One of the first things I switched out on my natural living journey was my laundry detergent and dryer sheets. My daughter was a baby at the time, and her skin kept breaking out in eczema, so I eliminated all fragranced and dyed laundry products, lotions, and body products. It helped her tremendously, and I was relieved to know that my whole family was being exposed to fewer chemicals.
One thing I have missed though, is the smell of clean laundry. I grew up using fragranced dryer sheets, and I admit that I associate cleanliness of clothes with a certain scent. I decided that it would be easy enough to make homemade dryer sheets using essential oil, that way I could have lightly scented clothes, without the chemicals.
Homemade Dryer Sheets Using Essential Oil
These homemade dryer sheets utilize the natural smell of essential oils, and can be added to your dryer, along with your clothes to leave them pleasantly scented. To make homemade dryer sheets using essential oil, you will need:
- Squares of fabric, old towels, etc.
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 20-25 drops essential oil (I like lavender, orange, and lemon)
In a mason jar, combine vinegar and essential oil. Put the lid on securely, and shake vigorously to mix. Dunk pieces of fabric or towels in vinegar solution, ring out any excess liquid, then place dryer sheet in a glass container with a lid (you can use another mason jar, if you prefer). Repeat for as many pieces of fabric as you have.
You want to coat the fabric or towels in the solution, but not have it soaking in it. You can store the fabric in an air-tight container until ready to use. Store any unused solution in a mason jar, for when you’re ready to make your next batch of homemade dryer sheets.
When ready to use, add one fabric or towel to each load of laundry. As the clothes dry, the vinegar smell will go away, and your clothes will be scented with whatever essential oil you used!
These homemade dryer sheets are great for adding scent to your clothes, but they do not reduce static. I pair these with wool balls to reduce static and soften my clothes.
With the looming Recession/Depression, these DIY hacks are priceless. I am catagorizing in a book for easy access – and maybe even for lovely gifts . I plan to personalize each “Hack Book” with recipient’s preference for flowers, pets, children’s drawings, etc.
I wonder if its possible to put essential oils on the wool balls???? Anyone ever tried that?
I have essential oil blend that is coconut oil and sweet orange essential oil is that ok to use or does it need to be 100% essential oil?
Hi Leigh – I am sure that is fine, as long as you are only using a few drops. With too much coconut oil, I would worry it could transfer to the clothes, but a couple crops should be fine.
Wow! I’ve never heard before about dryer sheets:) Definitely try them! I found your post on Pinterest! I’m also gonna pin this post on my Pinterest board my followers will love it. Thanks for sharing Andrea!!
Thanks for sharing. The laundry smell nice after taking out from the dryer, however, the scent disappeared not long after. How can I keep the scent longer? Thanks.
I’ve been slowly eliminated chemical-laden products from our home by substituting items made with natural ingredients. I’ve still been using typical dryer sheets but cannot wait to swap these in for them instead! I love that I can create the scent I want with my essential oils, plus they are so pretty!
What a neat idea. I love that instead of chemicals that may irritate my family, the oils are natural and safe. And it’s a plus for me that you can change out the smells and benefits by using different oils. We often buy fragrance free sheets but I do really enjoy having a little extra fragrance. I’ve got to try this out.
I quit using dryer sheets years ago, because of my son’s allergies and skin sensitivities. These look like the perfect homemade solutions. Thanks for the tips!