The 5 best essential oils for disinfecting laundry

August 19, 2024

Essential oils offer a natural approach to disinfecting laundry. These plant-based extracts impart a fresh scent and carry antibacterial properties. Add essential oils to your laundry routine to combat pesky germs without harsh chemicals.

Let's look at some of the popular essential oils for laundry so you can upgrade your routine.

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What are essential oils?

Best essential oil blends for disinfection

For a safe and easy way to add essential oils to your laundry routine, try our scented spray. Spritz it onto wool dryer balls, toss them into the dryer, and enjoy fresh, healthy fragrances without compromising your fabrics or endangering your household. All of our laundry products are free of harmful chemicals and synthetic fragrances.

Essential Oil Anti-Static Scenting Spray in Lavender, Lemon, and Orange

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are highly concentrated liquid plant extracts. These natural oils capture the plant's scent and beneficial properties.

Unlike synthetic fragrances, essential oils come from real plants. They contain a mix of natural compounds that give each oil its unique fragrance and properties. People use these oils for many purposes, including aromatherapy, personal care products, and laundry.

The term "essential" in their name doesn't mean they're necessary for life. Rather, it refers to the essence or characteristics of the plant they're derived from.

These powerful plant extracts are a natural alternative to synthetic scents in your laundry routine.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi in laundry because of its potent antimicrobial compounds, such as terpinene-4-ol. These compounds effectively eliminate harmful microorganisms, resulting in clean, hygienic laundry.

To use tea tree oil for laundry disinfection:

Add 5–10 drops of pure tea tree oil directly to your washing machine's detergent dispenser or a damp cloth placed in the drum before starting the wash cycle.
For particularly stubborn odors or heavily soiled items, spot-treat the affected areas with a solution of 2 teaspoons of tea tree oil mixed with 1 cup of hot water. Put the mixture in a spray bottle and apply to the fabric. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes, then wash as usual.
Mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 10–15 drops of oil. Add this mixture to the fabric softener dispenser in your washing machine during the rinse cycle to disinfect your laundry and make it softer.

Lavender oil

Lavender oil eliminates harmful bacteria and fungi in laundry thanks to its natural antimicrobial compounds. These components kill germs and leave your laundry smell fresh and clean.

To use lavender essential oil for laundry disinfection:

Add 4–6 drops of lavender oil to a damp cloth or directly into the washing machine drum before you start the wash cycle.
Create a lavender oil pre-treatment spray by mixing 1/4 cup of white vinegar with 10–15 drops of lavender oil in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on heavily soiled areas before washing.
Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with 5–10 drops of lavender oil. Add this mixture to the fabric softener compartment along with your regular laundry detergent for an extra boost of freshness and disinfection.

Eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus oil kills a wide range of bacteria and viruses in laundry due to its powerful antimicrobial compound, eucalyptol. This compound effectively eliminates harmful microorganisms.

To use eucalyptus essential oil for disinfecting your laundry, try these recipes:

Add 3–4 drops of pure eucalyptus oil to a wool dryer ball or a damp cloth and place it in the dryer with your laundry. The heat from the dryer will disperse the scent and disinfect your laundry load.
For particularly pungent odors, create a presoak by mixing 1/2 cup of white vinegar and 10–15 drops of eucalyptus oil in a large bucket of warm water. Soak the odorous items for 30 minutes before washing them.
Mix 1/2 cup of distilled water with 5–7 drops of eucalyptus oil in a spray bottle. Lightly mist your laundry before ironing or hanging to dry for a long-lasting, refreshing scent.

Lemon oil

Lemon oil kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi in laundry due to compounds such as limonene and citral. These potent antimicrobial agents eliminate harmful microorganisms, resulting in clean, hygienic laundry.

To use lemon essential oil for laundry disinfection:

Add 5–7 drops of lemon oil to the washing machine's detergent dispenser or drum before starting a wash cycle. The oil will spread throughout the wash and disinfect the laundry.
Create a disinfecting presoak by mixing 1/2 cup of white vinegar and 10–15 drops of lemon oil in a large basin of warm water. Soak heavily soiled or contaminated laundry for 30 minutes before washing.
Make a lemon-scented disinfectant spray by adding 20–25 drops of lemon oil to 1 cup of water in a spray bottle. Spray this solution on surfaces such as the washing machine drum or laundry basket to kill germs.

