Laundry isn’t my favorite chore, so I’m always looking for a good laundry tip that can make the process easier, less expensive, or simply more pleasant. There’s one laundry hack I’ve been using to save money since 2018, when I moved out of my parents’ house to attend college. In addition to saving me a few bucks a month (hey, every penny counts!), this laundry trick also makes my clothing and bedding smell amazing when everything comes out of the dryer.
Below, I’ve outlined everything you’ll need, plus step-by-step instructions. I also asked the experts at the Home Care & Cleaning Lab what they think of this laundry trick. While there are more pros than cons, they pointed out a couple of potential pitfalls you’ll want to be aware of.
If you’re looking for other laundry hacks, Carolyn Forté, the executive director of the Home Care & Cleaning Lab has shared some of her go-to tricks and weighed in on plenty of other laundry Qs like “Do I really need to separate my lights and darks in the dryer?” and “How can I keep my socks from going missing?”
Here’s everything to know about the essential oil dryer hack.
What is the essential oil dryer hack, and what does it do?
Instead of repurchasing dryer sheets every few months, purchase a few reusable dryer balls, preferably wool, and add a few drops of diluted essential oil for scent. Toss the balls into your dryer like you would dryer sheets, and they’ll not only help dry, fluff, and remove static from clothing, but they’ll also give your freshly clean clothes a subtle, pleasant scent.
Apparently, this hack has been around for years. Forté says, “This is a common practice with dryer balls. I think many people do it.” And for good reason—it’s useful!
I already owned a 12-pack of diluted essential oils, which was gifted to me alongside an oil diffuser, and dryer balls, which I had taken from my parents’ house—thank you, Mom and Dad! Since I had nothing to lose, I thought I’d give it a try. (Also, I liked the idea that I’d be adding $6 to $10 back into my pocket every few months by not purchasing dryer sheets).
How to test the laundry hack at home
For a standard load, I typically use two to three reusable dryer balls. Mine are made of recycled materials, but Forté says wool dryer balls work best. Add three to four drops of diluted essential oils directly onto the balls. Although undiluted essential oils will give you a stronger scent, their oils may build up over time, staining clothes and increasing the chance of flammability.
What you need to get started
Smart Sheep Wool Dryer Balls, 6-Pack
P&J Trading Floral Essential Oils, Set of 6
Before tossing the balls into your dryer for use, make sure the oil has soaked into each ball to prevent stains from occurring. I always wait several minutes before combining them with my clothes in the dryer.
When adding the balls to my machine, I don’t use any special setting, just the ‘normal’ dryer function. In 45 or so minutes, I have clean, dry laundry that boasts a subtle scent.
Things to consider before trying the hack
Having used this method for several years, I would recommend trying this hack yourself. But like most things, there are pros and cons to the practice. Here’s what Forté recommends you keep in mind about the essential oil dryer ball hack before instituting.
There is an increased risk of flammability when using any type of dryer ball topped with essential oils. To minimize the risk of a fire, Forté recommends washing your dryer balls regularly. At least once a month, place the dryer balls in a mesh laundry bag and select the gentle or delicate cycle, along with the hottest water temperature your machine offers. If you don’t own a mesh laundry bag, you can also wash the dryer balls in a sock that’s knotted at the top. For this method, you can wash the sock on a regular cycle with hot water. Do not use laundry detergent or fabric softener for either method. Once washed, place the balls in the dryer and dry on high heat—or let air dry.
Pros:
- Cost-effective
- Eliminates waste
- Easy to do
- Longer time before materials need to be repurchased
- Can customize scent and strength
- Helps fluff, dry, and remove static
Cons:
- Subtler scent than dryer sheets
- Doesn’t soften clothes like dryer sheets
- Can stain clothes if done incorrectly
- More time-consuming than dryer sheets
- Increased risk of flammability
The bottom line
If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to cheapen the laundry process, this is a great method to try. It’s easy, customizable, and eliminates dryer sheet waste. But it’s not entirely foolproof. It increases your risk of dryer flammability and can lead to clothing stains if done incorrectly, so be mindful when trying. Don’t be afraid to make adjustments to suit your machine and personal preferences.
Kate Franke (she/her) is an editorial assistant in the Hearst Lifestyle Group, covering for Woman’s Day and Good Housekeeping. She loves all things lifestyle, home, and market related. Kate has a BAJMC in Magazine Media and BA in Writing from Drake University. She is a proud ASME alum whose work has appeared in Food Network Magazine, The Pioneer Woman Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Modern Farmhouse Style, Beautiful Kitchens & Baths, and more. Next to writing, Kate’s two favorite things are chai lattes and pumpkin bread!
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