, helps the “salt” absorb the essential oils so you get the benefits of both ingredients when adding it to your wash.
Judy Says...
Where do you buy your little scoopers for your mason jars and cleaning products?
Dana Says...
Is there any concern that the essential oil could leave spots on your clothing?
Clean Mama Says...
Post authorNo, not with this method.
Pingback: Keeping Your Whites White - Clean Mama