Peppermint oil

Peppermint oil eliminates harmful bacteria in laundry thanks to its high menthol content. This powerful antibacterial agent is a natural germ fighter which proves you with clean, fresh-smelling laundry.

To use peppermint oil for laundry disinfection, you can:

Add 3–5 drops of peppermint oil to the washing machine drum before starting a cycle. The oil will disperse throughout the wash and disinfect the laundry.
Create a peppermint prewash spray by mixing 1/2 cup of water and 5–7 drops of peppermint oil in a spray bottle. Spray on heavily contaminated areas before washing.
Make a peppermint-scented disinfectant by adding 10–12 drops of peppermint oil to 1 cup of white vinegar. Use this mixture in the rinse cycle for extra disinfection.

Always use pure, high-quality essential oils and follow the recommended dosage to achieve the best results while protecting your fabrics.

Safety precautions when using essential oils for laundry

While essential oils offer an effective and natural way to disinfect laundry, be cautious when using them. Some essential oils can be irritating to the skin and cause allergic reactions, so avoid direct contact with the skin when handling the oil.

Follow these precautions to avoid any potential risks:

Dilute the oils: Never apply undiluted essential oils directly to your skin or fabrics. Always dilute them in water, vinegar, or another carrier substance before use.
Keep away from children and pets: Store essential oils out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion or exposure. If ingested, seek medical attention immediately.
Check for allergies: Before using essential oils in your laundry, test for allergic reactions by applying a small amount of diluted oil to a patch of skin. If irritation or redness occurs, discontinue use.
Ventilate the area: Use essential oils in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling high concentrations, which may cause respiratory discomfort or irritation.
Use glass or stainless steel containers: Essential oils can degrade plastic over time. Store your essential oil laundry blends in glass or stainless steel containers to maintain their potency and prevent leaching.
Follow the recommended dosage: Use the recommended number of drops for each essential oil to avoid overuse, which may lead to skin irritation or damage to fabrics.

Best essential oils blend for disinfection

Combining essential oils creates powerful blends that effectively disinfect laundry while providing delightful scents.

Try these essential oil blends for a fresh, clean, and naturally disinfected laundry experience:

Lavender-lemon blend

Mix 5 drops of lavender oil and 5 drops of lemon oil for a blend that offers both antimicrobial properties and a pleasant fragrance. This combination is perfect for those with sensitive skin, as lavender oil is known for its soothing effects.

Tea tree-eucalyptus blend

Combine 4 drops of tea tree essential oil and 4 drops of eucalyptus oil to create a potent blend with strong anti-fungal properties. Use this blend for heavily soiled or musty laundry, as it tackles tough odors and leaves behind an uplifting scent.

Peppermint-orange blend

Mix 3 drops of peppermint oil and 5 drops of orange oil for an invigorating and refreshing blend. This combination disinfects laundry and provides a delightful scent that energizes and uplifts the senses.

Rosemary-lemongrass blend

Combine 4 drops of rosemary oil and 4 drops of lemongrass essential oil for a blend that offers powerful antimicrobial properties. This blend is perfect for those who prefer earthy and herbaceous scents, as your laundry will come with a fresh, clean scent.

Grapefruit-lavender blend

Add 5 drops of grapefruit essential oil and 3 drops of lavender essential oil to your laundry for a natural disinfecting boost. The antimicrobial properties of grapefruit oil sanitize your clothes, while lavender oil leaves them with a fresh, calming scent. This blend is effective for gym clothes or linens that need extra freshening.

Cinnamon-orange blend

Combine a couple of drops of cinnamon oil and 6 drops of orange oil for a warm and inviting blend that offers both antimicrobial properties and a pleasant fragrance. Use this blend during the fall and winter months, as it provides a cozy and comforting scent while it disinfects your laundry.

