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How to add natural fragrance to laundry

We have swapped to an eco alternative for our laundry and it works very well for saving space (1,000 washes for the size of a large tennis ball) as well as saving money and the environment, but not so good if you like that ‘fresh’ scent.

It is possible to save a substantial amount of money on your families laundry each week. Even on the cheapest deal standard detergent costs around 20 times as much as using a laundry ball. We are happy that it gets out fresh grass, mud and even blood – don’t ask! But what my family struggles with is that the clothes and especially bed linen don’t smell fresh. So I have come up with a really simple solution of using natural essential oils.

Why use essential oils in your laundry

  • so much cheaper than a scented laundry conditioner
  • no added chemicals or nasty plastics
  • it means i can store a few years worth of freshness in the space under my sink
  • not harmful to ocean life
  • not harmful to delicate skin – perfect for anyone with eczema or skin sensitivities
  • flexible, i can have ten different scents in that small space and just mix them around

What essential oil to start with?

If you are new to this idea don’t rush to get a large bottle of one scent, you want to have that mix available. It must be essential oils as well, so try something like these Essential Oils from Lagunamoon.

Lavender, Frankincense, Peppermint, Rosemary, Lemon, Lemongrass, Eucalyptus, Bergamot, Grapefruit, Cinnamon, Orange, Tea Tree, Pine Needle, Tangerine, Patchouli, Clove.

Scents like Lavender, Lemon and Grapefruit will be ‘normal’ scents for your laundry. But you can also try something new.

Lavender for bedding is very nice and calming as is the eucalyptus essential oil. Towels being washed with Tea Tree or Patchouli works really well for our family as well.

How to use the essential oil in your washing machine

So a friend of ours swears by putting ten drops on to a ‘spare’ piece of cloth and then putting it in with the wash. This seems a good way of ensuring it is added, but we have found that the scent is not as strong.

We put ten drops directly into the tray where you would normally put the laundry conditioner. It will then not be rinsed completely away but be included in the end stages and therefore we have found it sort of lasts longer.

We have lots of new ideas for how to use essential oils in other areas as well as growing your own herbs.

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