Homemade laundry scent booster is all-natural, helps remove odors, and softens your laundry.
This non-toxic alternative to commercial fragrance boosters is scented with your favorite essential oils and uses simple, natural ingredients.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Get my full disclosure here.
What You Need To Make Natural Scent Booster For Laundry:
Supplies
- Salt – Epsom salt is commonly used, but kosher salt or coarse rock salt (the kind used in ice cream makers) work well too.
- Baking Soda – A gentle yet effective cleaning agent that helps deodorize and lift dirt from fabric fibers.
- Essential Oils – Use any oils you like. Choosing oils known for cleaning benefits adds extra deodorizing power.
- Glass Jar – This recipe yields about one quart. Double the recipe if you want to store a larger amount and use a half-gallon jar.
Note: Some people worry that Epsom salt can affect washing machines over time if you have hard water. If that concerns you, choose kosher or rock salt instead.
How To Make Natural Scent Booster For Laundry:
Combine – In a mason jar, mix 3 cups of salt and 1 cup of baking soda. Add about 50 drops of your chosen essential oils.
Mix – Stir until the oils are evenly distributed. Seal the jar and store in a cool, dry place.
Tips For Success:
To Use – Add roughly 1/4 cup of the scent booster on top of a loaded washer before starting the cycle. This amount makes the laundry smell fresh and helps deodorize. The basic batch is enough for approximately 16 loads.
To Store – Keep the mixture in a tightly sealed jar to preserve the essential oils. Properly stored, it will keep its fragrance and performance for years.
Variations – Use Epsom salt, kosher salt, or rock salt depending on preference and machine concerns. All will work as the salt component in this recipe.
Substitutions – Any essential oil or blend can be used. Experiment with single oils or combinations to find your favorite scent profile.
About This DIY Scent Booster For Laundry:
All-natural ingredients
Commercial fragrance boosters often contain synthetic fragrances that can irritate skin, trigger allergies, or release chemicals into the air. Making your own scent booster lets you avoid these additives and use only natural ingredients. Baking soda, salt, and essential oils are gentle, widely available, and effective.
Easy to make
This recipe is straightforward: combine the ingredients in a jar, stir, and it’s ready. It takes just a few minutes but yields a useful, long-lasting product.
Budget-friendly
You only need a few ingredients. Salt and baking soda are inexpensive, especially when bought in bulk. Essential oils cost more, but you only need about 50 drops for a large batch, making this far less expensive than many natural store-bought fragrance boosters.
Doubles as a softener and stain helper
Coarse salt in the mix behaves similarly to water softener salt and can help soften fabrics. Salt and baking soda also support whitening and help prevent color transfer between garments.
Salt and baking soda not only freshen laundry but can also assist with brightening and maintaining colors.
Safe for most machines
These ingredients are safe for both standard and high-efficiency (HE) washing machines. If you have hard water and are concerned about long-term effects of Epsom salt, opt for kosher or rock salt instead.
Make in bulk
Because the ingredients are shelf-stable, you can easily double or triple the recipe and keep extra on hand. Store in airtight containers to preserve scent strength.
Easy to customize
Create your own signature scent by mixing different essential oils. Swap blends seasonally or match the fragrance to your preferences for linens, towels, or everyday clothing.
FAQ About This DIY Natural Scent Booster For Laundry:
What is a scent booster for laundry?
A scent booster adds a fresh, long-lasting fragrance to laundry. In this DIY version, baking soda also serves as a natural deodorizer that helps keep fabrics smelling clean.
What does salt do in laundry?
Salt can help maintain colors and brighten whites. Coarse salt can also provide softening effects similar to water softener salt, improving how fabric feels after washing.
Does baking soda work for scent control?
Yes. Baking soda neutralizes odors and helps lift dirt and residue from fabric fibers, extending the fresh appearance and scent of clothing.
Is it safe to put essential oils in the washing machine?
Essential oils are generally safe for use in both standard and HE washing machines when used in small amounts like in this recipe.
Laundry Essential Oil Blend Recipes:
so clean
sweet orange + eucalyptus + lime
happy home
orange + lemon + clove
beachy breezes
eucalyptus + rosemary + tea tree
citrus fresh
orange + lime + bergamot
bright and cheery
geranium + tangerine + eucalyptus
fresh linens
eucalyptus + lavender + lemon
Try different blends to find your favorite scent profile for laundry.
More Homemade Natural Cleaning Products On The Blog:
If you enjoyed this recipe, you may like these other natural DIY cleaners and home-care recipes.
- Thieves Multi Purpose Cleaner From Scratch
- Homemade Hardwood Floor Cleaner
- DIY Laundry Stain Remover Spray
- Homemade Toilet Bowl Cleaner Tablets
- DIY Leather Cleaner
I hope you love this non-toxic homemade laundry scent booster. If you try it, please come back and share a comment or rating so I know how it worked for you!
Pin this recipe to try later. Share your results on Instagram by tagging @athomeontheprairie.
Natural Laundry Scent Booster
1 quart
5 minutes
5 minutes
Ingredients
- 3 cups kosher salt, Epsom salt, or rock salt
- 1 cup baking soda
- 50 drops essential oils
Instructions
- In a mason jar, combine the baking soda and salt. Add essential oils.
- Stir until the oils are evenly dispersed. Seal with a lid and it’s ready to use.
Notes
To Use – Sprinkle about 1/4 cup of the booster on top of laundry in the washer and launder as usual.
To Store – Keep it sealed in a jar to maintain scent strength; it will last for years if stored properly.
Variations – Use Epsom, kosher, or rock salt. If you have hard water and are concerned about Epsom salt, choose an alternative.
Substitutions – Any essential oil or blend will work; adjust to your preferred scent.