Other natural alternatives for disinfecting laundry

If you want to try some other natural options to disinfect your laundry, here are some great options:

White vinegar: Add 1 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to eliminate odors and kill bacteria. Vinegar also softens fabrics and removes soap residue.
Baking soda: Sprinkle 1/2 cup of baking soda directly into the washing machine drum before adding clothes. Baking soda neutralizes odors and softens water.
Hydrogen peroxide: Pour 1 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide into the bleach dispenser or directly into the drum before starting a wash cycle. Hydrogen peroxide is a natural bleaching agent that kills bacteria and viruses.
Lemon juice: Add 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the rinse cycle. The citric acid in lemon juice kills bacteria, brightens whites, and leaves a fresh, natural scent.
Sunlight: Hang your laundry outside in direct sunlight for a natural disinfecting effect. The sun's UV rays kill bacteria and freshen fabrics.
Grapefruit seed extract: Add 10–15 drops of grapefruit seed extract to the rinse cycle. This natural antimicrobial agent kills bacteria and fungi and leaves your laundry with a clean, pleasant scent.
Thyme: Steep 1/2 cup of fresh thyme leaves in 4 cups of boiling water for 10 minutes, strain, and add the liquid to the rinse cycle. Thyme has natural antibacterial properties that disinfect laundry.

These natural disinfectants are gentle on fabrics, eco-friendly, and cost-effective; try them if you want to reduce the use of toxic chemicals in your washing routine.

Essential oils FAQ

Do essential oils damage the washing machine?

The good news is that adding a few drops of essential oil to your liquid laundry detergent or using essential oil-infused laundry products (e.g. homemade fabric softeners) is considered safe for washing machines.

Use oils sparingly, and opt for high-quality, pure essential oils rather than artificial fragrance oils. If you add too much essential oil, it can deposit a residue that may clog pipes or damage the washing machine over time.

Are essential oils safe for all types of fabrics?

Essential oils are not safe for all fabrics. Delicate materials such as silk or wool may suffer damage or staining. Always test a small, inconspicuous area first.

How long do the disinfecting effects of essential oils last?

The disinfecting effects of essential oils are temporary and diminish after washing and drying. Use essential oils regularly to maintain antimicrobial and antifungal properties in your laundry routine.

Can I use essential oils in my dryer?

Using essential oils in your dryer is not recommended. High heat may cause oils to evaporate quickly or create a fire hazard. Instead, add oils during the wash cycle for invigorating scents.

How do I store leftover essential oil laundry blends?

Store leftover essential oil laundry blends in a cool, dark place using airtight containers. This method preserves their antifungal properties, invigorating scents, and therapeutic benefits so blends remain effective and fragrant for future use.

What are the benefits of essential oils for your laundry?

Essential oils in laundry offer numerous benefits:

Natural fragrance: Essential oils add invigorating scents to laundry, offering pleasant aromas without synthetic fragrances.
Antimicrobial properties: Certain oils, such as tea tree and eucalyptus, possess antibacterial and antifungal properties that disinfect fabrics.
Odor elimination: Essential oils neutralize unpleasant odors, which works well for sportswear and other heavily used items.
Gentler on skin: Essential oils are a safer option for those with sensitive skin or allergies, reducing irritation from chemical-laden detergents.
Eco-friendly: These oils are biodegradable and support a more sustainable laundry routine to reduce environmental impact.
Stain removal: Oils such as lemon remove stains naturally and boost the cleaning power of laundry products.
Therapeutic benefits: The aromatic properties of essential oils offer relaxation and improve mood during laundry tasks.

Which essential oils offer a floral scent for my laundry?

Lavender and geranium are excellent choices for a floral scent in your laundry. These aromatic wonders leave a nice scent and have antiseptic properties. Add a few drops to your load of laundry for a soothing scent, free from synthetic chemicals.

How do essential oils differ from chemical compounds in laundry disinfection?

Essential oils are natural plant extracts with antimicrobial activity, while chemical compounds are synthetic. High quality oils, often obtained through cold pressing, offer disinfectant properties without harsh chemicals. They leave a fresh smell and are gentler on fabrics and skin than many synthetic disinfectants.

How do I safely use essential oils with unscented detergents?

Mix a few drops of essential oil with unscented detergents or liquid castile soap before adding to your laundry. This method distributes the concentrated forms of oils evenly and prevents direct contact with clothes while still providing an uplifting fragrance.

What gives essential oils their unique scents?

Essential oils have a wide variety of natural compounds, and each oil's chemical composition is different. This mix of compounds creates the oil's unique smell. For example, citrus oils often have a fresh scent. Lavender usually has a soothing scent. These different scents can make your laundry smell clean in many ways.