There is arguably no simple pleasure in life quite as satisfying as climbing into a bed made with crisp, fresh-smelling sheets or pulling on a warm sweater that smells like clean cotton. However, maintaining that “just-washed” freshness can be a struggle. From damp towels that develop a musty tang to gym clothes that hold onto odors even after a cycle, sometimes detergent alone just doesn’t cut it.
While it might be tempting to pour in more soap, doing so can actually trap odors by creating a buildup on the fabric. Instead, the secret to heavenly-smelling laundry lies in household staples and natural additions, many of which you might already have in your pantry or your garden.
Here are eight effective ingredients to add to your washing machine or dryer for the freshest laundry of your life.
1. White Vinegar
Image Credit: Deposit Photos.
It may seem counterintuitive to add a pungent liquid like vinegar to clothes you want to smell good, but white distilled vinegar is a powerhouse deodorizer. It cuts through detergent residue and mineral buildup, which often cause trapped odors.
Instead of masking the “funk,” it strips it away, leaving clothes smelling neutral and clean. As a bonus, it also naturally softens fabrics.
How to use it: Add one-half to one cup of distilled white vinegar to your washing machine’s fabric softener dispenser or directly during the final rinse cycle.
Pro Tip: Never mix vinegar with bleach. Avoid using it on elastic-heavy items in every wash, as the acid can break down fibers over time.
2. Baking Soda
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is a natural deodorizer that regulates the pH level in your washer’s water, helping detergent work more effectively. It absorbs odors from smoke, sweat, and mildew while boosting your detergent’s cleaning power.
How to use it: Add 1/2 cup of baking soda directly to the drum before adding clothes. For extra smelly loads, pre-soak clothes overnight in a sink with warm water and one cup of baking soda.
Pro Tip: Don’t put baking soda in the dispenser drawer, as it can clog the lines. Toss it directly into the tub instead.
3. Essential Oils
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Want to customize your laundry’s scent without artificial fragrances? Essential oils are the perfect solution. You can tailor the scent to your mood: lavender for sheets, eucalyptus for towels, or lemon for kitchen linens. These concentrated plant extracts offer a powerful, natural scent without the chemicals in synthetic beads.
How to use it: Mix 10-20 drops with unscented detergent for the wash cycle, or add a few drops to a wool dryer ball for the dryer.
Pro Tip: To prevent stains, never apply oil directly to dry clothes. Make sure it’s diluted or absorbed into a dryer ball first.>
4. Wool Dryer Balls
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Wool dryer balls are a great way to get better-smelling laundry. They separate clothes in the dryer, allowing air to circulate more efficiently, which reduces drying time and prevents musty smells. When used with essential oils, they act as a reusable, eco-friendly diffuser for your clothes.
How to use it: Toss 3 to 4 wool balls into the dryer with your wet load. If using oils, add a few drops to the balls and let them sit for 10 minutes before use to prevent grease spots.
Pro Tip: If you are sensitive to wool, make your own dryer balls with tightly wound cotton strips from old t-shirts.
5. DIY Reusable “Dryer Sheets”
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Commercial dryer sheets often coat fabrics in a layer of stearic acid (often derived from animal fat) to reduce static, which can reduce the absorbency of towels over time. A better-smelling and more sustainable alternative is a DIY dryer sheet.
By using scrap fabric soaked in a natural solution, you control exactly what goes onto your skin and into your nose.
How to use it: Cut old cotton t-shirts or towels into squares. Soak them in a jar with a mixture of one cup of white vinegar and about 20 drops of your preferred essential oil. When it’s time to dry a load, wring out one square and add it to the dryer.
6. Enzyme-Based Detergents
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Sometimes, the “bad smell” comes from what you fail to remove, not what you add. Standard detergents can’t always break down biological proteins like sweat, skin cells, and pet dander.
Enzyme-based detergents (often labeled “bio”) contain enzymes that “eat” these odor-causing structures.
How to use it: Use this as your primary detergent for heavy-duty loads like gym clothes or pet bedding, following the dosage instructions.
Pro Tip: Enzymes work best in warm water (85°F–105°F). Hot water can kill them, while cold water makes them dormant.
Natural Ways to Keep Your Laundry Fresh
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
You don’t need artificial fragrances or harsh chemicals to make your laundry smell great. Natural deodorizers like vinegar, baking soda, lavender, and essential oils can give you that “clean laundry” smell while also extending the life of your fabrics.